RBA Marketing

06/17/2025

Got a great email today, from a client on the proof of his newest website.

"Looks fantastic! I'm going through and looking for items to change and can't find anything. I'm going to forward to the team and get their feedback. But job well done!!!!"

Ray and I love creating great websites and videos that position clients to make an impact in their industry.

06/05/2025

Everybody knows I talk a bunch of SMACK
Are We Driving Our Business Away?

To my fellow tourism professionals in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, I need to share something that's been weighing heavily on me. I'm alarmed by some of the online remarks I'm seeing, and I'll be the first to admit, I've been guilty of it too.

We complain about traffic, we make derogatory comments about how our visitors drive, and increasingly, we take them for granted. But let's be honest: these visitors, and yes, even the traffic, are the lifeblood of our economy.

With the current economic downturn, it's more critical than ever to realize that consumers have choices. When we make negative cracks online about tourists, it's VISABLE to the entire world. This isn't just venting; it's a direct reflection on our community.

Each one of us and I'm not leaving myself out here needs to remember that we are ambassadors of the Smoky Mountains.

If we don't change our ways and lead by example, our loyal customers, who see negative comments from us and other visitors, will simply choose to go elsewhere.

Let's commit to showing appreciation and professionalism, both online and in person. Our future depends on it.

06/02/2025

I want to brag on someone for a movement.

If you don't know Joy Maples you should take the time to get to know her. As a person and a friend, few are finer. As a businesswoman, she is a force to be reckoned with one of the most professional, self-motivated, sharp, and downright fierce competitors I’ve ever known.

She never loses sight of the goal. I genuinely love watching her create and build web and social media marketing strategies. Few marketing agencies can match what she is capable of accomplishing on her own.

05/09/2025

🌄 Take a Moment to Reflect… 🌄

In the rush to complete the next project, we sometimes forget to pause and appreciate where the journey has taken us.

This week, a client sent me a video we created a while back for Gatlinburg SkyPark—and it hit me all over again just how powerful storytelling can be. The goal of this piece was to bring their legacy to life using archival photos, film clips, and memories that span generations.

From its beginnings as the Gatlinburg SkyLift, through good times and devastating ones—including the wildfires of 2016 that destroyed the original lift—SkyPark has remained a place of joy. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it came back stronger than ever, building the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the U.S. at over 700 feet long. It’s a place where visitors can conquer fears, take in breathtaking views, and let the mountain winds carry their troubles away.

And the journey doesn’t stop there Clayton’s Landing is the next chapter, offering one of the most stunning overlooks in the Smokies.

This email reminded me: The work we do matters. It continues to inspire, comfort, and connect people. And that’s worth pausing for.

Here’s to legacy, reflection, and the power of storytelling.
📽️ Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxvI2Cf9fmc
🔥 Follow Gatlinburg SkyPark to see what’s next on the Phoenix’s journey.

04/04/2025

Bringing beautiful designs to the Smoky Mountains! We're excited to launch the new website for Elkmont Interior Designs! (https://www.elkmontinteriordesigns.com/) See how they're creating stunning interiors right here in our community. Check out their portfolio and support local talent!

For all your marketing and website needs, contact RBA Marketing and Media! 📞 (865)-242-1700 📅 www.rbamarketing.com

"

04/02/2025

Just launched a stunning new website for Black Orchid Tattoo Studios! 🖤 (https://www.blackorchidtattoostudios.com/) Working with tattoo artists and understanding their unique craft was an incredibly eye-opening experience. The dedication, artistry, and connection they share with their clients is truly something special. Big thanks to the amazing team at Black Orchid for trusting RBA Marketing and Media with their vision! Check out their site to see the incredible talent and professionalism they bring to the tattoo industry.

For all your marketing and website needs, contact RBA Marketing and Media! 📞 (865)-242-1700 📅 www.rbamarketing.com

04/01/2025

Going the Extra Mile for Our Clients

Last year, a client hired us to photograph four of their hotel properties in the Smoky Mountains, focusing primarily on interior rooms and lobby spaces. The client was thrilled with the results.

Fast forward to last week I was in Gatlinburg for another shoot, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. As I walked between locations, I passed by Old Creek Lodge. I've always loved the charm and location of that property and remembered wishing we had included some exterior shots during the original shoot.

So, I took a few minutes to set up and capture some exterior photos of Old Creek Lodge something I felt would be a great addition to their visual library. Even though it wasn’t part of the original job, I sent the photos over as a bonus to sweeten the shoot we did last year.

The client was ecstatic. It was a small gesture, but one that showed our appreciation for their business and our ongoing loyalty to their brand. At RBA, we believe in building relationships, not just filling orders. I like to throw in a little surprise value when I can, it’s just how we do things at RBA Marketing.

📞 (865)-242-1700
📅 www.rbamarketing.com

03/01/2025

If you missed the livestream of United Way's Dancing with the Stars, here's the link where you can watch it. This year's event raised $544,000 that helps fund 19 Sevier County partners of United Way. You can see a full list of the partners on the United Way Sevier County website.

Watch the United Way of Sevier County's 6th Annual Dancing with the Stars livestream. Cast your vote for your favorite dance team at https://dancingforsevi...

02/26/2025

For nearly a decade, RBA Marketing and Media has been dedicated to our passion project, "Military Tales." https://www.youtube.com//playlists We capture first-person interviews with veterans, preserving their invaluable stories. We served those who serve us. 🇺🇸 This past October, Military Tales had the honor of traveling to Las Vegas to document the "SOAR" Special Operations Reunion. The stories shared were powerful and unforgettable. This photo captures the gathering where we connected with incredible veterans. Instead of just saying "thank you for your service," let's remember: Their service mattered, our freedoms exist because of those who serve and served.

02/15/2025

Throwback to an exciting project for the Smoky Mountain Opry! RBA Marketing and Media was commissioned to create several video backdrops for new show elements, including an adapted routine of Young Frankenstein.

We had a blast working on this! The castle featured in the backdrop is a composite of three different castles. The bats were meticulously timed to appear at specific moments in the song, adding to the theatrical magic. The night sky was a stunning time-lapse we captured right here in the Smoky Mountains.

We love bringing creative visions to life and making dreams a reality for our clients. Hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look!

— Rich & Ray
RBA Marketing and Media

02/07/2025

✨ RBA Marketing Launches New Website for Elkmont Interior Design! ✨

We are incredibly proud and excited to unveil one of our latest web development projects—Elkmont Interior Design! It has been an absolute honor to create a website for such a talented and dedicated team.

Elkmont Interior Design offers a much-needed service in the Smoky Mountains. When building cabins and overnight rental accommodations, many property owners wait until construction is complete before considering interior design. However, with Elkmont Interior Design, the design process develops alongside the build, ensuring a seamless and well-integrated vision from start to finish.

If you're in need of an interior designer before, during, or after your overnight rental project, we highly recommend reaching out to Tricia Harder. She is professional, cheerful, and brings invaluable insight to every project.

Visit their new website: https://www.elkmontinteriordesigns.com/
Principal Interior Designer Tricia Harder

02/07/2025

Uhhh, do we have a program like this?