Power Up Your Rural Business: Essential Tools the Scene & Herd Team Loves
Running a rural business or nurturing a farm diversification project comes with its own unique set of challenges. At Scene & Herd, we get it! That's why we've compiled a list of some of our go-to websites and software platforms that have become indispensable to our team. With the right tools, a bit of guidance, and a boost of confidence, you can effectively share your story and connect authentically with your audience. Even better, many of these services integrate seamlessly, amplifying their usefulness.
Let's dive into the toolkit that helps us – and hopefully will help you too:
Streamlining Links:
TinyURL: You've likely encountered this one before! We rely on TinyURL's shortened web addresses to make sharing specific links easy and manageable, like our dedicated Growth Hour link: tinyurl.com/GrowthHour. tinyurl.com
Effortless Scheduling:
Calendly: Say goodbye to endless back-and-forth emails when trying to schedule meetings. If you've ever booked one of our popular Growth Hour slots, you've experienced the simplicity of Calendly firsthand. It's a fantastic tool for managing your availability and letting others book appointments with ease. calendly.com
Hosting and Sharing Resources:
StanStore: This platform is where we host our valuable downloadable guides, designed to empower your business journey:
Stories that Sell: Using Storytelling to Promote Your Rural Business
Social Media Guide: A guide to help you decide whether Twitter (X) is still worth the effort! (Bonus tip: If you're exploring BlueSky and want to bring your Twitter content with you, check out Porto for potential transfer solutions!)
Coaching/Mentoring Info: Find out how we can help you improve your rural PR and marketing
Rural Communications Toolkit: A quick fix guide to make sure your PR and marketing is on track
Ready to access these resources? Simply head over to stan.store/ruralmarketing and follow the simple instructions. By downloading, your email address will be added to our Rural Resource mailing list. Don't worry – you can unsubscribe any time using the link in each newsletter, although we're confident you'll find our insights valuable!
Effective Email Marketing:
Mailchimp: This is our go-to platform for sending out our Rural Resource updates and news on behalf of our clients. We love that Mailchimp provides insightful analytics, allowing us to see how our campaigns are performing and what resonates with our audience. For instance, we know our blog post on sourcing copyright-free images was a hit (You can revisit it here). mailchimp.com
Image Sourcing & Editing:
While there are many great stock image sites, Unsplash is the one we frequently turn to for beautiful, free photos. unsplash.com
PicResize: Need to quickly resize an image without fuss? PicResize is our top recommendation. It's free, incredibly user-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go adjustments. picresize.com
Versatile Form Creation:
Jotform: From simple surveys to complex order forms and RSVPs, Jotform can handle it all. What makes it even better is its seamless integration with tools like Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Stripe (another excellent platform for accepting payments), and PayPal, streamlining various aspects of your business. jotform.com
Reliable Remote Printing & Posting:
Printpond: For those times when you need to send physical mail but are far from a printer, experiencing a power cut (a common rural reality!), or don't have a convenient post office, Printpond offers a fantastic solution. They handle both single and bulk printing and posting to individual or multiple addresses. printpond.co.uk
Engaging Presentations & Social Media:
Mentimeter: Originally designed for educational engagement, Mentimeter's real-time polls, quizzes, and word clouds are a great way to liven up business presentations and inject some interactive fun into your social media content. mentimeter.com
Explore Your Options:
Remember, the digital landscape is vast, and there are numerous providers offering similar services. We encourage you to shop around, read reviews, and choose the platforms that best align with your specific business needs and goals.
Empowering You to Take Control:
On a final note, as I mentioned in my recent email, my focus is shifting towards empowering you to take the reins of your marketing communications. I firmly believe that you understand your business better than anyone else. If you'd like my support in developing a tailored strategy and gaining the confidence to manage your marketing through one-to-one coaching, please don't hesitate to reach out.
