4. About The Agency
Co-Z is a small public relations agency located in Ithaca,
New York. We strive to stay up-to-date, helping to create
the most effective public relations campaigns possible.
We pride ourselves on making sure that our client’s vision
becomes a reality. Our clients are our main priority and
we feel it is necessary to get to know them as well as their
current situation and their plans for future business devel-
opment. We offer everything including a fully developed
public relations campaign, thorough conducted research,
and the execution of any relevant events to ensure the
success of our clients. We are dedicated and motivated to
produce the most effective campaigns to meet the stan-
dards and goals of our clients. We continue to maintain the
positive image that we have created for ourselves over the
years.
4
6. Executive Summary
Co-Z PR has been given the opportunity to create a campaign proposal to help promote the Bed & Breakfast and
Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca brand. The Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca is an association
that prides itself on providing the best in hospitality and unique accommodations in upstate NY and the Finger Lakes.
Our goal is to establish brand loyalty among their customers, educate the public about the benefits of staying at B&Bs
and vacation rentals, and increase revenue for all of the members of the association.
Within this proposal, we recommend solutions to help promote the Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals of Greater Itha-
ca brand. We conducted primary and secondary research of the benefits of staying at B&Bs and vacation rentals and of
the association in order to establish our campaign. We developed a couple of strategies that will assist us in accomplish-
ing our personal goals along with the goals of the Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca.
We are targeting couples and families on vacation as well as parents of college students who desire to visit Ithaca either
to see family members or experience Ithaca’s breath-taking scenery. We’re targeting this audience by promoting the
association as a whole unit to make for an easy and convenient lodging search experience. We plan on reaching this
audience through updating the brand’s media presence as well as connecting with other organizations.
We would like to thank the Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca for giving us the opportunity to
propose a campaign to help promote their brand. We greatly appreciate the time taken to meet with us and attend our
presentation and for the consideration of our campaign.
6
7. Current Situation
The Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals Association of
Greater Ithaca includes twenty professionally, owner-op-
erated Inns, B&Bs, and vacation rentals within a thirty-mile
radius of Ithaca, New York. Our specialized B&B’s offer
uncommon accommodations in Ithaca with friendly staff,
home cooked breakfasts, comfortable surroundings, and
intimate and unforgettable guest experiences. Our vaca-
tion rentals offer friends and families a private space to
experience their vacation. They come in all varieties with
full kitchens and large outdoor spaces.
Along with the high level of competition, this organization
lacks up-to-date promotional materials and brand aware-
ness outside of the Finger Lakes region. The Bed & Break-
fast and Vacation Rentals Association of Greater Ithaca
strives to build a collective brand for a memorable lodging
experience in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes Region.
7
8. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Diverse group of Bed and Breakfasts/Inns to choose from
Easy and simple to navigate website
Dedicates/promotes section of website to activities in Ithaca
Personal feel to the Inns and B&B’s
Includes breakfast
Location of B&B’s and Inns
The privacy guests receive
Cheaper than hotels
Weaknesses
Lacking vacation rentals compared to B&B’s
Low social media coverage/updating (Facebook, twitter)
Slim social media activity/minimal likes and posts
Visual aspects on Website
Only include activities in Ithaca available during summer/spring
season
8
9. SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
More apparent in social media
Engage more with the Ithaca community to gain
more coverage
Advertise more around the Ithaca area
Attraction during the winter season
Threats
Other Ithaca hotels, alternative inns, and B&B’s
Universal hotel companies
Winter season
9
10. Competitors
La TourellePrice: By packages that range between $299.00 and $550.00, all based
on a couple’s retreat visit.
Amenities: Wifi, glamping (glamorous camping), hot air balloon rides, spa,
bath house, restaurant options within grounds.
Dining: John Thomas Steakhouse, The Bistro.
Positives: Combination of a hotel, bistro, and spa that can be found just
north of the Ithaca College campus. Ranked in the top 10 Finger Lakes
wedding venues and NY romantic inns and hotels.
Negatives: Small hotel building, for a quick visit the price is very expen-
sive, limited rooms during busy season.
William Henry InnPrice: Ranges between $185 and $280 per night depending on what room
rented.
Amenities: Breakfast, evening desserts, coffee and tea, wifi, business cen-
ter, TCAT transportation.
Dining: Breakfast is available in the William Henry Inn, all other meals must
be sought outside of Inn.
Positives: Free parking, supporting local businesses, cheaper price for a
Bed and Breakfast.
Negatives: Minimum of two night stay, maximum of two people per room,
additional guests must pay $25 per night, rates change on the weekends,
lack of brand awareness.
10
11. Competitors
The Hound and HarePrice: Ranges between $125 and $200 nightly.
Amenities: Private baths for each room, complimentary breakfast included in price.
Dining: Breakfast included in the Inn price, all other meals must be sought outside of
Inn.
Positives: Supporting local businesses, cheap for a short visit in Ithaca.
Negatives: No pets allowed, limited space during the busy Ithaca tourism season,
lack of brand awareness.
Marriott Fairfield InnPrice: For a two night stay the prices range between $239 and $250, but by being a
commercial hotel chain they allow group bookings.
Amenities: Pool, wifi, fitness center, rewards system.
Dining: Room for continental, buffet, and hot breakfast. Restaurants can be found in
The Commons, which is a 2-minute walk away.
Positives: Well-known brand, endless number of rooms available, rewards system,
packages available for discounts.
Negatives: Basic amenities, not supporting local businesses.
11
12. Competitors
Hilton Garden InnPrice: Nightly cost $159.
Amenities: Meeting rooms, fitness facilities, restaurant, wifi, all rooms are
nonsmoking.
Dining: Room for continental breakfast every morning, restaurant
Positives: Rewards systems, packages available for discounts, accessible
rooms are available, well-known brand, near Ithaca commons
Negatives: Basic amenities, no pets allowed, parking costs $15 a night,
not supporting local businesses.
AirBnBEven though AirBnB is a website that allows the customer to search for
bed and breakfast locations. This creates a competitive edge to the
website and to companies associated with this website because it com-
bines deals and prices for the consumer to compare. The trendy feel of
the AirBnB website also creates the feeling that the rooms and places
offered on the website will be trendy as well. This diminishes the stigma
that bed and breakfasts are run-down and not kept up-to-date.
12
13. Primary Research
We conducted primary research by doing a survey on Survey Monkey. We had 29 respondents,
but people did skip questions. The purpose of this survey was to see if anyone has ever stayed at
a bed and breakfast and to see if they were aware of the Ithaca Bed and Breakfast and Vacation
Rentals of Greater Ithaca Association.
After conducting this survey we found that bed and breakfasts were not popular amongst the
people who took this survey. This survey gave us a good idea of what people like about bed and
breakfasts. It also told us that people prefer hotels over staying at a bed and breakfasts. What we
can conclude is that the Ithaca Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca have low
brand awareness.
Survey Monkey
Results
13
14. Secondary Research
Feedback
We conducted secondary research with the customer feedback from the website TripAdvisor as
well as the association’s social networking sites. We utilized this feedback to determine our objec-
tives and develop strategies for our campaign.
Results
We found an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from recent guests of the bed and
breakfasts. Many of the posts on TripAdvisor exemplify this conclusion, with one customer saying,
“We have stayed here now 3 years in a row and we love it. It is a warm and cozy décor and staff to
match.”The general complaint from customers on TripAdvisor was that there wasn’t enough staff
to accommodate all the guests rapidly.
14
15. Objectives
1) Increase brand awareness
2) Increase sales rentals
3) Update website and expand on social media exposure through different platforms
4) Increase traffic during winter months
5) Communicate unique characteristics of a B&B and vacation rentals
15
16. Target Audience
We selected our target audience based on the types of people that usually visit Ithaca. Couples on sum-
mer vacation as well as parents of college students are the ideal market group when trying to establish
brand loyalty. This demographic comes to visit Ithaca to see family members as well as experience Itha-
ca’s picturesque scenery. They are impressionable because this target market forms preferences on where
they like to stay while in Ithaca. We want these groups of people to make the Bed and Breakfast and Vaca-
tion rentals of Greater Ithaca Association their number one organization when looking for a place to stay.
From Ithaca’s breath-taking waterfalls and gorges to its exquisite restaurants, Ithaca is a well-known place
for a romantic getaway. Couples are actively seeking places to stay as well as restaurants to eat at, to
make their vacation even more idealistic. We hope to expose them to the Bed and Breakfast and Vacation
rentals of Greater Ithaca Association and familiarize them with our charming B&B’s to enhance their ro-
mantic Finger Lakes vacation.
Another key demographic are parents who desire a dynamic vacation destination that appeals to the
entire family. This group is actively seeking an accommodating, affordable, and family-friendly lodging to
make their vacation relaxing and enjoyable. Introducing parents to the Bed and Breakfast and Vacation
rentals of Greater Ithaca Association, will help their search be painless by presenting numerous options of
characterized lodging that meet their desires.
Another audience includes the parents of college students, who are paying a visit to their children at col-
leges in Ithaca. They are coming to Ithaca to see their loved ones, but still desire a nice place to stay while
they are here. The Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca Association would serve as
an accessible outlet they could use to help make their search easier as well as make their trip to Ithaca a
pleasurable experience.
16
17. Target Audience
CouplesEric and Jessica, a young and recently engaged couple, are looking for a quiet and
remote location to spend a romantic weekend getaway. Eric and Jessica met while
studying at Cornell University and wanted to return to the area where they first fell
in love. The Halsey House, conveniently located only ten minutes from Cornell, is
the perfect fit for the happy couple. They are able to enjoy the breathtaking scen-
ery of the Finger Lakes as well as the many beautiful wine trails nearby. After a long
day of enjoying all that Tompkins County has to offer, Eric and Jessica can cozy up
by the in-room fireplace back at the Halsey House.
FamiliesMeet the Brady family. Greg Brady is a senior at Ithaca College, and will be grad-
uating in May of 2015. The family decided to make a vacation out of it, and will
be spending the week prior to graduation relaxing at the Shangri-Lounge. The
house offers six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a brand new gourmet kitchen, as well
as many other amenities to appeal to a large family like the Bradys. The rest of the
Brady children will spend their time playing pool and hanging out at the game
table, making use of the huge pond accompanied by a rope swing, and exploring
the waterfalls on the property.
TouristsKate and Alaina, 27, love to travel and explore the beautiful outdoors. They have
been all over the east coast, but could not be more excited to experience Ithaca,
which is known for it’s breathtaking scenery and outdoor experiences. The natural
beauty of Thomas Farm Bed and Breakfast is the ideal location for two avid explor-
ers, equipped with hiking trails, flower gardens, and a pond for kayaking. They will
also be in close proximity to the famous Ithaca gorges, as well as the Shindagin
Hollow biking trails.
17
18. Strategies
1) Promote all fourteen B&Bs as a whole rather than individually
2) Connect to downtown Ithaca
3) Be more active and engaged in all forms of media
18
19. Tactics
1) Promote all fourteen B&Bs as a whole rather than individually
Promotional Introduction Video Tour
There are fourteen properties as a whole located in Ithaca and the greater finger lakes area Our
idea is to make a map of all the properties, so when someone is planning a trip to Ithaca they can
view and read about each house with a description, to see which bed and breakfast is the right
choice for them. This will make it easier for travelers to find the right bed and breakfast or vacation
rental for them.
Next, it is important for each bed and breakfast to have a distinct description of the type of comfort
it offers. Currently on the website you can click on each house and read a description that includes
pictures. We would suggest the creation of a promotional introducation video that includes all of
the properties and advertises the unity that exists within the association. This video would introduce
consumers to the properties, their unique qualities/characteristics, and their wonderful owners. We
believe that more visual representation of the properties would be very beneficial to the B&B and
Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca Association.
19
20. Tactics
Create a Centralized Slogan
A catch phrase or slogan is a creative way to represent the association as a whole. This catch
phrase would be used on the website and promotional matericals. After sifting through our sur-
vey results, we discovered that most people use adjectives like cozy, friendly, and clean to de-
scribe B&Bs. We feel a slogan that connects these adjectives and characteristics of the Greater
Ithaca region would be the most beneficial. After combining these two ideas, we came up with
a few slogans: “Get a gorges experience at the friendly Ithaca Bed and Breakfasts” and “Start
your gorges day by staying at a cozy Bed and Breakfast.”
20
21. Tactics
We want to form close networks with local restaurants and wineries in the Ithaca area. It
is important to create a relationship with these companies as they continuously draw in
and attract locals, tourists, and college parents. By making deals with these companies,
it will not only help further promote a positive outlook for the B&B and Vacation Rentals
of Greater Ithaca Association, but will benefit the other establishments as well. Down-
town Ithaca is a thriving and exciting environment to be surrounded by and there is no
better way to create relationships with our fellow companies than to be a part of it our-
selves.
2) Connect to Downtown Ithaca
21
22. Deals with restaurants and wineries
To help promote the Bed & Breakfasts and Vaction Rentals of Greater Ithaca, we want to partner up with some
of Ithaca’s most well-established local restaurants and wineries. Any visitor who stays at one of our B&B’s or
vacation rentals will receive information with those few chosen Ithaca restaurants on it which will have small
discounts or rewards offered if one were to go to that particular restaurant. In turn, the restaurant will receive
more promotion and attention for their company, having the deals benefits both the restaurants and us. In re-
turn, we hope the restaurants recommend our B&B’s to their customers looking for a place to stay. Wineries
are also one Ithaca’s more popular attractions. Again, a sheet will be given to our visitors informing them that
they get a free bottle of wine, or a discount at the particular winery. By informing our visitors of these winer-
ies and encouraging them to visit, we hope the wineries in return will recommend our B&B’s over other hotels
or Inns in Ithaca.
Tactics 22
23. Tactics
Tabling during local events
Throughout the year, the Commons in downtown Ithaca
holds various events for locals and visitors in the area.
These events are a large part of Ithaca’s culture, as they
have been running and continuously flourishing for
years, and are still valued and enjoyed as much as they
were when they first started. At these events we plan
to set up stations with some of our homemade cuisines
we offer at our B&B’s. We feel this is an effective and
friendly way to attract new faces as well as intrigue and
draw in the old faces with some of the varied dishes that
will be set out for tasting. These dishes will be created
according to the theme and type of event or fest held
that particular weekend.
23
24. Tactics
3) Be more active and engaged in all forms of media
Update social media platforms weekly with events and promotions
Because the target audience is families of Ithaca College and Cornell University students, news
is most likely found through social media platforms. By keeping these platforms updated week-
ly it will allow the target audience to know about the latest deals. This is a quick and easy way to
give a newsflash which will then lead the audience to the website to find more information.
Internship Position
Offering a social media internship position throughout the year will reduce stress to the owners
of the company and it will work as a form of word of mouth promotion. Having a college stu-
dent be in charge of the social media details of the company will allow someone in the target
audience to communicate the benefits of the B&Bs. This will also create a connection to the
local colleges and their student bodies.
24
25. Tactics
Twitter
Small blurbs about the different deals will be posted here along with links to
the website. This social media platform is good for connecting to other pro-
motional companies such as the Twitter account @twithaca.
Facebook
Postings on all the B&B houses and vacation homes with the benefits of each
individual one will allow the customers to get a gauge of what the company
has to offer. Also, posting the seasonal deals and where the company will be
found in different local events around Ithaca can be found here.
Instagram
This social media platform allows the company to show aspects of the organi-
zation that can only be described with pictures. This will help Ithaca B&B and
Vacation Homes promote the benefits of renting from a bed and breakfast
rather than commercial hotels.
25
26. By updating the current rack card, the B&B and Vacation Rentals of Greater Ithaca will create unity within the
association and a unique, new look. With an update to the visuals and design of the card it will also be more
visually pleasing to the eye and pop-out from those around it. We have made a mock-up of a rack card that may
be appealing.
Tactics
Rack Card
26
27. Newspapers and Radio
By reaching out to local newspapers and radio stations, more recognition is created for the associ-
ation. By doing this it will also allow the association to communicate the benefits of staying at a bed
and breakfast and the deals that are currently happening. By focusing on student-run radio stations
and newspapers it will help attract the specific target audience.
WICB
Creating a short radio commercial that is catchy and upbeat will create awareness of the company
and what the current deals are. By advertising on the Ithaca College radio station we can inform the
specific target audience about the benefits of staying at the Ithaca Bed and Breakfasts.
Tactics 27
28. The Ithacan
By including a feature story about the different bed and breakfasts that
the association has to offer will allow the awareness of the company to
increase on the Ithaca College campus. By putting small block ads into
the newspaper will also increase the awareness of a bed and breakfast
when looking at lodging within the Ithaca area.
Cornell Chronicles
With the same tactic as advertising in The Ithacan, placing ads in the Cor-
nell Chronicle would also be very effective. Through the larger scale of
students that attend Cornell University the impressions of the ad would
be much larger. Even though Cornell has their own hotel, advertising
bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals could spark an interest in a fami-
ly who is staying for a few weeks, rather than a few nights.
Tactics 28
29. Evaluation 29
Social Media Involvement
We will use the media platforms to obtain feedback from our target audience as well as track the
number of “likes” on facebook, “favorites” and “retweets” on twitter, and “likes” on instagram.
Keep track of traffic on website
We can find our target audience’s level of interest in the association by tracking the amount of people
who visit the site in addition to how long those people remain on the site.
Increase in sales
We can track an increase in revenue earned by comparing sales before and after our strategies are
implemented.
Monitor online reviews
We will observe the amount of online reviews to see how our target audience responded to our cam-
paign.
Suggestion box in all homes
We will use the suggestions collected as direct feedback from our target audience.
31. Budget 31
Newspapers
The Ithacan
Q3 edition: 3.7”x 5.9” - $83.25
Advertising for twice in each month, for 5 months
Total for 2 years: $832.50
The Cornell Chronicle
Free for Cornell community
Booths for local events
Apple Fest
Standard 10’ x 10’ Booth - $175.00
Application Fee - $20.00
Total for 2 years: $430.00
Promotional Materials
Rack Cards (Double sided)
4”x 9” cards
Amount ordered: 5,000
Cost for 5,000 rack cards: $400
Total for 2 years: $800
Stickers
Radius: 2”
Amount: 1,000
Cost: $50
Total for 2 years: $100
Videographer and Photographer Job
Cost: $350
Total for 2 years: $700
Social Media Internship Position
Cost: none for internship
Table for events: $10 per hour
Time at table: Average of 4 hours per event
Total for 2 years: $80
Total: $2,942.50
33. Meet The Team
Deanna Nanni
I am a sophomore Integrated Marketing Communications major with a
minor in Communication Management and Design at Ithaca College. I
am from Wallingford, PA, right outside of Philadelphia. Here on campus
I am the vice president of the club tennis team. In my free time I enjoy
doing zumba and taking pictures. My favorite bed and breakfast is the
Tenwood Lodge.
Laura Telischi
I am a junior Cinema and Photography major with a minor in Integrated
Marketing Communications at Ithaca College. These past two summers
I have interned at two different marketing agencies, WhiteHaus Media
Group and Royal Media Partners located in Miami Beach, FL. In my free
time I enjoy photographing Ithaca’s beautiful outdoors as well as trying
some of Ithaca’s bountiful restaurants. My favorite bed and breakfast in the
Ithaca area is The Swallow’s Nest Bed and Breakfast.
33
34. Meet The Team
Emily Morely
I am a junior Integrated Marketing and Communications major from
Nassau, The Bahamas. On the Ithaca College campus I have been a
part of the varsity crew team for the past three years. In my free time
I enjoy cooking, experimenting with new crafts, and exploring Ithaca
with friends. My favorite Ithaca bed and breakfast is the Noble House
Deanna Alvarez
I am a sophomore Integrated Marketing Communications major with a
minor in Psychology at Ithaca College. On campus I am a member of the
IC Pulse Hip Hop team as well as IC Unbound Dance Company. In addi-
tion, I am a student supervisor at the convenience store on campus. I am
from Valhalla, NY, a half hour north of New York City. I enjoy my free time
dancing, watching movies, and discovering all that the town of Ithaca has
to offer. My favorite Ithaca bed and breakfast is the Taughannock Farms
34
35. Abbey Pomeroy
I am a sophomore Integrated Marketing Communications major
from Sturgeon Bay, WI. I am currently a member of the Ithaca Col-
lege Women’s Varsity Swimming and Diving Team and the Ithaca
College Vocal Jazz Ensemble. I teach swim lessons and lifeguard
at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County. In my spare time I enjoy
playing music, sailing, cooking, photography, and exploring the
beautiful outdoors that Ithaca has to offer. My favorite Ithaca bed
and breakfast is The Halsey House.
Jenna Becker
I am a junior Television and Radio major with a minor in Integrated
Marketing Communications at Ithaca College. I spent last semester in
London, England, interning with a creative marketing and communi-
cations agency for lifestyle destinations and consumer brands, Sister
Is. I am also a part of Ithaca College’s student-operated television
production organization, ICTV, that serves all of Tompkins County. I
am from Little Falls, NY, and I enjoy live music, good books, and trav-
eling the world. My favorite Ithaca bed and breakfast is the Noble
House Farm Bed and Breakfast.
Meet The Team 35
37. Appendix Contents 37
38 Survey Questions
39 Survey
40 Survey
41 Survey
42 Social Media
43 Sticker
44 Newspaper Ad Options
38. Appendix
The first question we asked was “have you ever stayed at a bed and breakfast?” We had a total of 29 people answer
this question. 56% of those people have stayed at a bed and breakfast before. This question was to get a sense of our
target market. Our next question was “if so, how was your experience?” We only had nine people answer this question.
But ⅔ of people said excellent while one person said awful. Our next question was “what adjectives best describe a bed
and breakfast”? We wanted to see what people viewed them as. Our options were; cozy, friendly, comfortable, clean,
expensive, and simple. Our top two adjectives were cozy and friendly. There were a total of 24 respondents to this ques-
tion. Our client can now be aware of what people view bed and breakfasts as.Our fourth question was “where would
you rather stay, a bed and breakfast or a hotel?” We had a total of 28 people answer this question. Even though people
thought bed and breakfasts were cozy and friendly, we had 21 people say they would rather stay at a hotel instead of a
bed and breakfast. Then we asked “Have you ever heard of the Ithaca bed and breakfasts”? We had a total of 29 people
answer this question and 8 of the 29 respondents have heard of the Ithaca Bed and Breakfasts. This is telling us that
people are not aware that these do exist or the people taking this survey are not from the Ithaca area. This tell us that our
goal should be to promote the Bed and Breakfasts in a more efficient way to get them recognized. Our last question was
“have you ever stayed at any of them”. We then listed all the bed and breakfasts and had people check the ones they
stayed at. We had one respondent answer that they have stayed at the Halsey House. Then we had another person stay
at Rogue’s Harbor Inn. All the other people have not stayed at the Bed and Breakfasts. This question shows we did not hit
the right target audience for this survey. I feel like if more teachers and adults in the Ithaca area or students parents took
this survey more people would have answered to staying at one of these.
38