We’ve been internally discussing social media vs. traditional press releases and I wanted to share the latest release we posted. It is especially pertinent as as example of using social media (instead of traditional techniques) to more efficiently accomplish your goals.
DALLAS, TX — October 20, 2008 – The UK train travel website thetrainline.com, the leading independent retailer of train tickets online, has sold over 14 million journeys to over 8.4 million registered users. As a successfully branded company with a large online user base, Trainline.com Ltd understands how social media can enhance their brand and their company. In the first step of many in an online community initiative, Trainline.com Ltd. has called on RD2 to help create an internal community website to serve as a solid foundation for employee (and eventually external) social communication.
Trainline.com Ltd. approached RD2 with a challenge; to launch an internal website that incorporates both a blog and a forum using single-sign-on for seamless user experience. Inspired by the success of Southwest Airlines’ community building practices, Trainline.com Ltd sees the recent launch as a first and very important foray in engaging their online community through social media. “At Trainline.com we believe social media will play a fundamental part in improving the online customer experience and this is a key strategic initiative for us. Partnering with RD2 has allowed us to take our first steps into this arena” says Tim MacIvor, Head of Operations Projects at Trainline.com Ltd.
Trainline.com Ltd contacted RD2 because of the long history between RD2 and Southwest Airlines. “It was great timing to hear that Southwest has once again been awarded Best Corporate Blog by PR News,” says Tom Britton, Project Manager for Trainline.com Ltd. “This news following our launch was further proof that we made the right decision with the project and the partner we’re working with.”
The RD2 team used their proven approach and methodology to rapidly construct a plan that encompassed strategy, design and development in six weeks. The website incorporates functionality like content syndication, moderation, content management, user management, user profiles, and forum interaction and allows the scalability to easily add further functionality and features. The solution utilizes Drupal for news blogs and employee polls and PHP Bulletin Board for an employee forum. Single-sign-on is handled with a Drupal module allowing users to log into both properties through one login.
“The initial buzz on the website has been incredible. We have seen a significant increase in employee feedback as the online forums allow for a much more open communications method. This is particularly important to us as our support centres are located in both onshore and offshore locations” comments Britton. “RD2 have been spot on with their recommendations and their ability to adapt and modify so quickly has made the experience fantastic.”
“It’s amazing to see people from all over the globe tuning into the success of what we’re doing with companies like Southwest Airlines and Dell, Inc,” says RD2 President Chris Ronan …. “What we’re seeing across the board is an urgency for great companies to connect with their communities, and this has no geographic boundaries. Putting it all together requires research and planning, and we have a nice practice for doing this that allows us to execute rapidly and effectively.”
It has been two weeks since Inside TTL launched and it is already buzzing with conversations from Trainline.com Ltd employees around customer service, rail news and other industry related topics. “The team at thetrainline.com have some big ideas for what they want for their brand,” say Ronan. “It’s been great working with them as a strategic partner to help them realize their vision. This first community website will be a foundation for much more to come.”
About RD2
For companies who want to engage their community online, RD2 (rd2inc.com) provides strategic guidance, innovative design, and quality execution. Unlike others in the interactive space, RD2 is a strategic partner, providing excellent customer service, and leveraging social and interactive media to drive measurable results. The RD2 approach of Research, Design, and Develop, integrates objective research with aesthetics to develop compelling brand solutions that position RD2 clients as industry leaders. Clients include Dell, Hotels.com, Southwest Airlines, PlainsCapital Corporation, and CoServ.
About Trainline.com Ltd.
TheTrainline is the leading UK rail ticket retailer and rail ticket information provider, offering fast and easy access to timetables, fares, reservations and tickets through its Internet website and contact centre operations in the UK train travel sector. In addition to its own website, www.thetrainline.com, it operates retail websites for 15 Train Operating Companies who sell rail tickets online, as well as providing a rail business travel service direct to a number of blue chip corporations and travel agents.
TheTrainline is the leading UK rail ticket retailer and rail ticket information provider, offering fast and easy access to timetables, fares, reservations and tickets through its Internet website and contact centre operations in the UK train travel sector. In addition to its own website, www.thetrainline.com, it operates retail websites for 15 Train Operating Companies who sell rail tickets online, as well as providing a rail business travel service direct to a number of blue chip corporations and travel agents.