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  7. Project Deliverables
  8. Client Feedback
  9. Conclusion
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Grow Beyond Your Limits.

Case Study: Elk Island Retreat

Unique | Elevated | Accommodations | Luxury Camping | Boutique | Multi-Owner

About the Client

Elk Island Retreat, a family-run destination founded in 1995, offers guests an inviting escape into nature on a serene 60-acre property. With a passion for God, humanity, and the natural world, the team has built this retreat from the ground up, creating a place where visitors feel at home while surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty.

Initial Challenges

Goal 1: Pivot Brand from 'Campground' to 'Elevated Retreat'
Our initial focus was to create a high-value experience that would appeal to a more discerning audience. This rebranding came with several challenges, notably in establishing a cohesive identity that would resonate across digital channels while preserving the site's outdoor essence.
Goal 2: Elevate Website & Optimize for Conversion
In addition to brand repositioning, enhancing the website’s design and user experience was essential for optimizing conversions. This meant transforming it into a seamless booking platform and ensuring potential guests encountered minimal friction when exploring or reserving experiences.
Goal 3: Grow Occupancy, Events & Overall Revenues by 10-20% Monthly
Finally, achieving a growth target of 10-20% monthly for occupancy, events, and revenue added another layer of complexity. To support this goal, we implemented a multi-faceted marketing strategy that included Meta Ads, Google Ads, and email campaigns. Growing our newsletter subscriber base and conducting targeted B2B cold email outreach were also necessary to expand both direct bookings and corporate partnerships.

Elk Island Retreat achieved remarkable growth through strategic website improvements

  • New Website Users: Up by +824% from 91 users to 750 users a day
  • Website Bounce Rate: Reduced by 15% from 55% to 40%
  • Website Performance: Increased by 44% from 31% to 75%
  • Website SEO: Increased by 67% from 18% to 85%

The Work that Led to their Remarkable Growth

Elk Island Retreat’s growth stemmed from strategic outreach and a strong digital presence, which kept them top-of-mind for travelers. Their efforts connected them with new guests and led to a steady rise in bookings.

Local Area Cold Emails - 183 Local Contacts Identified

  • Targeted Outreach Preparation: Before the website launch, we identified 183 local businesses, event planners, and agencies that aligned with the vision of Elk Island Retreat as a sought-after event venue. This outreach list included a range of potential partners and clients, tailored to engage diverse interests and needs.
  • Custom Messaging for Maximum Impact: Each group received a uniquely crafted email, highlighting the venue's distinctive qualities and aligning with the needs of their specific business type. This personalized approach strengthened connections, building interest and fostering local engagement for Elk Island Retreat.

Meta & Google Ads - Reached Over 317,000 Potential Visitors

  • Expansive Reach and Engagement: Our ads reached over 317,000 potential visitors, capturing the attention of a wide audience interested in unique getaways.
  • High Click-Through Rate: With a click-through rate of 6.4%—well above the industry standard of 1.5-2.5%—our ads performed 256% better than best-in-class, driving significant engagement and interest.
  • Cost-Effective Results: We achieved a cost-per-click (CPC) of just $0.20, outperforming typical rates of $0.50-$2.50 by 250%. This efficiency allowed us to maximize visibility while keeping advertising costs low.

Email Marketing - 30% Growth in Subscribers

  • Consistent Campaigns with High Engagement: Through regular email campaigns, we kept our audience engaged and informed, resulting in a 30% increase in newsletter subscribers.
  • Exceptional Open and Click-Through Rates: Out of 8,606 emails sent, we achieved a 56% open rate—nearly double the industry standard of 20-30%—and a 24% click-through rate, outperforming the typical 8-10%. This high engagement reflects the effectiveness of our targeted, value-driven content.

Project Deliverables

  • Revenue Growth
  • ROI after 3 Months
  • Accommodation Listings
  • Local Area Emails
  • Meta & Google Ads
  • Email Marketing

Client Feedback on Our Collaboration

Mercado is relentless when it comes to optimizing. They're always reaching out with new ideas for growth.
Nathan H.
Client and Owner of $1.4M+ in Businesses

Conclusion

Grow Beyond Your Limits.

Through a blend of targeted outreach, strategic ad campaigns, and consistent email marketing, we helped Elk Island Retreat connect with their ideal audience and achieve remarkable growth over the previous year. By understanding the client's unique challenges and leveraging data-driven approaches, we delivered impactful results that exceeded industry standards. The collaborative effort not only enhanced Elk Island Retreat’s visibility but also solidified their reputation as a premier event venue. This project highlights the power of tailored strategies in driving meaningful, long-term success.
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