Three years after the global lockdowns, the economic recovery of local businesses and communities is still a top priority. At real5 Digital, we recognised the importance of effective place marketing in revitalising town centres, high streets and shopping centres after the lockdown.
That’s why our decision to become an Institute of Place Management (IPM) Associate Partner has been a game-changer for our social media marketing agency based in Warrington. In this blog post, we will explore why this partnership is crucial and how it has helped real5 Digital fulfil its mission of better-place marketing in the post-lockdown era.
The Power of the IPM Partnership
IPM is the international professional body supporting people committed to developing, managing, and improving places. By aligning ourselves with the IPM, we will gain access to cutting-edge research, industry-leading insights, and a network of professionals who share our passion for transforming places.
“We are thrilled to become an Associate Partner of the Institute of Place Management (IPM). Together with IPM, we are excited to drive economic vitality, enhance footfall, and create thriving communities. Let’s embark on this journey of place transformation and make a positive impact together!” Stacey Whitney, Founder of real5 Digital
IPM Head of Membership & Engagement, Matt Davis, says:
“As the professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better, IPM is always delighted to strengthen our international network of place makers by welcoming new partner organisations. real5 Digital are working on a range of exciting place marketing initiatives with businesses and local organisations at the heart of a number of places, and we’re very much looking forward to learning from them and to sharing that with our wider community.”
Improving Foot Traffic: real5 Digital’s Success Stories
At real5 Digital, we firmly believe that effective social media campaigns are pivotal in driving foot traffic and boosting economic vitality in areas affected by the pandemic. We have successfully implemented marketing strategies that deliver tangible results by leveraging our expertise and people-centric approach. We showcase the real people and stories rather than the static marketing graphics and dropping the hard sell.
Our success stories come from our work with the Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington Business District (BID), The Hive WA1 & Northwich Business District (BID). Through a comprehensive social media campaign, we highlighted the unique offerings, range of retailers, businesses and events available in the town centres, capturing the attention of locals and visitors.
Foot traffic has increased yearly through authentic and engaging content, targeted advertising, and community-centric initiatives and experiences. This footfall surge has benefited the businesses on the high street and injected new life into the local economies.
The Importance of Marketing in Economic Vitality
The significance of marketing in improving economic vitality cannot be overstated, particularly in areas heavily impacted by the pandemic. Effective social media campaigns bridge businesses and consumers, fostering confidence in physical retail spaces and revitalising local economies.
Research shows that targeted place marketing campaigns can lead to an average increase in foot traffic of 20-35%. This result alone highlights the immense potential for growth and economic recovery that can be achieved through well-executed marketing initiatives.
Taking Action: Steps for Success
If you’re interested in enhancing economic vitality in your local area, here are some actionable steps to consider:
- Identify Key Strengths: Understand your place’s unique qualities and offerings, and identify your target audience’s preferences and needs.
- Develop an Authentic Social Media Strategy: Craft a comprehensive strategy encompassing engaging content creation, targeted advertising, and community engagement activities.
- Harness the Power of Data: Utilise data analytics tools to measure the success of your campaigns, gather insights and make data-driven decisions for optimisation.
- Collaborate with Local Businesses: Foster partnerships with local businesses, community organisations, and other stakeholders to create a united front in marketing your place.
By following these steps and leveraging the power of effective social media campaigns, you can contribute to the economic revitalisation of your local area and create thriving places for businesses and residents alike.
We’re looking forward to our partnership with the Institute of Place Management. By recognising the importance of effective marketing and leveraging the resources provided by the IPM, real5 Digital continues to impact places positively.
Want to find out more email stacey@real5digital.com
