IGCs: Build an Educational HUB
Thoughts on Independent Garden Centers
Many independent garden centers are facing stiff competition from box stores who are now honing in on publishing advice and sharing expertise from freelance bloggers through their own garden blogs. Independents have traditionally been known as the place to go to ask questions, and talk to real gardeners. It would seem that the goal of these Box Store Garden blogs is an attempt to level the playing field.
Independent garden centers have a wealth of local expertise that could easily be shared on a garden blog they publish. Most gardeners search online for answers BEFORE coming to a garden center. By not publishing a blog, you are missing an opportunity to attract readers and ultimately, loyal customers. Writing a newsletter is not enough anymore. Create an EDUCATIONAL HUB that can be searched and referenced by your readers and you’ll soon find them visiting your garden center.
