Staying local, going viral
Designing a digital platform to promote local retailers
The challenge
The Economic Development team of a Melbourne council was tasked with creating a digital platform to promote local independent retailers as part of the municipality's retail activation strategy.
Designed to be independent of council, the platform would be developed in collaboration with local retailers, who would eventually take over its management.
The platform should:
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be simple and accessible for users with different levels of digital skills
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feature a customer-friendly brand separate from council
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be realistic to create and maintain with limited resources
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deliver a high-quality, commercially effective experience.
Our solution
Originally engaged to recommend the most suitable technology option, Hypereal won the tender to develop and implement this 'shop local' platform.
Our solution leveraged affordable, user-friendly technology with high-quality, strategic branding and content.
The process
By working closely with local retailers and council stakeholders, we developed a brand, platform and strategy to meet their different needs and engage an audience of potential customers.
Our methods included:
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research and insight gathering
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brand identity development
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content strategy and production
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collaborative design and prototyping
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platform design and development.
We delivered ...
We created a vibrant, adaptable 'shop local' brand and developed a modern, SEO-optimised website that integrates seamlessly with free social media channels.
Our engaging content highlights local retailers and suburbs through compelling storytelling and photography.
We also created a comprehensive content calendar with campaign options, along with detailed support documentation including guides and templates for platform management and sustainability.
The results
Enhanced the council's retail activation strategy with a dynamic, future-proof digital platform.
Empowered local retailers to take ownership of the platform, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Improved visibility for local businesses with an SEO-optimised platform and integrated social media strategy.
Strengthened the connection between retailers and their community through authentic storytelling and engaging content.
Fostered collaboration between council and retailers, creating a shared vision and strong partnerships.
At a glance
Challenge
Create a digital platform to promote local independent retailers
Methods
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Lean UX
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User research
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Branding and visual design
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Website design and development
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Content strategy and design
Solution
Leverage affordable, user-friendly technology with high-quality branding and content
Timeframe
16 weeks