Community Advocate launches new Web site
By Barbara Polan Managing Editor

Sales Representative Cindy Merchant (left) shows Dr. Karen Moriarty of Northborough Chiropractic the options offered by the improved Community Advocate Web site at www.communityadvocate.com. PHOTO/ALYSSA FRANCIS

Westborough - In a relatively short time, the Internet has taken a major place in both our personal lives and the world of business. In response to this evolution, The Community Advocate newspaper has recently updated its Web site to off er a more useful and informative online product at www.communityadvocate. com. Readers will enjoy the changes because it allows them quick access to both recent and archived news stories and photographs, as well as a wealth of community information. Advertisers will appreciate the even greater exposure to potential customers than the print edition has, at a very minimal cost.

Online readers will now be able to review the specific news that interests them. Some may choose to focus on just their hometown, while others will choose to select stories from all six of the communities we cover. We will also be putting increased emphasis on sports, education and a greatly expanded calendar section, as well as off ering online dining and business reviews.

According to Community Advocate publisher David Bagdon, the Web site is not a replacement for but rather an addition to the printed paper.

"The Community Advocate has always been known for its huge mailed circulation and we have no plans to give up that title; we simply want to give our readers and advertisers more options," Bagdon said. "Our paper has been serving this community for over 33 years and we have many great ideas for the next 33. Embracing the Web is just one way that we are preparing for the future."

Another feature on the online version will be a community meeting spot. In the near future, the Community Advocate will introduce interactive features allowing local residents to speak their mind and exchange views with fellow residents.

The Web site is also a handy way to keep outof town relatives and former residents in touch with this community. Whether a friend is 100 or 1,000 miles away, a visit to the site keeps them in touch.

Advertisers get more bang for the buck

The new Web site is filled with cost-effective ways for local advertisers to get their message out. Every advertiser who runs a display ad in the printed newspaper is offered an opportunity to run the same ad online for pennies a day. Every advertiser who maintains their own Web site will be provided with a link to their site at no additional cost.

This benefits readers, too, who can easily visit the Web sites of advertisers who interest them as they peruse Community Advocate articles.

According to Bagdon, advertisers want to reach an increasing number of customers with their existing budgets.

"More and more advertisers have expressed an interest in getting their ads on the Web," he said. "We've managed to provide this service at an extremely reasonable price. Our site is designed to be cost-eff ective for the advertiser and easy to navigate for the consumer; we're amazed by the rapid increase in traffic."

As always, the Community Advocate will remain responsive to readers, providing solutions-oriented stories that are not only well written but insightful. Any reader with a potential story idea or a suggestion can contact us at news@communityadvocate. com.