Industry News

Targeted Digital Ads Drastically Increase Website Visits and Awareness

Targeted Digital Ads Drastically Increase Website Visits and Awareness

In January 2024, the CRC launched a new endeavor — targeted digital advertising. Below is a message from Steve Lerch with Story Arc Consulting on the impressive successes our campaign has accomplished in just the first few months.

We are 88 days and 49 million impressions into the launch of our digital outreach program with Google Ads. In less than three months we’ve shown pro-rice industry ads 49 million times, our ads have been clicked more than 169,000 times, resulting in the busiest three months our website (CalRice.org) has ever seen. That translates to a more than 550% growth in website traffic year over year.

If you’ve browsed the internet, you’ve seen ads on the tops and sides of websites. That’s where our ads serve. Regardless of whether you’re reading the news, checking sports scores, or looking up recipes, if you’re in the target audience or locations we’ve defined, you’ll see our ads across the web. 

We developed a variety of digital as with pro-rice imagery and tailored messages, ranging from family farmers to environmental benefits to delicious sushi and salmon in floodplain rice fields. Using a variety of targeting technologies, Google Ads allows us to identify (and only show ads to) key audiences. For example, legislative, decision makers, politically engaged Californians, environmental activists, rice lovers, etc. 

While we want all Californians to appreciate rice and the value the California rice industry adds to the state, targeting specific groups consistently while also driving them to be even better informed, is proving to increase awareness.

For more information, contact the CRC’s Communications Manager Katie Cahill at kcahill@calrice.org or (916) 612-8899.

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.