Bringing Your Small Farm or Business Online: A Three-Part Series

This three-part educational series is designed to help farms and small businesses build an online presence that connects directly to real-world customers. Participants can attend one, two, or all three sessions. Each session stands alone, but together they provide a complete picture of digital marketing, online tools, and in-person sales connections.

Sessions will be held on February 10, 17, and 24 from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Randolph County Agricultural Center. Each session focuses on actionable steps, realistic tools, and strategies that work for rural businesses, farms, and food-based enterprises. No prior tech experience required.

February 10 | 6:00–7:30 PM

This session focuses on building the foundation of your online presence. We will cover the basics of creating or improving a business website, setting up and optimizing a Google Business Profile, and understanding how customers find you online. Website analytics, SEO basics, and essential internet safety practices, including passwords, two-factor authentication, and data protection, will also be introduced.

February 17 | 6:00–7:30 PM

This session dives into using social media efficiently and effectively for farms and small businesses. Topics include choosing the right platforms, developing a simple social media strategy, and using storytelling to build trust with customers. We will explore Facebook and Instagram features, content ideas that actually perform, basic photography and video tips using your phone, and time-saving tools for scheduling and batching content. The session also includes an overview of social media safety and avoiding common online scams.

February 24 | 6:00–7:30 PM

The final session focuses on turning your digital presence into real-world connections and sales. Topics include farmers market strategies, merchandising, signage, QR codes, and customer engagement. We will provide a high-level overview of food hubs, wholesale opportunities, and partnerships, as well as branding considerations for small food businesses and commercial kitchens. The session wraps up with real-life marketing basics such as logos, business cards, reviews, and crafting a clear elevator pitch that aligns with your online branding.

Participants must purchase a ticket for each session they plan to attend.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Hannah Bradley-Cobb, [email protected], 336-318-6002 OR Sophie Farlow, [email protected], 336-318-6006. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.

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Host or Publisher N.C. Cooperative Extension, Randolph County