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Unlock Local Marketing Success with Proven Strategies for Results

November 26, 2024

Roughly a 4 minute read by Ben Thomas

Jemma Champion

Fourteen years ago, I moved to the North York Moors National Park, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this area. Before joining Elf Marketing, I previously worked in BBC Local Radio, where my job was to find and share stories by talking to people. That’s still what I love to do today – listening, learning, and helping people connect. At Elf Marketing, we bring that passion into helping local businesses thrive.

We’re not pushy sales folk, and we never want to be. We’re locals, just like you, with a genuine passion for seeing businesses succeed. Based near Whitby, with strong ties to Middlesbrough and Teesside, we know this region like the back of our hand. And we know how to help businesses here stand out. From supporting Esk Moors Caring and Whitby Hampers to working with Cromwell Care’s The Mayfield in Whitby and Westonby Lodge, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some brilliant businesses. We’re also excited to be working on the rebrand for Chapel on the Hill – a hidden gem that’s a vibrant hub for live music and events. Oh, and pitching to Middlesbrough FC, that was a cool project!

Marketing, to me, isn’t about hard sells or gimmicks. It’s about telling stories that people connect with. Every business has something special about it, and our job is to make sure that shines through. Take Esk Moors Caring, for example. They’re doing such vital work for our community, I’ve been aware of them since I first moved to the area, so we were thrilled to redesign and build their brand new website and create a direct mail campaign that reflected the heart and care they bring to everything they do. Then there’s Whitby Hampers, whose handcrafted hampers are brimming with local flavour and charm. We’ve helped them reach new customers, especially during the busy Christmas season when gifts are in such high demand.

What I’ve learned over the years is that relationships are everything. At Elf, it’s not just about delivering campaigns – it’s about building real, meaningful connections. Our clients aren’t just clients – they become partners, collaborators, and often, friends. You’ll always hear us talking fondly and proudly about the businesses we work with. Being part of their journey and celebrating their success is something we take real pride in.

Living and working in North Yorkshire means understanding the seasons. Local tourism can bring busy summers and quiet winters, so businesses here have to be flexible. That’s where local knowledge makes all the difference. Take Westonby Lodge, for example. This charming holiday let, which was even featured as a location in ITV’s iconic show Heartbeat, had so much potential to shine. We designed and created a brand-new website and social media strategy, enabling them to take direct bookings and reduce those frustrating commission fees from letting agencies. It’s always about finding the best way forward for each business.

But even the most amazing business needs to be seen to succeed. That’s why we focus on making sure our clients stand out. Using tools like Google My Business, social media, and SEO, we help local businesses connect with the people who need them most. It’s not about flashy tactics – it’s about building trust and making meaningful connections. We’re always honest in our working relationships.

North Yorkshire is a special place, and I feel so lucky to call it home. At Elf Marketing, we’re here to help businesses in our community grow, share their stories, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re running a care home, a quirky venue, a local shop, a holiday let, or anything in between, we’d love to chat about how we can help. Let’s make something amazing happen!