The Development of Virtual Swanage: A Digital Gateway to the Coastal Town
In the picturesque setting of Swanage, a need arose for a digital platform that could represent the beauty and community spirit of this coastal town. Virtual Swanage, accessible at virtual-swanage.co.uk, was developed as a comprehensive online guide and portal to provide both locals and tourists with detailed, up-to-date information about the town.
The website features a bespoke content management system (CMS), user-friendly frontend design, and hosts a myriad of functionalities including events, accommodation and business listings, as well as a substantial gallery of historic photographs.
The Virtual Swanage website is our longest running website and was started in 1996.
Tailored CMS and Frontend Design
The development of Virtual Swanage was guided by the goal to make Swanage's resources easily accessible online. To achieve this, the website was built with a custom CMS tailored specifically to handle the diverse content types unique to a local guide site. This bespoke CMS allows for streamlined updating and management of content, crucial for maintaining current listings and integrating new features.
The frontend design of Virtual Swanage is clean and intuitive, ensuring that users of all technical abilities can navigate the site with ease. Emphasis was placed on visual appeal as well, with the design reflecting the coastal charm of Swanage. This user-friendly interface seamlessly integrates the various components of the website, from business directories to photo galleries, providing a coherent user experience.
Features of Virtual Swanage
1. Accommodation Listings: One of the standout features of Virtual Swanage is its comprehensive listing of local accommodation options. This includes hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, and self-catering accommodations, complete with detailed descriptions, amenities, pricing, and availability. Each listing is equipped with contact details and a booking interface, facilitating easy reservation processes directly through the website.
2. Business Listings: The website serves as a business directory for the Swanage area, featuring shops, restaurants, cafes, and service providers. Each business listing provides essential information, including business hours, contact information, and a brief description of the services offered. This not only supports local businesses by boosting their visibility but also serves as a valuable resource for both residents and visitors.
3. Large Photo Gallery of Historic Photos: Virtual Swanage hosts an extensive gallery of historic photographs that capture the rich history and development of the town. This feature is particularly significant as it offers both educational value and nostalgic appeal, attracting history enthusiasts and locals interested in the heritage of their town. The photo gallery is designed with high usability standards, allowing users to search and view images in high resolution.
Enhancing Local Engagement and Tourism
The bespoke CMS and frontend design have been instrumental in enhancing local engagement with the website. By providing a platform where local businesses can easily be listed and updated, and where tourists can find all the necessary information for planning their visit, Virtual Swanage has significantly contributed to the local economy.
The website also includes interactive maps and a calendar of events, which are updated regularly to reflect the latest happenings in Swanage, from festivals to local theatre productions. This integration ensures that the website remains a vital hub for community activities and tourism planning.
The development of Virtual Swanage has successfully established a comprehensive online presence for the town, encapsulating its charm and utility in a digital format. The tailored CMS and frontend, along with detailed accommodation and business listings and a vast collection of historic photos, have created a resource that enriches the user's experience of Swanage.
As a portal that bridges past and present, Virtual Swanage stands as a testament to the town's vibrant community and its appeal as a tourist destination.