What's the digital Deali-O?

By now you’ve seen advertisements throughout our newspapers and on our Web site, YourObserver.com, promoting how you can save with us with deals, win great prizes with contests, search for local businesses with Store Around the Corner and get daily updates with our Daily Headlines broadcast and more. So what is the dealio at The Observer?

If there’s a digital space, we’re going to be in it.

2013 marks a year of continuing the momentum we experienced in the digital realm in 2012. YourObserver.com was recognized by the Local Media Association (a trade organization of more than 2,000 newspapers in North America) as the Best Overall Local News Site in North America. Many of our other multimedia efforts won other recognitions as well:

Our social media footprint across Facebook, Twitter and YouTube won first for Best Social Media Initiative; the Daily Headlines video broadcast, which is sent out via our eNewsletter won first for Best Video Initiative; and “It’s Read Everywhere” contest won first for Best Local Community Initiative.

This year we’re going to continue to improve in these award-winning areas, but are also excited to roll out a redesigned version of YourObserver.com, Tablet apps, mobile websites, new websites and more. But for now, below are some of our most recent initiatives conceptualized by The Observer’s digital department:

What’s the Deali-O?
Following the Groupon and Living Social model, What’s the Deali-O? on TheDeali-O.com features savings from local businesses. Save anywhere up to 90% on dining, health, activities and more. Watch for weekly deals with special themes, like this month’s “Fit & Fabulous Deals.” This week get 25% on a cut and color at Tutto Dolce Salon for $69!

Design & Dine Contest
Enter the Design & Dine contest to win a $10,000 backyard makeover from ArtisTree Landscape & Design and a Celebratory Soiree for 20 guests from Michael’s On East, by visiting ArtisTree’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ArtisTreeLandscape.

Enter the contest by posting pictures of your backyard and tell us what you envision for your new oasis. Entries will be accepted until Jan. 30, and voting will take place Feb. 4 to Feb. 15. You can also access the contest by visiting YourObserver.com and clicking on the Contests tab in the toolbar.

Love Story Contest
Launching Thursday, Jan. 17, the Love Story contest is brought to you by CasAntica and Hyatt Regency. Tell us your love story in 200 words or less and the winning story will receive a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency and a romantic dinner at CasAntica Italian Restaurant, in downtown Sarasota. Submissions will be accepted until Jan. 30, and voting will take place Jan. 31 to Feb. 7. To enter go to YourObserver.com and click on Contests in the toolbar.