What do HootSuite, QR, and Constant Contact have in common?

Demonstrations of social media and email marketing tools were in action at the recent social media intensive held at Point Reyes Farmstead’s “The Fork.” “Excellent” was the sentiment expressed by many of Marin and Sonoma producers who participated in the June 1st Grown in Marin workshop organized by UCCE, Marin Organic, and Marin Agricultural Land Trust.

The workshop covered the use of Twitter, Facebook, Google placement, integration with your website, and other tools that promote and help sell your products. One producer commented, “It was great having producers present what they do with email marketing services like Constant Contact. There was a great mix of speakers and a fine array of tools presented.”

Christian Ahlmann from Six Sigma Ranch in Lake County provided his simple “Ten Farmer’s Rules for Facebook.” You can find them printed below, or online at our growninmarin.org site under the GIM Workshops listing.

While Brenda Dawson from UC’s Small Farm Program shared her use of Twitter and provided a great overview of various social media tools, it was the “farmer view” that was most appreciated. Said another producer, “Bellwether Farms is doing a great job with social media and I appreciated Lenny Rice sharing what they do. Many of us were not aware of the Quick Response (QR) coding and how powerful it can be in the hands of the consumer with a smart phone application.”

Julie Rossotti, of Rossotti Ranch, liked all the management tools. “It is the first time I’ve heard of HootSuite. What a great organizer for my Twitter traffic. I really appreciated the one-on-one time and help setting up my Constant Contact service.”

Jana McClelland from McClelland’s Dairy shared her use of Constant Contact in integrating customer emails with e-newsletters and events. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese and Bellwether both use Vertical Response and they described the differences between the two services that seemed to come down to simplicity of use, cost, and design sophistication.

Bottom line? Do it again next year! -- Ellie Rilla, UCCE Marin