Small Business Enterprise Centre
  • Home
  • Programs
  • Events
    • Bridges
  • Resources
    • Tools
    • COVID-19 Resources
  • Contact
  • Articles

Meet us at the Market in 2022

1/24/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Since 1878, the Horton Farmers’ Market has been an integral piece of our local culture.
It is a is a best-in-class market destination that promotes civic pride, shapes local culture and supports the regional economy by providing access to high quality food producers, craftspeople and artisans. Each season, the market strives to source all our vendors and products from within a 60km radius of the market, ensuring our community has access to the very best fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheese, and hand-crafted items our region has to offer.”
In 2021, the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation took on the management of the Horton Market with the following objectives in the first year:
  • Under the supervision of the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) and the overall direction of the St. Thomas EDC, utilize the full marketing breadth of the organization, through SBEC and Railway City Tourism, to continue to promote and grow the market
  • Create a full-time, year-round Business Advisor Role that would oversee the Horton Market and provide vendors support to assist with business growth and expansion
  • Add outdoor seating with sun protection and weekly live music
  • Utilize the Horton Market space to further stimulate entrepreneurial activity
 
How did we do in our first year?
  • In comparison to pre-pandemic years, vendors saw a sales revenue increase of 24% during regular market weeks and a sales revenue increase of 78% at the Horton Farmers Christmas Market
  • Organic Facebook reach increased by 51% and Instagram reach increased by 1,626%
  • Vendors were able to access additional marketing and business support through the dedicated Rural Business Advisor
  • Outdoor seating capacity increased from 26 seats to 66 seats
  • Hosted our first “Horton Market After Dark” featuring local food and beverage providers
Thinking of becoming a vendor at the Horton Market in 2022? Maximizing earning potential is one of the many reasons to be a vendor. Here are other great benefits:
  • The Horton Market is FUN! You become part of a community of like-minded farmers and get to know consumers who are interested in you and what you do
  • You help educate consumers about what farmers do, and make them appreciate the contributions they make—not only to their dinner table but to the environment, as well
  • Free market research for improving or expanding your product line as you are constantly learning what people want to buy
  • You sell what you grow – however little that may be. This is great for new producers and/or producers in the process of converting to organic crops and/or small-scale producers who can’t meet supermarket minimum orders
With so many vibrant producers in St. Thomas and Elgin County, we are excited about the possibilities in 2022!
​If you are interested in learning more about the Horton Farmer’s Market contact manager@hortonfarmersmarket.ca or call 226-377-0064.
0 Comments

What about TikTok?

12/22/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
I get asked in almost every marketing appointment whether or not small businesses should invest time into TikTok.  My answer is well, it depends.

Tiktok can be an incredible tool if it applies to your market, product, and available resources.

The platform saw immense growth in user base throughout the pandemic. What was formerly a dancing app for Gen Z has become a vast layered system with an incredibly accurate algorithm. It isn't something that can be blown off and ignored as an option, but one needs to carefully consider and test the waters before diving all in on TikTok as a miracle marketing strategy.

For small businesses with a strictly local market, breaking through to a valuable following on TikTok might be a challenge as the algorithm intentionally tries to show you clips from creators you have a topical interest.  Whereas on Instagram you can follow local hashtags - it's easier to focus on a localized market. Shopping tools available through Meta products also limit the amount users need to leave the platform also cut barriers for users to purchase.

For individual users and influencers, a base of followers can be beneficial regardless of geography and lead to brand collaborations. The app can be particularly profitable in the US because of the TikTok Creator Fund. But it doesn't necessarily generate sales and when it does it can be a wild ride of viral videos, sell-outs, and expensive restocks only to sit on inventory because the algorithm isn't connecting the buyers anymore.

​TikTok can be an incredibly valuable tool if you do a little bit of prep work in advance.


Ask yourself some questions like:
Is my audience purchasing products like mine because of TikTok?
Do I have time for this? Can I make time?
What skills do I need? 
Am I already using Reels on Instagram? Is there content that I can repurpose?
What are my goals for using TikTok?
Are my products accessible enough to justify the additional work?
How would I prepare or handle a viral video/sell-out situation? 

If you do decide that TikTok is where you want to pour some of your marketing strategy check out some additional resources below:

8 Ideas to get your small business started on TikTok
TikTok for Business in Canada

If you have questions about using TikTok (or Social Media in general!) for your small business, don't hesitate to reach out - I'd love to connect about your marketing strategy!

- Sarah
0 Comments
  • Home
  • Programs
  • Events
    • Bridges
  • Resources
    • Tools
    • COVID-19 Resources
  • Contact
  • Articles