Going local with the local index
Added: (Tue Nov 25 2008)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Dorset businesses will now be able to advertise in a brand new printed local directory. The Local Index will only list businesses operating in Weymouth and Portland, so those using it know they are supporting a company local to them, and probably getting a better deal to boot. It will also include lots of useful local information and an indexed street map, making it the first place people turn to when they’re looking for local services and products.
The Local Index is run by Weymouth residents, Claire Whitaker and Dave Warson. As locals, they saw the need for an annual directory to help local people find local businesses easily, without having to trawl through pages and pages of listings of irrelevant, far-away companies.
The benefits of having a local directory are numerous for both companies in the area and residents. As Claire commented, “Since moving to Weymouth, we’ve often found it really frustrating trying to find local suppliers and services. We are always discovering new shops and businesses that we didn’t even know existed. The Local Index means that people can easily find a business in the same town as them. It just seems so logical!” And because it’s annual, businesses only need to pay for one advert or listing to advertise for a whole year.
The directory will shortly be holding a competition for amateur photographers in the area. Photographers will be invited to submit their photos of the local area – the image which best captures the essence of Weymouth & Portland will be selected to go on the front cover of the annually produced directory, which will be delivered free to every address in Weymouth & Portland – more than 32,000 copies! There will also be a prize worth £150. More information about this will be available on the local index website from January next year….
The directory for Weymouth & Portland will be published in Spring 2009, and any local businesses interested in talking to Claire or Dave about advertising should call them on 01305 839391 or visit www.thelocalindex.co.uk.