By Yvette d'Entremont - The Weekly News
SACKVILLE - With vibrant photos, maps, a constantly updated list of community events and links to shops and services, the Sackville Drive Business Association expects their new website to draw more shoppers and businesses to Sackville's main thoroughfare.
The new and improved website is part of the association's marketing plan being undertaken in partnership with Bristol Communications. The site was officially unveiled on Nov. 24 at Eastlink's Sackville Drive television studio.
"It's very flexible and user-friendly. You want people to visit (the site) not just one time, but you want it to become a source of trusted information," explained Paul Card, Bristol's advertising practice vice president . "Overall, the feeling I got when I looked at it after the creative folks finally let me look at it is that it has a clean, fresh feel."
Members of the Sackville Drive Business Association who attended the website launch last week encouraged all members to visit the site and check out their personal business listings. Every business on Sackville Drive belongs to the association.
"We have new features where they can add logos, photos, and that sort of thing," said the association's executive director Michelle Champniss. "The more information and photos we have, the more appealing it is for people to click on and go to your site."
Visitors to the website can easily access a comprehensive list of all shops and services located on Sackville Drive and view contact information complete with an address and a Google map pinpointing the business location.
It's also hoped the website will encourage other businesses to make the move to Sackville Drive. Business resources on the website include a link to available properties, a business improvement district boundary map, and a link where commercial property owners can list their vacant spaces.
Subway Restaurant owner and business association president Tara Hill is thrilled with the website and its potential.
"Ninety per cent of Sackville residents shop within the Sackville area one to three times a week," Hill said. "I'm hoping we can increase that number and reach out beyond the community by bringing more awareness about the many services offered in Sackville."
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
