Consultation and co-design power a vibrant ‘shop local’ digital platform

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.​

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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:  

• be simple and accessible for users with different levels of digital skills

• feature a customer-friendly brand separate from Council

• be realistic to create and maintain with limited resources

• deliver a high-quality, commercially effective experience.

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Our solution

Originally engaged to recommend the most suitable technology option, Hypereal won the tender to develop and implement this 'shop local' platform.​​

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​​Our solution leveraged affordable, user-friendly technology with high-quality, strategic branding and content. ​​​​​​​​​​​

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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. 

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Our methods included:

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• Research and insight gathering

• Brand identity development

• Collaborative design and prototyping

• Platform design and development

• Content strategy and production

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We delivered ...

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• A vibrant, adaptable 'shop local' brand

• A modern, SEO-optimised website integrated with free social media channels

• Engaging content highlighting local retailers and suburbs through storytelling and photography

• A comprehensive content calendar with campaign options

• Support documentation (guides, templates) for platform management and sustainability

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The results

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Enhanced the council's retail activation strategy with a dynamic, future-proof digital platform.

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Empowered local retailers to take ownership of the platform, ensuring long-term sustainability.

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Improved visibility for local businesses with an SEO-optimised platform and integrated social media strategy.

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Strengthened the connection between retailers and their community through authentic storytelling and engaging content.

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Fostered collaboration between Council and retailers, creating a shared vision and strong partnerships.