Hayward Lakes bureau credits marketing for improved search visibility; snowmobile clubs report strong season but fundraising shortfall
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Summary
Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau reported an SEO-driven improvement in Google rank and strong winter recreation, while snowmobile clubs said volunteer grooming has supported demand but clubs remain roughly $8,000 short after raising nearly $7,000.
A Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau presenter told the Sawyer County committee that coordinated paid marketing and earned publication placements have supported the bureau’s organic search visibility, noting the region’s Google search position moved from 14 to 9 during a recent fall campaign. The presenter said paid ads, social engagement and credible publication placements together signaled authority to search engines and supported higher placement in search results.
The presenter described an active winter-recreation season: good ice for fishing, strong conditions for skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, and increased visitation. Committee members praised the marketing approach and discussed measurement of return on investment.
Separately, Randy Newman reported on motorized trails and snowmobiling activity in Sawyer County. Newman said volunteers and groomers have worked intensively to keep trails open; the clubs’ 'give butter' fundraising campaign raised almost $7,000 but the clubs remain about $8,000 short of winter-storm-related expenses. Newman said two snowmobile safety classes have been held and clubs hope for another four to six weeks of riding if weather cooperates.
What happens next: the bureau continues marketing and monitoring metrics; trail clubs continue fundraising and maintenance. No committee action was recorded on marketing budgets or direct financial assistance to clubs during the meeting.
