For many people social media is just a way to share a lot of meaningless information online. However, it can be a very useful marketing tool. Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, allow a company to share information with the public for free. Not only does it not cost anything, but with a little effort, social media can pinpoint the market share you are interested in reaching.

Recently, Superstition Farm in Mesa, AZ decided to provide a SuperFarmers Market on Thursday nights. This unique idea involved a combination of a farmers market on an actual farm with a chance to feed and pet the animals, and go for a pony ride or hayride.  The plan was to have the first night be a soft opening, followed by a media night the following week, and then the big Grand Opening. Superstition Farm posted information on their Facebook page, and encouraged all the vendors who would be at the market to do the same.

298 people clicked the “like” button, so the good folks at SuperFarm optimistically printed out 300 invoice slips.

Needless to say, some of the vendors were somewhat skeptical that enough people would know about the event and show up.

The place was packed for the soft open. Many vendors sold out. The invoice slips were quickly gone and there was a line for the register. This is the kind of social media any company wants. By the time the Grand Opening rolled around, the SuperFarm was rocking. 

All because of social media. Don’t underestimate the power.

Search Engine Optimization or SEO is how a search engine evaluates the information on your website to determine how to list it in a search engine such as Google, Yahoo, or Bing. The search engine looks for different keywords and phrases and sort your website accordingly. In addition, tags and photographs play into the mix.

These days a large number of business is done on the web. Even if a company doesn’t participate in actual commerce on the web, consumers will learn about your service or product online. They may evaluate your website. They may run a search to see what kinds of experience others have had with your company. They may even check out your competitors. That’s why the words that you use really matter.

Each time you update your blog on your website, you give the search engines more material in order to place your website in the search engines with greater accuracy which, in turn, leads to a higher liklihood that the consumer will be a good match for buying your product or service.

So update those blogs. Use your keywords and phrases. Use tags. Use photographs. Get your business done!

Throughout the last few years, the writing business has changed dramatically.  As the Internet and Social Media play a stronger role in communications, the time arrived for Sparkin Productions to adjust the sails. My love for food and the farmers, ranchers, and artisans who create it has led me to work with them to promote their businesses so that they can focus on what they do best. I have a great appreciation for the men and women who bring their goods to the farmers markets every week so they can discuss their growing methods, fair treatment of animals, and product development with the consumers. With few exceptions, I have found them to be hard-working people with integrity and hearts of gold. These are the people I hope to represent as this venture moves forward.