Using Data to Drive Economic Development Success

The data is clear: communities that invest in strategic marketing experience transformative outcomes. Golden Shovel Agency, a leading economic development marketing agency, has harnessed the power of data to demonstrate the profound impact marketing can have on economic development.

With hundreds of clients and thousands of industry contacts, GSA has conducted extensive surveys and organized the data to uncover actionable insights for communities. These insights can help economic developers promote their regions, leading to undeniable success stories nationwide.

The Role of Data in Economic Development Marketing

Golden Shovel Agency surveyed economic developers to identify trends, strategies, and successes in marketing communities. The data revealed that while only 35% of economic developers have a dedicated marketing strategy and budget, those who do achieve remarkable results. Even when conducted on a project-by-project basis, marketing efforts have led to significant wins, including increased private investment, expanded workforce participation, and enhanced community engagement.

What the Data Tells Us About Marketing Strategies

The data collected by GSA underscores the importance of strategic marketing in driving economic growth. Among surveyed economic developers and industry leaders:

• 35% reported having a comprehensive marketing plan
• 52% engaged in case-by-case marketing efforts, often targeting specific sites, workforce campaigns, or local incentives
• Communities with a focused marketing strategy experienced successes such as attracting major employers, securing grants, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Real-Life Wins: Success Stories of Data-Driven Economic Development

Golden Shovel’s clients and industry contacts have leveraged data-driven marketing to achieve outstanding results:

Falls City Economic Development (EDGE)

Falls City EDGE partnered with Golden Shovel to create a website and microsite showcasing a development site. Digital promotion and accessible data helped attract Citroniq’s transformative $7.5 billion project to rural Nebraska.

York County Development Corporation

York County Development Corporation used virtual reality to attract site selectors and executives to York County, NE. This strategy provided initial exposure to those unlikely to visit otherwise, successfully filling available sites and driving further development.

Momentum West

Momentum West used targeted ads on Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube to drive traffic to its microsite, increasing regional exposure and engaging business leaders and talent.

How Golden Shovel Agency Can Help

Golden Shovel Agency is uniquely positioned to help communities gain the recognition they deserve. By leveraging data and proven marketing strategies, GSA empowers economic developers to highlight their community’s valuable assets and attract the investment, talent, and funding necessary for sustained growth.

Leverage Your Data to Drive Economic Development Results with Golden Shovel Agency

With decades of experience and a track record of success, Golden Shovel Agency is the partner you need to help make data-driven decisions for your community. From crafting comprehensive strategies to implementing cutting-edge tools like virtual reality and targeted advertising, GSA provides the expertise and resources to make your community stand out.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Strategy Session

Contact Golden Shovel Agency today to learn how our data-driven approach to economic development marketing can help your community achieve its goals.