Need your feedback . . . FORUM OR CLASSIFIEDS?

[kobo_ranch]

Hi everyone, we need your feedback I've been posting some things on both the forum but mainly the classifieds.
We can't figure out how some posts get tons of lookers (by the counts) and lots of responses, while others don't.
I've put several posts, and some lookers but not alot, think have put some good calves on too, but just a handful of responses.
What do you suggest to help us get more feedback.  We're new breeders in Texas, and have a great set of calves, (at fair prices!) just
need your advise and recommendations on the best way to get our name out there!  Any help is APPRECIATED!

Thanks a bunch! 

 

[farmboy]

pictures. details. big title that sounds...idk... explosive

 

[shortyjock89]

I would do what you have been doing, and then once you get the calves cleaned up and clipped, take some really good pics of them and put them on here. Also, a good way to get your name out is to put some of your better calves on Consignment sales this spring (if you can), and make sure that 4H kids in your area know that you have competitive calves for sale at reasonable prices.  

I think the biggest part of your trouble is that a LOT of us on SP are from up north, and don't show fall steers.  Another one might be that you need more pics and better quality pics. Quality pictures of calves in pasture are tough to come by, I bet you get some better ones once you get them clipped.  We have a very good article her on SP about taking pictures, I believe RSC wrote it for us. Good Luck!  

P.S. Remember that it can be really tough to sell calves as a new breeder, and the economy is slow right now.

 

[doubled]

I just checked out your classifieds, you have nice cattle but I guess we try to put as they say (your best foot forward) - that means I believe its
best to at least rough the calves out before posting pictures, even if its the head, navel, and tail it will improve the look of the calf by tons.

We also sell some fall calves here in Iowa and have really good luck moving cattle to Texas- but its a pretty competitive world out there and
we are just starting out too but have found that the best you present your cattle and yourself you will gradually get more lookers, our biggest
problem (or should I say my sons) is learning how to properly call people back (mostly finding the time) and keeping track of how you do that,
with time hopefully he will learn that as he grows older and becomes wiser and a better organizer.  That is why alot of the time you find me trying to
help responding and helping to market our cattle.  Now that I have gotten off of the topic  hehe

Again the biggest thing I see is that you need to present the cattle in a better way, the quality is there just the packaging needs improving.
Im not trying to be critical just trying to help

 

[AAOK]

I just looked at your classified also, and agree, you do have some nice calves.  We started a club calf breeding program to have calves for our kids to show.  A huge majority of our customers were others at the shows who knew we were breeding our own show stock.  This was when very few had internet, and there were no club calf sites or forums.  After the kids were gone, most of my calls, visits and sales originated from my website.  I have had a site with ClubCalves.com for several years, and will admit I didn't do a good job of keeping it updated.  But, it generated a lot of interest in spite of my laziness.  If you don't have a website, get one.  I also believe we can generate a lot of business from offering sound advice on these forums.  I think my last 3 or 4 sales came directly from a forum thread.  As a matter of fact, when I decided to sell out in 2007, my now partner (also in Texas) found me right here on SteerPlanet.

I don't believe you have to break every calf, or even clip each one, but if you post pictures, they need to be really good.  That would mean clipping the calves, and making sure you have a presentalbe picture.

If you consign to some well known producers sale, you will get more exposure.  That wasn't for me.  I prefer to deal directly with my customer, plus, I never had the time to put in the 2 or 3 days away at the sale location.

If you will shop around on the internet, you will find many places to post free classified ads.  Again, pictures are a must, and the calves must look good. 

If you want to excell at marketing, you must be aware that everything we say and do is marketing ourselves in one way or another.  Never think you can market your calves without marketing yourself.  Do you have business cards with you at all times?  Do you have a good logo?

One huge advantage I think you have is location.  A 100 mile radius from where you live should give you quite an opportunity for sales.

Good Luck

 

[kobo_ranch]

I just looked at your classified also, and agree, you do have some nice calves.  We started a club calf breeding program to have calves for our kids to show.  A huge majority of our customers were others at the shows who knew we were breeding our own show stock.  This was when very few had internet, and there were no club calf sites or forums.  After the kids were gone, most of my calls, visits and sales originated from my website.  I have had a site with ClubCalves.com for several years, and will admit I didn't do a good job of keeping it updated.  But, it generated a lot of interest in spite of my laziness.  If you don't have a website, get one.  I also believe we can generate a lot of business from offering sound advice on these forums.  I think my last 3 or 4 sales came directly from a forum thread.  As a matter of fact, when I decided to sell out in 2007, my now partner (also in Texas) found me right here on SteerPlanet.

I don't believe you have to break every calf, or even clip each one, but if you post pictures, they need to be really good.  That would mean clipping the calves, and making sure you have a presentalbe picture.

If you consign to some well known producers sale, you will get more exposure.  That wasn't for me.  I prefer to deal directly with my customer, plus, I never had the time to put in the 2 or 3 days away at the sale location.

If you will shop around on the internet, you will find many places to post free classified ads.  Again, pictures are a must, and the calves must look good. 

If you want to excell at marketing, you must be aware that everything we say and do is marketing ourselves in one way or another.  Never think you can market your calves without marketing yourself.  Do you have business cards with you at all times?  Do you have a good logo?

One huge advantage I think you have is location.  A 100 mile radius from where you live should give you quite an opportunity for sales.

Good Luck

WANT TO SAY A HUGE!!!! THANK YOU FOR EVERYONES FEEDBACK FOR US!  VERY HELPFUL, THANKS TO YOU AND GOD BLESS!!