Nova Scotia stretches 500 kilometres on a southwest-northeast axis from Cape Sable to Cape North, the shape of the province is often compared to that native delicacy, the lobster, with Cape Breton Island representing the outstretched claws, preparing to nip unsuspecting Newfoundland across the Cabot Strait.
The coastline of the uplands region is deeply indented, forming many good harbours, some of which are considered outstanding. Hundreds of islands dot the landscape along the entire Atlantic coast, most notably at St. Margarets Bay and Mahone Bay. Reefs and shoals abound, accounting for the many lighthouses erected along this coast. In many ways the Atlantic uplands coast epitomizes the North Atlantic coastline with its bare granite sheets plunging headlong into the raging surf to produce an awesome cataclysm between land and sea. When people think of Nova Scotia, they usually envisage the rocky granite shores of the uplands. Marketing Ideas
You may have the greatest attraction in the world, but people won’t come if you don’t tell them about it. Tell people what you have and always deliver what you promise. But don’t just meet visitors expectations. Exceed them! This will keep them coming back and bringing their friends. A satisfied customer will sell your product for you.
“Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising. If you can provide a product that is of good quality, a little different than the norm, and offer good service along with it then people will talk. Your satisfied customer is your best salesperson. No matter what you are selling, it’s imperative that it is exactly what you say it is.” Linda Knecthel,
The Best Little Pork Shoppe
Get people talking by providing a site for a community BBQ or event organized by a local non-profit group? This will boost your visibility. Community groups can range in membership size from 5 to 105 or more. They will be the first ones to become familiar with your attraction. The participants of the BBQ or event you are hosting will be another large group which will discover what you offer. By inviting the media, you extend your exposure to include the community. Once these people are at your attraction, take the opportunity to show them your facility. For example, contribute to the community event by conducting a tour of your facility every 30 minutes. Many people will see your attraction and learn what it offers. Soon word will spread about your attraction and the community event you hosted. Both you and the community group will benefit.
Postcards with a colorful picture of your product, farm, logo, or people enjoying your property are effective marketing tools. Send them to the media, names on your mailing lists, bus companies, schools, church groups and other potential customers. A postcard is normally less expensive to send in the mail. (Contact your local post office for measurements and cost of postage.) Personalize the front with your slogan or something unique to your farm so guests will associate the postcard with your property. On the reverse side in the top left hand corner, include a generic message which explains what you have to offer. For example, “The Jones Family invites you to explore the most unique Christmas Tree Farm in Thunder Bay. This fourth generation, 300 acre farm has over 30,000 trees with 200 trees planted annually. Guided tours available between May and November. Bring the entire family and pick out and cut your own tree just in time for Christmas.” Below the printed message, leave space to jot down your personalized, handwritten message which is a personal touch many guests appreciate.
Stickers! They are a great way to market your property to groups and families because children love stickers. Before children leave your property, give them a sticker with your farm name on it. “We visited Smith’s Apple Orchard, what a great day”. Children will put this sticker in a visible location. Every time it is seen, you have remind people of your great product.
Food will leave a tasty reminder. If you have an edible product, have a sample-fest celebration. For example, if you live on a beef farm, have four dishes of beef, each cooked differently. Offer these samples complete with your recipe and logo.
Create a photo opportunity for guests. Be sure your name and logo are part of this idea. A scarecrow (holding a sign which welcomes visitors to Browns Horse Farm), stalks of corn, and a few bales of hay create a back drop for many photos. Use items around the farm to create a unique place for photos. Children, parents and grandparents love to stand behind the plywood and put their head through the hole, transforming themselves into carrots and onions. Again, “peek-through” photo opportunity is not complete if your farm name isn’t part of the display. For days, months and years to come, your farm will be part of their memories in these photos.
Develop and display a photo album that shows your products, special occasions and farm events. It is amazing how much people like looking through a collection of photographs.
Displays in malls, schools, downtown storefronts and at special events are great ways to capture people’s attention. If you are involved in cropping, have a ‘seed to ‘feed display. Take your corn and show the process involved in taking it from field to harvest and then what happens if it is to be used as silage for cattle. Always include items for people to smell and touch. Photos of some of your equipment add to your display.
Contact your local tourism association to find out what kind of cooperative advertising opportunities are available. You may be reaching a new audience and a new clientele.
A newsletter is a great opportunity to reach potential visitors. Create a newsletter that portrays your image. Be sure to include a personal touch by using recipes and highlighting new product lines. Add extra bits of information such as special events, comments from happy customers, interesting facts you have discovered. Start with one legal size piece of paper double-sided. Be sure your name, logo, and address and phone number are visible and easy to find. Ask readers to send suggestions and comments.
Keep a guest book. Invite guests to sign, include their address and comment on their experience. This is a valuable way to find out how people enjoyed their experience and to create a mailing list. When you are promoting your next event, send them a postcard and invite them. Why not have a small door prize or special draw?
On the ballot, people must include their name, address, and phone number to be eligible. This is another way to expand your mailing list so you can contact people who have already enjoyed your property.
There are many ways to let others know about your farm. Use these ideas but also u