Client Overview:
The Barlow Market District is a vibrant, open-air marketplace in Sebastopol, California, home to 40 artisan producers spanning four city blocks. This unique destination brings together a diverse range of local businesses, including wineries, distilleries, breweries, and artisan producers, making it a key attraction in Sonoma County.

Challenge:
The Barlow Market District faced the challenge of maintaining a consistent and engaging digital presence that could effectively represent its diverse community of businesses. The e-commerce website needed regular updates and enhancements to keep pace with the growing number of vendors and events. Additionally, there was a need for cohesive branding across digital platforms and effective marketing strategies to boost tenant participation and drive foot traffic to the district.

Solution:
Studio Maya was brought in to lead the e-commerce web design and digital marketing efforts for The Barlow Market District. Our approach included:

• Website Design & Management: We took charge of managing and maintaining The Barlow’s e-commerce website, ensuring it accurately represented the unique character of each vendor. By promoting The Barlow as a premier Sonoma County destination, we helped elevate the visibility of local businesses. Our work included regularly updating the site’s content, optimizing user experience, and ensuring seamless mobile responsiveness.
• Branding & Content: To maintain a cohesive digital identity, we ensured consistent branding across all platforms. This involved curating high-quality photo and video assets that captured the essence of The Barlow’s vibrant community. We also developed engaging content for the website and implemented weekly email marketing campaigns that boosted tenant participation and event attendance.
• CRM & Marketing: We managed the CRM systems to execute targeted email and text marketing campaigns, enhancing customer engagement and driving foot traffic to events. These efforts were designed to create a personalized experience for visitors and to maintain a strong connection between The Barlow and its audience.
• New Project Development: We expanded our involvement by developing a secondary website for The Barlow Hotel project, crafting educational content to build community support. This initiative was key to generating interest and fostering a sense of local ownership in the new venture.

Results:
Through our work, The Barlow Market District’s online presence became a powerful tool for promoting its vendors and events. The website now serves as a dynamic platform that attracts both local patrons and tourists, effectively showcasing the district’s diverse offerings. Our consistent branding and targeted marketing strategies significantly boosted tenant participation and increased foot traffic to the district. The development of The Barlow Hotel’s website further solidified The Barlow’s role as a central hub in the community, generating strong support for the project and reinforcing the district’s reputation as a must-visit destination in Sonoma County.