Over the years, I’ve been doing what I can to get farmers and the ag industry interested in connecting with consumers directly online. Let me tell you, it has not been easy, but I’m still passionate and motivated about it because when I see farmers and consumers connect, a trusted bond forms that’s not easily broken.
Why? Because farmers are the most trusted individuals in agriculture — the problem is that our consumers are getting farther and farther away from agriculture. It also doesn’t help that there’s a lot of confusing myths and misinformation about agriculture from pseudo-scientists, competing food processors, anti-animal ag activists, and the general public.
I’ve pulled together some of my top posts on AGDAILY to get you, as a farmer or ag industry professional, started with using online communication tools:
CONTENT
- Want to influence consumers on social media? Do these 4 things: This post gives you insight on what the public wants to know from you and a few tips about how to do it through social media.
- 10 tips for shooting better video on your smartphone in 2019
WEBSITE
Do you need a website? I believe it’s best to have one so you can hold onto all the amazing things you will share on social media. Here’s two posts on building websites:
- So you want to be an ag blogger? 8 steps to get you started
- What happens after a consumer visits your website?
Do you need to be on Facebook? Do you need a Facebook farm page? Yes, because the majority of Americans still use it and still spend the most time on this social network.
- A beginner’s guide to setting up a Facebook farm page
- Top 10 things you should be posting to a Facebook farm page
- Is your farm on Facebook without you?: This post is relevant for all farmers as your farm may already have a Facebook page built by Facebook.
Instagram is hot and where a lot of conversation is happening about food. Instagram influencers are doing just that — influencing young consumers (over 1 billion of them).
YOUTUBE
YouTube is still a growing network and the second largest search engine behind Google. It’s where people go for entertainment and answers. Combine both in your videos, and it’s a winning combination.
TIKTOK
TikTok is the latest and hottest new social media platform. Built on video content, it’s about entertaining each other with silliness and today’s music.
TOUGH QUESTIONS
As you get more involved in social media, you are going to encounter some tough questions and probably activists. Instead of worrying about it, learn how to handle it.
Are you a dairy farmer and need help getting started in social media and connecting with consumers via digital tools? Your local and national dairy checkoff can help — please reach out to them via dairy.org or me at don.schindler@dairy.org. If you would like to learn more about your national dairy checkoff, you can join our Facebook group or visit dairy.org for information.
