From Farm to Feed: Simple Social Media Hacks to Boost Your Rural Business Income!

Simple Ways Rural Businesses Can Earn with Social Media – Whether You’re Ready to Post a Pic or Put in a Bit More Effort

Social media offers fantastic opportunities for rural businesses to make money with little fuss. You don’t need to be a social media expert or an influencer to benefit. With just a few tweaks, you can turn your day-to-day activities into a source of income and boost your business’s visibility. Here’s a straightforward guide on how you can make it happen, with options for both “Little Effort” and “More Effort” levels.

Little Effort: Snap, Post, and Start Earning

If you don’t have the time or energy for a full-blown social media strategy, that’s okay. Simply posting photos of life on your farm or around your property can engage people and potentially earn some income.

1. Facebook Monetization – Snap and Earn

Facebook makes it easy to earn with a few small steps. Though they have certain eligibility guidelines like follower count and engagement, you can make a manual request to join Facebook’s monetization program, even if you’re just getting started. With a minimum $25 pay-out threshold, even smaller earnings can add up!

• Post Pictures Regularly: Share photos of daily farm life, animals, or seasonal changes. People love relatable, simple content like cute animals or a sunrise over your land.
• Share Stories and Reels: Capture short videos of your pets, the countryside, or even your morning coffee view – all of these can build a connection with viewers. The more engaging and frequent your posts, the more attention they can attract.

2. Highlight Your Animals and Quirky Farm Life

Posting photos of animals or “character” pets is a great way to get started. Many rural animals – dogs, sheep, and horses – have gained huge followings simply by being themselves.

• Example: Even a local farm dog enjoying the mud or a sheep with an unexpected personality can gain attention.
• Result: As engagement builds, brands or affiliate programs may reach out for partnerships or feature you in promotions.

More Effort: Step Up for Bigger Earnings

If you’re ready to put in a bit more effort, here are options that can bring in more steady income streams. This approach involves building your presence over time and potentially engaging with brands or starting affiliate partnerships.

1. Apply for Monetization Programs and Brand Partnerships

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer direct ways to earn through monetization programs and partnerships once you meet eligibility.

• Instagram’s Creator Program: You’ll need about 10,000 followers, but it opens up options to make money from ads, live streams, and branded content. Start building your following by posting consistently and engaging with others.
• TikTok Creator Fund: If you enjoy making videos, TikTok is ideal, allowing accounts with over 10,000 followers to earn through the Creator Fund. It’s a bit more effort, but short, fun videos about your rural life could gain traction quickly.

2. Earn Through Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a simple way to make money without relying on a huge follower base. All it takes is promoting products that match your rural lifestyle, like animal care products, outdoor gear, or gardening tools. Every time someone buys a product through your link, you earn a small commission.

• Example: Mentioning a favourite dog treat or a tractor tool you use daily can lead to commissions if followers purchase using your link.
• Where to Start: Look for affiliate programs with brands that appeal to your audience, whether it’s animal products, farm equipment, or even rural apparel.

3. Types of Influencers (and Why You Don’t Need 100,000 Followers)

Social media isn’t just for big-time influencers with massive followings. Small accounts with loyal followers are valuable too!

• Nano Influencers (1,000-10,000 followers): Even smaller accounts can earn by partnering with local businesses or niche brands. By focusing on local or community engagement, rural accounts can be attractive to smaller brands.
• Micro Influencers (10,000+ followers): Once you’re over this mark, you have a bit more pull with brands. You could earn around £100-£500 per post, depending on the brand and engagement levels.

Getting Started – No Pressure!

You don’t need to change your routine or create complicated content. Start small by sharing everyday photos or funny moments on the farm. As engagement grows, you can think about taking on more options like affiliate marketing or applying for monetization.

By capturing simple moments – whether it’s a dog barking at the sheep or the sunrise over your fields – you can gain followers who relate to the charm and simplicity of rural life. Even if it’s just an extra £100 a month, over the course of a year, that’s £1,200!

Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll break down affiliate marketing into easy, actionable steps, with options for both “Little Effort” and “More Effort” approaches.