A digital agency serving York businesses
York is a historic walled city in North Yorkshire, known for York Minster, the Shambles and its Roman and Viking past. Tourism is a large part of the local economy, but the city also has two universities, a long history of confectionery making and science-based businesses linked to the University of York.
Our base is in Wakefield and we have no office in York. If your business is here, we can run your web design, marketing or branding project remotely by phone and video call.
The York business landscape
KitKat has been made in York since it was launched in 1935, and Nestlé still runs its confectionery factory in the city. The University of York and York St John University bring students and research, while attractions such as the National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre draw visitors all year. Independent shops, cafés and pubs fill the streets inside the city walls.
For many York firms, customers fall into two groups: people who live and work locally, and visitors planning a trip or already in the city. They find businesses in different ways and want different things once they arrive on your website.
Getting around York
York station is on the East Coast Main Line, with direct trains to London, Edinburgh, Leeds and Newcastle. The A64 links the city with Leeds to the south-west and the coast at Scarborough, and the outer ring road carries much of the through traffic. The historic centre is compact, and much of it is easiest on foot, so visitors often look you up while walking nearby.
What this means for your business
Your website
If you serve both residents and visitors, plan two routes through your website: one for people researching a visit, with opening times, location and booking, and one for regulars who already know what they want. Hospitality sites in particular benefit from separating eating, staying and things to do.
See how The Bear Inn’s website separates dining, stays and local informationHow we approach web designYour marketing
Visitors tend to search and book before they arrive, while locals search closer to the time. Timing your content and any advertising to when your customers research, and keeping your Google Business Profile accurate for people searching on the day, usually matters more than broad city-wide campaigns.
How we approach digital marketingYour brand
In a historic city your brand has to sit comfortably on a shopfront, a menu board or a printed guide as well as on a phone screen. Test the logo and colours in those settings before they are finalised; if your premises are in a conservation area, new signage may also need consent.
How we approach branding and graphic designPractical points
- Race days at the Knavesmire and the Christmas markets change demand for hospitality and retail, so prepare website updates and offers ahead of them.
- Student term dates affect demand near the university campuses at Heslington and around the centre.
- Keep seasonal opening hours consistent everywhere customers check, including your Google Business Profile and booking platforms.
Nearby areas
Tell us about your project
Send a message or book a free consultation call. We reply Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.