The Reynolds Museum is requesting a $30,000 donation from the 2016 budget and staff support from the City of Wetaskiwin in order to increase its presence in the marketplace.
“Our focus is increasing upon visitor experience,” said Cynthia Blackmore, head of marketing and communications.
Next year the museum is looking to align its marketing tactics to pinpoint on a number of Travel Alberta EQ audiences. ‘What this means is we have to build up our assets. We’re going to enhance our existing products and grow new products,” said Blackmore.
Blackmore says while the museum will still maintain a presence in traditional advertising markets such as newspapers it is looking to create a bigger more adaptable position.
Blackmore told council about numerous YouTube videos highlighting not only the museum but the entire city as an attraction.
In the past the city has helped support museum events on a case-by-case basis and Coun. June Boyda wants to know how a lump sum donation would change advertising.
Blackmore says a previously released video campaign the museum employed would have cost one company working alone approximately $35,000. However, with partnerships the city only had to contribute $3,500.
B-roll footage from the campaign is also available to the city for its own uses. “The City of Wetaskiwin can take that footage if they want and make videos,” said Blackmore.
Blackmore anticipates the public will be drawn in by the online presence such as the videos and also buy a large social media presence on other sites, including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. From there they will be able to help with advertising too. “They will tell others about their experience with us.”
Each year the museum is visited by approximately 44,000 people, which Blackmore says has a $9 million impact on the community.