Monday, September 29, 2008
I played around with the new Google Insights last week, which allows you to see google searches over time, with the option of breaking down the information into different geographical regions.
The following graph shows searches for "farmers market" in the United States, over the last four years:
(direct results from Google Insights)
What does this data tell us?
Farmers Markets Gain Popularity Each Year
Public interest in farmers markets has almost doubled in the past 4 years. This is great news for everyone. Why is increased demand for farmers markets good for everyone?- More options (Minneapolis for example, has at least 11 every week)
- More variety (as vendors try to distinguish themselves)
- Better products
- Better prices
- Increased reliance on local, sustainable agricultural practices
Farmers Markets are Extending Their Availability
See how the peak interest each summer has been flattening each year? That indicates people are not just interested in a one-time visit in July. They increasingly visit in May, June, July, and August. The farmers markets themselves accommodate, opening earlier each year, and closing later.
I urge you to play around with Google Insights to see what the trends are in your local area.
And just for fun (based on data from the past 12 months):
- Oregon
- Washington
- North Carolina
- Minnesota
- Vermont
- Georgia
- California
- Colorado
- Wisconsin
- Iowa
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1 comments:
You're right about the markets! It is facinating they way the operate and how many new ones show up each year. Just curious - would you be interested in writing for our blog? We are also looking for folks to do Hippo Reviews around the country.
Let me know.
Daniel
www.vendorhippo.com
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