fDi Magazine (subsidiary of FT Times) announced its inaugural Digital Marketing Awards on December 12, 2012. The digital marketing awards are evidence of the increasing importance of online presence and social media to Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA) as they compete to attract domestic and foreign investment.
 
Among the over 50 entries from around the world, Daegu Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone (DGFEZ) ranked 2nd among Economic Zones, only trailing Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (UAE).
  
In discussing its evaluation, fDi magazine was quoted “In our analysis of the digital marketing strategies, we have observed that the most successful IPAs are very active in the key criteria for successful digital marketing: visitor tracking, innovation, effective use of social media, and a modern and professional website [which is marketed] through search engine optimisation and with clear information and ease of contact.”
 
For DGFEZ, the ranking provides validation of its new digital marketing strategy that was implemented in 2012. DGFEZ Commissioner Byung-Rok Choi stated “The award is great news for DGFEZ. The online world is an important platform for us to spread our message to the world. To get recognized by an international publication (FT Times) is very meaningful for us.
 
Marketing Manager Simon Hoggett followed up on Commissioner’s Choi’s comments “Digital marketing was a key initiative for DGFEZ in 2012. We spent considerable efforts overhauling our website making it much more user-friendly, and a social media campaign was implemented that highlights the local living environment. Next year we plan to expand our online reach even further”
  

Source: DGFEZ Investment Strategy Team