Free Social Media Coaching

Now in its third year, the Boost Social Media Coaching Program is a collaboration between Iowa Valley RC&D (based in Amana, Iowa) and Northeast Iowa RC&D (based in Postville, Iowa).

This program is a free coaching opportunity for market managers and vendors in Iowa. The goal is to assist managers and vendors in using social media as a tool to promote their markets or products, attract new customers, demonstrate economic value, and build community.

The 2021 Program will have two options: an Accelerated Program and a Full Season Program. The Accelerated version will run from February to April and is meant for participants interested in focusing on improving their social media skills before the busy time of the year for markets and producers. The Full Season version will run from May to October and is meant for participants interested in gaining feedback and training throughout the season.

Although there is no cost for this program, participants will need to contribute time and be open to implementing new strategies. To ensure a successful and tailored approach, the structure of this program will be a result of feedback solicited from participants about their availability, preferred communication methods, goals for social media use, and willingness to act collaboratively.

Strong applicants will be farmers market managers or vendors in Iowa with an existing Facebook and/or Instagram account and some basic experience with posting content. 

Applications for the 2021 coaching program are now closed. Check back for updates on future seasons.

One-on-One Assistance

Participants in the Boost Social Media Coaching Program receive one-on-one assistance in learning to better promote their farmers market or vendor business through social media, with a focus primarily on Facebook and Instagram. The experience is tailored to recognize their current familiarity with social media, builds on their strengths, and offers resources to help accelerate change.

Boost participants will learn about:

• Creating a social media plan and content strategy
• Using photography and videography on social media
• Crafting consistent brand messaging
• Collaborating through tagging, hashtags, and more
• Understanding and increasing engagement
• Implementing social media into a business operation
• And more!

Participants will also have unique opportunities available during the program, such as market or vendor photoshoots, content design, access to state and national data, and a customized social media resource library.

Download our COVID-19 Handout!

Social distancing has lead to a social media surge. This is a challenging time for farmers market managers and vendors, but it’s also a crucial time to focus on your social media presence. We’ve been keeping tabs on what’s happening in the social media marketing world (articles, blog posts, webinars—you name it), and have rounded up some of the most important things to keep in mind in our 5 Social Media Tips for COVID-19 handout, which includes a 5-day content strategy example. Feel free to share with fellow market managers and vendors. Click here to download your copy.