Marketing
Marketing is vital if you want to engage with your customers and increase sales. On this page, you’ll find resources to help with creating a marketing plan and a social media strategy, establishing prices, customer research, and things you can do to stand out at your local farmers market.
Marketing for Farmers Markets: Tips and Resources
To start off your farm’s marketing, it’s best to create a marketing plan. The ability to attract and retain customers is key for a successful marketing strategy. One way to do this is with effective branding. Creating a strong online presence is another way to market your farm market.
There are many marketing channels to choose from, but an increasing number of farmers markets are choosing direct marketing. If this is your preferred path too, there are numerous direct marketing outlets to consider and choose from. One advantage of this method of marketing is that you can place higher prices on products.
Whether you’re running a farmers market, roadside stall, or an agritourism business, there are countless opportunities for value-added marketing success. Organic production requires years of planning and research to benefit from the possible increase in selling prices. In the meantime, having another source of income is essential.
Farm Market Customers Research
Marketing research plays a vital role in the development of a marketing strategy and plan.
There are three critical areas of research. These are your target market, your competition, and the industry. It is advisable for small-scale fruit and vegetable growers to research market and customer behavior before planning crop production.
How to Stand Out on Your Local Farmers Market
A roadside stand is a way you can sell your produce in a place with high visibility. However, it’s not an option that suits everyone. Marketing your crop through a roadside farm market requires a great deal of planning.
There has been a 30% increase in the number of farmers markets across Pennsylvania over the last decade. Farmers have their pick of markets to participate in, but this also means the customer can choose what markets they wish to frequent.
You can increase your market day bottom line by evaluating how you plan to sell your products. Get ready for the farmers market season by creating clean, colorful, and consistent signage. Deciding what to bring to market is a fundamental aspect of appealing to the customer and standing out at a farmers market. PA Preferred membership provides a brand identity for the products you grow and produce.
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10 Common Marketing Mistakes
We want to make sure we are making the most of our marketing efforts, but there are several common mistakes that can hinder success. - Webinars
Free
Expanding Your Retail Farm Market
When 02/19/2025Length 30 minutesEvent Format Virtual | LiveLearn innovative strategies for attracting customers, boosting sales, and strengthening community ties. Featuring real-world insights from Plum Creek Farm Market and Creamery. - Articles
Who is Shopping at Your Market?
Collecting customer information and data is crucial for retail farm markets to understand customer preferences, improve service offerings, and enhance marketing strategies and the customer experience. - News
Funding Opportunities for Growers to Help Offset On-Farm Food Safety Expenses
Date Posted 7/9/2024Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. - Webinars
Free
Food for Profit: Entering the World of Instagram
When 10/10/2024Length 30 minutesEvent Format Virtual | LiveAre you a food entrepreneur, looking to boost your business presence and profitability? Register for our webinar to learn how leveraging Instagram can help! - Articles
Retail Farm Market Tour Highlights
in 2023, the Farm Market Bus Tour visited markets across Delaware to helps farm market owners and staff stay current, competitive, and connected in today’s local food marketplace. - Webinars
Tips from the Road: Retail Farm Market Bus Tour Highlights
Length 30 minutesOffering practical strategies from the 2024 Retail Farm Market Bus Tour, this webinar focuses on enhancing retail farm market appeal, boosting profitability, and effectively integrating agritourism. - Articles
Unveiling the Divide: Brand vs. Logo
In the realm of marketing and business, the terms "brand" and "logo" are often used interchangeably, but they signify distinct concepts. - Articles
Fund Your Farm Planning with PA's Farm Vitality Grant Program
Are you ready to invest in planning for your farm? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Farm Vitality Grant Program will reimburse 75% of costs up to $7,500. - News
Are Farmers Markets Good For Your Retail Farm Market?
Date Posted 3/13/2024Farmers markets and retail farm markets serve somewhat different purposes and can potentially complement each other rather than directly competing. - Articles
Effective Retention Strategies for Keeping CSA Members Engaged
Retaining CSA members not only ensures a stable income for farmers but also fosters a sense of community and commitment to local food systems. - News
Growing the Customer Base at Farmers Markets
Date Posted 1/18/2024An award from the USDA Agricultural and Food Research Initiative to the Farmers Market Coalition aims to help strengthen the ability of farmers to attract new consumers. - Articles
Developing a Rewards Program for Your Farm Market
In the world of farm markets, building a loyal customer base is essential for long-term success. A well-designed rewards program can be a game-changer, encouraging repeat business and fostering lasting connections with your customers. - Articles
Effective Pricing Methods for Produce at Farmers Markets
Setting the right prices for your produce at farmers markets is a delicate balancing act. Let's explore 6 common pricing methods for produce at farmers markets. - Articles
Destination Marketing Strategies for Farm Markets
Creating a compelling destination marketing strategy for retail farm markets involves promoting your markets' unique experiences, products, and atmosphere. - Articles
The Power of Marketing Automation and Personalized Engagement
One of the most potent strategies that has emerged in recent years is the seamless integration of marketing automation and personalized engagement techniques. - Articles
Produce Auction Pricing Data and Successful Sales Strategies
Observations on sales prices at PA produce auctions in 2021 and 2022 - Articles
Farmers Market Customer Counts: How and Why
By tracking the number of customers who attend your market, you can easily map out your growth. - Articles
Selling Alcohol at Farm Markets
If you are interested in selling alcohol at a farm markets, it is imperative to fully understand the rules and applications of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. - Articles
7 Takeaways from Benchmark Survey of Markets
Survey of farmers markets and retail farm markets. - Tools and Apps
Pennsylvania Farm Markets, Attractions, and Experience Finder
Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for the number of farms we have that sell directly to consumers. You can shop from more than 6,400 farms and enjoy agritourism activities at more than 700 farms. - Articles
Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy for Your Farm Market
Create a strong online presence to boost awareness of your farm market. - Articles
Collaborative Marketing
Learn about collaborating with nearby businesses to fulfill consumers' needs. Is this an opportunity for your business? - Articles
Choosing the Right Market Channel
Diversified farming means being experts in production and having a market for each product. How we plan to sell our products is just as important as deciding how we will grow them. - Articles
Establishing Product Prices for Farm Markets
Information is presented on creating a pricing strategy.