In 1998 (Google's first year), there were approximately 9,800 searches per day on the popular search engine. In 2013, there was an average of nearly 6 billion searches - every day. That's just Google.  It doesn't account for Bing, Yahoo, AOL, or any of the other many search engines out there.

 Are you stuck in 1998 and thinking you don't need a website? Besides being extremely important in the business world, having a website is also important for recruiting new talent. Job seekers are searching for your farm or business and if they can't find you, they likely forget you in the next 10 seconds.

A farm or business website is an important tool for recruiting new employees

You don't need to have something very in-depth or costly, but you need to be there! Just providing your basic information establishes credibility and having your own domain name reinforces that you are a serious farm business.

Related: Retool Your Farm's Website

Often, the first click after a job seeker views your posting is to your website. If they can't find you or you don't have anything for them to see, they often click away to something or someone else.  

Before applying, job seekers want to see and dream about what it would be like to work at your farm or business. There are little things you can do to show the job seeker who you are and what you have to offer.  This is your chance to provide information to develop trust, show off and get them excited.  

On your website, make sure to provide your basic information like your name, your logo (if you have one), contact information, and a short paragraph about your business. Add a few pictures of your farm or business, your products and/or crops, and a map of where you're located. By having basic information, potential employees feel more confident about applying for your open position.

Related: Missing a Farm Business Website? You're Missing Opportunities

Excuses that your farm is too small, it's too hard, it's too expensive, it's a lot of work, I don't sell anything online, should be left in 1998. If you're a farm or a business, you need a website. Have a website with these simple things and you'll develop trust with not only job seekers but potential customers and business partners.

If you need help please reach out to us at [email protected]. Find resources and all Agriculture Jobs on AgHires.com.

The opinions of Lori Culler are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or the Penton Farm Progress Group.