There are many opportunities to reach new customers and get in touch with people who may not realize that a farm-direct operation is only a short drive away, says Kerry Engel with Alberta Agriculture’s farm direct marketing initiative in Westlock.
“Listening to some of Alberta’s successful farm-direct marketers and just paying a little extra attention can lead to some unique promotional opportunities,” she said.
- There are more than 50 television channels and yet the channel that gets turned on daily is usually the Weather Channel. Are your customers watching the weather, too? Perhaps it’s time to investigate a “crawling” ad on the Weather Channel.
- Events at Canadian Armed Forces bases can connect you with hundreds of families in communities that have their own highly developed social networks. They have hundreds of young families with children looking for rural outings, fresh food and agricultural experiences.
- Canadian Blood Services recently held a telephone promotional campaign reminding people that it was time to donate blood. An Alberta farm-direct marketing operation participated in a cross promotion at its community’s blood drive by handing out coupons to donors. Do you know when and where your local blood drive is being held?
- Stores often have areas set aside for children where they can go and build something and have fun while the parents shop at their leisure. Does your operation have a children’s corner?
- Have you acquired a new animal on your farm? Why not host an animal naming contest? The media loves stories about animals and kids.
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“Collaboration, sponsors and partnerships can occur on many levels,” Engel said.
“Something as simple as exchanging services, such as hauling gravel or printing a flyer for promotion and exposure at events; promoting partner businesses on the side of barns, in corn mazes or on an extra brochure panel. It can be daunting, but you won’t know until you ask whether or not another business or charity would welcome a collaborative effort.”
Engel said farmers could also consider making use of talented students from a local arts college.
” A lot of schools have practicums, hands-on work experience programs. Check out these art department students for your business. Other programs have work experience programs, too, such as business and market planning, food service and media. Collaboration with educational institutions can benefit your business and an aspiring young Albertan.”
