Discover Ilkley

High street businesses have faced stiff competition from online retailers over recent years but COVID19 just served to exacerbate the issue. In a 'bid' to turn the tide, Ilkley BID put out a call for digital companies to help breathe new life into the town centre. We answered that call and blended the best bits of online retail and digital tech to deliver a renewed focus on the town centre and boost engagement with both the local community and tourism.

Make the town searchable

We started out with the idea of treating Ilkley like Amazon Marketplace and making a site which could search the product offerings of each business in the town.

We created a directory where business owners could admin their own page, adding products, offers and information which would influence the search results and offer unique content to visitors.

Personalised itineraries

When site visitors found a business they wanted to visit, they could add it to their personal itinerary for a real-world visit to the town, or favourite the business to receive updates on products and offers.

The virtual itinerary could include shops, businesses, events and recreational activities such as walks and was all accessible on the mobile version of Discover Ilkley, so it could be accessed on-the-go in the town.

Intelligent maps

​

The directory and search worked together with Google maps, so that a visit to town would show visitors their nearest search results i.e. searching pizza would bring up the closest Italian restaurants and takeaways.

Targeted content​

​

Visitors to Discover Ilkley are encouraged to register and account and signal their interests - this will allow businesses to tailor offers and information to individuals and make the site more of a tool for both local residents and tourists.

In addition to the bespoke features above, we also delivered an events calendar, news sections and the ability to easily curate seasonal directory pages i.e. advertising all businesses with a Christmas menu.