ARDA launches new Experience Antigonish web site

ARDA has launched a new web site and Facebook page to help market Antigonish and raise Antigonish’s presence online. The new site has seven videos that highlight some of Antigonish’s experiences.

“Last spring, ARDA decided to use social media to promote the awesomeness that is Antigonish,” says Shannon Long, communications officer at ARDA. “It was time for Antigonish to join the social media revolution that consists of videos, photos, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.”

ARDA hired a summer student to film and produce a series of videos. Dan Hindmarsh, a.k.a. Dan in the ‘Nish, spent his summer touring Antigonish, attending events such as the Antigonish Highland Games, taking day trips, and exploring local sights.

“We wanted YouTube style videos,” says Ashley Bouchie, development officer at ARDA. “They are no longer than seven minutes, they are informal and fun, and take you through an experience in Antigonish.”

The new web site, designed by Simply Ducky Professional Services in Antigonish, has all seven Dan in the ‘Nish videos, a blog, image gallery, and links to accommodations, local festivals and events, sports and recreation, as well as attractions.
Along with the website there is also a Facebook page, a YouTube channel, and a Flickr account; all created to raise the presence of Antigonish online.

“The way people research, plan, and even take their trips and vacations have changed,” says Long. “Everything is now done online and the brochure has been replaced by social media. YouTube is the second most popular search engine after Google.”

“Using social media is instant, current, and cost effective,” says Bouchie. “Experience Antigonish was developed to use social media to inform visitors and even residents of all the things there are to do and see in this community.”

Antigonish is, without a doubt, a hidden gem along the Northumberland Shore and it is time to start spreading the word.

Visit http://www.experienceantigonish.ca to watch the videos and to learn more. Join the Experience Antigonish Facebook page and follow @antigonishrda on Twitter for updates and ideas on what to do in Antigonish.