I sent out a survey to local producers to understand if we could provide any assistance to help them thrive. This was inspired by a message we received from Heritage Farms Tasmania, who said our recently community newsletter article brought 30 new customers to their business.
Purchasing from local producers/creators means directly supporting a local person/family which creates a more sustainable and circular economy.
Below you will find ideas on how I can assist local producers and the survey results.
If you would like to discuss any of these ideas, please email us at [email protected]. I am happy to help in any way we can.
Summary of how I can assist local producers
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Feature local producers on our social media pages and share into local community groups relevant to you (e.g. Southern Beaches).
- This could include a story and/or interview. We could feature a new producer every 1-2 months.
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Feature a new local producer in each edition of our community newsletters.
- We will get in contact with the people who expressed interest in this when we are planning our next newsletter.
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Provide assistance to write an article for your business for the Sorell times and pitch it to the Mercury/ABC radio.
- Mercury/ABC radio may be a little difficult but could be worth a try.
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Follow up Council/state regulations for local producers/creators.
- This could include supporting their Council application for permits etc.
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Provide an online directory for local producers.
- We can do this on the The People United Website for now and move to a separate platform in future if people wish.
- In the lead up till Christmas could be a perfect time to really advertise this as widely as possible including Sorell times etc.
Survey results
Number of survey responders: 9
Summary of items created/sold by responders: Flowers, fresh produce, children’s clothing and accessories, eco Friendly clothing and homewares, custom rugs and decorated cakes and desserts.
Would your business benefit from increased local exposure?
The resounding answer was yes for almost all respondents.
Would the local business benefit from the following:
- Increased exposure through social media - 100% responded Yes
- Listed in a local producers guide that is distributed to the public - 89% responded Yes
- An article about your business in local media such as the Sorell Times etc - 56% responded Yes
- A short feature article in the The People United community newsletter - 56% responded Yes
- A website page with a list of local producers, listed into categories - 56% responded Yes
Other ideas
- An event or market to showcase locals and give them the opportunity to provide their details. Not necessarily an ongoing event, more just a showcase.
Please write any ideas on how we, The People United, and/or the community could support local producers in the area.
- Help us easily understand any requirements or restrictions regarding the sale of our own products.
- Promotion, networking, events etc
- Getting the word out there that there are lots of small handmade businesses out locally is a great start
- Spreading the word any way possible is a great start
- Bringing about awareness, maybe even finding some sponsors to help with signage etc
Please get in contact if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss more.