Farm Websites

From the
Publishers of
Harvest Ontario

10 Reasons Why Your Farm Needs a Website

1. Over 75% of Canadians regularly use the internet to source information
10-20 years ago, people used the phone to contact you. Today the method of choice is the internet. People are busy and don't like the inconvenience (or cost) or calling on the telephone. A website gives customers information they want, when they want it.

2. Be Open to the World 24/7, 365 Days a Year
Unlike retail hours like 9-5, Monday to Friday, your website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

3. Reach New Markets beyond your Local Area
On the Internet, you can reach customers beyond your immediate area. You have the potential to be seen by millions in your province or beyond.

4. Reduce your Printing and Mailing Costs
A website is easier, cheaper and quicker to update than print material. Its' capacities are less restricted which allows you to provide users with more comprehensive information and saves you money on printing and distribution costs as well. In comparison to advertising, the cost to build and maintain a website is reasonably inexpensive.

5. Save time on customer support
An informative website will reduce the time you spend on support and phone inquiries and allows you to concentrate on producing and selling! No more having to return multiple phone messages or explaining to people 10 times a day how to find your farm.

6. Start Building a Relationship Before They Arrive
By providing useful information such as location, products sold, availability, hours, etc., on your website, you have begun the process of creating a relationship with your customer before they arrive.

7. Image is Everything
You wouldn't wear the cloths you work in to a wedding. A professionally designed web site improves your image, instills confidence in your customers and attracts more customers.

8. Tell Your Story
Since there are millions of websites, you can assume a majority of your local producers (and competitors!) probably have one. The best way to differentiate your website is to tell your story. For example, if your farm has been in the family for 3 generations and you are proud of the fact that the whole family helps out, then add this to your site. Finding a connection to your customers will increase your traffic.

9. Sell Your Products
Beyond the obvious marketing capabilities, your website can be a powerful business tool as well. For example, if you operate a pick-your-own farm or roadside market, let groups know you welcome tour buses. Or let customers know they can pre-order flats of raspberries and pay online.

10. Good for the Environment. Good for you.
In an ever-greening world, the internet is truly a recyclable product. When you use the internet for advertsing and marketing, it conserves both energy and resources. Being perceived as 'green' will win you customers.