Help launch the new GPS-based consumer page this fall.
Civil War Trails has developed a new consumer page for our website. This new page features an interactive, GPS-based map to help visitors find each of our sites and the wealth of amenities available in each of your communities.
Although our paper map-guides are more popular than ever before this new site will help fill in detail where the paper piece cannot and will help capture guests who happen upon a Civil War Trails site. Besides navigational tools this page will also link guests directly with the websites for the sign sponsors. This component will be especially helpful to consumers who are not yet in market and are just beginning to plan their trip.
The new site is scheduled to launch September 1.
As we approach the launch date, we need your team to prepare promotions to ensure this tool gets into the hands of our guests. We will stagger the distribution date for each region across the five states.
What we need from you.
Each of our tourism partners and host sites should promote the new page in the following ways, leveraging your social media accounts. Here is what we need from you:
1.) Post on each of your social media platforms, tagging @civilwartrails #civilwartrails #openairmuseum during the assigned period.
2.) Tailor the copy to highlight the number of signs in your community and complement other activities.
Ex. This new map helps you follow in the footsteps of soldiers, citizens, and freedom fighters. From Civil War to Civil Rights, Hiking to Biking Prince Edward County offers…
Ex. Hike Highland County’s Civil War Trails sites. Breathtaking views of historic proportions await. Check out the new map and start planning your campaign today.
Ex. Load up your troops, follow #civilwartrails and create some history of your own.
Ex. Follow Civil War Trails where you’ll find battlefields, BBQ, and beer around every corner.
3.) Schedule a follow-up post 60-90 days after capitalizing on upcoming events along your Civil War Trails sites.
4.) Explore the site yourselves and provide the Civil War Trails team with any feedback.
5.) Let the sites that your office sponsors know about the new website, which will direct visitors to their sites.
When to post and promote the new page.
Partners including DMOs, CVBs, Chambers, and sites are requested to make their initial posts in the following order.
Monday September 2: West Virginia, and Pennsylvania Partners
Tuesday, September 3: Tennessee Partners
Wednesday, September 4: Virginia Partners
Thursday, September 5: North Carolina Partners
Friday, September 6: Maryland Partners
Saturday, September 7: WV, TN, and VA State Travel Offices
Sunday, September 8: NC and MD State Travel Offices
For the future.
Remember, please be sure to tag Civil War Trails on our various social media platforms throughout the year:
• Facebook: @CivilWarTrails
• Instagram: @CivilWarTrails
• Twitter: @CivilWarTrails
• Hashtags: #CivilWarTrails and #OpenAirMuseum
Please reach out to Chris Brown ([email protected]) or Drew Gruber ([email protected]) if you have questions or would like additional information on the rollout or the new site itself.
I’ll be sending further details as we get closer to the launch on September 1st.
—
Drew A. Gruber
Executive Director
Civil War Trails, Inc.
P.O. Box 1862
Williamsburg, Virginia
23187
757-378-5462
