Delivering Digital Growth For Coleraine BID: A 6-Year Freelance Success Story

From 2018 until present, we have had the opportunity to work with Coleraine BID on a freelance basis, delivering a wide range of digital, creative, and promotional services that helped modernise how the organisation engaged with both its members and the wider community.

Radio, Sound, and Seasonal Magic

Our work began with the recommendation of a 28-day FM radio licence during the Christmas period. The station broadcast via both FM and the town speaker system, featuring festive music, local business promotions, and community messaging.

The project was well received and inspired a more permanent solution. We sourced an affordable software platform that enabled continuous, year-round broadcasting of streaming music, announcements, and advertisements across the town's speaker system. To increase accessibility, the broadcast was also made available via an Alexa skill and web link, allowing residents to tune in from home.

Website and Member Tools

We managed the Coleraine BID website and built a members-only area that allowed local businesses to log in and:

• Submit content for the speaker system 

• Submit content for events

• Submit content for the magazine 

• Submit feedback 
• View past newsletters and more 

This system provided a self-serve digital solution for business engagement, content management, and promotion.

Social Media and Newsletters

During our time managing the BID’s social media accounts, we grew their Facebook following to over 10,000. Posts included business spotlights, town centre events, seasonal campaigns, and BID updates.

We also wrote and distributed regular digital newsletters—covering announcements, events, and business news. These newsletters were well-received and often picked up by local media outlets for broader distribution.

Award-Winning Print and Visual Media

As part of our recommendations, Coleraine BID launched a printed magazine. The publication quickly gained traction and went on to receive industry recognition and awards. 

We also provided professional photography and videography services throughout our engagement, covering a range of events, businesses, and marketing campaigns. Our visual content helped tell the story of Coleraine in a way that was engaging and shareable across platforms.

Extended Reach Through Third-Party Promotion

To further amplify BID’s visibility, we shared content via a separate platform we own, which has over 120,000 followers. This gave Coleraine BID an extended reach beyond the local audience, boosting awareness, engagement, and impact.

Santa Experience and Ticketing

We also supported one of the town’s most successful festive attractions—the Santa Experience—by managing the online ticketing and payment system. This streamlined the booking process for families, ensuring a positive customer experience throughout.

2024–2029 Agreement Extension

In 2024, BID members and the board voted to extend our agreement as part of the approved 2024–2029 business plan. Under this extended agreement, our services continue through Explore Causeway Coast and Glens, giving members access to:

• Two article submissions and two social media posts per month

• Unlimited event and job listings

• A custom landing page

• Ongoing promotional opportunities

Supporting Digital Skills Development

A new element of the extended agreement includes delivery of a Digital Skills Training Package. This on-demand programme helps businesses grow their digital presence organically.

The training is designed to be self-paced and flexible, allowing business owners to learn and apply new skills at their convenience.

Looking Ahead

While we are no longer in a position to take on additional freelance work as a company, we remain committed to our existing agreements with Triovia and Explore Causeway Coast and Glens, as outlined in the business plan.

Through this platform, we will continue to deliver:

• The Digital Skills & Marketing Education Package

• Ongoing digital promotional services

• Support for Coleraine BID and other registered businesses

We are proud of the work we have delivered from 2018 to date and look forward to continuing to provide value through structured, platform-based support under our 2024–2029 business plan.

Our freelance work with Coleraine BID reflects how consistent, practical digital support can drive tangible, measurable outcomes. With systems now in place for content, promotion, training, and community engagement, Coleraine BID continues to move forward as one of Northern Ireland’s most digitally connected town centre initiatives.