Ames: Innovation, Education, and Community Commerce

Ames combines academic innovation with a focus on local businesses and a connected community.

01Market context

Ames Market Perspective

Ames, Iowa, is shaped significantly by the presence of Iowa State University. This institution serves as a central point for research and development, influencing the local economy through innovation. The university contributes to a skilled workforce, supporting area businesses and fostering an environment where new ventures can emerge from academic pursuits.

The city's economic character reflects this academic foundation, supporting innovation and small business growth. The university's research initiatives and its role in talent development create a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs. This interplay between education and commerce defines many of the opportunities and challenges for organizations in the area.

The downtown area, known as the Main Street Cultural District, anchors a vibrant commercial and social core. This district features local shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces, attracting both residents and visitors. This blend of academic energy and a strong local business presence means organizations need to connect with a diverse audience that values both innovation and community engagement.

02 / What matters

What Matters for Ames Businesses

  1. Educational Hub Influence

    Iowa State University drives local innovation and supplies talent, shaping the business landscape. Marketing efforts can benefit from understanding this academic connection.

  2. Entrepreneurial Growth Environment

    The city fosters small business development and new ventures. Messaging should resonate with an audience open to local businesses and new ideas.

  3. Downtown Cultural District

    Main Street offers a central point for local commerce and community life. Businesses often connect with audiences through this vibrant downtown area.

  4. Community and Local Focus

    Ames emphasizes community support for businesses and local engagement. Strategies that reflect community values and local appeal are often effective.

Where this market sits

Ames, Iowa

03Services

How we work with Ames organizations

Each of these is a local view of work we run nationally. The discipline does not change by city, the market conditions do.

04The experts behind the work

The people who would run your Ames work.

A selection of the specialists who lead and shape this work, supported by a broader multidisciplinary team.

05Selected engagements
The Wheel Shop logo

The automotive category looks like one audience and behaves like several. A shopper pricing custom rims is nothing like a driver who needs rim repair today, and neither searches the way a tire or alignment customer does. The program had to win the searches with immediate intent, send each customer to the right action, and measure results in calls and form submissions rather than clicks.

Retail and e-commerce | Advertising

574

Conversions from paid search

Retail and e-commerce

Advertising

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Orange sports car on custom black wheels parked outside a wheel and tire shop

The Wheel Shop

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07Questions

Questions we are asked in Ames.

  • How does the university impact local businesses?

    Iowa State University contributes to the economy by fostering research-driven startups and providing a talent pool. This academic presence supports innovation and creates a dynamic business environment.

  • What is the role of the Main Street Cultural District?

    The Main Street Cultural District serves as a central hub for commerce and community. It offers a mix of local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues that attract residents and visitors.

  • What defines the business character in Ames?

    The business character is marked by a focus on innovation, support for small businesses, and a strong sense of community. This environment encourages entrepreneurship and local engagement.

Start a conversation

Let's talk about your Ames program

Tell us what you are trying to move and who you need to reach. We will tell you what we would do first.