Mendocino County is a wondrous land known for its wine, waves, and weed. It’s not a quick trip up the 101 but a sojourn that stirs the inner adventurer and beckons for a closer, longer look. The Mendocino key tag is a nostalgic icon that whispers "stay awhile" and visually communicates "real California unplugged," inviting visitors to spend more than just a day to take it all in.
It is always nice to work for nice people and the VMC team were some of the best clients I ever had. A labor of love for a county that I have truly grown to love.
Visit Mendocino
Problem
Mendocino County has everything—redwoods, coastlines, wineries, and charm—but lacked one crucial ingredient: awareness. Most Northern Californians didn’t even have it on their radar. The goal was clear—turn this overlooked gem into a must-visit destination and build equity for its local businesses.
Solution
We discovered Mendocino’s real draw wasn’t just its scenery, it was the feeling it gave you. In a world of hustle, Mendocino offered presence, peace, and simple joys. We called these Mendo Moments and built a brand platform, a new website and social creative that amplified them all, inviting people to “Find Your Happy” and reimagine Mendocino as a state of mind, not just a place.
Result
Awareness in the Bay Area skyrocketed from single digits to over 40% in two months. Website traffic surged 1,400% year-over-year, and leads to local businesses grew by more than 900%. Mendocino didn’t just gain visitors, it gained a voice, a brand, and a devoted following.
