More than just an adage, it’s a marketing truism that “a business without a sign is a sign of no business.” That sage professional advice —“Be sure to hang your sign.” —goes back decades, if not centuries.[emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
Today, in the Digital Age, marketing tools include not only signage but also the various forms of social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and weblogs (or blogs).
A business without social media isn’t necessarily a sign of no business, but it might be a sign of less-than-possible exposure —and, consequently, less business. This is no less the case for agriculture businesses than it is for those in retailing or the service sector. Why should agriculture pay attention to and use social media? Here are seven good reasons:
- Anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone is paying attention to it —and that would be millions upon millions of people, at home and abroad. Furthermore, a lot of young folks under 30 years old use some form of social media for a means of communication, and that trend will only increase with future generations.
- It is indeed another form of marketing and advertising, and a versatile one with its platforms for text, photos, graphics, audio, and video.
- The cost to engage is not expensive.
- The timing, frequency and tone of your message(s) really are up to you. Gone are the days when you have to rely solely on print or broadcast announcements in traditional media.
- Business is advanced not just by sales but also by long-term relationships, and social media helps to develop those with a sense of “community,” one built around your special brand.
- Everyone needs and uses agricultural products.
- The foes of agriculture (you know who they are) use social media to spin their negative message. Agriculture can —and must —use social media to fight back.
CREDITS
column by BAXTER TROUTMAN
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Arcadia. A citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.[/emember_protected]
