Since its re-brand at the beginning of the year, Love Rugby League has shown a marked improvement in visitor numbers and site figures in the first five months of 2011.
Previously known as Last Tackle, the site has been re-invigorated and revitalised by the re-brand, which coincided with the launch of JDG Media.
The success it has enjoyed this year has been in spite of an increasing number of rival sites that have appeared recently, and is now starting to attract significant attention from potential sponsors and partners. Last Tackle was established in 2005 to fill a gap in the rugby league market, and almost six years on continues to serve the rugby league community.
It acts as an example to any site considering the pros and cons of a re-brand.
Co-owner James Gordon said: “After five years as Last Tackle, it was a difficult decision to re-brand to Love Rugby League, and one that was debated for several months.
“Even after the decision was made, I was skeptical at first, but the numbers since the change have certainly indicated it to be the right one. All of the reasons why we thought the re-brand would work, and how it would become a more social brand, have rung true.
“Of course not all re-brands work. But we went through careful consideration, planned it out, looked at things from various angles and made an educated decision which has turned out to be the right one.
“The message to any other sites considering re-brands has to be to weigh up and analyse the pros and cons side by side. If you’re considering a re-brand in the first place, there must be a strong reason as to why, and you shouldn’t allow sentiment or a few adverse opinions hold you back, because it may end up damaging your site in the long run.”
Love Rugby League’s team of writers generates regular content for the site, from news to blogs and features to the extremely popular podcast, which is produced by Dave Parkinson.
The site is a staple of JDG Media, and combines the work of a number of freelance and trainee writers and our hard-working freelance developer Dave Sparks.
If you are interested in writing or contributing to Love Rugby League, or want to partner or advertise on the site, get in touch via JDG Media.
