David Vs Goliath Triumph For Landscape Website

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David And Goliath Triumph For Landscape Website

A web-based business designed to be a one-stop-resource for landscaping has beaten industry heavyweights by scooping a top national award.

Landscapedesign.co.nz won first place for its direct marketing campaign at the annual Nursery and Garden Industry Association Marketing Awards held in Nelson last week.

It was also one of three finalists for Best Website.

The awards were a major coup for the small operator, which employs only four full-time staff and yet was up against major national retail chain stores including Palmers and well known brands like Yates.

Established only 18 months ago, Landscapedesign.co.nz is an online resource listing more than 2,000 businesses nationwide.

Its marketing campaign was created by the site's founder, Hawke's Bay entrepreneur Tim Durrant. The former landscape designer began a Marketing degree many years ago but traded that in to pursue his passion for landscape design. He launched the website after increasing frustration trying to source landscaping products and services for clients.

"Products and services are the meat of the industry - Landscapedesign.co.nz adds the sizzle by making them all easily accessible in one place and creating achievable lifestyle solutions for our visitors," said Mr Durrant.

The site now has more than 9,000 visitors each month and views have increased almost 500% since last year. (source: NielsenNetratings March 2007)

"The massive interest in the site has proved to us that we are giving people what they really need, but it's fantastic to get industry recognition on top of that, especially when we are competing with multi-nationals who have huge marketing and top advertising agencies and the budgets to match."

The website attracted the attention of judges because it not only made it easier for people to source landscape products and services, but it also was a forum for the entire industry with subscriber newsletters, regular competitions and a unique searchable directory of plant lists from nurseries nationwide.

"Our aim is that if you want or need anything that fits under the landscape umbrella, you will find it at landscapedesign.co.nz," said Mr Durrant.

Last year the site won a Merit award at the Ellerslie International Flower Show and in the wake of last week's success it hopes this year to turn that into gold.

ENDS

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