“GR never looked so good.”
“I like the way the site is organized, especially when I put myself in the shoes of a visitor.”
“The layout is simple, yet pleasing.”
These are just three of the dozens of e-mail accolades Sharon Evoy, executive director of the Downtown Alliance, received following the November 7 launch of downtown’s web site www.downtowngr.org.
The web site was created in conjunction with the Keep It A Secret marketing campaign that is splashed around town on billboards, magazine ads, posters, and radio spots. Evoy says the campaign strives to achieve two goals:
“The first goal is a call to action,” she said. “We want people to come downtown and explore this great wealth of fabulous restaurants, and unique retail and services we have here.”
The second goal is to direct people to the web site, which is geared to generate a greater appreciation and relevancy for downtown. Web site visitors can explore sections on shopping, dining and nightlife, culture and events, colleges and universities, downtown living, and more, all accompanied by colorful photos of downtown.
Other features include an interactive street and parking map with parking rates, the ability for business owners to list their events on the site themselves, and a Best Kept Secrets page where downtown aficionados give perspectives of downtown from an insider’s point of view.
“The Best Kept Secrets section is an outstanding element,” said an e-mail message from a Frankenmuth resident. “Fresh and honest.”
The Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with GrandNet of the Community Media Center established the web site.
“We asked them to make the web site compelling, dynamic and intuitive to use,” Evoy said. “It was a tall order and they accomplished it.”
The Downtown Alliance is comprised of the businesses within the Business Improvement District. There is no fee to be listed on the web site. Interested business owners should contact Sharon Evoy at the Downtown Alliance.
Source: Sharon Evoy, Downtown Alliance
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