Strengthening Downtown Bellingham
In today's digital age, traditional methods of community engagement—such as public art installations and isolated events—are no longer sufficient to draw people in. To truly connect with and re-engage the public, cities must establish a strategic digital presence that reaches people where they spend their time: online.
Downtown Bellingham, for instance, faces challenges like perceptions of disengagement and safety concerns that deter visitors. By building new digital platforms that educate, inspire, and reassure, we can transform downtown into a vibrant, accessible destination where community members feel safe and excited to explore.
Empowering a Thriving Local Economy
We specialize in creating strategic digital engagements that connect locals and visitors with the heart of Bellingham. Utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, we highlight local culture, support businesses and nonprofits, and build a sense of community that inspires people to explore and engage with downtown.
Key Outcomes
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1. Increasing Foot Traffic
Our campaigns draw locals and visitors into downtown, supporting a bustling economy.
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2. Enhancing Safety Perceptions
We create a positive, engaging narrative around downtown, fostering a sense of safety and excitement.
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3. Promoting Local Culture & Events
From public art to local festivals, we spotlight the unique aspects of Bellingham that make it a true community gem.
When the Bellingham Food Bank needed home delivery drivers, our digital outreach helped mobilize a steady stream of volunteers.
By enhancing existing community programs with strategic digital engagement, we create real results without reinventing the wheel.
Our work with SeaFeast is another example:
We crafted social media content that highlighted SeaFeast as a can't-miss celebration. The result was a 40% increase in second-day attendance, over 20 new volunteers, and a boost in first-time visitors. This unified approach turned SeaFeast into a must-attend event, showcasing the power of engaging storytelling.
Partnering with Local Businesses
When Mo, the owner of Bellingham Bar & Grill, needed to attract more students, we helped him establish BBG as a central hub for the Western Washington University community. Our targeted social media strategy led to a steady flow of new and returning patrons, transforming the business into a thriving part of the local scene.
We’ve partnered with dozens of downtown businesses, transforming how they connect with residents. Our programs consistently drive traffic, boost engagement, and increase visibility.
“Joyco quickly became an invaluable asset to my business; we saw positive results immediately after implementing the marketing plan and have continued to see sustained levels of growth ever since.”
— Mo | Owner, Bellingham Bar & Grill
We're the region's leading experts at digital community engagement.
Meet Holli & DeVante, Our Local Guides
Holli and DeVante are trusted local guides connecting residents and visitors to the best of Whatcom County. Through strategic branding, we’ve positioned them as friendly faces for discovering hidden gems, supporting local causes, and exploring all that Bellingham has to offer. Their channels are powerful tools for building community pride and engagement, consistently amplifying Bellingham’s unique culture and businesses.
30+ Organizations Supported Monthly
40+ Content Pieces Published Weekly
We work with over 30 local organizations each month, using strategic content and storytelling to drive real results. Through consistent, impactful content, we create visibility for the people, places, and events that make Bellingham special. Chances are, you’ve seen our work without even realizing it!
Meet the Team
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Raelyn Kaplan
Head of Community & Partnerships
Rae is a digital strategist and content creator with over 150,000 followers. She has worked with major brands, conducted research on Gen Z community engagement with Points of Light, and led PR for San Francisco during the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Conference. Her focus is on building connections and fostering engagement across generations.
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Daniel Joyner
Principal & Digital Strategist with 15+ years of experience
With 15+ years in digital strategy and community engagement, Dan brings experience from campaign management and community organizing. His high-impact campaigns help support Bellingham’s businesses, nonprofits, and community initiatives, making downtown a thriving and inclusive environment.
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The Joyco Crew
Our team of experts specializes in:
Photography & Videography, Social Media Strategy, Content Creation & Distribution, Community Engagement, Targeted Digital Advertising
We’re already activating Bellingham.
Our work directly addresses challenges like safety perceptions, disengagement, and lack of awareness. Imagine transforming downtown Bellingham into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming destination that residents and visitors are excited to explore.
Our digital strategies have helped Bellingham businesses, nonprofits, and events achieve remarkable results:
💙 Local Businesses: Our campaigns drive foot traffic and increase visibility, solidifying their place as community cornerstones.
💙 Nonprofits: We’ve generated dozens of volunteers, showing that targeted outreach can inspire action and support when it’s needed most.
💙 Community Events: Our promotional efforts boosted attendance at events like SeaFeast by 40%, bringing in both first-time visitors and loyal locals.