Fall Manufacturing Digital Campaign Surpasses Goals

In October, Onward NRV set out to tell the story of Virginia’s New River Valley’s innovative advanced manufacturing opportunities through a digital marketing campaign. The campaign targeted adults and college students within a three- to five-hour drive of the NRV and aimed to reach potential candidates for the region’s high tech manufacturing sector.

The campaign included paid advertising on Facebook and YouTube, with a lineup of engaging videos like “MFG Jobs in the NRV: Find Your Career,” “MFG Jobs in the NRV: Making Ideas Reality,” and a brand-new MFG Industry Highlight video. These were complemented by a carousel ad and directed viewers to TheNRV.org/MFG, a dedicated webpage providing in-depth information on NRV manufacturing jobs.

The metrics exceeded many of the initial goals, showing just how effective digital outreach can be:

• Total Impressions: 194,609 (goal of 250,000)
• Total Reach: 159,496 (goal of 75,000)
• Total Engagement: 44,551 (goal of 2,000)
• Total Video Views: 142,829 (goal of 15,000)
• Total TheNRV.org/MFG website visits: 1,386 (goal of 1,000)

While impressions fell slightly short of the goal, the other results were resoundingly positive. Onward achieved over double the target reach and 20 times the engagement goal, a clear sign that interest in manufacturing careers within the NRV is strong and growing.

This campaign supports Onward NRV’s long-term mission to attract and retain talent across industries in our region. Digital marketing, as shown by these results, is an impactful way to connect with the next generation of talent—especially in a sector as dynamic as manufacturing, where opportunities in robotics, automation, and high-tech fabrication are transforming the landscape.

Ready to see the inspiring stories behind these numbers? Watch Onward NRV’s videos here, and explore the endless possibilities within Virginia’s New River Valley.

Stay tuned for future digital marketing campaigns as we continue our journey to connect skilled talent with transformative opportunities right here in the NRV.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.