Hyperlocal platform InYourArea supporting small businesses with new advertising programme

Hyperlocal news platform InYourArea is launching a new programme of support for small businesses to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

InYourArea- owned by BusinessLive's parent company Reach plc - is offering a free trial of its advertising toolkit to SMEs.

The site was launched in 2017 to offer personalised feeds of news and local information to users across the country. This year Reach announced plans to create dozens of jobs at InYourArea, which is seeing strong monthly growth.

Editor Tom Gibbon said InYour Area and Reach wanted to help small businesses at a tough time.

In a message to businesses on InYourArea, Tom said: "As a community platform, we also recognise that these businesses are at the heart of all of our local communities. That’s why at InYourArea, we want to do everything we can to help businesses like yours navigate through this period and beyond.

Businesses have had to close their doors during lockdown - but many have come up with innovative ways to keep serving their customers (Getty Images)

"We know that now, more than ever, every penny counts and so spending on marketing is a challenge - but without promoting your products and services, these challenges may grow.

"Therefore, to support your during and after this difficult time, we've launched a new offer for businesses like yours, to give you whatever boost we possibly can.

"We're offering a completely free 60-day trial of our local advertising toolkit worth £240, connecting you with our users within a six-mile radius of your target location, making this a risk free opportunity to reach a new audience.

"But we know that Coronovirus may have a longer term impact on your business, so we would also like to offer 50% off your ongoing subscription after your free trial expires, which we’ll continue to honour until you cancel – that works out at just £60 per month.

"What's more, you can cancel at any time if you decide it's not for you and if you do this before the free trial ends, you won't be charged."

This is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Reach and InYourArea to help people and businesses through the pandemic.

On InYourArea that has included giving local food and drink outlets doing takeaway or delivery the facility to list themselves for free.

To find out more about the free trial and 50% discount, see here.