case study_
Central Gardens
project overview
Central Gardens of North Iowa, Inc. is the only free, public garden within a 90-mile radius of Clear Lake, serving as a major tourist attraction in north central Iowa. Spanning nearly three acres, the gardens feature over 20 themed areas, offering a stunning and serene setting for visitors to enjoy. Whether gathering with family and friends or seeking personal tranquility, Central Gardens provides a vibrant, natural escape for all who visit.
problem_
Central Gardens of North Iowa approached Emerge with the challenge of a current online presence that failed to capture and convey the true beauty and appeal of the gardens. Their existing website lacked the visual and functional elements needed to attract and engage potential visitors, leaving them unconvinced about planning a visit. The gardens’ rich experience and natural allure were not effectively showcased online, necessitating a comprehensive digital overhaul to better represent its charm and attract more visitors.
solution _
Emerge developed a comprehensive digital solution for Central Gardens of North Iowa to enhance engagement and participation. We created a visually attractive and responsive website featuring an event calendar to inform visitors of upcoming activities. An e-commerce platform was integrated for event tickets, memberships, and donations, and an interactive map highlighting the gardens’ features was added. The website was designed for ease of updates by staff and volunteers, complemented by a training session and manual. Additionally, we collaborated with local photographers to enrich the gardens’ marketing efforts, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among visitors and members.
impact _
Within one year of launching the new website, Emerge significantly impacted Central Gardens of North Iowa. They experienced a 13% increase in new users and the website had an 8.35% reduction in bounce rate, and a 16% rise in page views. Additionally, the number of sessions grew by 19.1%, and the average session duration increased by 7.97%. Notably, there was a marked increase in site views from nearby states, particularly Minnesota, with 13.86% of views now originating from there. This enhanced online presence effectively showcased the gardens’ beauty, driving greater engagement and attracting more visitors.
what we do _
scope of work
Details
- Location: Clear Lake, Iowa
- Industry: Non-Profit Organization, Tourism
- Services provided: website development, training
let’s get started _
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