Online Marketing for the Modern Farm

A modern farm doesn’t just grow food—it grows a brand, a community, and a direct connection with its customers. And like it or not, that means getting online.

I get it. You didn’t start farming so you could spend hours staring at a screen, trying to figure out hashtags or email automations. You’d rather be in the dirt, tending your crops, chasing chickens, or making sure your fence actually keeps the cows in this time. (Been there.)

But here’s the deal: If you want to sell your food, you need people to find you, trust you, and—most importantly—buy from you. And in today’s world, that means a strong online presence. Farmers’ markets and word-of-mouth are great, but they can only take you so far. Let’s get you set up with a simple, doable online marketing plan that won’t eat up all your farm time.

Step 1: Define Your Farm’s Brand (AKA, Who Are You?)

Before you even think about making a website or posting on Instagram, take a step back. What makes your farm your farm? Why should customers care? What’s the story behind your operation?

Think of it this way: Your brand is what people say about you when you're not at the farmers’ market booth. So, let’s make sure it’s something good.

Here’s what to define:

• Your farm’s personality: Are you buttoned-up and professional? Quirky and fun? Straight-shooting and honest? Laid back and rustic? Your tone should match your actual personality.

• Visual identity: Logos, colors, fonts—keep it simple, but make it you. (Example: If your farm is all about heritage breeds and old-school methods, don’t go for a neon logo with a futuristic font.)

• Your “why” statement: Why do you farm? What makes your products different? What’s your mission? Customers connect with stories—not just products.

  
  

Once you’ve nailed this down, every post, email, and website page will feel consistent, making it easier for customers to recognize and trust you.

Step 2: Social Media – Connect, Don’t Just Post

Social media is one of the best ways to interact with customers—but it’s important to know what you’re actually trying to do. You’re not here to be an influencer. You don’t need millions of followers. You need local customers who will actually buy your products. 20 dedicated followers are far better than 20 million views from random people across the globe. 

Pick the Right Platforms:

• Instagram → Pretty pictures, behind-the-scenes farm life, quick reels (or videos).

• Facebook → Great for building community, sharing farm updates, and actually selling things (thanks, Facebook Marketplace & all the private agriculture groups).

  
  

What to Post:

• Behind-the-scenes content → Show people where their food comes from. (Chores, crop updates, cute animal antics—all gold.)

• Educational content → Quick farming tips, cooking advice, “what’s in season” posts.

• Customer shout-outs → Got someone who made an amazing meal with your farm’s eggs? Share it!

• Engagement posts → Polls, Q&As, giveaways—get people talking!

• Real life moments → Dropped a crate of tomatoes? Chicken snuck into the house? People love real farm life moments.

  
  

Consistency Over Perfection

You don’t need to post daily, but try to show up a few times a week. The goal is to stay in front of your customers without burning yourself out. Committing to 5 days? Post 5 days! Committing to 2 days? Post 2 days! Show up. 

Use Local Groups!

Facebook groups are GOLD for local businesses. Share your posts in groups like ND Farm to Table or Crunchy Moms of Minot (yes, they’re real, and yes, they love buying local food).

Step 3: Your Website – The Farm Stand That’s Open 24/7

Think of your website as your farm’s digital farm stand. It should be simple, clear, and easy for customers to buy from.

What You Need:

• About Page – Tell your farm’s story. Make it personal. (People love a good “how we got started” story.)

• Shop Page – If you’re selling online, make it stupid easy for people to buy. If there are any hang ups, people will get frustrated and exit out of the page. Don’t over complicate things. 

• Contact Page – So customers can actually reach you.

• Product Info – What you offer, how to order, and why it’s amazing.

• Blog (Optional but Awesome) – Recipes, farm updates, behind-the-scenes stories — recreations of what you’re already sharing on social media!

  
  

You don’t need anything fancy—just clear, easy-to-navigate pages. Platforms like Square, Shopify, and Wix make it simple.

Step 4: Email Marketing – The Underrated Powerhouse

Social media is great, but you don’t own it. Algorithms change, accounts get shut down, and suddenly your audience disappears. But email? That’s yours forever.

Why Email?

• You land directly in your customers’ inboxes—no fighting an algorithm.

• You can build deeper relationships through storytelling.

• People are way more likely to buy from an email than from a social post. (stats show 1,400% higher ROI than a social media post (Rohogaka))

  
  

How to Get Started:

1. Collect Emails:

   1. Offer a freebie like a “Is CSA Right for You?” quiz (customers enter their email to access it).

   2. Have a sign-up sheet at the farmers’ market.

   3. Offer a discount for first-time subscribers.

2. Send Useful Emails:

   1. Seasonal farm updates

   2. Exclusive deals for your email list

   3. Recipes featuring your farm’s products

   4. Personal farm stories (People love to follow along!)

      
      

Platforms like Square, Mailchimp, Flodesk, or ConvertKit make this easy.

The Bottom Line: Show Up, Be Real, and Build Relationships

Modern customers expect an online presence from modern farms —it builds trust and keeps them coming back. 

• Start small – Pick one or two things to focus on first.

• Be yourself – Your farm’s personality is what makes you stand out.

• Stay consistent – Even a little effort goes a long way.

  
  

At the end of the day, farm marketing isn’t about selling—it’s about building relationships. Do that well, and your farm will thrive.

Now, go check your fence and get back to farming.