The completely redesigned sites have been enhanced to deliver comprehensive local content, across a range of clearly colour-coded channels, to the communities that they serve. Now, local residents will have access to a unique combination of local news and information alongside user and business-generated content to provide users with everything they want to know, do or find in their region, says Northcliffe.
The Thisis network boasts 5.9 million monthly unique users and upwards of 50% local penetration in the regions they serve. The new sites mark a significant step forward in Northcliffe Digital's aim to deliver the most comprehensive local content across the Midlands, South West, North East and South East of England as well as South Wales.
"Delivering great local news content remains at the heart of our mission, but we are now moving towards a more interactive and relevant social experience for our users," explained Roland Bryan, Northcliffe Digital managing director. "The new sites are built around our users and promote interaction between people, local businesses and our content. Every piece of content across the Thisis network has calls to action to allow our users the opportunity to create, respond or discuss. As the internet becomes more social, it's crucial that we enable conversations between individuals in the community, the businesses that serve them as well as the journalists who are leading the local news agenda."
Advertisers will also benefit from a new range of cost effective opportunities to drive leads and sales across Northcliffe Digital's expanding online audience. Advertising across the network has been enhanced through a number of exciting new response-led opportunities. These include embedding local business reviews, deals and listings alongside relevant local editorial content so that the user-experience is an integrated journey through relevant UGC, local business information and relevant, local news stories.
Local companies can set up 'Business Profiles' to drive leads and sales. These rich profile pages include information on services offered, images and video content, the ability to highlight featured customer reviews and attract followers who want to receive profile updates, location details and a link through to their own dedicated website. Local Deals give businesses the added option of uploading relevant special offers and discounts - adding value to their customer offering and increasing sales for specific lines of products and services.
A dedicated and fully trackable on site telephone number that routes calls through to a business' landline ensures that all leads are tracked and any messages left from missed calls are sent via email so that no leads are lost. Finding new recruits in the local area is also made easier through fully integrated and localised jobs content.
"Now, more so than ever, we want to ensure that our audience is delivering strong ROI for our advertising partners through a compelling set of commercial products," added Roland. "Our aim is for Thisis to become the first destination for the local communities we serve, bringing people and businesses closer together; delivering not only audience reach, but also highly measurable results to our advertising partners."
The new look sites have clearly colour-coded channels to ensure users benefit from a consistent experience across the Thisis network and a 'brighter way' to see their regions.
