Similar to ITV's ITV Local, the ‘Local People' network will provide local communities with an online platform to discuss local issues and news, and network with other people in the same area.
The new sites will be promoted with a digital campaign including search marketing and display advertising at a local level. The Local People will also have a Twitter feed.
The pilot launch will include 50 local community websites in the South-West of England.
The sites will feature business services and display ads. Findaproperty.com is one of the first brands to advertise on the sites.
The first phase has gone live with the launch of the initial twenty-three local community websites covering areas with between 10,000 and 50,000 inhabitants including Falmouth and Bideford. Other sites will launch in the coming months.
Unlike more traditional local websites, all content will be created by the people using the site, monitored by a community publisher.
Each user will be able to create a profile, link to other users and become a member of different interest groups.
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