The most recent webinars
Smartphone Studio
Video Length: 1:08:40 | Date: March 8, 2023
Speaker: Michele Walfred, UDEL Extension
Description: Learn how to create professional videos with your smartphone to promote your agri-business or to "advocate" agriculture through videos using your smartphone. This session will show you what equipment to purchase, how to use it, and share positive messages about agriculture using your smartphone and other inexpensive accessories. This webinar will get you started with a budget of $200 to $500. We will review microphones, tripods, apps and techniques -- all that you need to achieve a professional look and sound to share your messaging with the public. Watch Video
How to Conduct Market Research
Video Length: 44:18 | Date: July 27, 2022
Speaker: Neith Little
Description: Participants will learn how to conduct market research for their farm business. The session will include examples and case studies, with a focus on urban and peri-urban farm enterprises and products.
Archives
Advocacy
Advocating for Agriculture
Video Length: 1:08:26 | Date: September 2014
Description: Agriculture now more than ever needs advocates! Learn how to get your positive message of agriculture out to your audience, and how to deal with tough questions and comments when they arise. Watch video
Agvocacy
Video Length: 1:02:27 | Date: September 2015
Description: Commercial and for-profit agriculture is slammed on social media – organized social activists have a strong voice on social media and they often paint an unflattering (to put it kindly) picture of agriculture. Mid-Atlantic farmers are not immune. We need positive voices to tell our story. Learn how to effectively communicate and “agvocate” in this arena. Watch video
This Just In. Your Ag-Role for Media Requests
Video Length: 1:02:44 | Date: September 11, 2019
Description: Have you been asked for an interview by a print or broadcast reporter or comment on a local or ag-related issue? How should you prepare? What do you wear? What is the reporter looking for? Embrace this opportunity and control the message and image you provide for your family and farm. We'll go over techniques on how to optimize your role in the interview and stay focused on your message. Watch Video
Business Marketing Plans or Marketing Campaigns
Basics of Creating and Using Infographics
Video Length: 49:36 | Date: July 13, 2016
Description: There are many ways to create infographics and you don’t need to be a designer with Photoshop. There are also many ways to use this type of graphic to enhance a story or more visually summarize a lengthy report. Break things out by number or by topic. It’s fun to do AND it’s very shareable. Watch video
Creating a Farm Marketing Kit
Video Length: 58:29 | Date: May 11, 2016
Description: A marketing kit is an essential tool for any business. Learn how to develop a compelling package to attract your target market and leverage your worth. This webinar will cover the elements of a successful marketing kit and includes examples to help you develop an effective brand and complementary materials that reflect your unique voice and style. Watch video
Customer Service - Keys to Successful Retention
Video Length: 40:11 | Date: May 27, 2020
Description: "The customer is always right!" But, what do they want? And how is customer service handled when doing online sales? How do I keep new customers coming back? Join Ginger Myers, University of Maryland Extension Marketing Specialist, to learn more about how to provide the best customer service experience possible for both your buyer and your staff. Watch video
Decision Tools for Selecting Marketing Outlets
Video Length: 54:13 | Date: April 19, 2017
Description: As part of our MAERDAF-supported training series for farmers on increasing success and sales through farmers' markets, we're excited to offer a webinar series in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension Women in Agriculture Wednesday Webinars. Watch video
Developing a Farm Strategy
Video Length: 22:59 | Date: June 8, 2016
Description: Developing an overall farm strategy is a part of a farm business plan. This strategy includes a number of steps focused on market segments, characteristics of those segments, and forming a plan around the needs of each segment. The purpose of the process is to develop a plan for your business to achieve your personal goals. Watch video
Food Marketing Trends
Video Length: 57:28 | Date: June 8, 2016
Description: Consumer food choices are constantly changing. Yet, some components of their choices, such as quality, value, and customer service should never be neglected. As we head into the summer session, let's look at what food trends have surfaced so far in 2018 and how that affects your product offerings and marketing strategies. Knowing what's "hot" and "what's not" could seriously affect your bottom line. Watch video
Helping Customers Find You
Video Length: 27:48 | Date: April 27, 2016
Description: One out of five internet searches is related to location. An accurate internet listing is one of the easiest ways to keep your business visible online. This session will focus on resources and tips to help your customer find you. It will include internet searches, web registries, and other online/social marketing outlets. Watch video
How to Conduct Market Research
Video Length: 44:18 | Date: July 27, 2022
Speaker: Neith Little
Description: Participants will learn how to conduct market research for their farm business. The session will include examples and case studies, with a focus on urban and peri-urban farm enterprises and products. Watch video
Infographics - Basics of Creating and Using Infographics
Video Length: 49:36 | Date: 2016
Description: There are many ways to create infographics and you don’t need to be a designer with Photoshop. There are also many ways to use this type of graphic to enhance a story or more visually summarize a lengthy report. Break things out by number or by topic. It’s fun to do AND it’s very shareable. Watch video
Market Research
Video Length: 26:12 | Date: June 15, 2016
Description: Market research is an important part of a marketing and business plan. This webinar will review the basics of marketing research, identifying a customer, and market research tools. Watch video
Marketing Campaigns- Start Small to Grow Tall
Video Length: 45:18 | Date: August 12, 2020
Description: How much should you budget for marketing your product or service in your annual planning? Hurried and worried that you don't have time for all that posting, writing, emailing, and going to markets? Prioritize your marketing efforts to be most efficient and effective for where you are in your business's development. You don't have to do every marketing strategy all the time or even some of the time if it's just not something you can get done well. Let's consider the marketing activities that will result in recurring sales and those you can master well. Watch video
Meals on Wheels- Food Trucks, Pop-up Markets, Home Delivery
Video Length: 51:32 | Date: December 19, 2019
Description: Consumers are asking for convenience in their meal preparations, healthy foods but short wait times, and meals in a box delivered almost into their kitchen. How do the new models for marketing to these customers work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these types of marketing outlets? Are any of these marketing models really profitable? Join us to look at these options, discover possible variations that might work with your marketing, and see examples of each type operating around the country. Watch video
Preparing your Marketing Efforts for the Holidays
Video Length: 39:19 | Date: October 24, 2018
Description: Retailers seem to launch into the holiday marketing mode earlier each year, with most starting even before Halloween. We can take a page from their playbook and plan ahead too, particularly our social media marketing plan for the holiday ahead. With the successes of BlackFriday, Cyber Monday, and sites like Amazon Prime Days, shoppers are relying more and more on digital marketing messages and online shopping platforms to make their seasonal and holiday purchases. Now is the time to develop a social media marketing plan and benchmark implementation dates to capture the largest portion of market sales possible. Watch video
Super Market Vendor
Video Length: 42:28 | Date: June 6, 2017
Description: Ginger Myers will teach you the fundamentals of “relationship marketing” where the customer experiences a value-add connection with you as the producer. This webinar walks you through display techniques, signage, communication using social media, and vital customer service techniques that convert farmers market shoppers into your loyal customers who will shop with you rain or shine. Watch video
Digital Tools (website, analytics, blogs, videos, etc.)
Analytics
Video Length: 37:35 | Date: June 1, 2016
Description: Digital media is at the front of most marketing and strategic plans for businesses and organizations. It’s not easy to know how to track the success of your campaigns and your websites which is why keeping up with analytics and trends in optimization is key. Watch video
Blogging (So You Want to Start a Blog)
Video Length: 34:03 | Date: 2016
Description: Have you been thinking about starting a professional or personal blog? During this webinar, we will look at the most popular blogging platforms, and explore editorial calendars. Watch video
Creating Effective Videos Using iMovie via iOS Device
Video Length: 59:38 | Date: February 22, 2017
Description: Learn how to do basic video editing from your iPad or iPhone using iMovie. We will cover how to add a title, edit out unwanted footage and add and edit sound. Although this is geared for iOS devices, the principles are similar to other apps. Watch video
Digital Tools
Video Length: 47:08 | Date: October 21, 2014
Description: This webinar will assist you in capitalizing on the digital tools now available through the internet and smartphones. Topics include hardware, digital databases, fingertip marketing, and other applications helpful to businesses. Watch video
Digital Tools-Advanced (pdf Handout)
Date: October 21, 2014
Description: Learn how to make digital tools work for you! This handout will build on the topics presented in the first Digital Tools session as you capitalize by using digital tools that are available through the internet and smartphones. Topics include hardware, digital databases, fingertip marketing, and other applications helpful to businesses. Download pdf
Essentials of Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools
Video Length: 42:11 | Date: February 10, 2016
Description: The Essentials of Google Analytics & Webmaster Tools - Maintaining and running a presence online means more than keeping up with content. Knowing the analytics of your website is important. If you’re putting time into something it is likely you want to be able to measure the impact of your work. Furthermore, who is linking to you, how are people getting to your website, what content is doing well and what content do people click away from after only 2 seconds? Google has free tools to answer all these questions and more. Watch video
Optimizing your Website for Google
Video Length: 55:25 | Date: September 14, 2016
Description: Learn quick tips to optimize your website or blog so that it ranks higher, and therefore more visible in Google searches and other search engines! Watch video
Smartphone Studio
Video Length: 1:08:40 | Date: March 8, 2023
Speaker: Michele Walfred, UDEL Extension
Description: Learn how to create professional videos with your smartphone to promote your agri-business or to "advocate" agriculture through videos using your smartphone. This session will show you what equipment to purchase, how to use it, and share positive messages about agriculture using your smartphone and other inexpensive accessories. This webinar will get you started with a budget of $200 to $500. We will review microphones, tripods, apps and techniques -- all that you need to achieve a professional look and sound to share your messaging with the public. Watch Video
Smart Phone Videos: Top 10 Tips for Awesome Videos from Your Smartphone
Video Length: 49:15 | Date: September 22, 2021
Description: Michele Walfred updates her presentation and covers essential equipment, microphones, lighting, and techniques to produce professional-quality videos for your business or outreach. Watch Video
WordPress Blog - How to Create
Video Length: 55:15 | Date: September 9, 2015
Description: If you can email, you can blog. I am partial to WordPress (I have three personal ones) and helped to create or manage dozens more. This session covers the basics. Watch video
Marketing Law
Can I Use This Picture? Media Law
Video Length: 1:24:45 | Date: June 28, 2017
Description: Have you ever found an image on the Internet and used it online, in a presentation, on a blog or website? Was it okay to do that? We'll review the legal use of image copyright and provide sources where you can find free or low cost images. Learn how to protect, contribute or contribute your images. Learn how digital photos can lead to increased SEO. Watch video
Risk Management for Food Entrepreneurs
Video Length: 51:30 | Date: March 28, 2018
Description: You've worked long and hard to launch your specialty food business. Folks love the product and you're picking up more sales every month and even have a major retail chain interested in test marking your product in several of their stores. But you could lose your business, possibly your other tangible assets, and even your good name if you don't cover the five big areas of risk for Food Entrepreneurs. This session will look at what constitutes those risks, how to avoid them, and what actions to take if your business gets caught up in a bad situation. Watch video
Marketing Products
Starting a Specialty Food Business in Maryland
Video Length: 49:17 | Date: August 23, 2017
Description: What’s involved in starting a specialty food business in Maryland? Before you advertise your first product or apply for a food processing license, you’ll need to determine if you have a marketable product. This webinar examines the “Go, No Go" decision processes for starting a specialty food business in Maryland. Watch video
Selling Your Farm Eggs to Retail Outlets
Video Length: 35:57 | Date: October 25, 2017
Description: There is consumer demand for locally produced foods including a call for more locally produced eggs. Real profit potential exists for Maryland egg producers to expand their markets into retail, wholesale, and Food Service Facilities in Maryland. However, shell egg sales must meet several requirements for grading, packaging, labeling, invoicing, and transportation protocols. This webinar will detail those requirements as well as provide links to agencies and resource providers concerning shell egg sales to retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice facilities in Maryland. This information can help egg producers expand their marketing beyond the direct-to-consumer market channel. Watch video
Why Value-Added Products Fail
Video Length: 50:02 | Date: May 25, 2016
Description: Value-Added products can increase your enterprise profit picture, but only if it's a marketable product that fits your resources and farm mission. This presentation explores what works and what doesn't when developing and marketing value-added farm products. And, helps you answer the question, "Just because I can produce a value-added product; should I?" Watch video
Newsletters and Email Marketing
Boost Your Email Newsletter Open Rates
Video Length: 46:01 | Date: August 28, 2019
Description: While some claim they are “dead,” email marketing still has one of the highest engagement rates and returns on investment of any marketing strategy. The success of your email newsletters is dependent upon their open rates. Learn a few simple strategies to increase your chances of someone opening your e-newsletter instead of clicking the dreaded “delete” button. Watch video
Editorial Calendars
Video Length: 32:44 | Date: 2016
Description: There are 365 days in a year but we don’t want to have to work all of them, so having an editorial calendar prepared is important in maintaining content for a 24/7 world while also maintaining our own sanity. Watch video
Email Newsletters, Tips, and Tools
Video Length: 1:02:06 | Date: July 12, 2017
Description: Are you overwhelmed by the thought of writing your own e-newsletter? It’s not as difficult as you might think to create an engaging newsletter to wow your readers! In this webinar we will discuss the nuts and bolts of developing a newsletter, criteria for content, frequency of distribution, the best way to grow a newsletter, and how to use it to generate revenue and build relationships. In addition to discussing best practices, we’ll even share a few tools to measure your success! Watch video
Newsletters
Video Length: 37:17 | Date: June 29, 2016
Description: We all get them, but do we read them? Create a compelling newsletter for your organization so that you gain new subscribers, get more readership from those subscribers and learn how to track what is most important to your clients. Watch video
Prezi - The Basics of Presenting Prezi Style
Video Length: 54:06 | Date: June 8, 2016
Description: The world of media is constantly changing and so are the mediums. Prezi is a presentation tool that allows you to customize your presentation in ways that a regular PowerPoint does not quite allow. The flow is more engaging, every transition can be different, the themes and elements associated range from creative to professional. You can easily add videos, music, photos, and thoughtful interactions. It runs online and you can download it to run on your local machine. Once you go Prezi, you’ll likely not go back. Watch video
Social Media
Creating a Social Media Plan for your Business (Slides)
Date:
Description: Social Media is not a miracle worker. It is just one layer of communication, one tool to let the public know what your business is about. To do it right takes planning. What should you be doing? How to strategize your content, develop a plan, and study who’s doing it right. Designed for existing businesses. Not for personal social media. Download slides
Facebook Business Page
Video Length: 37:17 | Date: April 20, 2016
Description: Learn the basics of setting up a business page on Facebook. Watch video
Facebook Promotions
Video Length: 1:12:48 | Date: June 27, 2018
Description: Not everyone who likes your Facebook page sees your posts on their newsfeeds. Typically only 3-5% of your page fans see your content. That's right! Facebook changed the algorithms. Now, the only way to assure maximum visibility is to promote your page, post, or events. The good news...for very little money, you can really pack a punch. We'll review strategic ways of promoting your content including some free techniques! Watch video
Facebook Strategies
Video Length: 46:03 | Date: June 14, 2016
Description: Learn the best strategy for using and optimizing Facebook in this webinar. Watch video
Figuring Out Facebook Pages
Video Length: 1:16:42 | Date: June 15, 2016
Description: My goodness! A lot has changed since Facebook first offered free pages for businesses and organizations. Learn how to optimize and get the most out of your Facebook page. Watch video
Flickr
Video Length: 1:03:38 | Date: 2016
Description: Learn all about the basics of Flickr in this introduction webinar. Watch video
Holy Hashtag
Video Length: 1:05:01 | Date: June 13, 2018
Description: Holy Hashtag! First "# "was a number sign, then a pound sign, now it's a hashtag? Why are #hashtags important and why are they used on some social media platforms and not others? We'll unpack the symbol and have you hashtagging like a pro in hashtag heartbeat! Watch video
HootSuite
Video Length: 33:10 | Date: 2016
Description: What is a Social Media Platform? How can you manage multiple social media accounts from one account? In this webinar, learn how to use HootSuite, the most popular social media management system. Watch video
How to Create Social Media Memes & Other Photo Apps
Video Length: 1:05:47 | Date: June 14, 2017
Description: An effective social media presence involves using images. Learn how to create memes, which simply text attractively laid across an image. Learn what photo apps help turn photos into dynamite digital messages that capture attention! Watch video
Instagram
Video Length: 1:16:44 | Date: March 8, 2017
Description: Instagram is a fun mobile photo-sharing platform that is also excellent for advocating for agriculture or promoting your business. A short PowerPoint followed by a live demonstration will be part of this webinar. Watch video
Keep it Legal!: Legal Considerations for Marketing Your Farm Social Media
Video Length: 1:08:06 | Date: May 8, 2019
Description: Farmers are being told that they have to get on board with interactive marketing opportunities such as Facebook, Instagram, websites, blogs, e-mail campaigns, podcasts, and even e-commerce. But there are legal traps for the unwary in cyberland. Learn how to avoid legal landmines by learning the legal parameters concerning postings, dealing with negative feedback, posting pictures, and online offerings. Watch video
LinkedIn
Video Length: 45:50 | Date: 2016
Description: The social media platform for professionals. Want to go on social media without the cute cat videos? Present yourself as a serious professional on LinkedIn and develop your personal brand. Watch video
Live Streaming for Advocating and Direct Marketing (Slides)
Date: October 12, 2016
Description: Live streaming video is the hottest technique in social media. Meerkat and Periscope were early favorites, and now Facebook has gotten in on the act with much success. Live streaming is an in-the-moment, authentic way of communicating. Learn what equipment you need and the basic guidelines for sharing your interests, cause, or business to a wider audience, perhaps a global one! Download slides
Personal or Professional Branding on Social Media
Video Length: 34:39 | Date: 2016
Description: What’s the difference between a personal or professional brand? Do you have or need a personal brand? It can make a difference. Watch video
Social Media Privacy
Video Length: 32:10 | Date: 2016
Description: When the world of social media is constantly evolving and new networks are appearing by the day we need to keep ourselves updated on how to make sure our clients, as well as ourselves, know what information is public or private. Watch video
Thought Leadership and Branding on Social Media
Video Length: 1:01:08 | Date: May 22, 2019
Description: Success on Social Media is more than selling a product or service. For the agriculture sector, success is measured by engaged conversations, reaching out beyond our comfort zone, and cultivating your personal and professional brand into a trusted Thought Leader. There's an abundance of conversations about agriculture on social media and not all of them are positive. Be empowered to enter the conversation and make a difference. Watch video
Twitter for Newbies
Video Length: 56:10 | Date: 2016
Description: We’ll create a new Twitter account and go through the step-by-step process. Some basic techniques will be covered. Entry-level. Watch video
Twitter Tricks of the Trade
Video Length: 1:07:03 | Date: 2016
Description: Learn how to use Twitter to build your business' brand during this webinar. Watch video
What Social Media Platform is Right for You?
Video Length: 1:12:27 | Date: 2016
Description: The choices can be dizzying and you can’t do them all and do it well. This review will examine the audiences you are trying to reach and will offer suggestions as to which platform works best. Will briefly touch on how to create a needs assessment for your business or organization. Watch video
Smart Phone Movies
Video Length: 1:15:33 | Date: March 25, 2020
Description: Aren’t smartphones amazing! The images and footage from your smartphone are very high quality. But there are a few shortfalls with producing professional-quality projects, namely sound. We’ll review tools and techniques to produce high-quality videos from your smartphone. Watch video
Snap It, Then App It
Video Length: 1:12:21 | Date: 2016
Description: With digital and smartphone photography, everyone can be a photographer! And a good one at that! This webinar will review the leading photography apps available. Learn how to correct mistakes and make an ordinary snapshot of a work of art suitable for your family or business. Watch Video
Yes, It's Time for Twitter. Really
Video Length: 1:21:55 | Date: October 23, 2019
Description: Of all the social media platforms in use today, this presenter believes Twitter is the most valuable for the agriculture sector. Learn what is new in Twitter and how to grow your influence on the platform and join in conversations that can positively impact how others view agriculture. Watch video