Website
Everyone Googles. Be Visible. Creating an SEO friendly website is becoming very accessible with sites like WordPress and GoDaddy. You don't have to write code, just drop in content, photos, and videos. Be sure to include contact information for potential customers. This is one of the most common things folks forget when building their website. This is also a great way to collect all of your efforts in one location.
Blog
Connecting Producers and Consumers is becoming a high priority for our customers. They want to know about real life on the farm and how the raising of livestock process works. This is a great way to build a personal relationship with potential customers as well as other producers that have the potential of helping you or vice versa. Blogs can be set up in a matter of minutes. The site we use is Blogger. Again, we like the plug and publish capability. When creating a Blog, be sure to title it something relevant so people can find you. A great way to do this is to think about words that describe you and describe what you do. One of the great local examples of this is Cristen. Her Blog is called Food & Swine. You don't have to guess what she will be talking about!
Events
This the typical way to advertise your stock. Participate in shows and auctions around your region. Have your livestock out in front of the public. Another way to do this is on your farm. Did you just put up a new building? Have a show day with the building reps. Be sure to prep your livestock for these types of events. Does your community have an event you fit? Perhaps you have a grilling event or talks connecting producers and consumers. The options here are endless. Be sure to promote any event you are a part of.
SM
Social Media is becoming critical. People like to have something to search and connect with online. Be sure to match your social media presence, website, blog, print advertising, etc. so you are presenting one cohesive look and feel. This increases your chances of potential customers seeing you and your livestock several times and will be first in their mind when it comes time to purchase. The most important aspect of social media is engaging with others. Respond when people engage with you and engage with other industry leaders to create a community. The most common options are Facebook and Twitter. There are also community forums related to most industries to be involved.Be an Expert
You are an expert. Nobody can raise livestock like you. This doesn't mean you have to give away all of your secrets, but people want to hear what you have to say. Volunteer to speak at events or judge shows and competitions. Help with your local 4H or FFA. Bring "city kids" out to the farm to help them learn about what it takes to raise livestock.Videos
This is the next best thing to showing your stock in person. Post videos with a YouTube account, send Snap chats to your friends, put your videos on your website and share them on social media. This is all about sharing the real farming experience. People are no longer just purchasing an animal. They are buying into your system, breed, and you. Show them what they are getting.
Bieber Red Angus (A Top-Spread Customer)
Uniqueness
This is where you put yourself into your brand. Create a recognizable logo for all of your promotions including tags, print, and online presence. Find what makes you different. Are you great at cooking? Prepping livestock for shows? Teaching your kids and other little ones? Fixing equipment in a pinch? Use these as methods for promoting your farm and products.The most important thing is to put yourself out there. No one will know you exist unless they can find you. Connect, plug yourself into the community.
We'd love to hear about your farm stories and what events you have coming up! Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook or Comment below.
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