Local food has been ranking high in surveys regarding food trends. However, with the rapid demand growth for local foods, there has also been an increase in the supply of local foods. Therefore, it is crucial for brands to develop strong marketing campaigns to stand out among potential competitors.
1. Social Media Marketing
Developing a strong presence on social media is critical in our current market and ensuring that presence is successful across numerous social media channels will help increase sales of your local food product. Social media marketing encompasses various outlets including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. Your brand should develop a cohesive and active presence on as many social media channels as possible
2. Attend Local Events
One of the best ways to increase awareness of your local food product is to attend local events. These events can range from Farmer’s Markets to local festivals or celebrations. Events that occur in the same community where you produce your product are a fantastic way to reach target customers and increase brand awareness. These events also allow you to network with other companies and potentially meet local partners that could help sell your product.
3. Market the Food Product in Local Stores
Local products will be most appealing to customers who are also local to where your product is produced. Therefore, creating partnerships with local stores to sell your product is an excellent way to help increase sales. Attending local events can be a great way to jumpstart these partnerships, but also walking into local businesses can be an effective method. While selling in chain stores can also be extremely beneficial for sales, finding locally run businesses can help you to reach those customers in search of local products.
4. Utilize Eye-Catching Packaging and Labels
Getting your product in front of your customer is only half of the equation, as you must also entice the customer to reach for your product and purchase the product. Designing eye-catching packaging and labels are crucial for success and communicating your brand to potential customers. Your packaging should sell your product and highlight the uniqueness and local production. Customers have hundreds of products to choose from and limited time to educate themselves about new products, so your packaging should provide all the critical information to the customer.
5. Develop a Strong Brand Position
Your company needs to focus on developing a strong brand position and understanding the target customer. Understanding the value provided and what your brand stands for will help to set your products apart. This strong brand position should be reflected in advertisements, websites, social media, and communications.
6. Seasonal and Changing Offerings
After you have designed an incredible product and found loyal customers, it is also important that you focus on retaining customers. Developing seasonal offerings or new products/flavors will encourage customers to purchase your brand again, urge them to be on the lookout at the store, and possibly provide word-of-mouth advertising for new products.
7. Partner with Other Brands
As a local food product, it is important to be active in your community. Seeking out and partnering with other local brands is a wonderful way to further increase your reach. As an example, if you produce local honey, you could partner with a local tea company and encourage customers to use your products together for an even more special experience.