One of the biggest challenges for any website is keeping the content fresh and relevant for visitors. You know how important it is, but you might not have the time to come up with new articles, tips, photos or videos. If you want people to continue to click on your e-mails, social media links and find their way back to your website, you’ve got to keep them engaged. Remember the old axiom – “If you want them to be interested, you’ve got to be interesting!”
The good news is you don’t have to go it alone – and you don’t have to create all the content yourself. While writing a blog post, taking a photo or shooting a short video is ideal, many times providing a link to something interesting you’ve come across on the web is enough. What you might not know if that many of your growers, suppliers and vendors have spent quite a bit of time and money creating content for you to share. It is often free (we encourage you to credit all of your sources), and generally of top quality.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas that might get you started.
Proven Winners® (www.provenwinners.com) With over 400 videos on YouTube PW is a great resource for helping your customers find success with colorful annuals, perennials and grasses. The Proven Winners® photo library has a massive amount of photos from plants to lifestyle images that can give your newsletter some pop, or help you create great looking signs. They also offer media created specifically for social media. Make sure to follow all stated rules and guidelines for use.
Star Roses and Plants – Knock Out Roses® (www.starrosesandplants.com) Star Roses and Plants are behind many of the most popular plants on the market. From the legendary Knock Out Roses to Bushel & Berry (a new line of fruiting plants), they are responsible for some of the best genetics out there. They’ve backed that up with a great website with plenty of tips and videos to help the home gardener. You can check it out on their website.
Espoma Organic Fertilizers (www.espoma.com) Looking to help your customers grow organic? Well a good source of information can be found at the Espoma blog. There are articles on everything from harvesting fruits and vegetables to fragrant gardens. They also have a YouTube channel with dozens of videos that can inform both staff and customers.
Bonide Products (www.bonide.com) The Bonide Problem Solver is a great resource to help consumers (and your staff) find answers to a gardeners most vexing problems. The neat thing is it is a mobile site making it the tool perfect for viewing on a smartphone.
Of course there are many other suppliers, growers and breeders who have excellent content. The best place to start is with the top product lines and plants that you currently sell. A good place to start is a visit to their website. Check out their blogs, photos and press sections. Use the contact form to connect up and see what is available to you. Even if you don’t use it all the time, it will definitely lessen the load when you might not have the time or energy to post something new.
