NMB advertising blitz grabbing viewers, attention

A local marketing blitz is getting the public's attention.

From March 15 to July 15, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and the city of North Myrtle Beach ran a $250,000 marketing campaign that led to a 70 percent increase in Internet inquiries, said Jennifer Prince, spokeswoman for the chamber.

In June, the chamber distributed 39,355 visitors guides and www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com, the chamber Web site, received just under 21 million hits, she said.

The city council approved this additional funding after meeting with chamber leaders and discussing the need for a tourism push in North Myrtle Beach, Prince said.

The online marketing campaign included pay-per-click advertising with Goggle and Yahoo, she said.

Ads were also placed on the Web sites of TripAdvisor, Travelocity, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh, N.C.) News & Observer, and AAA Carolinas.

"The local mayor and council recognized the urgent need for additional marketing during this challenging economic time," said Marilyn Rinehart, director of marketing and advertising for the chamber. "Our consistent branding message delivered us significant results."

Comments

[nhoward]

Well,I'll tell you what is good publicity for Myrtle Beach and it doesn't cost a dime. On the local weather up in a little known place, Watertown, N.Y., they post the weather for Myrtle Beach on the local weather report noon and night. It is posted on the part that shows national temperatures, [Miami and Myrtle Beach].

That is always the best publicity, that is a part of the news rather than paid advertising.

I remember a radio announcer back in the 50s, The announcer would call, the West View lodge in Henderson Harbor, N.Y. and ask how the fishing was, Gene would tell him that the fish were jumping in the boat and to get up there fast. The announcer was calling from Syracuse.