Have you ever wished your farm brand’s followers felt more like friends or loyal customers rather than just numbers on a screen? That’s the power of building a proper online community for your farm brand. Whether you’re selling home-reared meat, handmade yarn, or running a farm stay, having a group of people who genuinely care about your story can make all the difference. It’s not about shouting louder—it’s about creating a space where people feel they belong.
An online community is more than just followers—it’s a group of people who feel connected to your farm, your values, and your story. These are the folks who comment on your posts, reply to your emails, and tell their friends about you at the school gate or farmers’ market.
For farm businesses, especially those selling direct to the public, a strong online community can help build loyalty and trust in a way traditional marketing can’t. It creates a space where your customers feel part of something meaningful—whether that’s supporting sustainable meat, learning about native breeds, or just enjoying a glimpse of life on the farm.
And when people feel connected, they stick around. They’re more likely to buy from you again, recommend you to others, and support you during tough times. It’s about building relationships, not just making sales.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can feel like the easiest way to build a following—but relying on them as your only space to connect with your audience can leave your business vulnerable.
Algorithms change all the time, often making it harder for your posts to be seen unless you pay for ads. We’ve seen farm businesses build strong followings on Facebook, only to have their accounts restricted or their reach suddenly drop overnight. Years of hard work can disappear with little warning, simply because you don’t control the platform.
It’s a bit like renting land—you can grow something amazing, but if the landlord changes the rules, you could lose it all.
That’s why it’s so important to build community spaces you own or at least have more control over. Think email newsletters, your website, or even private groups where you manage the membership. These platforms give you a direct line to your customers, no matter what happens on social media.
Socials are still valuable tools, but they work best when used as part of a bigger, more balanced strategy.
More on using Facebook groups.
Not all community spaces are created equal. The best platforms for your farm business will depend on your goals, your audience, and how hands-on you want to be. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
| Platform | Strengths | Challenges |
| Facebook Groups | Familiar and easy to use; great for discussion and loyalty | You don’t own it; subject to rule changes and visibility drops |
| Email Newsletters | Fully owned, GDPR-compliant, direct and personal | Requires regular content; can feel like hard work at first |
| Patreon / Subscriptions | Allows monetisation and exclusivity; ideal for superfans | Paywall limits reach; best suited to niche or high-engagement brands |
| Forums / Your Website | Total control and great for SEO; long-term sustainability | Needs setup, hosting, and ongoing moderation or maintenance |
If you’re just starting out, email is often the safest long-term option—especially paired with a good website. You can use Facebook groups to build community fast, then encourage members to join your mailing list so you have a more secure connection.
The key is not to spread yourself too thin. Choose 1–2 spaces where you can consistently show up and nurture those relationships properly.
Creating an online community isn’t just about growing numbers—it’s about attracting the right kind of people. These are the people who care about what you care about, whether that’s sustainable food, British wool, native livestock, or reconnecting with the land. When your values align, your audience becomes far more than just customers—they become advocates.
Start by being clear about what your farm stands for. Are you passionate about rare breeds? Do you prioritise high-welfare meat? Are you running workshops to teach countryside skills? Whatever it is, weave it into your content, your tone of voice, and even the look and feel of your brand.
For example, a glamping business focused on nature connection could share posts about local wildlife, slow living, and eco-conscious travel. A meat box business using native breeds could highlight their animal husbandry, flavour, and the value of low-input systems.
When people see themselves reflected in your brand, they’re more likely to stick around—and engage.
Lead magnets are freebies or bonuses that encourage someone to join your email list or community. This could be:
You’re offering value upfront in exchange for connection. Once someone is on your list or in your group, you can nurture the relationship over time.
Once you’ve started to build your community, the next step is to keep people engaged. This doesn’t mean bombarding them with sales posts—it’s about building trust, offering value, and making them feel part of your farm journey.
Think of your community as a relationship. If every conversation you had with a friend was just, “Buy this!”, the friendship wouldn’t last long. Instead, you want to share stories, ask questions, offer useful tips, and celebrate the moments that matter.
Here are a few ways to keep your community active and connected:
The golden rule? Show up consistently, and always lead with value. If you nurture your community well, they’ll happily support you when it’s time to sell.
Building a community is all about connection—but there will be moments when you need that connection to translate into action. Whether you’re launching a new product, running a seasonal promotion, or raising funds, a well-nurtured community can become your biggest asset.
The key is to plan ahead and involve your community early. Don’t just announce a new meat box or course—bring people into the journey. Ask them to vote on product names, test new flavours, or suggest ideas. This gives them ownership and builds anticipation.
Here are a few ways to activate your community:
The stronger your connection, the more likely your community will rally around when it matters—whether that’s buying from you, sharing your posts, or cheering you on through a new venture.
Communities don’t grow overnight—they need time, consistency, and care. Focus on showing up regularly and being genuinely helpful. Over time, your audience will begin to trust you, engage more, and tell others about your business.
Make sure you’re not putting all your energy into just one platform. Pair social media with something you own, like an email list. Repurpose your content to save time—what starts as a blog can become a newsletter, a Facebook post, or even a Reel. And always be listening: what questions do people ask? What content do they love most?
Growth comes from understanding your audience and meeting them where they are, with content and conversations that truly resonate.
If you want more practical tips and real-life strategies to help you grow your farm business online, check out my new eBook:
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