Date: 18 February 2015
Last year the GGF’s website www.ggf.org.uk, showed over 20% growth year on year with almost 120,000 people using the site and over 150,000 visits.Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented “The GGF has come a long way in the last few years with regard to our online profile, and our website statistics are clear evidence of our investment in this area.We will continue to develop, where possible, to ensure our Members and our many other audiences get clear and up-to-date information on our activities.”
Since 2011, the GGF’s online presence has seen the launch of a new website and a multitude of developments that showcase the GGF’s technical expertise including; technical microsites, downloadable technical publications, the GGF Energy Savings Calculator plus CE Marking flow charts and templates.
In addition, the GGF website also contains a digital news service that is updated every week and a monthly digital magazine for GGF Members. Both of these features are housed in the exclusive Members Area of the website which offers GGF Members a comprehensive menu of benefits from Members only publications, Group and Committee updates (minutes, agendas and meeting dates), a GGF contacts list and access to the GGF image library and Media Hub.
This rapid but structured online development has seen the GGF benefit considerably as the following 2014 statistics show.
- 523,215 unique page views – an increase of 14.5% v 2013
- 152,551 sessions – an increase of 22% v 2013
- 119,760 unique users – an increase of 23% v 2013
- 95,467 new visitors to the web site in 2014 – an increase of 23% v 2013
- 22,208 unique searches of the GGF Directory – an increase of 69% v 2013
- 14,145 downloads of technical publications
- 2,587 twitter followers and over 600 Linkedin connections
- 261 enquiries to join the GGF via the web site - an increase of 59% v 2013
James Lee, Head of GGF Group Marketing and Communications commented, “The GGF has taken the lead in many respects by embracing digital technology and using it to great advantage. The Federation has shown it is not afraid to try to develop online features to improve communications to the GGF Membership and to a wider audience.”
The GGF’s online plans for 2015 include developments that cater for its many key audiences and in particular Members can expect expansion in the Health and Safety, Technical Publications and Public Affairs sections. In addition the GGF will be launching a new way for non-Members to get Technical Information as well as aiming a new online offering to homeowners.
James Lee believes the GGF’s website statistics reflect the wider impact of internet and digital growth, “Eighteen months ago the Office of National Statistics (ONS) stated that 36 million British people (73% of the UK’s population) accessed the internet every day – twenty million more than in 2006! It has now become second nature for most people in the UK to use digital technology. Like any other progressive organisation, the GGF has to try and keep pace, not just with the technology but also with lifestyle and behavioural trends. These are challenging but exciting times.”
Nigel Rees added, “Naturally we are delighted with our online growth figures but we are certainly not resting on our laurels. The GGF’s online plans are ongoing and further developments during this year and beyond should provide even greater benefits for our Members.”
If you have a comment to make or any information relating to this article please contact the GGF.
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