Village board approves $50,000 budget for year-round marketing strategy

In a move aimed at boosting local commerce, the Village Board of Machesney Park has approved a significant increase in this year’s fiscal budget for marketing, raising it to $50,000. This decision follows the success of last year’s holiday marketing campaign and reflects a commitment to promoting the village’s dining and shopping options throughout the year.

The new marketing strategy, outlined in a two-pronged plan, focuses on both digital and traditional advertising. The first part of the plan emphasizes a year-round approach using social media and digital platforms. This will include content creation and targeted ads on popular sites like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Most of this work will be handled in-house, with some additional videography and photography contracted out during the summer months.

The second part of the marketing initiative will concentrate on traditional advertising methods, specifically during the holiday shopping season. This will involve TV and billboard ads designed to attract shoppers to local businesses for approximately six weeks in November and December. However, it’s important to note that these traditional advertisements come at a higher cost compared to the in-house digital marketing efforts, which is why they will be limited to the holiday period.

This enhanced marketing strategy aims to not only support local businesses but also to foster a vibrant community atmosphere by encouraging residents and visitors to explore what Machesney Park has to offer year-round. The board’s decision reflects a proactive approach to economic development and community engagement, setting the stage for a more robust local economy.