Over the past year and a half, Advance Travel & Tourism has built a strong relationship with Alpine Helen CVB and its board members through a strategic marketing partnership.
Key Campaign Objectives
- Generate increased awareness and position Alpine Helen, Georgia as a potential travel destination
- Increase overall site traffic to www.helenga.org
- Increase heads in beds
- Reach outdoor enthusiasts and brand Alpine Helen as an outdoor destination
- Engage and educate travelers on the great things Helen has to offer
- Be found when potential travelers search for things to do in Georgia
Solutions
Digital Display + Geofencing, Targeted Email, Search Engine Marketing, Social Media Advertising, Content Marketing
Digital Display + Geofencing
In addition to standard digital display, The Advance Travel & Tourism team deployed a behaviorally-targeted geofence campaign with the main goal of increasing reach among travelers in new markets: Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Jacksonville, FL.
Targeted Email
Email newsletters were targeted to outdoor and adventure seekers in Atlanta and Birmingham.
Search Engine Marketing
Utilizing Google’s sophisticated data, Advance Travel & Tourism implemented SEM to stay competitive and top of mind when users search for things to do in Helen and surrounding areas.
Social Media Advertising
Since social media channels are a platform where travelers share their experiences and show support for destinations they enjoy, the campaign utilized paid social to engage with travelers and build Alpine Helen’s referral base.
Advance Travel & Tourism managed Alpine Helen’s Facebook ad account with the goal to grow and engage their audience at the lowest costs possible.
Content Marketing
Content marketing was deployed in the form of blog posts on www.helenga.org.
Results
2017 vs. 2018:
- Overall site traffic saw a 14.75% increase in users and 19.19% increase in new users
- Targeted cities saw a big increase in site traffic:
- Atlanta – 11.9% increase in users, 13.5% increase in new users
- Birmingham – 18.6% increase in users, 20.3& increase in new users
- Jacksonville – 26.2% increase in users, 21.8% increase in new users
- Alpine Helen reached their annual revenue numbers by mid-2018 and gives Advance Travel & Tourism credit for helping achieve that goal.
Client Testimonial
“Advance Travel and Tourism has made our first attempt in the digital marketing realm a breeze and worth every penny. My Board was a bit skeptical of placing our marketing dollars into something they really didn’t understand. The Advance Team came to a Board meeting and simplified their process of marketing to the Board and it made such a difference and with the great results the first campaign produced, the Board approved to continue our digital campaigns through Advance Travel and Tourism for another year.”
Account Manager Testimonial
“I have known Jerry Brown for years and being able to work with a friend in the industry while providing a comprehensive digital campaign to showcase Helen, GA as a family and outdoor destination. Jerry has a strong vision for Helen and being able to work alongside him and the Helen CVB Team to help make that vision a reality has been an overall great experience. I am excited about our continued partnership as we help make Helen, GA “Georgia’s Outdoor Adventure Destination.”
