Our revamped website and active social media platforms engage existing and new followers daily. Digital marketing provides visitors with real-time information directly to their tablets or smartphones and encourages direct engagement to better inform our communication and marketing efforts.
Social Media
The social media platforms are shared between tourism and investment and we’ve maintained our assertive approach to brand awareness for investment. Increased frequency of published content focused on the potential investors and attracting investment to the KZN South Coast has also contributed to exposing new investment opportunities. The platforms have resulted in substantial and positive cross-platform engagement. Mid-quarter, we achieved impressive statistics including 245 855 impressions, close to 7,000 engagements, and a 187% net audience growth bringing new followers across all platforms. We’ve also employed post-boosting strategies to target specific audiences which has enhanced our social media reach and engagement.
Website
Our ongoing commitment to the investment website has led to a multitude of changes, including a more enhanced One Stop Shop (OSS) digital experience. Presently, there is at least one enquiry per week leading to more direct engagement with both existing and potential investors. Additionally, there have been over a dozen software and plugin enhancements since 12 December 2023 ensuring the maintenance of the website with updated and accurate information.
Push Notifications
There are a myriad of notifications that are sent including multimedia, links, and key milestones. These are consistently communicated to establishments, stakeholders, and board members within both sectors. In line with our digital campaign and SM focus, content here is also focused on the potential investors and attracting investment to the KZN South Coast. We’ve more than doubled the number of Push Notifications since the previous quarter to intensify our digital communication and immediately inform stakeholders of important developments.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Our SEO efforts have significantly boosted our investment website traffic and engagement. In this quarter, we will be optimising our content with relevant investment articles tailored to search engine algorithms and user intent. Additionally, we are introducing new backend mechanisms and software, along with exploring SEO artificial intelligence (AI) tools to further enhance our SEO strategy.
Explore the KZN South Coast app
Our app undergoes daily updates through a single Content Management System. This ensures continuous growth – alongside the 100 changes to the website. While the app focuses on the exploration and experience of tourists visiting the KZN South Coast, offering a user-friendly interface for easy navigation, it is also a great marketing tool for investors to familiarise themselves with the offerings throughout the region. With the growing numbers on the Apple IOS and Google Play store, it is quickly becoming a go-to for investment information.
Database Management
Due to the overwhelming response, we had to the last Push Notification and internal mailer to local establishments asking for their listing updates, we have opted to send out POPI-compliant communication once a month. This will ensure the database remains up-to-date for potential and existing investors, assisting in an accurate investment newsletter distribution, investment website, and app.