Economical Marketing Of Your Agri-Business: Create A Mailing List From Your Customer Base

Mailing lists can be a profitable and very affordable way to marketing any business - including an agri-business. In today's world of technology it is even more affordable to keep in touch with your customer based mailing list - because sending emails are an almost free way to market your product and/or services.

To create your mailing list you need to first gather some customer information. For an email list you really only need the customer's name and current email address.  Likewise, for a postal mailing list, you will need a physical postal address.  An easy way to gather this information is to hold a drawing for a prize, etc.  Simply put out a container (fish bowls wok well) with little slips of paper near you cash register/counter or some location in your farm stand or agri-business. Ask for the customer's name and address,  Always make sure to post the rules for the drawing and the prize (s).

Remind Customers Early Of Your End Of Season

These early cool September days, frost advisories already in Northern states are yet another reminder that we will more then likely have a short fall season and an early winter.

Now is a good time to remind your customers of the last date your stand or u-pick will be open.  Post a sign and also include a little flyer with their purchase. . . this can include a coupon on their next purchase, or a small gift if they come on closing day.

Canning Demonstrations Are Great Lure For Customers For The Last Of The Season Produce

 Based on the number of supermarkets I have seen stocking canning and freezing supplies in the past few years, more consumers are apparently interested in preserving fresh produce.  This is great news (and a great marketing opportunity) for anyone who sells fruits and vegetables.

Offering a speaker/demonstration on fall canning is a great way to get more traffic to your farm store/stand.  Even if you aren't set up do a full-fledge canning demonstration showing a hot water bath, etc. you can at least go over fruit/vegetable selection and preparation and then show the finished product.  Contact your local cooperative extension service for a home economist who can cover the basics of canning and freezing.

Here are some great canning projects to remind your customers of:

• Fall jams/jellies (peaches, plums, grape, etc.)
• Salsa
• Pickles/relishes
• Apple/pumpkin butter
• Wine/cider

You might also want to remind customers that these vegetables are easy to freeze:

• Tomatoes (great for chilli and spaghetti)
• Green beans
• Sweet Corn
• Mixed bags of vegetables:  tomatoes, zux, peppers (again, great for chilli and spaghetti)

Save The Date: March 26, 2015 for the Midwest Agritourism Conference

Don't miss this free conference at the Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence, MI.

The conference will feature speakers and resources for starting and operating and agribusiness . . . . more specifically an agritourism business (where the public is welcome on your farm) whether it's a farm stand, a winery tour, u-pick, a pumpkin patch hay ride, etc.

Check back for more details.  If you are interested in having a table at the conference (featuring your agri-business products, etc.) please contact us at agritourismusa@gmail.com, or call (269) 657-3842.  These tables are also free.