HomeMy WebLinkAboutC34641 - Marketing - Media Plans FY 2016-2017CONTRACT NO. C34641
REQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
CONTENTS:
Recommendation
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
APPROVAL OF MARKETING PLAN AND RELATED MEDIA PLAN
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016/17
Thomas Soule, Tourism & Marketing Manager
September 22, 2016
FY 2016/17 Marketing Plan
FY 2016/17 Media Plan
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve the Marketing Plan for fiscal year 2016/17,
2. Approve the Media Plan for fiscal year 2016/17.
3. Authorize the creation of a purchase order in the amount not to exceed
$403,000 for media buy expenditures related to H & L Partners (Contract
No. C34641) executing said media plan. Funds are available in the FY
2016/17 Marketing Budget.
Executive Summary
The City has traditionally supported the tourism industry and local business through
implementation of a comprehensive marketing program. The program has typically
focused its efforts on identifying potential visitors and ultimately putting "heads in beds."
Ancillary benefits of a strong marketing program include relocations and home sales,
new business, and successful hospitality and retail business sectors.
The Palm Desert Marketing Plan and its supporting media plan provide a formal
roadmap to guide staff efforts in implementing a diversified and strategically targeted
marketing effort for the next year. The plan outlines target markets, goals, and
strategies for strengthening the Palm Desert brand and increasing tourism. While
serving as a guide, this document needs to remain flexible and allow for adjustments
based on market trends and evaluated results throughout the program year.
Staff Report
Marketing and Media Plans FY2016117
September 22, 2016
Page 2of3
Backaround
The City of Palm Desert has traditionally experienced success with its marketing
programs branding the City as a resort destination with an abundance of outdoor
activities. The proposed 2016/2017 Marketing Plan and corresponding Media Plan
build on past success and represent a diversified, balanced effort that reaches the
highest number of people in proven demographic groups and geographic areas through
the use of paid, owned and earned media channels. The following summarizes salient
points of the program:
Marketing Plan
The FY 2016/17 Marketing Plan addresses Palm Desert's identified target markets
through focused advertising to attract visitors and ultimately put "heads in beds." The
following strategies will serve as a foundation for this year's advertising initiatives:
• Create a distinctive brand message.
• Strategically deliver that brand message geographically.
• Build upon and enhance PR successes.
• Maximize advertising/marketing co-op partnerships.
• Support and help grow Palm Desert events.
• Assist Palm Desert hotels in maximizing group business during need periods.
Media Plan
Efforts will focus on utilizing communication channels that reach target audiences during
various stages of their travel planning process as follows.
• Strong in -market presence: print and digital with Palm Springs Life and
representation in the Palm Springs Airport luggage claim area, promoting specific
Palm Desert events and activities.
• Continue digital and targeted print programming that reaches potential out -of -
market visitors at all stages of the trip planning process, on all electronic devices.
• Skew increasingly toward mobile display versus traditional desktop display.
• Strategically use various media (print/digital/video/mobile) for different objectives.
• Increase the use of video content.
• Expand use of "Out of Home" advertising to include shopping mall boards.
• Social media presence with the potential of reaching 5 million people.
• Feature articles and content -based ads.
• Full- and half -page print ads in proven publications: Orange Coast, Los Angeles,
and San Diego magazines.
Staff Report
Marketing and Media Plans FY2016117
September 22, 2016
Page 3of3
COST
% OF SPEND
PRINT
$67,976
16.86%
DIGITAL
$271,314
67.32%
OUT OF HOME
$63,710
15.81%
TOTAL
$403,000
100%
Staff will present the Marketing and Media Plans to the Marketing Committee at its
September 20, 2016 meeting, and will report their findings at the September 22 City
Council meeting.
Fiscal Analvsis
The proposed Marketing Plan and related Media Plan reflect the funding requested
within the FY 2016117 marketing budget as well as the marketing services contract with
H&L Partners. No additional funds are being requested as part of this approval.
Submitted By:
Thomas Soule
Tourism & Marketing Manager
Reviewed by:
Janef Moore, Director of Finance
Approved:
st n McCarthy, Interi ity Manager
Department He :
rtin Alvarez
Director of Economic Development
Rudy cdsta Assistant City Manager
� Y
CITY OF PALM DESERT
This plan will provide direction for the City of Palm Desert's marketing efforts for
fiscal year 201 6/2017. It identifies target markets, marketing objectives, strategies
and tactics that will continue to strengthen the Palm Desert brand and, ultimately, put
heads in beds. It is an evolving document that may be reviewed and altered
throughout the year as priorities and programs develop.
rs
PALM DESERT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
o l •
Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley rely on tourism as a major source of revenue. It is estimated that
the tourism industry generates more than $22 million per year in revenue for the City of Palm Desert
alone. This number represents 5A% of the City's total general fund revenues used to fund programs,
projects, public safety, and the daily operations of the City. Of the 5A%, approximately 1 8% will be
generated through Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and 36% through sales tax.
In order to continue to strengthen Palm Desert's brand and grow its market share, the City will implement
a diversified marketing program to include the following:
• Use diverse advertising tools, including print, digital, radio, social media, etc.
• Target proven geographical and demographical markets.
• Increase focus on public relations, including working with online digital influencers.
• Participate in cooperative advertising campaigns with community partners.
PALM DES , , - - it
Palm Desert is an ideally situated resort community offering a small-town feel with big city amenities. Its
character is decidedly upscale, yet comfortable and family friendly. A place of relaxation and escape,
Palm Desert also offers countless pursuits for active lifestyles, including exciting outdoor activities in a
beautiful, natural environment. Convenient access to world -class shopping, recreation, culture and the arts
combined with 350 days of predictable sunshine each year make Palm Desert a premier destination.
The mission of Palm Desert's marketing program is to keep Palm Desert top -of -mind as a premium travel
destination. The prime goal is to maintain and increase non-resident leisure travel and spending in Palm
Desert, resulting in the growth of tourism -sourced tax revenue, including sales tax and Transient
Occupancy Tax. As the caretakers of public funds, the City of Palm Desert also continuously seeks to
improve the efficiency of its marketing investment, to maximize the year -on -year return on investment for
all stakeholders.
In order to achieve these goals — and in line with the Envision Palm Desert 201 3-2033 Strategic Plan —
Palm Desert's marketing program includes the following objectives:
• Increase the number of visits to Palm Desert.
• Entice visitors to extend their stay and increase their spending.
• Expand and solidify the City's brand and marketing platform.
• Deepen visitor engagement.
Page 1
PALM DESERT
TARGET MARKETS
Geographic Markets:
• Southern California drive market (San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire)
• In -Valley Market (Locals and Visitors who are already here)
Demographic Markets:
• Household Income $100k+
• Ages 30 — 54
• Married couples
• Singles
• Families
Experience Pillars:
• Luxury & Indulgence: shopping, resort amenities, spas, easy lifestyle
• Culinary: Food & Wine, restaurants, chefs, farm -to -fork
• Outdoor Adventure: golf, tennis, hiking, biking, PD Aquatic Center, Living Desert, skate park
• Arts, Culture & Entertainment: First Weekend, concerts, festivals, shows, events
• Family Fun: value, activities, attractions, events, arts & culture
The following strategies will serve as a foundation for this year's advertising initiatives:
• Create a distinctive brand message.
• Focus that message geographically.
• Build on and enhance PR successes.
• Maximize co-op partnerships.
• Support and grow Palm Desert events.
• Assist in maximizing group business during need periods.
Advertising
1) Develop a new ad campaign for Palm Desert that strengthens the Palm Desert brand and
increases awareness of Palm Desert as an upscale, unique destination within the Coachella Valley.
2) Execute a comprehensive media program to promote Palm Desert.
Page 2
PALM DESERT
a. Work with H&L Partners to develop a comprehensive media plan that includes a combination
of both paid and earned media, focusing on carefully selected geographical markets and
demographic segments.
b. Utilize Search Engine Marketing to continue driving qualified potential visitors to the City's
website.
c. Strengthen Search Engine Optimization on the new tourism website, to attract organic traffic
to the site.
d. Utilize social media platforms as a source of advertising, which will direct activity to the City's
website as well as grow the Facebook community, expand content reach and increase page
"likes."
e. Continue to invest in targeted advertising (retargeting) which delivers the Palm Desert
message to consumers based on previous related Internet actions.
f. Develop and test online banner ads, including engaging and interactive media options that
speak to targeted segments and capitalize on seasonality and target markets.
g. Develop mobile ads to direct in -market visitors searching for information to the Palm Desert
mobile -friendly website.
h. Utilizing Pulsepoint to promote Palm Desert -related articles online.
i. Employ and create co-op opportunities with a variety of partners including the Greater Palm
Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Visit California, The Living Desert, JW Marriotl
Desert Springs, Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, Desert Willow Golf Resort,
McCallum Theatre and El Paseo Business Improvement District.
3) Participate in advertising opportunities that direct visitors to Palm Desert businesses and
attractions, as well as encourage in -market spending.
a. Create and deploy a "Summer Chill Palm Desert" landing page to highlight restaurants and
other businesses that are open during the summer months, encouraging traffic with a paid
Facebook ad campaign.
b. Advertise in the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce annual directory and map.
c. Work with City staff and community partners to support additional events and activities as
outlined within the Economic Development and Envision Palm Desert strategic plans.
4) Support the growth of existing events and the development of new events that focus on increasing
tourism activity to Palm Desert.
a. Review and recommend event concepts and present to the Marketing Committee and/or the
Hotel & Signature Events Committee for consideration.
b. Support valley -wide events through social media and other marketing channels as
appropriate.
c. Work with City staff and community partners to provide financial and staffing resources for
First Weekend, Fashion Week, Food & Wine and other City -sponsored events.
Page 3
_;..
PALM DESERT
Public Relations/Communications
1 ) Strengthen the City's "owned media" channels, including the tourism website, landing pages and
social media channels.
a. Develop a robust, integrated and comprehensive content strategy for all owned channels to
engage new and returning visitors.
b. Expand the City's image library with vibrant, contemporary pictures for use in collateral, in
advertisements and on the City's digital channels.
c. Create and deploy additional interactive visual elements such as videos and slideshows on
the tourism website and social media channels.
d. Maximize use of the City's growing tourism email database by redesigning the monthly e-
newsletter to be responsive and better targeted toward specific audiences and interests.
e. Continue to integrate and cross promote social media, website and all marketing resources.
2) Implement a public relations program that seeks online exposure and editorial coverage for the
City of Palm Desert.
a. Distribute press releases on pertinent Palm Desert information and activities.
b. Host a Media Familiarization (FAM) visit in November, to further reach and develop new
audiences of potential visitors.
c. Expand the successful Fashion Week digital influencer program, in concert with community
partners such as the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort, the CVB, and others.
3) Provide quality tourism information and services to the leisure traveler through Palm Desert Visitor
Services.
a. Distribute the most up-to-date informational materials such as vacation guides, hiking and
biking maps, and dining guides.
b. Support local real estate through distribution of relocation guides, realtor, education,
demographic and community information.
c. Develop a mobile version of the Visitor Services Center that can be deployed at local events
and locations as needed.
d. Revise the Palm Desert Vacation Guide, including the development of a mobile responsive
web version that visitors will be able to use on their smartphones to access a full range of
information about Palm Desert lodging, dining, attractions and other businesses.
4) Engage Palm Desert residents and businesses in order to keep them informed and interested in
community activities and happenings.
a. Produce an annual calendar and make available to general public through distribution points
such as City Hall, Desert Willow Golf Resort, and the Library.
b. Produce Brightside newsletters for delivery to residents and businesses six times per year.
c. Promote activities and events hosted by the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, The Living Desert,
Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, McCallum Theatre, Desert Willow, El Paseo, etc.
through the website, social media and print resources.
Page 4
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PALM DESERT
d. Support the updating of the City's e-government website to enhance its usefulness to residents
and businesses.
e. Participate in community meetings and events such as El Paseo Business Improvement District,
Chamber activities, etc.
5) Track, research, and evaluate marketing programs to ensure positive results.
a. Staff and Marketing Committee to receive quarterly reports from H&L Partners summarizing
results of all digital performance and paid media advertising programs.
b. Where applicable, incorporate tracking mechanisms into marketing efforts.
6) Encourage, support and participate in convention and business travel marketing efforts
undertaken by the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau and California Tourism.
a. Participate in regular CVB marketing committee meetings.
b. Work with the CVB to participate in and support familiarization trips (FAMs) for travel writers,
tour operators and travel planners as time and budget allows.
c. Sponsor co-op advertising opportunities with the CVB as identified within the media plan.
d. Attend annual tourism industry conferences as appropriate.
7) Create opportunities to partner with and support business segments within the community.
a. Support the efforts of the City's Department of Economic Development to work more closely
with the hotel and hospitality industry.
b. Explore additional ideas for promotional activities that support various segments of the
business community (e.g. restaurants, the arts, etc).
c. Support local business promotions as appropriate.
Palm Desert's total proposed marketing budget remains consistent with the previous fiscal year. General
allocations are identified below with specifics detailed within the City budget as well as the media plan.
$55,000
Collateral — design & development
$1 09,473
Administration/Contracts
$3,780
Operations
$95,000
Community Relations (Brightside & calendar)
$403,000
Media Buys (Digital $280,743; Print $85,257; Television $25,000; OOH $12,000)
$1 42,500
Community Co-ops (Desert Willow, Living Desert, El Paseo, McCallum, PSAMPD, CVB)
$45,000
Special Events
$49,000
Public Relations
$200,000
Hotel Co-ops
$1,102,753
Total
All programming and media plans support the stated objectives within this document.
Page 5
City of Palm Desert FY16 Media Plan
2015 2016
November December January February March April May June July August
Holidays od
Palm Desert Paid Media
Print
Full Page 4C 1/2 Page 4C Vertical 1/2 Page 4C Vertical
Los Angeles Magazine Getaway: Palm 5-rg: staycauons, Readers Choice Great sontnwe:t Travel,
Digital e.NL eNL
Full Page 41 3/Z Page 4C -Vertical 112 Page 4C -Vertical
Palm Springs Life
The Arts I Modernism Fashion
The Guide 112 Page4C-Vertical 1/2 Page 4C-Vertical 1/2 Page 4C-Vertical ►
Digital 4nNita entail ENL-
08 Page 4C 112 Page 4C Vert cal 1/2 Page4C - Vertical
San Diego Magazine gEirv..Retauran[z G,I,Gel Outsde 1/2Page 4averacal
Twmet TwOterMaii Twitter Twiner Tvvater Tw
Digital iner
ENL ENL
Orange Coast Magazine Full Page OC
Rest New ftetaurants
Digital
Visit California
Time Warner Cable - Drive Markets
Network
Dilzital
SEM
Facebook
Nativo
Drawbridge
Integral Ad Science
Ad Serving
OON
PSP Airport
Wall Mural - Baggage Claim
12/1-1Z/31
Full Page4C
ToP Doctors
eNL entail
1/2 Page 4C Vert I ' +..
Travel l e
V-sd California Guide -Enhanced Listing
Los Angeles,San Diego, Ph-niz, Las Vegas
400 spots per month per network
Google (SEMI
Facebook
Drawbridge
Integral Ad Science
Ad serving IS—ek)
3/1-3/30
.. .,. ... lx ocaVon 51 142/31,.--..
entail :!
Summer Cht11 1 7/11-9/31
MEDIA
UNITS
NETCOST ►
1116%
tAMTotal:
6 S
1
39,450
to%
4 S
37,500
2 $
1,9501
RLTaW:
6 $
19,735 -
5%
3 S
8,905 �
3 $
7,830
n/a $
3,000
i' Tow
2 S
11,263:
3%
2 $
9,350I
n/a $
1,913
OCTaW:
3 $
1s,eu 1
4%
3 S
12,066 ►
n/a $
2,950
VCA TaW:
1 $
Soo
0.1%
3 $
500
Cable Tatal:
6,400 S
zS,D00
6%
5,400 $
25,000
DigitalTotiih
32,443,329 $
278,944I
69X
1,5D0,000 $
94,221
12,239,625 : $
67,318
3,7D3,704 $
50,000
15,DD0,000 $
74,918
$
1,072
$
1,315
OOH Total:
1 $
13,193
3%
i
l 5
13,193
J
Notes