When we set out to build a community site, we really did not have too much to go on. When we started to do our market research, we found that people really didn’t know what they wanted out of a community site. Well that motivated our thinking.
Steve Jobs said consumers don’t know what they want until you show them (and we are paraphrasing). We knew what we wanted a community site to accomplish, so that is where we started.
We were looking for a site that would be a central hub for information regarding the community we live and play in. Now-a-days, most people are mobile and also want to know what is happening in the surrounding communities. Over the years, we have watched as the Westerly area has grown. Keeping track of everything on social media has become quite overwhelming and we knew something needed to be done.
One thing we were all in agreement on was having some sort of good news. I refuse to watch the news or read the paper because of all of the bad news that is being reported. We wanted good news – people in the community, places to go, a new restaurant, things to do, etc.
We also wanted a calendar of events for the area – not just community events, but entertainment as well. A calendar that was completely
We also wanted a localized business directory where we could search for a business or restaurant. Was this too much to ask for?
Over the years we have seen websites for the area come and go. It seemed that people couldn’t get the formula just right, or the site was just too bloated and didn’t really serve a purpose.
What we have created here has actually been years in the making. It started with an idea, and that is all it takes. We waited until the technology was affordable, to build what we wanted to build.
What we have created is completely free for the end user and extremely intuitive to use. With mobile search on the rise and on pace to surpass desktop searches, that was definitely on our list of priorities. Our site looks great on mobile devices and runs lightning fast as well!
With that being said, what does the site accomplish? Well, I’m glad you asked! First, we write articles about the Westerly area – good news & reviews!
Second, we have an event calendar with an extremely powerful filter. If you want to find out who has live music on a Friday night in the downtown Westerly area with no cover – just let the filter run it’s course! Input your criteria and there you go! If you find something that you think your friends would like, post it to Facebook with the click of your mouse!
We remember growing up and having the yellow pages. That was how you found a pizza joint or a hardware store. Now we have Google, but sometimes the results can be overwhelming and the websites that claim to be about the area have way too much information and ads bombarding you.
Third, we have a business directory with very powerful search capabilities. Now, there is a local directory with the businesses in your area that have ratings and Google maps built in. Everything you need to make an informed decision is right there on one page; written by people who know the area – it’s residents.
Our strategy for what we are dubbing the Westerly Suite, is simple and complex all at the same time. We are in the process of building the online footprint of the Westerly area. It is going to take some time and fortitude, but we are up for the challenge. Are you?
Thanks,
The Westerly Life Team
