The City of Woodstock is basking in the digital limelight after their Communications Division took home a Silver Circle Award for their Summer Concert Series website. The award, handed out by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), was in recognition of their work in the Digital Interactive Issue Specific Website category. The accolade was presented during a ceremony at the Loews Arlington Hotel on September 5. According to the City of Woodstock's official announcement, the judges praised the entry with comments like, "Love this concept!" and "Excellent entry!"
The website's overhaul, set in motion at the beginning of 2024 and announced by Mayor Michael Caldwell, seems to have fulfilled its intended purpose to wonderfully capture the essence of the Woodstock Summer Concert Series. In a statement obtained by the City of Woodstock, Stacy Brown, Marketing and Communications Manager, explained: "were to create a vibrant website that would digitally convey the energy of the in-person events, to increase the value of season sponsorships through better placement and enhanced web traffic, and to provide better concert-goer service through more effective engagement tools." It appears this mission was accomplished, with a notable uptick in engagement, including over 1,800 mailing list subscribers and almost 120 interactions with potential sponsors, vendors, performers, and attendees.
The site not only looks better and functions well but also shows impressive statistics, with a 7% increase in site sessions compared to last year and a 236% increase in the time users spend per session. According to Woodstock Parks and Recreation, this new marketing tool has significantly reduced pre-season inquiries, leading to fewer calls compared to previous years. This decrease in repetitive questions demonstrates the site's thoroughness and ability to provide clear information.
To keep the city's summer concerts a highly anticipated event in the Southeast, Mayor Caldwell recently commended the website for attracting a broader audience with its award-winning design. He hinted at an exciting lineup for the upcoming 2025 season. These concerts attract not only locals from the Metro Atlanta Region but also music fans from all 50 states, turning Woodstock’s downtown into a hub for music lovers each summer. Now in its twenty-sixth year, the series is known for its diverse music and high production quality.
For those interested in the Woodstock Summer Concert Series, the award-winning website is easily accessible. It offers a user-friendly experience with RSVP systems and live updates, earning praise from 3CMA judges for its engaging imagery and interactivity. The City of Woodstock appears to have established a new standard for community engagement through innovative digital communication.
