The Landmark Trust USA is requesting detailed proposals from qualified and experienced respondents to perform client surveys and market research to help guide the organization’s plans to expand to additional locations and inform The Landmark Trust USA’s brand development strategy.
Background:
The Landmark Trust USA manages five restored historic properties in Vermont as short-term, whole-house vacation rentals, for groups of two to eight people. The Trust’s philosophy of sustainable stewardship relies on the income from short-term vacation rentals to preserve and maintain the integrity of each distinctive building. Each stay at a Landmark Trust USA property supports the core nonprofit mission, bringing new life to heritage buildings. While vacation rentals defray a major portion of operating and maintenance costs, The Landmark Trust USA also relies on generous donations from supporters to help achieve the organization’s mission and expand its reach. The Landmark Trust USA is currently considering an expansion of this business model to include additional historic properties in two specific locations.
Scope of Work:
Purpose of Research: The Landmark Trust USA seeks to gain a greater understanding of the existing and
potential market for visitors, guests, and stakeholders. Additionally, the organization seeks to understand
the existing brand identity and how the organization can become more relevant and identifiable to a
broader audience in conjunction with the anticipated expansion to Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Scope of Work:
After a review of existing audience and market information, the selected consultant or consultant team
will conduct interviews with stakeholders to:
1. Explore the relevancy of our mission and vision statements,
2. Gain insights into their values and priorities relating to historic preservation and their choice of
rental properties,
3. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of our organization,
4. Identify aspects that make the organization unique,
5. Understand the character and personality of our brand and rental properties,
6. Gather anecdotal information about their involvement with our organization,
7. Understand the composition of our audience’s: age, geographic location, ethnicity, and income
level,
8. Ascertain their brand associations
The stakeholder survey and interviews will assist The Landmark Trust USA in understanding the market
potential for two specific properties under consideration in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. The
The Landmark Trust USA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: MARKETING AND BRAND RESEARCH
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consultant will identify key factors (including location, character, and amenities) that influence a
stakeholder’s interest in staying in historic properties.
The survey and interviews will also help evaluate brand recognition of The Landmark Trust USA. The
respondent will conduct a review of Landmark Trust USA’s existing identity in print and on social media
(Facebook and Instagram), E-mail Blasts, and Website Pages to develop an analysis of the brand’s public
profile, consistency, voice, and themes.
Deliverables:
The project must be submitted in draft form by December 1, 2021, and in final form by December 15,
2021, and must include all of the following components.
● A critical brand assessment citing the consultant’s research from the survey and interviews
regarding brand identity
● Analytical input and recommendations for brand identity including 2 to 3 creative concepts that
articulate the brand visually and verbally. (A slide deck is required)
● A summary of potential amenities and locations that interest clients when considering a stay at
The Landmark Trust USA properties.
● A list of core objectives and metrics of success for the Landmark Trust USA’s proposed addition of
two specific historic properties in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. This must include a list of
target markets, specific strategies with measurable objectives and tactics to achieve the
objectives.
● An evidence-based opinion of market potential for the two specific properties under
consideration.
Potential Research Participants may represent a selection of:
1. One-time guests
2. Repeat guests
3. “Never” guests
4. Day visitors
5. Program attendees
6. Donors (one-time and regular)
7. Social media followers
8. Employees and directors of the Landmark Trust USA and partner organizations (Scott Farm,
the Stone Trust, Preserve Rhode Island, New Hampshire Preservation Alliance)
Due Date: October 12
Address:
Susan McMahon, Executive Director The Landmark Trust USA smcmahon@landmarktrustusa.org
Relevant agencies to consider include Dukas Linden and Prosek PR.