Consett-based Firefly New Media is introducing a new approach to website design, digital marketing and business support, offering free website setup to businesses looking for a long-term marketing partner.
Every successful town is built around its people, its communities and the businesses that serve them.
Our story began in Consett, and over the years we’ve had the privilege of working with businesses and organisations both locally and further afield. We’ve seen first-hand how much hard work goes into building something of your own, and how difficult it can be to find the time, resources and expertise needed to promote it properly.
It’s one of the reasons we launched Consett Magazine in 2012. We wanted to celebrate the people, organisations and businesses making a positive contribution to the area, while creating new opportunities for local stories to be heard.
Now, we’re taking that same approach to the future of marketing.
A different way of supporting local businesses
For many small businesses, marketing can feel like an expensive and never-ending challenge.
A website is often the first step, but creating one is only part of the job. It needs maintaining, updating and improving. Customers need to know what a business offers, why they should choose it and how to get in touch.
Then there’s social media, advertising, graphic design, search engine optimisation, email marketing and the challenge of communicating the right message to the right audience.
It’s a lot to manage, particularly when you’re already busy running a business.
We believe there’s a better way.
Rather than charging businesses large upfront fees for individual projects, Firefly is expanding its monthly marketing and design services to make professional support more accessible.
The idea is simple: businesses should be able to work with a trusted team that understands their goals and can help with everything from everyday website updates to wider marketing campaigns.
Whether it’s a new advertisement, a fresh design, updated website content or a more ambitious promotional campaign, we’re developing services that can grow alongside the businesses we support.
Free website design for businesses ready to grow
As part of our plans, Firefly is offering free website design and setup to eligible businesses that commit to working with us for at least 12 months.
Instead of facing a large initial website development bill, businesses can invest in an ongoing relationship that helps them build and maintain their online presence.
Our team will design and develop a professional, mobile-friendly website, with ongoing services available through a choice of monthly packages.
These can include website maintenance, graphic design, copywriting, marketing strategy, social media support, search engine optimisation and advertising management.
For businesses requiring more regular creative or marketing assistance, selected packages will include unlimited requests within an agreed scope and fair-use arrangements.
We also recognise that businesses don’t stand still. A growing company might need a comprehensive advertising campaign one month and more straightforward website and content support the next.
That’s why our approach will allow businesses to move between different levels of support as their requirements change, subject to their service agreement.
Our ambition is to make Firefly feel less like an outside supplier and more like an extension of the businesses we work with.
Telling the stories behind local businesses
Marketing isn’t simply about selling something.
Sometimes, the most valuable thing a business can do is tell people who they are.
Perhaps it’s a family business that has served the community for generations. A new independent shop bringing something different to the high street. A tradesperson who has built a reputation through years of reliable work. Or a growing business creating new opportunities for local people.
These are the businesses that help make our communities what they are, and we believe their stories deserve to be heard.
“Online is no longer a secondary strategy,” says Barrington Kirkham from Firefly.
“The future is here, and if you don’t have a good online presence, you simply cannot take advantage of scaling your business for the digital age. But a website alone is just the start. Even a professional website will not create sales by magic. You need a well-thought out marketing strategy. For companies who are ready to work with us on the marketing side, we’ll take care of an effective, mobile friendly website at no cost.”
Founded in Consett and now connected to a local and global team of talented specialists, Firefly New Media UK is a digital consultancy with a difference. Rather than charging five-figure retainers, the company aims to make professional marketing support accessible to businesses of all sizes.
From developing websites that help generate enquiries and sales to improving search engine visibility, managing social media campaigns, paid advertising, print and logo design, email marketing and beyond, Firefly brings a wide range of services together under one roof.
For smaller businesses, this means having access to experienced designers, developers and marketing specialists without the expense of employing an in-house team.
The company’s focus is on building lasting relationships, understanding what makes each business different and helping it communicate more effectively with its customers and local community.
Building for the future
Firefly has experienced significant growth during 2020, with businesses increasingly recognising the importance of a strong online presence.
Over the years, its team has also provided services to national and international brands, including McDonald’s, Tesco, Wetherspoons and Domino’s Pizza.
But supporting smaller businesses remains an important part of Firefly’s plans for the future.
Whether it’s helping a traditional business reach customers online, supporting an independent retailer with a new website or developing a marketing strategy for a growing company, the aim is to offer practical support that makes a measurable difference.
As the company continues to expand, Firefly hopes to bring its combination of digital expertise, creative services and local understanding to more businesses across the country.
And while its ambitions are growing, its roots remain firmly in Consett.
Because when local businesses succeed, the communities around them benefit too.
Let’s talk about your business
If you’re looking to improve your online presence, reach more customers or find a reliable team to support your marketing, Firefly would be delighted to hear from you.
Businesses interested in the free website setup offer and ongoing marketing services can visit fireflynewmedia.com/contact-us/ and tell the team about their business and what they’d like to achieve.
Free website setup is available to eligible businesses entering a qualifying 12-month service agreement. Monthly service fees, hosting, domain registration and advertising costs may apply. Unlimited-request services and changes between packages are subject to agreed terms.
ⓘ Advertisement & Ownership DisclosureThis article is an advertisement for Firefly New Media Ltd, which owns and publishes Consett Magazine. It promotes our own commercial services and should not be considered independent editorial coverage. We disclose this relationship in the interests of transparency with our readers.
