New Mexico is the 16th-largest state in the US with a population of around 3.3 million. With such a large market, it’s no surprise that the state, as well as the city of Albuquerque in particular, are becoming hubs for digital marketing, especially since 95.3% of New Mexicans use the internet. The local economy also benefits greatly from digital marketing: over $15 billion is spent annually on digital marketing in the US. Since New Mexico is a major hub for interstate business, it only makes sense that the state’s economic and digital marketing landscapes would develop in tandem.
Why Albuquerque?
Albuquerque is the capital city of New Mexico, with a population of around 856,000. It’s also the largest city in terms of population in New Mexico, and the 8th-largest in the US. Due to its size, economic impact, and the fact that most people live there, it’s a great place to practice and learn.
Albuquerque is home to a number of major companies, major universities, and a thriving arts community. In addition, the city is well-known for being the filming location for many Hollywood blockbusters, especially for those produced by director J.J. Abrams. As a result, a lot of exciting possibilities arise for marketers looking to target local audiences in Albuquerque.
Digital Marketing Hub
New Mexico is a major hub for digital marketing, especially the city of Albuquerque. This is due in large part to the population and the high rate of internet use in the area. There are a number of digital marketing firms and in-house marketing departments that have set up shop in the city, and with such a large and growing population, there’s bound to be even more players in the coming years.
As a result of its status as a hub for digital marketing, the city has a range of platforms, tools, and resources to support local businesses, communities, and non-profits. There’s also a local chapter of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) that provides resources and opportunities for anyone interested in the field.
Bold And Beautiful
New Mexico produces a wide range of products, from pottery and jewelry to leather goods and silver trinkets. The state is also the second-largest producer of mescal beans in the US, with a bean-to-bar whiskey brand named after the region’s most popular drink. Finally, the state is the birthplace of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple.
It’s fair to say that the state is a hub for industry, with a diverse range of products and a welcoming business environment. This makes it an ideal location for marketers, whether you’re a traditional or digital marketer.
The Local Food Scene
New Mexicans love their food, and they like to eat local, organic products whenever possible. Therefore, when it comes to marketing food products, local is the way to go. The state’s major food exports include organically-grown peppers, tomatoes, and chiles. New Mexico also grows the majority of the foods that it consumes, from apples and avocados to melons and watermelons. The state is also a center for artisanal chocolate production, featuring some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, such as Ghirardelli and Barry Callebaut.
In light of this fact, it’s not surprising that local marketing agencies, businesses, and brands flock to the state to take advantage of this natural proclivity for organic products and food. In particular, the local food industry in Albuquerque has grown by 29% between 2014 and 2018.
Parks And Recreation
Albuquerque is home to a number of major parks and recreation centers, from San Jose Park and Isleta Pueblo to the Botanical Garden and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
The city’s Parks and Recreation department is responsible for maintaining these spaces and operating the sporting facilities, like Albuquerque’s Convention Center and Hotel Isleta. The department also organizes activities, from concerts to open-air markets, throughout the year. This provides an opportunity for marketers to engage with citizens at the neighborhood level, outside of the traditional retail or business environment.
Major Universities And Research Centers
New Mexico is also a hub for higher education, with the University of New Mexico and the University of Albuquerque both having a significant impact on the state’s economy and cultural landscape. In addition, the University of Texas at El Paso’s Health Science Center also has a significant presence in the area, providing even more opportunities for growth.
The impact of higher education in New Mexico is best seen in the thriving entrepreneurial environment that emerges from every university and college in the state. This can be an excellent opportunity for students, providing them with valuable job skills and a strong foundation for future success.
What Does The Future Hold?
With such a strong foundation in place, it’s only natural that New Mexico looks towards the future with optimism. While the state has seen a slowdown in the oil and gas fields, it is now entering an exciting phase, with a range of opportunities in tech, science, and medicine. Organized crime is also largely a thing of the past, with a renewed focus on public safety and anti-corruption measures. This is providing additional opportunities for businesses, especially in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Overall, the future looks very bright for New Mexico, with a diverse range of industries, products, and communities, providing a rich environment for marketers to explore, experiment, and grow.