For farms and food hubs, email isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s your direct line to your most loyal customers. While social media algorithms change and traffic comes and goes, your email list is an asset you control. But how do you grow that list? And more importantly, what do you actually send?
In this guide, we’ll break down how to grow your email list with intention and what types of emails create real impact. From simple signup strategies to conversion-driving campaigns, you’ll learn how to turn subscribers into weekly customers.
When it comes to reaching your customers and driving sales, email still pulls more weight than any other channel. It’s not just about sending newsletters. It’s about building relationships that grow your farm.
Here’s why email keeps outperforming social media and paid ads:
Email gives you a straight line to your customers’ inbox. You’re not competing with other farms or food brands like you are on social platforms. Once someone joins your list, you don’t need to pay to reach them again.
Unlike social feeds that bury posts or require ad spend, every email you send has a fair shot at being seen. You own your list, and no one can take that away or throttle your reach.
Well-timed, relevant emails get opened and convert. Weekly farm updates, early access to new products, limited-time offers, or behind-the-scenes stories all give customers a reason to click and buy.
Your email list is more than just a place to drop updates. It’s your VIP section. These are the folks who’ve raised their hand and said, “I’m in.” They want to learn from you, shop with you, and feel like part of your farm.
If you’re not emailing regularly, you’re leaving money in the field. Build that list, treat it like gold, and use it to drive real results.
A strong email list is the foundation of your farm’s marketing. The more people you can reach directly, the more sales you’ll make—plain and simple. Here’s how to grow your list quickly and consistently.
Every customer interaction is a chance to grow your list. Don't wait for folks to stumble across your form. Put it front and center on your website, storefront, checkout page, social media, and even your email signature. Use pop-ups or sticky bars on your site, and if you're at markets, add a QR code or paper sign-up sheet to your booth.
Nobody hands over their email for nothing. Offer something that matters to them—and fast. Some tried-and-true incentives include:
The more valuable and personal your emails feel, the more people will sign up—and stick around.
You need forms that don't just look good, but give you insights too. Tools like Flodesk, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit make it easy to:
Here are 5 campaign types that drive results:
If you're sending emails to customers, the key is to keep them simple and skimmable. Use short paragraphs and bolded headers so your message is easy to follow, especially for folks reading on their phones. Make sure to include clear call-to-action buttons like Shop now or Order by Tuesday so people know exactly what to do next.
High-quality images and consistent branding help your emails stand out and feel professional. When your visuals match your website and social media, it builds trust and recognition.
Subject lines should be short, relevant, and curiosity-driven. They’re the first thing your customers see, and if they don’t catch attention fast, the email won’t get opened. Think of your subject line like the sign on your farmstand, make it welcoming and worth stopping for.
Whenever possible, segment your list. Even simple segmentation can make a big difference. For example:
Each group has different needs, so sending targeted re-engagement emails or special offers can help bring them back and keep them coming.
When Siskiyou Farm Co. began focusing on email, we made simple changes that led to consistent growth:
Within three months, we doubled our active subscriber count and saw a 22% increase in repeat weekly orders.
A thriving email list gives your food hub or farm a direct, reliable way to stay connected and drive sales. Focus on visibility, give customers a reason to sign up, and send emails that deliver value week after week.
Local Line makes it easy to do all of that in one place. From collecting emails through your storefront and order forms to sending targeted price list emails and building smart segments, we’ve got the tools you need to grow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your marketing to the next level, Local Line helps you stay top of mind and top of inbox.
Ready to grow your list and your sales? Book a free demo or create your account today and start sending emails that convert.
The best way for farms to grow an email list is to make signup easy and visible everywhere customers interact with you. Offer clear incentives like discounts, early access to products, or subscriber-exclusive recipes. Using tools like Local Line makes this process seamless.
Email marketing is effective because it offers direct communication without competing against social media algorithms. Emails typically achieve higher open and conversion rates, enabling farms to build strong relationships with customers.
Farms typically send weekly product updates, back-in-stock alerts, featured producer stories, seasonal promotions, and recipes or cooking tips. These emails keep customers informed, engaged, and motivated to purchase regularly.
Create short, curiosity-driven subject lines and keep the content relevant, clear, and visually appealing. Including strong calls-to-action like "Order by Tuesday" helps convert email opens into sales.
Yes, Local Line helps farms and food hubs easily collect email addresses through storefronts, checkout pages, and order forms. It also supports sending automated emails and segmenting customers to boost engagement and sales.
Most successful farms email subscribers at least weekly, typically before order deadlines. Additionally, occasional targeted emails, such as seasonal promotions or low-stock alerts, can drive extra sales.
Tools like Flodesk, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit are highly recommended because they offer easy-to-use forms, automated emails, and analytics to track subscriber growth and engagement effectively.
Success can be measured by tracking open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates (sales from emails), and overall subscriber growth. Using analytics provided by email marketing tools helps farms understand and improve their email effectiveness.