Sevenoaks District Council
Showcasing why this commuter town is so much more.
Sevenoaks as a town is well known as a vibrant location to live and visit and as a commuter favourite for its close proximity to London.
Facing low awareness of the wider district offer, there was an opportunity to tell the full story of this diverse and beautiful part of Kent, to challenge perceptions and showcase the breadth of experiences on offer – revealing the district as the place to be.
We supported Sevenoaks District Council to create and deliver a comprehensive place marketing strategy, creating a cohesive and engaging brand that aligned with the council’s objectives to attract visitors, businesses, and investment to the district, as well as fostering a sense of local pride.
Creating a brand
Our data-led place marketing approach took us on a journey through extensive research, workshops with residents, local businesses and community groups, supplemented by insights from officers within the district council.
The ‘Sevenoaks So Much More’ brand, highlights the area’s USPs – from breathtaking countryside, vibrant towns and villages and rich heritage, just 30 minutes from the heart of London.
Video content and written case studies from local business owners, entrepreneurs and residents about life in Sevenoaks district, sharing their stories and inspiration with the world tell the real stories from the people who matter.
A campaign website showcases the area’s core strengths, with details on the best things to see and do in the area as well as guidance for businesses and future residents to build their future in Sevenoaks.
Key elements of the campaign included:
- Place Portal website featuring everything needed to live, work, invest in, and visit the district. Case studies align with the campaign’s four pillars, driving a 139% year-on-year increase in website traffic (from 629 users in 2023 to 1,507 in 2024).
- Comprehensive brand toolkit with a flexible suite of assets created to empower the Sevenoaks community to share the district’s identity consistently and effectively.
- An engaging brand video brings the district’s unique offer to life, helping to amplify awareness and attract visitors and businesses alike.
- A bespoke illustrated map highlights the district’s key locations, displayed at visitor points and available as an interactive feature on the website.
- Social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts engage target audiences regularly, resulting in significant growth, including a 969% increase in Instagram interactions, an 899% rise in followers, and a 306% boost in reach.
As a trusted partner, Pillory Barn manages the social media calendar and content creation. We oversee the website’s maintenance, continually updating content to reflect seasonal campaigns, business directories and case studies.
Close collaboration with Sevenoaks District Council ensures consistent messaging and alignment with their strategic goals. Our efforts are supported by data-driven insights, including digital analytics, footfall data, and stakeholder feedback, allowing us to adapt campaign tactics to maximise impact.
The campaign’s successes extend beyond the district, with partnerships with iconic venues like Hever Castle and Chartwell reinforcing Sevenoaks’ appeal as a tourist destination. These initiatives have also attracted international interest, with travel buyers from China and Canada engaging with the campaign.
Through strategic planning, creative execution, and an ongoing partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, the ‘Sevenoaks So Much More’ campaign continues to strengthen community pride, drive economic growth, and position the district as a destination of choice for both local and global audiences.
