I’m gearing up to launch my peony subscriptions, and in my last email I asked readers to answer two simple questions. But those two questions were more than just a casual poll—they were a strategic move.

When it comes to creating, offering, or selling a product, gathering feedback before you finalize anything is one of the smartest things you can do. Not only does it help you create a product people actually want, but it also builds connection. When customers feel involved in the process, they feel like they helped create it. And people are more likely to support what they helped shape.

Polls With a Purpose

The poll questions weren’t random. With our peony subscriptions launching in just a couple weeks, I was planting the seed—getting readers to think about what they like in a bouquet and, more subtly, letting them know that our subscriptions even exist without flat-out saying, “Hey, did you know we sell subscriptions?” On the surface, it looks like market research—but really, it’s marketing. Even something as simple as answering a poll gets people more engaged. When they’ve had a say, they’re more likely to care about the outcome—and more likely to tune in when it’s time to buy.

The Red Peony Shock

One of the poll questions was whether people wanted red peonies included in their subscription bouquets. Simple enough, right? Well, I was floored when…

Many of us start by spreading the word about our flowers one person at a time—telling a coworker, dropping off a bouquet at a local business, or posting on social media and hoping someone sees it. And while that will get more eyes on your business, I’m all about working smarter, not harder. Instead, what if you found pockets of your ideal customer—groups, spaces, or communities where they’re already gathered—and tapped into those? That’s where real momentum starts.

One of the most overlooked places to do exactly that? Facebook groups.

Facebook Groups: Still One of the Best Free Marketing Tools

If you’ve taken any of my courses or downloaded The Playbook, you know I’m a longtime fan of Facebook groups. They’re how I got my start—and they’re still one of the easiest ways to get eyes on your farm without spending a dime.

Facebook groups are full of built-in communities—moms, gardeners, local shoppers, neighborhood groups, hobbyists, and more. These groups are made up of real people in your area who are already chatting, sharing, and asking questions. And with the right approach, you can show up in these spaces (without being spammy) and let them know your flower business exists.

Let’s talk about how to do that well—and how I’ve used this exact strategy to bring in real customers, not just “likes.”

The Post That Added 197 People to My Email List

I’m gearing up to launch my peony subscriptions in just a few weeks, and my intention right now is to build local awareness and grow my email list. While I have past customers and an existing list, I’m always looking to add new leads—especially right before a launch.