Directory Profiles for Farmers’ Markets

Why Directory Profiles Matter

When people look for a farmers’ market, most of them do not start on social media.

They search things like:

• “farmers market near me”

• “farmers market today”

• “[town] farmers market hours”

What shows up first isn’t Instagram or Facebook, it’s maps and directory listings.

Directory profiles act like your digital Yellow Pages:

• They help people find you

• They confirm you’re real, active, and open

• They often answer questions before someone ever reaches your website

If your directory info is wrong, outdated, or missing, people may assume:

• You’re closed

• You moved

• You’re not operating this season

That’s why accurate directory listings are foundational — not optional.

The Must-Have Listings (Your Digital Yellow Pages)

These are the listings every farmers’ market should prioritize.

Google Business Profile

Your #1 Priority

Why it matters
This is the single most important directory listing you can have.

It controls:

• What shows up when someone Googles your market name

• “Farmers market near me” results

• Google Maps visibility

• Quick answers (hours, location, SNAP/EBT, photos)

If Google Business Profile is wrong, everything downstream suffers.

Quick setup

• Go to business.google.com

• Search for your market

• Claim the listing (or create one)

• Category: Farmers Market

• Add hours, season dates, location, website, and photos

⏱ Takes about 20 minutes.

Best practices

• Update hours immediately when the season starts and ends

• Add 5–10 real photos (vendors, shoppers, signage)

• Post simple updates (“Open today 10–2”)

• Double-check map pin placement (this matters more than you think)

Critical for iPhone Users

Why it matters
Apple Maps is the default navigation app for iPhones.

If you’re not listed, or your info is wrong, you are invisible to a huge portion of your audience.

How to add or claim

• Visit mapsconnect.apple.com

• Search for your market

• Claim or submit your listing

⏳ Approval can take a few weeks. Start early.

Key tip
Apple Maps data feeds into:

• Siri

• CarPlay

• iPhone navigation searches

Accuracy here is just as important as Google.

The Forgotten Friend (But Still Worth It)

Why bother?
About 15% of people use Bing — especially:

• Older audiences

• Desktop PC users

It’s free, fast, and easy.

Easy setup

• Go to bingplaces.com

• Import your Google Business Profile info

• Review and submit

⏱ About 10 minutes.

This is a “set it and forget it” win.

Your Community Home Base

Why it’s essential
This is where:

• Dedicated farmers’ market shoppers look first

• New shoppers discover markets statewide

• Funders and partners verify legitimacy

Being listed shows you’re part of the broader Maine farmers’ market ecosystem.

How to join

• Visit mainefarmersmarkets.org

• Membership includes directory listing + resources

This is one of the best ROI investments a market can make.

Capturing Tourist Traffic

Why it matters
Visitors actively use Real Maine to find:

• Authentic local experiences

• Food, agriculture, and community events

Farmers’ markets are a perfect fit.

How to get listed

• Contact through realmaine.com

• Most Maine markets qualify for free listings

This is especially valuable for:

• Summer markets

• Coastal or tourist-area markets

For Visitor Discovery

Best for

• Tourist-heavy regions

• Seasonal destination towns

• Markets near hotels, beaches, or attractions

Getting listed

• Free at tripadvisor.com/owners

• Use bright, people-filled photos

• Emphasize local flavor and experience

Tourists love authenticity — show the vibe.

The Conscious Consumer Hub

Is it worth the $30/year?
Yes — if your market:

• Has organic or sustainable vendors

• Emphasizes local agriculture

• Wants highly motivated shoppers

These users actively seek farmers’ markets and tend to spend more.

Tips

• List anchor vendors

• Add photos

• Keep description values-focused

Yelp

Proceed With Extreme Caution

The issue

• Yelp often hides positive reviews

• Negative reviews can be amplified

• Pressure to pay for ads can escalate quickly

Best approach

• If you already exist: don’t pay for ads, respond politely, monitor occasionally

• If you don’t exist: there’s no need to add yourself

Focus energy where it works for you.

Accurate directories:

• Improve SEO and “near me” searches

• Feed correct info to Google and Apple Maps

• Reinforce trust with funders and partners

• Reduce confusion and missed visits

• Support AEO by giving search engines clear answers

Your website, social media, and directories should all agree on:

• Name

• Location

• Days & hours

• Season dates

Consistency is critical.

When completing listings, always include:

• A short, clear description (what you are + why you’re special)

• Exact hours and season dates

• Accurate map pin

• 5–10 real photos (not logos only)

• Website link

• Key features (SNAP/EBT, live music, kids activities)

Strong description example

A weekly community farmers’ market featuring local farms, artisans, live music, kids activities, and SNAP/EBT access. Open Sundays, June–October.

Avoid buzzwords. Be clear and human.

Set aside 2 hours on a rainy afternoon and do all listings at once.

Have ready:

• 5–10 good photos

• Your hours and season dates

• Address + cross street

• Short description

• 3–5 things you’re known for
  (ex: “live music,” “family-friendly,” “great tomatoes,” “SNAP/EBT accepted”)

Once set up, listings usually only need seasonal updates.

Priorities for Winter or Low-Capacity Markets

Tier 1 (Start Here)

• Google Business Profile

• Facebook Page

• Instagram

• MFFM Directory

Tier 2

• Apple Maps

• Bing Places

• Real Maine

Tier 3

• LocalHarvest

• TripAdvisor

• TikTok / Threads / Twitter

• You do not need everything at once. Start where impact is highest.

Final Takeaway

• Directory profiles are not “extra marketing.”
• They are basic infrastructure.
• When your listings are accurate and complete:

• People find you more easily

• Fewer shoppers get lost or confused

• Funders see professionalism

• Your website and social media perform better

If nothing else, remember this:

👉 Keep Google Maps and Apple Maps accurate at all times.

Everything else builds from there.

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