Eckert AgriMarketing Newsletter

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Family Farm Fresh!     Our featured website is an exciting CSA in Ivanhoe, CA, called Family Farm Fresh, delivering fresh baskets of food and farm products throughout the south valley. More than 28 farms are represented in the community supported agriculture program, under the leadership of Bob McKellar and his office team. On the new website, customers may sign up for the services, modify their orders, interrupt service while they are away, and review the products coming the following week. New and existing members may also make their payments online, using any major credit card or paypal. "Within the first few days we had 2 new Members sign up online, " said Pam Estrada, produce manager, "and several of our current Members have started utilizing the ability to modify their orders online. Accepting payments online is new for us, and it's been very easy to use." Please visit their website, www.familyfarmfresh.com to see this interesting CSA program, and how the website motivates new customers, and keeps their existing customers informed! We invite you to consider Eckert AgriMarketing's FarmWebDesign for your CSA, Farmers' Market, Farm, Ranch, or agritourism association. We know your business, and have designed more than 70 farm and ranch websites.   Email us today, or call 314-862-6288.

August 2007

Are You Forgetting Something?

You probably feel that you have your marketing plan in place.  You've purchased the paid media, you've developed some fun events, gotten some sponsors and you are ready for the season.

But let me quickly remind you, there is just one more marketing strategy that gets overlooked so often that I'm always stunned.  There is still time, and rest assured, it will help you increase your sales even more.

I'm talking about going after the free publicity-taking the time to write a press release or two and contacting your local daily and weekly newspapers, radio stations and television. The media people are actually looking for "good news" fall stories, and nothing is more appropriate than apple picking, pumpkin picking and corn maze features. 

In my opinion, developing relationships with your local media outlets is the best way to grow your business, because when the media talks about you - people listen.  People tend to believe what they are told by these media spokespersons, and they trust that familiar writer or announcer far more than they trust what we say in paid advertising.  If they say your farm is great family fun, people will believe it.

So what are you waiting for?  I challenge each of you to write at least one and preferably two media releases this fall about what's new at your farm or an upcoming special event.  Don't procrastinate, don't come up with an excuse like 'but I'm not a good writer.'  You've worked too hard to get ready for the fall season, and you can't afford to drop the ball now and forget one of the most important marketing strategies available to you.

To paraphrase a good slogan we all recognize - "Just Do It!"

It's time to sign up, folks!  You have probably dreamed all summer about joining us for this exotic tour of the Hawaiian Islands and the unique and beautiful farms. 

September 15 is the deadline to assure cabin availability.  If you contact me after that date, we'll have to check to see if we can get a cabin for you.

• A 3-night stay at the beautiful Hotel Sheraton right on Waikiki Beach.  We will visit three of Oahu's major agritourism attractions during this time, and the rest is free time for shopping and playing on the beach.
• Board the Pride of Hawaii on Monday for 8 days/ 7nights aboard this luxurious 14 NCL cruise ship.  You'll have a greattime exploring the 12 international restaurants, 10 bars, live theater, swimming pools, saunas, shops, and whale watching.
• Visit Hilo, Kahului, Kona, Nawiliwili, and Honolulu, seeing these and other cities on the islands of Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island.  In all, we'll visit 10 agritourism farms, plus lots of time to venture on your own.
• Farm Stop classrooms-we have three, farmstop classrooms scheduled for an hour presentation directly from the farmer about their area of agritourism expertise.

To find out more about the Hawaii Agritour, January 11-22, visit my website at www.eckertagrimarketing.com.  There, you will find the complete itinerary, thecosts, and forms to complete your application.

Do it now,(before you get caught up in the fall madness).  All reservations must be received no later than September 15 to guarantee cabin availability. Cabins after this date go on a first come, first serve basis, and you may be left standing in the field. 

Send me your reservation by September 15 for the Hawaii Agritour of a lifetime!