How to Market Your Herbal Business Without the Internet

Uncover the untapped potential of offline marketing strategies for your herbal business in this enlightening episode. We delve into how driving local connections can create a lasting impact on your sales and customer loyalty. From setting up at farmer’s markets and craft fairs to crafting the perfect booth layout, every detail counts when it comes to making a memorable impression on potential customers.

Listeners will learn actionable strategies for enhancing their product's packaging, ensuring it aligns with their brand identity while also drawing in customers. By integrating effective event presentation techniques and creating engaging customer experiences, you enhance the likelihood of generating repeat business and referrals. We explore the value of cultivating a solid referral network within the wellness community, which can substantially elevate your business's visibility and credibility.

We also touch on fostering long-term client relationships through education and service excellence. The dynamic exchange of recommendations among practitioners and clients not only cultivates trust but also emphasizes the synergies found within the herbal community. By implementing these insights, you can master your offline marketing presence while maintaining a balance with your online strategies. 

Subscribe now, and let’s transform how you connect with clients, drive your herbal business ahead, and elevate the way you share your passion for natural healing.

Heart of Herbs Herbal School 
The Heart of Herbs Podcast with Demetria Clark! 🌿 Tune in for herbal wisdom & wellness tips!

Welcome to the Heart of Herbs Herbal School Podcast, www.heartofherbs.com where we explore the world of herbal remedies and natural health solutions. Before we dive into today's episode, If you want to enroll, use code PODCAST to save 20%.

The content provided in this podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional

Chapters

• 1:15 Introduction to Offline Marketing
• 1:49 The Importance of Community Connections
• 5:37 Enhancing Your Brand with Attractive Packaging
• 11:59 Creating Memorable Booth Experiences
• 19:12 The Role of Referral Networks in Business Growth
• 25:52 Educational Opportunities for Herbal Marketing

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:37

Hi, this is Demetria Clark, the director of Heart of Herbs Herbal School, and today, on the Heart of Herbs Herbal School podcast, we are doing our first second episode of a two-part series. Did I say that right, I guess so. So, anyways, this is Herbal Business Marketing, episode 2. And the first episode so go back and listen to that if you haven't heard it is online marketing, and that's something that a lot of people always want to know a lot of information about. But this next episode is offline marketing, which can be just as, if not more, important than your online marketing. So offline marketing, what exactly does that mean? That means you're not on the internet selling your item. It means that you're not using online internet interactions as the primary way to market. So offline marketing this is when you want to connect with your local community, and I'm going to explain some different ways to do that, and I'm also going to give you tips and ideas that really come from being in the industry for like a gazillion years. So the first thing you're going to want to do is to go sit down on your computer and open your calendar, and then open a browser and start looking at what are your areas regional farmer's market, craft fairs, christmas fairs, holiday markets. Octoberfest is a good one that often has places for you to set up and connect with people. So you can get that information at the Chamber of Commerce Googling it, going to your extension service. There's lots of different places that host these kinds of markets. So where I live is really, really rural. The town that I live in has, like I don't know, less than 3000 people, Right, and we actually have a farmer's market less than three miles away and then another one in the town that has about 15,000 people. And then there's another town about 25 minutes away that has a really big farmer's market. 25 minutes away that has a really big farmer's market, and then, if we wanted to, we could also hit the towns within 20 to 30 minutes from us in Virginia or North Carolina. So there are a lot of marketing opportunities within a half hour of where you live.

Speaker 1: 3:20

So the first one we're going to talk about is farmer's markets and craft fairs. Look, nothing beats face-to-face interactions. Selling at farmer's markets, wellness fairs, craft fairs, holiday markets not only helps you build relationships, but also allows customers to experience your products and you firsthand. Look, they're gonna be falling in love with you on some level too. You know that when you go to buy something, the person that you're connecting with on the other side of the product if it's face-to-face, you don't wanna buy from someone that doesn't make you feel good or makes you feel intimidated or pushed or anything like that. So people are going to build a personal connection with you Now. This can lead to loyal customers who appreciate the quality and the passion behind your offerings, and with those loyal customers come loyal word of mouth. So how can you stand out at these markets? Because you're probably like there's a million people doing the same thing as me.

Speaker 1: 4:27

Well, I'm going to tell you Enhance your brand with attractive packaging. Packaging is really, really important. Investing in attractive branded packaging is really crucial to make a strong first impression. Your packaging serves as the initial interaction customers have with your product, especially if you're not there. And it's not just about aesthetics. It conveys your brand's values and commitment to quality. Your packaging also reflects your brand identity. It should tell us about the story of your brand.

Speaker 1: 4:56

Use colors and fonts and imagery that align with your brand's identity. For example, if your brand emphasizes sustainability, consider eco-friendly packaging materials and earthy tones that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. The elements of design. So, listen, this is something that everybody really goes back and forth on, and sometimes it's good to hire a professional to help you with your like your logo design and coming up with how your packaging will look. Sometimes people get married to a logo that is really beautiful on paper but isn't going to transfer to product packaging well, or t-shirts or things like that. And so when you work with a designer and there's lots of places out there that have very reasonably priced designers If you work with a designer right, you can come up with a version of what your logo is that will work in a prominently displayed fashion. So your logo should be displayed everywhere. It should be recognizable and reflect your brand's personality. Your color scheme should offer a cohesive palette throughout your packaging to create visual harmony throughout your packaging. To create visual harmony. So if you have a booth set up right, you can make your booth fit those color schemes too, and you can even get like custom printed fabrics nowadays and tablecloths and, you know, folding chairs. I mean, you can literally get your brand on everything right.

Speaker 1: 6:40

Now, this consistency also helps people with brand recall. So, jane, what was that? You know that cream. What was it? What was it? You know it had the blue logo and the flat oh, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, that Dimitri brand. So that is something that you want people to take with them. And then you're going to want to have some unique design elements. So consider custom shapes, textures or patterns that can make your packaging stand out. This can be anything from a unique box design to innovative closures. Now, when you're first starting out, this can be a little bit more expensive. So working with having a really good logo and really sharp product packaging can really be helpful.

Speaker 1: 7:26

Quality matters. The quality of your packaging material speaks volumes about your brand. So use durable and high quality materials that protect the product inside. That also enhance the user experience. Customers often associate the quality of packaging with the quality of the product itself. So sometimes, if you go to different places that have lots and lots of different kinds of skincare products, for example, and then you go and you look at the ingredients, you may have eight different things that basically all have the same ingredients, right, little variations, but basically they're pretty close. But you're going to pay more for a you know, chanel or Givenchy skin cream than you're going to pay for like something like First Aid Beauty, right, and those two brands are really, really different and you're buying the brand, not just the product. You're buying the packaging and the marketing and what's behind it. So your customers will associate the quality of you with the quality of packaging and the quality of the product itself.

Speaker 1: 8:41

Presentation at events. So, in addition to product packaging, how you present your brand at events is really, really important. Invest in branded gear, including items like banners, signage, promotional materials that carry your branded easy up tent. If you go to a kind of event where you have to supply your own tent, if you go to events that will be like, okay, all the tents need to be this, or we supply you with the tent, then get yourself a banner that you can affix to a tent. Tablecloths, using branded tablecloths, and incorporate your logo and colors. Help create a really professional looking booth. Create a memorable experience so your packaging doesn't end at the product.

Speaker 1: 9:27

You've got to think about how people are going to feel walking into your booth. Your booth is like your boutique, so make it feel that way. You can have chairs for people to sit in, you can have personalized thank you notes, you can have samples, you can do different things to reinforce your brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and their overall experience. Things like fresh herbs and vases you know those can be really beautiful arrangements. You can have testers for people to look at, you can have a rocking chair with a stool and you can have a breastfeeding station. There's lots of different things that you can do, depending upon what kind of product you offer. You can also have mirrors so people can take a look at things if they're trying something on their skin or their face. Carefully considering your packaging presentation will allow you to create a brand that will really work for them.

Speaker 1: 10:30

So you can offer samples of teas or bombs. Nothing entices customers quite like a taste test or a small experience. So you can also do. You can buy little sample containers and if people purchase something, you can give them a few free samples. Sorry about that. You can also try to have a place for them to immediately try something. So make sure you have clean sanitary testing utensils and clear signage explaining the benefits and ingredients of each product. So they have like these little spatulas. So if you have like little salves or balm testers, they can take a little spatula or a little wooden, you know, paddle and rub it on their skin and they can check it out before they buy it.

Speaker 1: 11:24

Offer some kind of email signup sheet for future offers. This can be like something that's on a tablet they can sign up when they purchase, or you can have a place for them to sign up to get on the email list Even if they don't buy anything. You could offer a small incentive like a discount on their next purchase or a chance to win a gift basket. Make it clear that subscribing means they'll receive really exclusive offers and updates about new products and tips on using them effectively, and that be like hey, I don't want to be your spam, but I want to let you know when we have something special going on. Then you're going to want to personalize your interaction. So take the time to talk to your customers, share the story behind the products and how they're made, so you can even have something printed up like a banner that's like our origin story in it, like one of those you know tall banners and just have, like you know, something there you could do you know you can do it in all different ways or little cards that they can take that that shares how you got started. Asking open-ended questions can help you understand their needs and preferences and that can help you guide them to make the right product choices.

Speaker 1: 12:30

Create an engaging booth layout. Your space should feel welcoming and reflect the atmosphere of your brand. So we already talked about this. Banners, tablecloths, plants can help enhance your aesthetic. A visually appealing setup can draw customers in and encourage them to explore your offerings. Have plenty of stuff. Don't make it too crowded where if they're in there, they're knocking stuff over if there's more than one person. So you can engage in social media during the event. So you can have a little place where people can post pictures and tag you. You can have, you know, take a picture with our banner and, you know, two random people will win blah blah blah prize. You can do all different kinds of things. You can share behind the scenes snippets, live updates from the market or customer testimonials. Encourage visitors to tag your business in their posts when they share their experiences. Now, I know this is about offline marketing, but, of course, with anything the worlds combine, combining these strategies can help you create an engaging and memorable experience at farmer's markets and craft fairs, ultimately leading to increased sales and lasting relationships.

Speaker 1: 13:42

Have a strong business referral network. This is another thing that a lot of people overlook when they have an online business. So when you build a business referral network, it is really an effective way for herbalists and health practitioners to grow their practice. Having a trusted group of professionals and clients who recommend you can lead to increased credibility, more clients, a long-term business success. Here is why this is so valuable. A business referral network can help you get a steady flow of clients. These word of mouth referrals are one of the most powerful ways to attract clients. When trusted professionals such as midwives, chiropractors, acupuncturists, holistic doctors, physicians and nurses recommend you, their clients are more likely to book your services. People trust recommendations from someone they already know. A referral client is more likely to be ready to buy than someone who finds you online, and it reduces the need for heavy advertising, since clients come naturally through referrals. It also builds credibility and a professional reputation. Having a strong network can help you position yourself as a trusted expert in your field. So you can also do this by inviting customers who really, really love you to join an affiliate program or something like that also. But when you are being referred by practitioners and past clients, it speaks highly of your skills. It also reinforces your credibility.

Speaker 1: 15:17

Being endorsed by professionals increases client confidence in your herbal remedies and holistic services. It creates collaborative opportunities like being invited to wellness panels, events or guest speaking. It also helps you build an authoritative presence in your online community. So if a chiropractor, for example, recommends your herbal tinctures for inflammation relief, their clients will trust your products more than if they just simply saw an ad online because that person is saying I believe in this product and I'm also a wellness practitioner or a physician or whatever. Their job is right. It also increases revenue without extra marketing costs. So a referral-based business requires you to spend less on paid ads or time-consuming outreach.

Speaker 1: 16:02

Your network does the marketing for you, bringing in clients who already trust your services. It saves big money on ads and promotional campaigns. It can bring in high quality, pre-qualified leads, especially if you are offering clinical services. People already know what you're offering and they already know that the customer is interested in herbalism, holistic health, natural healing. More clients leads to more referrals, which leads to higher client retention rates, leading to repeat business and a steady income. So if a midwife, for example, refers expectant mothers to your pregnancy safe, herbal support, their clients are more likely to return for postpartum care and future wellness needs and products for their children. It can also expand your offerings and client support.

Speaker 1: 16:57

By working with complimentary practitioners, you can create a holistic circle of care for your clients. You can refer your clients to other trusted professionals when they need services outside of your expertise. So you can also refer to other trusted professionals. You have to be an active part of this referral world. You can't just take, take, take, you need to also give. Give. Give. Mutual referrals means your network sends clients to your way as well. So you guys are going to be working together to create clients and give your customers and clients the best care. So some collaborative packages, such as herbalists and nutritionists can work together in wellness plans for herbal pain management and acupuncture services can go together. Holistic skincare and massage therapy. A holistic dentist may recommend your herbal mouth rinses while you refer clients to them for mercury-free fillings or stuff like that. See how this works. It really is a collaborative thing and we have to work together to support each other.

Speaker 1: 18:04

Small businesses don't exist in a vacuum. They really need each other and sometimes in the wellness world I think we think like it's us against the world or it's very clicky or stuff like that, and so you can create your own circle of referrals and business growth. It can also boost business growth and opportunity. So having a strong network leads to new partnerships, speaking engagements and collaborations to help you grow your herbal practice. You may be invited to speak at wellness workshops, podcasts or other local health events, get opportunities to co-create products and other kinds of materials with other experts. You can run joint promotions to help. You could offer coupons for someone else and they can offer coupons for you, or, you know, if they purchase your products, they can get a free ebook or something like that. There's ways that you can work together. Another thing is that it strengthens community and client trust. A strong referral network builds community within the wellness industry and helps you support yourself as a practitioner, but it also creates a support system for you as a practitioner. You'll have a network of like-minded professionals to exchange knowledge and ideas, so if you need to go over case studies or something like that, you have someone that you can talk to.

Speaker 1: 19:28

I think sometimes, when we don't collaborate with other people in our industry, we can really start to think that our way is the only way, and we don't want to do that. We want to be able to learn and grow and continually get new ideas. We also want our clients to feel supported, knowing they're getting care from a trusted team of practitioners that, look, we got this referral network. I mean in your referral network. It can offer not just other businesses that do similar things with you, it can also be like for services like food stamps and WIC and food pantries, like really network in your community. You want to build long-term relationships that will offer continued referrals over time. You can volunteer at food pantries. You can do walks, for you know these different marathons, you can. You know these different marathons. You can. You know sponsor things. These are ways to build client and community trust in the network. So you want to connect with local and online practitioners in complementary fields to yours so nutritionists, midwives, holistic doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, doctors and nurses that are really wanting to expand their range of working with natural remedies and information on that. You can offer incentives for client referrals discounts, free mini consultations.

Speaker 1: 20:52

Attend wellness events, expos and networking groups. Join the chamber of commas. Go out there, join some of the Chamber of Commas. Go out there, join some of the traditional business things, because other people are doing it right and that's a great way to network and you don't have to just network with people that are in the same industry as you. Provide workshops where other professionals can see your expertise and then follow up with your referral partners and express gratitude for their support when you find out someone has sent someone your way. A strong referral business network can help herbalists and health practitioners grow a thriving, sustainable practice and it can bring in new, effortless clients. It can build credibility, increase revenue and strengthens community connections. The best part it allows you to focus on what you love helping people heal naturally with herbs.

Speaker 1: 21:48

Another great way is to take a business class, so one that's specifically focused in herbalism or herbal products. So, for example, at Heart of Herbs we have something like that. So this is more of a ooh talk about Heart of Herbs thing. Right, but I don't know what other people offer. I know what I offer. So what we have is an opportunity for our students to grow through mentorship in the herbal industry of their choice. So there's lots of different things herbal skincare, clinical practice. We work and help you do that. We also, you know, offer letters of recommendation and, if you want independent study credit, we offer transcripts for that. We offer business and marketing training alongside herbal education. We provide specialized training in business strategies marketing, client connection, client attraction that are specifically designed for herbalists, and it helps you learn how to promote your products effectively and grow your customer base. In addition to that, we have a supportive community for our students. Now I'm done the ad right.

Speaker 1: 23:01

If you want to learn more, go to heartofherbscom, but what we want to do is help you through this podcast and our other forums out there, like the Herbal School and our Facebook business page. We really want to help you find a way to work herbalism into your business marketing strategy. If that's something that you want to do, so remember, have a website and an email list, show up on social media and build a community. Teach and sell and connect locally, keep learning and growing every single day. So I'd love to hear from you what is your favorite way to market your herbal business? Dm me at Instagram at Heart of Herbs, or you can directly reply to the podcast. We have a way for you to submit a question, so definitely do that.

Speaker 1: 23:56

I'd love to hear what people are thinking. I'd love to help support you to submit a question, so definitely do that. I'd love to hear what people are thinking. I'd love to help support you grow your herbal business. I have been doing this since I was 21 years old. That's when I first started my first herbal business. I had a website on GeoCities, right, I mean like this is how long I've had a business online focusing specifically on herbalism.

Speaker 1: 24:21

So I would love to have the opportunity to help you grow your business and to help you thrive and have a sustainable practice, because I really truly feel that if every street had an herbalist, then everyone would use an herbalist, because people would know exactly what wonderful services you offer. Thank you so much for listening, and have a wonderful, wonderful day. I'm really excited to have been able to share this two-part series with you on herbal marketing, and so definitely, if you haven't listened to the online one, definitely listen to that and then listen to this. Or if you're just finishing this, then go listen to that one that was really a silly way to say it Because I think it's really important that we look at things in a full and holistic way and really focus on connecting with clients. I think that's something that people really need. So, again, I'm going to say goodbye and thank you for listening and have a wonderful, wonderful day.