Website and Digital Update
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.
Marketing Update
Our investment marketing campaign continues to highlight the region’s investment offerings with the annual ‘Uncover Potential’ theme running through our messaging. This campaign speaks to revealing hidden strengths, beauty, and potential in the area, and reinforces key investment sectors on the KZN South Coast. Marketing Campaigns Investment Awareness Campaign This quarter our ‘Uncover Potential’ marketing message has been focused on the Ugu District One Stop Shop, as well as our Buy Local campaign, creating business and investor awareness around these two platforms. Buy Local Campaign Update There continues to be an upward trajectory with our Buy Local campaign – forming part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the dtic) Buy Back SA initiative – with several new members enjoying the free membership which extends until 30 June 2025. We have created extensive marketing material around the Buy Local campaign, including an infographic and digital badges. To purchase goods or secure services from Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To order from Buy Local members or to join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form. Investment Destination Video We are excited to launch the KZN South Coast’s investment destination video this quarter. This short promotional video highlights the key investment, trade, and business potential of the region across agribusiness, the ocean economy, real estate, tourism, manufacturing and more. Take a look at the video here. Ugu District OSS Video We secured Maverick Film International to produce a marketing video on our Ugu District OSS effectively highlighting the services offered. The video is being shared extensively across our various social media platforms. View the full video here.
One Stop Shop (OSS) Investor Workshop
On 30 January, we welcomed local businesses to Port Shepstone Civic Centre under Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality for the Ugu District One Stop Shop (OSS) Investor Workshop. Hosted in partnership with Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), the workshop gave local businesses insight into the services offered by the Ugu District OSS various government departments – including those under the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Ithala, Agency of Food Safety, and Tourism Grading – to assist them and contribute to the economy of the area. The event welcomed our Board members; Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) Acting CEO, Sihle Ngcamu; the Acting District Mayor and Local Municipal Mayor, representatives from Ithala, the Food Safety Agency & Tourism Grading, EDTEA, as well as local media, stakeholders, and other government representatives. The Ugu District One Stop Shop – which is based at our offices at 16 Bisset Street in Port Shepstone – coordinates input from various role-players including investors, developers, industry, civil stakeholders, and provincial and municipal officials. This is supported by the collaborative efforts of various government departments and organisations that work with the One Stop Shop to reduce the red tape and facilitate business in the area. Services offered by Ugu District One Stop Shop include: Funding applications Visa applications Tourism grading EIA applications CIPC eServices Food safety Investment facilitation and aftercare To find out more about the One Stop Shop click here, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, you can contact us on 039 682 7944.
Public Relations Update
We continue to develop our media relations with the dissemination of sector-specific press releases targeting financial and business-directed media houses. By highlighting the key investment opportunities and significant potential that exists on the KZN South Coast, we are piquing the interest of investors across the board. In addition, we are engaging directly with media on key areas and growth sectors to encourage positive exposure across all platforms. Where queries arise relating to any challenges faced by the local industry, we are quick to provide clear responses that ensure the KZN South Coast is positioned in the best possible light across publications and broadcast media. Press releases issued 14 November 2023 – 13 February 2024 KZN South Coast coffee now stocked at vida e caffè across KZN – 17 November 2023 Upgrade of Marine Drive will increase accessibility within the KZN South Coast – 23 November 2023 New Buy Local members extend rural and township tourism on the KZN South Coast – 30 November 2023 First buyers take ownership at KZN South Coast’s exciting new eco-estate development – 04 December 2023 SCTIE in Partnership with TIKZN Hosts Investor Workshop on Ugu District One Stop Shop Services – 31 January 2024 KZN South Coast manufacturers provide local supply of quality-made products – 08 February 2024 Spread the love locally this Valentine’s Day with homegrown gifts on the KZN South Coast – 09 February 2024 Property development gets a welcome boost on the KZN South Coast – 13 February 2024
Advertising Update
Digital platforms continue to be a preferred format for our investment advertising, considering the scale of reach and real-time messaging it allows. We have shared our investment awareness messaging, Buy Local and One Stop Shop updates, as well as catalytic projects across social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. This quarter we are promoting new Buy Local members, our growth sectors, as well as key property developments.