EUREKA – Visitors used to know what to do and where to go because of billboards and brochures. Of course, times change, but thanks to a Eureka couple, area businesses will not be left behind.
This summer, Adam and Desiree Libby launched Pick Montana, an online business directory that bills itself as “your guide to all things Montana.” The couple also provides social media management and local event promotion. Prior to launching PickMontana.com, the couple maintained VisitNWMontana.com, which still gets 3,000 unique visitors a month. The Libbys’ efforts are helping put the tiny border town of Eureka on the digital map as it transforms from a timber town to a tourism destination.
“We want Eureka to be successful, but keep that small town feel,” Desiree said about her community and businesses goals.
Desiree grew up in Eureka, while Adam is originally from the Flathead Valley. They married two years ago and had their first son last year. A few years ago, Adam was working in the oil fields North Dakota and looking for an opportunity to return to Montana. That opportunity came from VisitNWMontana.com, which the couple purchased in the spring of 2012. Established by Tom and Clover Kincheloe in 2011, VisitNWMontana.com is a cooperative marketing website for businesses, restaurants and attractions in Eureka, Libby and Whitefish. The website features a history of each community and a business directory. Clients pay $195 annually for a basic membership and $270 for a premium one.
Although the site’s design is similar to a chamber of commerce site, Adam said it’s not their intention to replace other websites.
“In a small community, it’s hard for a volunteer chamber of commerce to do a lot because everyone is busy trying to survive,” he said. “We don’t want to replace a chamber site, we want to work with them. We want to help.”
After a few months running the directory website, Adam said the couple realized that businesses needed more than just a mention on a local website. They soon began offering social media marketing and promotion services, now run through Pick Montana.
For a set monthly fee, the couple sets up and runs Facebook pages and online advertising campaigns for area businesses. Adam said it’s important for businesses to get visitors’ attention before they come to the area. To do that, advertising campaigns run by Pick Montana are aimed at specific groups on Facebook, especially Canadians who have increasingly frequented Eureka in recent years. The couple also sits down with clients and helps them with search engine optimization so more people end up on their website and eventually their doorstep. They now have about 20 social media clients.
The Libbys say their services can help bring more visitors to Eureka, which in turn will help the town prosper.
“That’s the main focus,” Desiree said.
“Absolutely, especially now that we’re raising a family here, we want Eureka to succeed,” Adam said.
For more information, visit PickMontana.com.