Crosby Associates Media has recorded its best-ever month for digital audience growth with traffic across its entire portfolio soaring by more than 70% compared to its previous record – capped off by the phenomenal launch of Rochdale Times– https://lnkd.in/eGC8QbUK , which achieved more than 325,000 views across all platforms in its first four weeks.
The new site, developed in partnership with North Squared Media’s Karl Holbrook, was launched on April 1 following the closure of Rochdale Online and has quickly established itself as a vital, independent voice for the borough.
With over 187,000 on-site page views and a further 145,000 through social channels, the response from readers has been overwhelming.
April also marks a record-breaking period across Crosby’s wider portfolio, with audiences smashing their previous record by 70%.
Several key sites say significant gains, including Build News UK News, one of Crosby’s newest launches, which has seen page views rocket by 281% since the start of a new audience development initiative with North Squared Media.
Meanwhile, long-standing flagship site Housing Executive has enjoyed a 12% uplift in traffic and Homes Magazine has seen a 24% uplift in visits, building on their strong sector reputations.
Managing Director Nick Fellows said: “This is a fantastic moment for us. The success of Rochdale Times and the momentum we’re seeing across our portfolio proves what’s possible. We’re especially proud of what we’ve achieved in Rochdale in such a short space of time, and we’re excited to keep building on that success with our partners and clients.”
Karl Holbrook, founder of North Squared Media and editor of Rochdale Times, added: “What we’ve seen in Rochdale in just a few weeks is incredible – not just the numbers, but the messages of support and the genuine sense of community behind it.
It’s been a privilege to build something new with Crosby that’s rooted in positivity too – I’ve long felt that too many local news outlets pump out too much negativity when they should really be holding a light to what is good in their communities.
“I’m thrilled that the same principles are delivering results across Crosby’s other brands too – it’s proof that there’s huge potential in doing local media differently.”
With Rochdale Times publishing more than 120 local stories in its first month – from campaigns and cultural highlights to powerful human interest stories – the brand has already built strong links with local businesses and institutions, including Hopwood Hall College and other early commercial supporters.
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