If someone were to ask me what I think my biggest mistake was when it came to marketing Central Park Farms, it would hands down be not starting our email list sooner.

In those early years I had a million excuses or limiting beliefs on why I didn't need email marketing for my farm. I don't have time. We aren't big enough.

Who would care what I have to say in an email?

Fast forward, and email marketing is hands down the biggest driver of revenue to our farm and if social media disappeared tomorrow I know we'd be just fine.

In fact, when we first decided to move away from selling at farmers markets, a sales channel that provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue to our business each year, I was able to do that best of our loyal email list.

So the big question I'm often asked is what platform do I use for email marketing for my farm?

Well I started out with MailChimp because it was free but once I focused on growing my list it soon started to get real pricy on me since many of the platforms charge based on the number of subscribers which is when I found Flodesk. Once I switched I was so impressed with how much easier it was for me to create professional looking and on brand emails. 

Flodesk is a user-friendly email marketing platform designed specifically for small businesses. With its intuitive interface, powerful features, and affordable pricing, Flodesk offers farmers a comprehensive solution for growing their online presence and driving sales.

Understanding Flodesk

Flodesk is more than just an email marketing platform. It's a versatile tool that empowers farmers to create beautiful, engaging campaigns that resonate with their audience. Key features include:

• Email Builder: Easily create stunning emails with a drag-and-drop interface, without the need for coding or design expertise.
• Templates: Choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates that can be customized to match your farm's brand. This one was huge for me because it's so easy to make emails pretty and on brand in Flodesk.
• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like sending welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and follow-up messages.
• Segmentation: Target specific audience segments with tailored messages based on demographics, interests, or purchase history. For me, I like using segments when getting folks to sign up when I'm attending certain markets or when joining my list using different opt-ins. It's a great way to track how successful your marketing efforts are when trying to grow your email list.
• Analytics: Track your email performance to measure open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. See what works and what doesn't especially when you're first starting out with email marketing.

Benefits of Using Flodesk for Farmers

1. Build and Nurture Relationships: Email marketing is a powerful way to build relationships with your customers. By regularly sending valuable content and updates, you can keep your farm top of mind and encourage repeat business.
2. Promote Your Products: Use email to promote your farm-fresh produce, value-added products, or other offerings. You can highlight seasonal items, share recipes or cooking tips, and offer exclusive discounts.
3. Drive Sales: Email marketing can be a highly effective tool for driving sales. By crafting compelling campaigns and providing clear calls to action, you can encourage customers to make purchases.
4. Increase Brand Awareness: Email is a great way to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience. By sharing your farm's story, highlighting your commitment to sustainability, and showcasing your products, you can build a loyal following.
5. Save Time and Money: Flodesk's automation features can save you time and effort by automating repetitive tasks. Additionally, the platform's affordable pricing makes it accessible to farmers of all sizes... psst, I have a deal for you below where you can save 50% off your first year with Flodesk!

Why Choose Flodesk?

1. Affordability: Enjoy unlimited subscribers for one low monthly fee, making Flodesk a cost-effective solution for farmers.
2. Intuitive Interface: The user-friendly platform makes it easy to create professional-looking emails, even if you're not a design expert.
3. Templates Designed for Conversion: Flodesk's templates are crafted to capture attention and drive engagement.

How to Use Flodesk Effectively

1. Build a Targeted Email List: Start by building a targeted email list of potential customers. You can collect email addresses through your website, social media, or at farmers markets.
2. Create Engaging Content: Craft compelling email content that is relevant to your audience. Share valuable information, such as flower arranging tips, recipes, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your farm.
3. Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your emails are optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of emails are opened on smartphones and tablets -- 65% of the people who read our last farm newsletter did so on mobile so this is really important.   
4. Test and Analyze: Experiment with different subject lines, email designs, and send times to see what works best for your audience. Use Flodesk's analytics tools to track your email performance and make data-driven decisions.

Additional Tips for Farmers Using Flodesk

• Personalize Your Emails: Use dynamic content to personalize your emails based on individual preferences or purchase history.
• Leverage Social Media Integration: Connect Flodesk with your social media accounts to easily share your email campaigns and drive traffic to your list.
• Offer Exclusive Discounts and Promotions: Use email to offer exclusive discounts, promotions, or early access to new products.
• Collect Feedback: Encourage subscribers to provide feedback on your emails and products. This will help you improve your marketing efforts and better meet the needs of your customers.

By effectively utilizing Flodesk, farmers can enhance their online presence, build stronger relationships with customers, and drive sales. With its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and affordable pricing, Flodesk is a valuable tool for any farmer looking to grow their business.

Interested in trying Flodesk? Use this link to save 50% off your first year and as a bonus, Flodesk offers a 14 day trial so you can try it out before you commit.

Using a different program? Not to worry, it's easy to import your email subscriber list from your current provider so your subscribers don't miss a beat. 

Sign Up Here