Find Brandon online: https://seooptimizers.com/

In this episode, Liz discusses SEO optimization for small businesses with Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers. They explore the importance of SEO for small business owners, particularly those in niche markets like flower farming. The conversation covers the basics of SEO, strategies for optimizing websites, the significance of content creation, and the role of video in enhancing online visibility. Brandon shares practical tips on keyword research, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging various platforms to drive traffic. The episode emphasizes the long-term benefits of SEO and the need for patience and consistency in building online presence.

Takeaways

• SEO is crucial for small businesses to convert hobbies into profitable ventures.
• Understanding SEO basics is essential for increasing online visibility.
• Optimizing website content with relevant keywords can significantly improve search rankings.
• Creating dedicated pages for specific keywords enhances SEO effectiveness.
• Regularly updating content keeps it relevant and improves search engine rankings.
• Video content can boost SEO when embedded on websites.
• Keyword research is vital for targeting the right audience and increasing traffic.
• Avoiding duplicate content is important to prevent penalties from search engines.
• Utilizing tools like Google Keyword Planner can simplify keyword research.
• Patience is key; SEO results take time to manifest.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the intricacies of growing Ranunculus, sharing her personal experiences, challenges, and future plans. Over the course of the conversation, she reflects on her past growing seasons, the lessons learned from various experiments, and the adjustments made for the current season. Liz also outlines her strategies for future cultivation, including innovations in high tunnel farming and the importance of planning for seasonal flower demands, particularly for weddings and subscriptions.

Takeaways

• Ranunculus can be beautiful but challenging to grow in colder climates.
• Past experiences have taught valuable lessons about corm management.
• Pre-sprouting techniques can significantly impact growth success.
• Soil temperature is crucial for the successful blooming of Ranunculus.
• Planning for specific flower demands is essential for profitability.
• Experimentation is key to finding the best growing methods.
• High tunnels can provide better growing conditions for delicate flowers.
• Future plans include expanding growing space and improving infrastructure.
• Collaboration among local flower farmers can enhance market demand.
• Understanding customer expectations is vital for successful sales.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Reme's website: https://www.rememancera.com/story-connectors-1on1/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY5FvFboY6RqUIx3wsxSoGScfBr0YwbjH9DfjhUwbCiRzHKcmJ1R7Nzx-Y_aem_PUKn4Bv6QKREx_WEB6k3Dw

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with personal branding strategist Reme Mancera about the significance of storytelling in building a personal brand. They discuss how to find unique stories, the importance of authenticity and transparency in marketing, and strategies for connecting with audiences. Reme emphasizes that everyone has stories to share, even if they don't seem epic, and that repetition and structure can help in effectively communicating these stories. The conversation highlights the long-term benefits of storytelling in branding and marketing.

Takeaways

• Your story is what makes you unique.
• You don't need an epic story to connect with your audience.
• Look for 10 little moments in your journey to share.
• Authenticity and transparency are crucial in branding.
• Repetition helps build familiarity and connection with your audience.
• You can share the same story in different ways for different audiences.
• It's okay to have private stories that you don't share publicly.
• Finding relevant stories can make marketing easier and more effective.
• Structure your content to make storytelling easier.
• Long-term strategies are essential for sustainable branding.

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, discusses the importance of embracing one's unique path as an entrepreneur without feeling the need to conform to societal expectations. She shares insights on the judgments faced by ambitious individuals and how to shift one's mindset to own their ambition without guilt. The conversation also touches on the significance of intentional living and surrounding oneself with supportive people to foster personal growth and success.

Takeaways

• Embrace your unique goals and dreams without apology.
• Judgments from others often stem from misunderstanding or concern.
• It's important to shift your mindset to own your ambition without guilt.
• Comparison can either inspire or deplete you; choose wisely.
• There is enough space for everyone's success in the world.
• Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals.
• Focus on the intention behind others' words to avoid defensiveness.
• What energizes one person may deplete another; respect those differences.
• Intentional living is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• These episodes aim to inspire anyone pursuing a dream or growing a business.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz interviews Cathy Nesbitt, the 'Laughing Bean Queen' and founder of Cathy's Crawley Composters. They discuss the benefits and methods of indoor composting with worms, including the science behind it, how to manage a worm bin, and the environmental impact of composting. Kathy shares her journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to educating others about the importance of composting and connecting with nature. The conversation emphasizes the ease of composting at home and the joy of nurturing worms as part of sustainable gardening practices.

Takeaways

• Indoor composting is a viable solution for those with limited outdoor space.
• Worms require a carbon-nitrogen mix for effective composting.
• Aerobic composting prevents bad odors and promotes healthy decomposition.
• Temperature, moisture, and airflow are key factors in worm composting.
• Freezing food scraps can speed up the composting process.
• Citrus, garlic, and onion should be avoided in worm bins.
• Worms can breed to fill their space without overpopulating.
• Cathy's journey into composting began with a personal challenge.
• Education and workshops are essential for promoting composting.
• Connecting with nature through gardening fosters a peaceful existence.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz speaks with Marilyn about the significance of Google Business Profiles for local businesses. They discuss how to set up and optimize these profiles to enhance visibility, engage with customers, and gather reviews. Marilyn emphasizes the importance of regular updates and content creation to maintain an active presence on Google, which can lead to increased customer traffic and business growth. The conversation also touches on strategies for effectively asking for reviews and the overall impact of a well-managed Google Business Profile on local business success.

Takeaways

• Google Business Profiles are essential for local visibility.
• Regular updates to your profile can enhance search relevance.
• Engaging with customers through posts and Q&A is crucial.
• Photos and videos improve your profile's attractiveness.
• Claim and verify your business profile to start.
• Use keywords in your business name and description.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews with QR codes.
• Responding to reviews is important for reputation management.
• Content on your profile can drive traffic to your website.
• Investing time in your Google Business Profile pays off.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

First 20 farmers sign up here to waive the activation fee: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/offers/MaYLNyjv/checkout?

Learn more about Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/f2f-farmer

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz introduces FarmersToFlorists.com, a platform designed to connect flower farmers with florists. Liz discusses the challenges faced by florists in sourcing local flowers and how her platform aims to streamline the process. The conversation covers the features of the website, pricing options, and the importance of building relationships between farmers and florists. Liz emphasizes the need for a sustainable business model and the potential for growth in the floral industry.

Takeaways

• Farmers to Florists was created to help flower farmers and florists connect more efficiently.
• Many florists struggle to buy local flowers due to logistical challenges.
• The platform allows farmers to manage their wholesale orders and communicate directly with florists.
• Identifying the right type of florist is crucial for flower farmers.
• The website offers a password-protected page for florists to see available flowers.
• Farmers can keep 100% of their earnings without commission fees.
• The platform is designed to save time and maintain boundaries for flower farmers.
• Customization options are available for farmers to tailor their pages.
• The goal is to have a vetted network of flower farmers for florists to rely on.
• Future marketing strategies include reaching out to florists and promoting the platform at conventions.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the pros and cons of growing zinnias, a popular flower among flower farmers. She highlights their ease of growth, high yield, and vibrant colors, making them ideal for casual arrangements and you-pick farms. However, she also addresses challenges such as their tendency to bend, issues with water quality, and poor performance in cooler storage. Liz provides insights on the best varieties for different uses and concludes with a verdict on whether zinnias are a worthwhile addition to a flower farm.

Takeaways

• Zinnias are bright, cheerful, and easy to grow flowers.
• They are a staple in many flower farms due to their high yield.
• Zinnias add volume and texture to floral arrangements.
• They thrive in hot weather, making them ideal for summer.
• Zinnias can turn water slimy quickly, affecting vase life.
• They do not store well in coolers, impacting wedding work.
• Choosing the right zinnia variety is crucial for intended use.
• The wiggle test helps determine the right time to harvest zinnias.
• Zinnias are great for you-pick sections due to their popularity.
• They are productive and profitable but come with some quirks.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

This conversation explores various aspects of flower farming, focusing on spring blooms, growing techniques, challenges faced by farmers, and the importance of both annuals and perennials. The speakers share their experiences, mistakes, and successes in cultivating flowers, particularly in colder climates. They discuss strategies for fall planting, overwintering techniques for specific plants like eucalyptus, and the significance of timing in seed starting. The conversation concludes with insights on wildflower patches and the overall journey of flower farming. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various innovative planting techniques and strategies for flower farming, focusing on specific flowers like peonies, tulips, anemones, and feverfew. They share personal experiences with planting in high tunnels, experimenting with fall planting, and the challenges of timing blooms for events. The discussion also covers the use of frost cloth versus plastic for plant protection and the importance of staggering plantings to ensure a continuous supply of flowers throughout the growing season.

Takeaways

• Spring blooms require careful planning and knowledge.
• Mistakes in flower farming can be costly but are learning opportunities.
• High tunnels can significantly extend the growing season.
• Bells of Ireland can be tricky to grow from seed.
• Early planting is crucial for success with cold hardy annuals.
• Perennials play a vital role in early flower production.
• Eucalyptus can be overwintered with proper care and techniques.
• Timing in seed starting is essential for successful blooms.
• Wildflower patches can thrive with the right conditions and care. Experimenting with different planting techniques can yield surprising results.
• Using fabric can help keep the ground warm for early blooms.
• Fall planting can be a viable option if conditions are right.
• Lysianthus can be planted in succession for extended blooms.
• Peonies can benefit from being grown in tunnels for earlier blooms.
• Staggering tulip plantings helps manage bloom timing for events.
• Anemones and ranunculus can be grown together for a longer flowering period.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode, Liz discusses the valuable lessons learned from attending wedding expos and how they can enhance revenue for flower farmers. She emphasizes the importance of networking, showcasing seasonal flowers, managing client expectations, and the significance of authenticity in building relationships with clients. Liz also shares insights on understanding wedding budgets and the educational role florists can play in the planning process. The conversation wraps up with key takeaways and future plans for expanding her business.

Takeaways

• Never say never about adding weddings to your revenue stream.
• Wedding expos provide significant networking opportunities.
• Showcasing locally grown seasonal flowers is essential.
• Managing client expectations is crucial in wedding planning.
• Understanding wedding budgets helps in client education.
• Authenticity is key in building relationships with clients.
• Strategic displays should reflect what you can deliver.
• Weddings can be a great income source without major crop changes.
• Clear communication is vital for successful consultations.
• Future plans include expanding the business and offerings.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852