We recently ran an article titled "R.I.P. alderleyedge.com?" where we raised the issue of whether running alderleyedge.com is sustainable.
We asked our readers to complete a short survey so we could gather information, which will hopefully help us evolve the site so it can be made financially viable and can continue to serve the local community.
We received 555 responses to the survey over 7 days and countless messages of support both by email and in person. Although I must admit we deleted 3 responses which were clearly attempts to subvert the results such as this one.
The key findings from the survey are listed below and some are illustrated in the graphs above (click on next or play slideshow).
- News and Opinion was, not surprisingly, considered the most important section of the site with Events coming in second and the Forum third.
- The vast majority of readers are interested in special offers with only 4% not interested at all.
- The response to whether readers are interested in a daily rather than a weekly email was mixed.
- 72% of respondents rated the quality of alderleyedge.com as excellent and 26% as good.
- Comparing our coverage of local news to the Wilmslow Express, 82% rated our editorial as better (including 52% as much better).
- 45% of respondents would be prepared to pay a subscription.
- Respondents were 52% male and 48% female.
- 72% of respondents live in Alderley Edge and 25% work in the village.
The results of the survey were extremely interesting and put us in a stronger position as we now have a better understanding of our audience than ever before. It has also provided us with valuable information that will hopefully make advertising on alderleyedge.com more attractive to businesses and organisations in the area.
We are very grateful to those of you who took the time to respond. The number of responses far exceeded our expectations and clearly showed that our readers want to see the site continue, with many people commenting that alderleyedge.com has helped to strengthen the sense of community within the village.
Over the coming weeks we will continue to analyse the results further and work through the 21 pages of written responses to the open ended question where many of you provided additional feedback.
If you have any further comments or suggestions please let us know via the comment section below.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.