Have you considered starting a Facebook page to share your farm or ranch? If you have, you defiantly should. Don’t be intimidated, it is just as simple as sharing on your personal page. Along the way I have learned a few tips & tricks I wish I would have known from the beginning to help reach a larger audience. I want to share those with you!
- Prior to posting on your page, make sure to complete your “About” section. Include any links to a blog, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Make sure folks know you can be found on multiple social media platforms. If you do not have multiple platforms, don’t worry. It is best to mater one before you add another.
- Choose a photo for you “Cover Photo”. This will give folks a glimpse into your farm. You can also create custom cover photos in Canva. In addition to a cover photo, select a profile photo. Something that gives people a face behind the post. Try to use that same photo across all your social media platforms.
- Before you post any pictures make sure that you use a photo editing program to put your name on it. It is easy to do with any photo editing app on your phone. You can also use PicMonkey or Canva, both are free an easy to use. You can link your Instagram to post on your farm page.
- When posting pictures, make sure to explain the photo. Avoid using “farm language” unless you plan on explaining the verbiage.
- Be yourself & tell the truth. Tell the truth even if it hurts or is scary. Keep in mind not everyone will agree with what you have to say, even other farmers. That is okay.
- Respond to comments, messages and posts on your wall. Liking the comments people leave let’s them know you have read their comments
- Chances are you follow other farm/ranch pages, make sure to interact with those pages form your farm page instead of your personal page. We are all in this together so try to share fellow agvocates content to show support! If you share other people’s content, make sure to share directly from their page or tag them in the post.
- I would highly encourage you to post every day or every other day. You can easily do this by scheduling your Facebook posts. Click the drop down box next to “Publish”, select “Schedule” then choose the date & time you would like your content posted. It helps reduce the stress of constantly having to post content throughout the week.
- Add social media tabs to your Facebook page. I use Woobox. Go to their website, scroll down a bit until you see the different social media tabs. Click on the social media platform you would like to add & it will walk you through the steps of adding that tab to your Facebook page.
- Share things other than farming. Try to make a connection with people through other interests. Do you like to cook? Do you have an addiction to boots? Do you like to talk about parenting? How about D.I.Y. projects? Share other interests as well as daily farm life.
Don’t be discouraged if your page doesn’t jump up to 1,000 or 10,000. “likes”. It’s not abut the amount of “likes” your page has, it is about the people engaging with your page. People will interact with your page by “liking” your posts or comment and sharing. It is about the conversations you have with others. It’s about giving folks a connection to a farmer.
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Krista Stauffer
Owner at Stauffer Dairy
Krista didn't grow up on a farm but fell in love with a dairy farmer and now works alongside her husband on their family dairy farm, raising five children. Despite her non-farm upbringing, she embraces farm life, enjoys gardening, and remodeling their farmhouse. She also runs a successful women's boutique, manages social media for local businesses, and serves on the board of a non-profit creamery, showcasing her dedication to entrepreneurship and community service.
Latest posts by Krista Stauffer (see all)
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- The Importance of Nutrient Management Plans for Washington State Dairy Farms - April 17, 2024
- Homeschooling on the Farm: Cultivating Learning in a Rich Environment - April 11, 2024
Good advice. Check out my blog “Country Chatter” at phertzler.wordpress.com
I have found people are very interested in farming and what we consider “everyday” and “normal” is fascinating to them.
I will! Do you have a Facebook page as well?
hey
im really keen to set up a page, Im in New Zealand, and im pretty sure theres no pages from here 🙂
Any way, Would you mind if i used you as a mentor?!? 😀
YES! I would love to help you! Find me on FB and send me a message with any questions you have! https://www.facebook.com/StaufferDairy
I read an a few of your articles in the Progressive Dairyman magazine. I loved how you made me feel like I was right there on your farm! My family owns and operates a dairy farm in Idaho. I have blog where I share recipes, farm life and family stories! I would love for you to stop by! http://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/
I had someone suggest I remove the address and ph# from our farm FB page… I put it there so folks could find us. However – with all the livestock thefts… am I making a mistake and should we only give that info when someone has contacted us via email or IM.
With the internet these days, it’s super easy to find where people live. With that said, I still do not offer that up freely. That is a personal choice.