Marketing Best Practices

for Farmers & Farmers’ Markets

What is in it for You?

Best Practices

How do customers select their farmers?

Best Practices

Why some vendors do better?

Best PracticesWhat is Market management role?

What is market management’s role?

Best Practices

How do customers select farmers?

Presentation

Communication/Interaction

Sampling

Catchy, well placed signage

Formulate a unique identity

- distinct from your neighbor

Creating Catchy Signage

Develop market goals –3 years

Determine your message

What each customer needs to know about

you AND your products

Catchy Signage

Why do some vendors do better than their equals?

Presentation

Clearly displayed prices

Clearly displayed prices

Inviting Set up – toward people, not an

enclave of you

Communication1. Actively engaging

people

Communication

2. Our products are an extension of who we are

1. Actively engaging people

Communication

2. Our products are an extension of who we are

1. Actively engaging people

Communication

3. Give people an opportunity to connect

2. Our products are an extension of who we are

1. Actively engaging people

Communication

3. Give people an opportunity to connect

2. Our products are an extension of who we are

4. Think of new ways to eat veggies, fruits

recipes; suggestions

1. Actively engaging people

Educate•Each time you interact

Educate•Each time you interact • About your approach

Educate•Each time you interact • About your approach

•Your philosophy on growing

Educate• Each time you interact • About your approach

• Your philosophy on growing

• Share photos of your farm, animals, pasture, trees on a photo board; keep fresh looking

Retail Front• Decide your layout & product

presentation

• Clearly printed and large banners

• Farm name & logo displayed

• Clean, Maintained Canopies

• A-Frame signs for front of canopy

What Role Does Social Media Play?

•Post updates of farm / art status and progress pictures

•Announce products coming to market and at market; post pictures

•Consider a video tour

Ask for the SALE!

What role does Market management play?

Catchy, well placed signage

Create a celebratory atmosphere

Inviting Set up – outward to people, sharing

information

Accept WIC dollars & SNAP

Social Media Plays a Role

Social Media

Follow us:•on Facebook @Milk Lady Farmers

Markets

•website milkladymarkets.org

•Twitter @Milk Lady markets

Kids Activities

Music & Demos at the Market

Young Entrepreneurs Program

CJ’s Organic Lemonade

Henry’s Wreaths