Alpaca
You need an ideal alpaca marketing strategy to be successful in the alpaca business. Marketing will a huge part of your adventure into the world of alpacas if you plan on making a business with your animals.
Research should be your very first step.
Who is your target market?
Is there a niche within the alpaca industry that you can fill and provide customers with something they want?
Who Buys?
Knowing your market is the most important aspect of successful marketing. Without a target market, you will flounder for sure. So, let’s take a closer look at who the typical alpaca buyer might be:
- Female age 41-50
- Professional
- Already owns some acreage
- Has never owned livestock
- Uses the internet
- Reads lifestyle magazines
Now you have a picture of who is most likely to purchase alpacas.
Does this mean no one else will buy? No.
It just tells you that you would be spending your money and time better by targeting the above group.
Alpacas
Reaching Your Target Market
Alpacas
How do you reach your target market?
Research shows that most of this group uses the internet. Set-up a website. The target group reads magazines such as “Country Living” and “Martha Stewart Living”. Hmmm…think an ad in one of these magazines might hit your target market? Quite possibly.
What Sets You Apart?
Every business has competition. What makes you unique enough that customers would prefer you over a competitor? Offer something different than the competition. Here are some ideas:
- Offer the most alpacas to choose from
- Offer the best deals or alpaca packages
- Offer the best mentoring after purchase
- Offer the highest quality alpacas
- Offer the best guarantee
- Specialize in a color or type
Your research might provide the tip to a great niche or service that no other alpaca business is providing. That could set you ahead of the pack.
Researching
Surf the internet. It is one of the best ways to research today. Visit forums and see what is being said. Ask questions. Do a search on the subject on Google, Yahoo, or MSN. Study your competition.
First, see how their business is doing. Is it strong or struggling.
Second, look at what they are doing to attract customers. If they are successful, you’ll want to incorporate that into your plans. If they are failing, it will help you learn what not to do.
alpaca
Marketing options
alpaca
Do you like things simple?
Well…your marketing choices are very simple.
You can either sell alpacas yourself or have someone else sell your alpacas. We’ll concentrate on selling alpacas yourself.
You can go to shows. This can help market your alpacas but, the problem with using this in your ideal alpaca marketing strategy is you have to win.
Fairs attract lots of people but, how many are your target market?
Probably not many.
Hosting a farm day is a great option. Your target market comes to you. If they aren’t interested, they won’t show up. Most people visit only two farms prior to their first purchase. Why not make your farm one of them?
In conclusion
Your ideal alpaca marketing strategy should be to target the correct market, offer something unique from your competitors, and provide a way for customers to become familiar your product. Master this and your alpaca business will grow and prosper.
