We hope this finds you well and enjoying whatever weather you need right now!
Not only is June unpredictable on the weather front, but it is also a great time to reconnect with customers, and let them know what you've been up to and that you haven't forgotten about them.
An email newsletter helps you stay in touch with your customers, encourages them to visit your website, and hopefully generates a few sales.
We use MailChimp for our email newsletters but other platforms such as Constant Contact and MailerLite are available. Most email newsletter services are quite intuitive and have extensive how-to guides so don't worry if you're a novice with technology.
Once you have chosen your preferred platform you will need to:
Make an email list - you can tweak this list and organise contacts in a way that works for your business.
Create a template using your brand's logo, colours, font etc.
Create engaging content - e.g. customer spotlight, staffing news, product launches, and industry news.
Continue to grow your contacts list by inviting people to sign up on your socials, in-store and at events you attend.
Get in touch if we can help with any aspect of your PR and Marketing including web design, branding and copywriting - and don't forget you can book in for a Growth Hour chat with Anna if you need some quick advice or a second opinion (see the green button at the bottom of this email)
News
North East Scotland based animal feed manufacturer and specialists in animal nutrition, Norvite, is leading the way in sustainable feed alternatives as new legislation surrounding soya looms nearer. Read more
Arran's Summer Fest Farmer Market takes place on 14 July at Bellevue Farm. bellevuearran.com
SkyeSkins is a traditional tannery, luxury sheepskins and home accessories business on the Isle of Skye. SkyeSkins is looking for crofters, breeders and farmers who breed native, rare, or heritage-breed sheep, to supply skins for their tannery. This will mean they can hand-craft fully traceable sheep skins, and support producers by putting value back into the sheep farming process. Find out more about joining the SkyeSkins supplier network: skyeskyns.co.uk
Nominations for the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2024 close on 30 June. There are nine categories to choose from including Best Streetfood, Takeaway and Small Eateries, Digital Creator Award & Farming for the Future. More info here.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published a new guide for those considering running a village hall. scvo.scot/support/village-community-halls
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) links visitors with organic farmers, promotes an educational and cultural exchange and builds a global community conscious of ecological farming practices. More info: wwoof.net
Mentoring for New Farmers & Crofters - If you are considering becoming a farmer or crofter or have set up a business in the last five years, you are entitled to free support through the Farm Advisory Service’s mentoring programme. Find out more at fas.scot/mentoring-newfarmers-crofters/
Make your voice heard on the challenges and opportunities facing the countryside in this critical election year by completing the Future Countryside Survey: https://surveymonkey.com/r/FC24SM
The latest OnFARM Podcasts include - Farming and AMR (anti-microbial resistance) - Barley: Scotland's most valuable crop - Rebecca Smith, author of Rural: the lives of the working class countryside - Crafty Maltsters and the need for "Scottish Farming PLC" You can catch up on all episodes at podfollow.com/onfarm
Nominations for The British Farming Awards (which include 16 categories) close on Friday 21 June. tinyurl.com/Farmawards
Scottish and UK farming, food, health, environment and rural infrastructure needs to be brought together with a radical rethink, says regenerative agriculture consultant William Houstoun who will speak at the Groundswell Festival (June 26th- 27th) and GO Falkland (July 17-18). As a founding farmer of lobbying organisation, the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (www.eara.farm), William was a principal contributor to EARA’s White Paper, Towards a farmer-centric CAP rooted in agroecosystem health, published in April. He will discuss EARA’s research at both events, bringing EARA’s work to a UK audience for the first time. For more information, visit www.land.scot.
NFU Scotland has launched a Diversity & Inclusion review in order to increase Union involvement from a wider cross-section of people. An online survey is open to all, including non-Union members, to inform the work. Details https://tinyurl.com/sv4j46fs
Morvern Community Development Company (MCDC) is recruiting for an Operations Director/Executive Director. This pivotal role will be an integral link between the operational team of MCDC, MCTC and Morvolts and the three respective boards. The purpose of this role is to support the operational team whilst drive strategic planning, and provide solutions to identified gaps in process at a strategic level whilst supporting with operational solutions. More info: https://www.morvern.org/mcdc-recruiting-operations-directorexecutive-director
Remember, you can send us your news, offers, vacancies etc and we'll do our best to include it in future mailings.
July 2024
All Month Long:
Plastic Free July: Encourage eco-friendly practices. Share tips on reducing plastic use or run a contest for the best plastic-free alternatives.
Independent Retailers Month: Support local businesses! Highlight nearby shops, run promotions, or share customer testimonials.
July 1st - 7th: Great British Pea Week: Showcase the humble pea! Share pea-licious recipes, partner with local growers, or run a pea-pod decorating contest.
July 4th:General Election Day: You can't take photos inside polling stations, but encourage followers to share their #DogsAtPollingStations pictures!
July 5th - 7th:Scottish Game Fair: Immerse your audience in the outdoors! Share breathtaking views of the event, interesting wildlife facts, or traditional game recipes.
July 6th:International Day of Cooperatives: Shine a light on co-ops! Partner with local cooperatives to showcase their products or services.
July 11th:100th Anniversary of Eric 'Chariots of Fire' Liddell's 400m Olympic Win: Celebrate this inspiring story on your blog...or re-enact on TikTok!
July 14th:Wimbledon Finals Weekend: Fuel the excitement! Run polls or quizzes to predict the winner, share classic Wimbledon moments, or offer exclusive discounts for the finals.
July 22nd - 26th:Farm Safety Week: Spread awareness about farm safety. Share this OnFARM podcast (https://pod.fo/e/cfd8c), partner with farm safety organisations, or share your own completed Farm Safety Checklist.
July 27th:Bagpipe Appreciation Day & Scotch Whisky Day! Raise a toast and remind everyone that without barley growers, there'd be no drams!
Need Help?
We're here to assist you in creating a sizzling July social media strategy. Contact us for content creation tips, social media management advice, or any other support you need!
