The Client
The Tennessee Riverboat Company owns and operates the Star of Knoxville, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, in Knoxville, TN offering cruises year-round. Coast Guard approved for 200 passengers, the boat is the perfect venue for private charters and provides a gorgeous backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and more.
The Ask
The Tennessee Riverboat Company recognized the need for a targeted approach to promote the Star of Knoxville’s wedding services. While their main site served general ticket sales and river tours well, a separate, dedicated website for wedding activities was essential to reach couples seeking a one-of-a-kind venue for their special day.
They enlisted IonPros to create a platform that would allow them to showcase the wedding experience options, highlight the romantic river setting, and streamline the inquiry process for weddings and related events on the Star of Knoxville.
The Action
IonPros custom built the StarofKnoxvilleWeddings.com website, start to finish.
Website Design and Development – We designed the logo, which led to the design, look and feel of the entire website. We created all the content and took inspiration from actual weddings that have taken place on the boat, including the Cheek family’s own children.
SEO – Once the site was live, we focused on local SEO tactics to ensure we ranked for our key terms in the local market as quickly as possible. Through regular backend updates, we ensure optimal performance and seamless functionality, enhancing the user experience and boosting search engine visibility.
Social Media – To amplify awareness of the wedding website launch, we established a strong social media presence across Facebook and Instagram. By creating and managing these platforms, we were able to share the boat’s mission, services, and community impact with a wider audience. Through consistent posting, engaging content, and targeted outreach, we are building a following and fostering engagement with brides across the South.
The RESULTS
StarofKnoxvilleWeddings.com went live October 7th.
3
Form Inquiry Leads in the first 21 days
Zero
advertising spend
40%
growth in Facebook followers week over week
TESTIMONIAL
“Working with IonPros to create the Star of Knoxville Weddings website has been a fantastic experience. They truly understood our vision of providing couples with a unique wedding experience on the water and helped us bring that to life online. The new website has been a game-changer in reaching brides and grooms looking for a memorable venue, and we’ve seen an increase in inquiries and bookings since the launch. IonPros’ expertise and dedication made all the difference, and we’re thrilled with the results!”
– Kori Wynkoop, Wedding Coordinator, Star of Knoxville Weddings