National Alpaca Farm Days (NAFD) is one of the biggest opportunities of the year to open your gates, educate the public, and boost your farm's visibility. But a successful event doesn't just happen—it's built on a strong, consistent marketing plan. The key is starting early and using the right tools to help your farm stand out. 

Start Early

Getting a head start is essential. A solid promotional strategy begins weeks (or even months) before your event. Waiting too long can limit your reach and reduce turnout, especially with media outlets that need advance notice. 

Your early marketing checklist:

• Contact local media outlets (TV, radio, newspaper)
• Share your event on your website and social media 
• Post flyers in local businesses and community centers
• Reach out to local schools, 4-H clubs, and youth groups
• Add your event to local community calendars

What's Included With Your NAFD Registration

When you register for NAFD, you unlock a full suite of marketing tools designed to make promoting your event easier and more effective: 

• Official NAFD Logo: Use it in your ads, flyers, website, and social posts. 
• Sample Press Release & Media Alert: Ready-to-use templates for media outreach
• State Proclamation Sample: Request official recognition from your state or city
• Radio Ad Dialogue Sample: Perfect for local radio spots or social media audio clips
• Media Coverage Sample: See real examples of successful promotion
• Support from PR Consultant Cindy Morrow: Personalized help with press and publicity
• Social Media Templates: Save time with pre-made graphics
• Customizable Flyers & Signs: Add your farm's name and details with ease
• Educational Handouts & Activity Sheets: Great for engaging guests of all ages

"This is always a big weekend for us. It's a great chance to celebrate and get the word out about our farm and these amazing animals. Cindy's media kit is also very helpful for this and AOA's NAFD logo is really great to help it all look very intentional and official."
- Shelly Walsh, Good Karma Farm

A Timeline That Works

Creating a timeline can help you stay on track and keep your promotions rolling. Here's a suggested schedule:

• 6–8 Weeks Before
  • Contact your local media and send your media alert
• 3–4 Weeks Before
  • Share your press release
  • Begin posting regularly on social media
• 2 Weeks Before
  • Resend your press release (or send a variation)
  • Follow up with media contacts
• Week Of Event
  • Post daily on social media
  • Encourage visitors to share and tag your farm

Ideas to Attract Visitors and Media Coverage

You don't need a large operation to get attention; you just need the right hook. Make your farm stand out with interactive, family-friendly experiences. These kinds of features increase foot traffic and make great stories for local reporters. 

Attraction Ideas:

• Alpaca Selfie Booth: Create a fun backdrop for visitors to snap photos with your alpacas
• Free Fiber Class or Demo: Show the process of alpaca yarn, or offer a fiber craft
• Feed the Alpacas: Offer safe, supervised feeding opportunities
• Crafts for Kids: Provide coloring sheets or simple fiber crafts
• Story Time with an Alpaca: Read alpaca-themed books or invite a guest reader
• Farm Tours and Q&A: Walk guests through the barn and pasture, and answer questions

Be sure to promote any NAFD happenings in your social posts, flyers, and press releases. 

Stay Consistent

Marketing doesn't end after your press release goes out. Be consistent across all channels: 

• Post on social media at least once a week leading up to the event 
• Increase in daily posts the week of
• Use a mix of photos, short videos, and behind-the-scenes content
• Include NAFD hashtags and encourage attendees to tag your farm

"NAFD presents a huge opportunity to market our farm and alpacas. We get press in the local newspapers and other publications. Typically, we have over 1,200 visitors... we're literally packed full! And farm store sales are huge! It tops any other event we do!"
- Deb Galway, Menagerie Hill Ranch

Hashtags to use:
#nationalalpacafarmdays
#yourfarmname
#alpacafarmdays
#nafd
#agritourism

When you register for NAFD, your farm is added to the official event map, and you gain access to all the marketing resources listed above. It's the easiest way to make your NAFD look polished and to help more people find you.