Local World sees record audience growth

Local World has reported a 59 per cent year on year increase in monthly unique browsers, according to its latest in-house figures.

Between January 2013 and January 2014, the regional publisher saw its online audience jump from 9.16 million to 16.95 million.

The news follows a record 94.1 per cent increase in monthly unique browsers in December, seeing the David Montgomery-owned publisher almost double its online traffic in 12 months.

While the majority of views came from desktops (45%), 38% came from smartphones and 17% from tablets.

“It is extremely gratifying to see that our audience growth is continuing in such a sustained and consistently striking manner,” said Tim Rowell, executive product director.

“The growth is a direct result of insightful work by our editorial teams to enhance their publishing practices and to improve the quality of digital content across the board.”

Rowell added that the work has been supported by a rapid digital development programme that has included the re-launch of over 70 local title websites.

“The work continues at pace and many exciting innovations will come from Local World through 2014 to maintain momentum and capitalise fully on the commercial opportunity that this audience brings,” he said.

The Local World infographic for January can be viewed here.