Could Your Business Survive Without Facebook?

Our first year selling at the local farmer's market was brutal. Customers would come in, walk right past us, and go to another vendor with the exact same products for a higher price. We were scratching our heads for weeks. Sure, we understood that some customers prefer to stay loyal to vendors that they have seen year after year yet we saw the same trend at different farmer's markets that first year and we were puzzled. Then, move on into year two and our sales began to pick up. After speaking with other vendors we realized that some people just want to know that you are serious. They prefer a familiar face. They might visit several markets in the area and if they see you around—you are legit. So that is what we did. We signed up for several in the area plus a craft show here or there. We figured if we got our name out there that it would help.

What didn't help though was our conviction against having a Facebook account—for business or even ourselves. People are online and when they see that you are going to be at a festival in person or you showcase the deals you will be holding there, they get excited. Even though we saw a boost in sales, it was clear that not having Facebook meant we had to be active, diligent, and proactive in expanding our customer base and keeping strong relations with our customers. I am not going to share my aversion to Facebook in this post but rather I will admit that even though it is not easy, it is possible to survive without it. Here are a few ways to help you if you decide to pull the plug on Facebook:

Deliver Quality Products

The last craft show I was at lasted for two days. The second day I had a repeat customer saying he loved my product and wanted to try a different variety. If you put out products that people love, they will come back for more. Make sure your products/services are not a one-time purchase. Keep them coming back even if you have a single product, offer upgrades, add-ons, and additional options.

Engage in Small Talk

Get to know your customers—and your browsers. You might get into conversations with people that appreciate what you have but don't buy—at first. It might take them a time or two for them to warm up. Of course, it is possible that they are not within your demographic but that they know someone who is. If you form a relationship with them then if their sister needs what you have, they will be quick to mention you!

Be Consistent

People want to know that you are someone they can trust. If you set up at local trade shows, participate in the local parades, or advertise in their kids' high school yearbook, you are creating both trust and brand recognition. You become a familiar face and a familiar name. You might not want to purchase a billboard in your area if privacy is a concern (or your wallet) but plenty of small marketing opportunities are out there. Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce to stay up-to-date.

Even though Facebook is a go-to for most businesses, it is not required in order to succeed as an American business. What has your experience been?

Disclaimer: This post was written 100% by me. No AI was used in the creation of the copy.

Original 13 Colonies Fact Cards (Free Printable)

These Thirteen Colonies Fact Cards were created for my kids as we studied early American history. What a pivotal time in our history! Puritans seeking religious freedom, adventurers setting out for a new land, and those in debt hoping for a fresh start—a new life. From the first colony in Virginia, until all thirteen stars on the first American flag were represented, these cards are a perfect review for your homeschoolers. Use them to drill the first thirteen colonies so your child can recite them with ease, and have them dictate the information on the cards to help them remember a small fact about each colony. Feel free to print these out and have your children write facts that they learn about each colony on the back. Go ahead and laminate them, too! Simply right-click, save, and print to use this resource in your homeschool as you study about the original thirteen colonies in America. Use the facts for dictation, copy work, or discussion in your home. Disclaimer: All co...

Truck-Themed Homeschool Chore Chart

Use this truck-themed homeschool chore chart to keep your kids on track throughout the school week. With lessons, field trips, meals, and unexpected errands filling up your week, even the simplest chore chart can help your home run more smoothly. At times, kids are excited for the new opportunity to help out around the house and do it with joy. Other times they stomp toward the trash can with anything but a good attitude. Help keep attitudes in check by using stickers, smiley faces, or positive verbal reinforcement as your child completes each task on the chart. For the child who loves lists (and the mom) this is the perfect free printable to have on hand! (Simply right-click, save, and print)

The Pencil Grip Inc. {Review}

We have found what we have been looking for in The Pencil Grip Inc .'s 24 pack of Magic Stix Washable Markers . These markers are the perfect fit for a homeschooling family such as ours. I am thrilled to tell you about our experience with them! Normally, I do not have a favorable impression of markers for several reasons. For one, as a kid, I remember markers having such a strong smell that it would give me a headache. I know some kids enjoyed the scents but it certainly was not for me. And to be honest, if I had markers like that in my house today, my kids would probably stick them up their nose or something. Another reason I have a distaste for markers is the drying out factor. As a parent of many children this is super frustrating. I finally teach the older ones to put the caps back on when they are done using their markers but then a younger one comes along and just doesn't understand. This then leads to the undue frustration of your child sitting down to...

Thrift Schooling

Search This Blog