Leveraging Bend’s Natural Beauty for Your Marketing Campaigns

How to Create Authentic Outdoor Campaigns for Bend, Oregon

Bend isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a community driven by nature, passion, and purpose. To truly resonate with this outdoor-loving audience, brands must move beyond surface-level visuals and deliver campaigns grounded in local culture, values, and voice.

1. Dive Into Bend’s Cultural Identity

What to Highlight:

• Community Stories: Feature local makers, brewers, guides, and artists.
• Passion Projects: Align with causes like the Deschutes Land Trust or Bend Sustainability Fund.
• Local Voices: Use real people from Bend—athletes, entrepreneurs, or conservationists—for true authenticity.

2. Go Beyond the Obvious Locations

Move past Tumalo Falls and Mt. Bachelor. Instead:

• Highlight Hidden Gems: Horse Butte, Fort Rock, or lesser-known alpine lakes.
• Contextualize Adventures: Early morning Shevlin Park runs or Crux post-hike rituals.
• Showcase Seasonal Change: Capture the color, texture, and vibe of every season.

3. Build Emotional Connections Through Storytelling

Make it personal:

• Human Stories: A climber’s first Smith Rock send. A family kayaking Sparks Lake.
• Real Challenges: Injuries, setbacks, gear fails—and how your brand plays a role in overcoming them.
• Milestone Moments: Relay finishes, summit celebrations, and backcountry triumphs with your gear in the mix.

4. Make Sustainability Non-Negotiable

How to Build Credibility:

• Be Transparent: Share data, not vague claims.
• Support Local: Collaborate with trail stewards, wildlife groups, and clean water initiatives.
• Invite Action: Run campaigns that let customers get involved (e.g., tree-planting, trail days).

5. Integrate Technology for Immersive Experiences

Modern tools to tell timeless stories:

• Virtual Tours: Let people experience your gear on Bend’s terrain.
• Interactive AR & Apps: Highlight trails, landmarks, or events through digital layers.
• Smart Targeting: Use local trends and weather to personalize campaigns (e.g., opening day at Mt. Bachelor).

6. Elevate Local Collaborations

Build deeper connections through shared purpose:

• Host Local Events: Trail cleanups, gear demos, or athlete meetups.
• Partner Intelligently: Work with local brands, museums, or media outlets.
• Amplify Local Media: Engage with publications and creators who know how to speak Bend’s language.