From Gate to Gateway — 3 Tips to Help Bring Your Ag Business Online

Look, the internet isn’t going away anytime soon. It can be anxiety-inducing, thinking about all the additional work an online presence can require — but does it have to be? By doing a little planning and putting these 3 tips into play for taking your agricultural biz online, it’ll be done (and manageable!) in no time.

Create (or update) your website

When I hear about a new business, the first thing I do is Google them to check out their website, and I’m not alone — 70 to 80% of consumers research a business online before visiting in person or making a purchase. On your website you can share:

• Your ranch/farm/business/service’s story

• Information valuable to the consumer

• Provide contact information

• Pricing structure

• Sell product online (Very popular among beef retailers and horse trainers with affiliated programs!)

Websites not only provide credibility to your business but are an inexpensive way to keep marketing and stake your online presence. Sure, setting up the site can be expensive, but running it costs next to nothing (as low as $12/month for Squarespace!).

Become a social media butterfly

I promise you, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Start by creating a business Facebook page for your farm, ranch or business (58% of rural Americans use Facebook, it’s very popular!) You’ll need a personal profile to do so or you can hire someone to create one for you. Here you can put your preferred method of contact, share photos, news and events and most importantly, drive people to your website! Social media is after all, social, so be sure to engage with “friends” and join some groups and jump into conversations! Facebook groups are places for open discussion and community creation (think chat rooms or message boards, but Mark Zuckerburg-style). There are groups for just about everything — livestock photographers to hobby farmers to vets only. If there isn’t a group for what you’re looking for, create one!

Blog — seriously

If writing is your thing, start a blog! Everyone has a narrative. Whether you’re a chicken farmer or a horse trainer, you’ve got tales, and people WANT to hear them! We need more authentic voices telling the stories of agriculture and giving a look into the day-to-day. Consistent posting and honesty create trust amongst readers (who be consumers!). You never know who you’ll reach.

Paired with an overall marketing plan, bringing your business online will do nothing but supplement your overall goals — whether those be more sales, brand awareness or additional clients. Taking it step by step and prioritizing makes the process a lot less intimidating and if you still need assistance, I can help!