Mitchell boasts one of South Dakota’s most iconic attractions — the World’s Only Corn Palace. Each year, a half-million visitors stop by this uniquely American venue. They behold its seven massive murals made of 12 different colors of corn. It’s a memorable sight. But it’s just the beginning of Mitchell’s many visitor opportunities. Cultural landmarks and rich heritage sites. Great outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. Loads of local shops, restaurants, lodging, and more.
These are excellent features for the Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau (Mitchell CVB) to promote area tourism. But to do the job, they needed the right tool. For destination marketing, that means a dynamic website featuring eye-catching visuals, seamless user experience, and, most importantly, a focus and messaging appealing directly to travel audience interests.
Their old website didn’t measure up. Mitchell CVB knew they needed a new one. They called TDG Agency for help, and we got to work.
A Message That Matters
Current web technology allows travelers to research all kinds of information about their destination. They expect their research to be intuitive and relevant to their interests. They know hype when they see it. They seek authenticity: What is Mitchell’s story? Why does it matter? And they want to be shown, not just told.
We designed the new VisitMitchell.com to do precisely that.
Focus on the Experience
The new website emphasizes the traveler experience. Visitors to the homepage are greeted with an engaging video showing people enjoying what Mitchell offers. We see kids playing and families dining. Friends shopping and folks simply relaxing. Concise text positions Mitchell as the perfect starting point for The Great American Road Trip. Photos are big and vibrant and highlight Mitchell’s blend of family-friendly attractions, amenities, and small-town hospitality.
Directory listings, such as attractions, lodging, events, etc, are now more visually appealing, thanks to items being paired with photos and legible typography. They not only look great, they’re easier to use. They are searchable and sortable by category and other logical criteria. Each listing page presents detailed information in a digestible way. Users can even mark their favorites!
Built for Today and Tomorrow
Travelers today rely heavily on mobile devices during their visit and beforehand while planning their trip. A destination website must look, feel, and work great on all devices, from the latest smartphone to a desk computer that’s a few years old. We designed VisitMitchell.com with all users in mind, ensuring that it is easy to navigate and provides a seamless experience across all devices.
The old tourism website ran on proprietary software originally used to promote the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce. This cross-purpose website strategy simply did not resonate with Mitchell CVB’s out-of-area tourism audience. Proprietary vendor lock-in also limited functionality and design options. Our solution was to build and deploy a new WordPress CMS website using open-source software that gives the Mitchell CVB all the flexibility and functionality they could ask for at an affordable price point.
Awards
2024 American Advertising Awards – Black Hills
Silver Addy Award for Online/Interactive Consumer Website
Jack Hughes | Director of Web Development
Brandis Knudsen | Sales Manager
The new VisitMitchell.com represents a significant step forward for the Mitchell CVB in promoting its vibrant and welcoming destination. Engaging visuals, user-friendly design, and mobile responsiveness ensure that visitors can easily explore what Mitchell offers, whether they are planning their trip or are already on the go. Ultimately, VisitMitchell.com is a powerful tool for inviting travelers to create unforgettable memories in this charming community.
