Taking Regional Governance Digital with TYPO3

The Verband Region Stuttgart (VRS) serves as the regional development agency for the Stuttgart region and its 2.8 million residents across 179 municipalities. While quite successful in promoting economic growth, the VRS sought to update its digital communication channels to better convey its goals and strengthen public discourse with constituents. This required refreshing outdated websites, some of which lacked essential features like online forms, and establishing the VRS’s first real social media presence.

Digital agency +Pluswerk worked closely with the VRS team and utilized the latest web technologies to transform VRS’s online engagement. The redesigned TYPO3-based website, along with a relevant social media presence, now facilitates substantive two-way discussions between the VRS and local citizens.

The clear focus point of the relaunch was the creation of a strong new brand concept for the VRS. The new design was based on including a clear edge as well as a fresh visual language – intended to break up the supposed sobriety of a political association. The key visual, the "Regionaut", accompanies the visitor through the website and encourages interaction.

The redesigned website is built on TYPO3 v11, offering multilingual support and lean customizations for future-proofing. Integration with VRS’ existing systems enables real-time syncing of events, news, and documents through APIs. Popular modules like forms, newsletters, and project landing pages enhance user experience.

TYPO3’s extensibility further allowed integration of the latest web capabilities:

• Custom and dynamic contact forms compliant with privacy regulations
• Flexible project landing pages with custom layouts
• Easy content changes through TYPO3’s intuitive editor

The improved user experience with clear calls-to-action has steadily increased website traffic.

In a first for the VRS, +Pluswerk defined and implemented an integrated social media strategy spanning relevant platforms. Tailored visual styles and content plans help the VRS strengthen relationships with the region’s residents, attracting them to discuss growth opportunities and policy trade-offs. User comments offer a direct channel for public discussion, and any posts by the VRS are closely tracked/monitored to measure their impact.

The Verband Region Stuttgart now facilitates connections between regional governance and local communities. +Pluswerk’s expertise in executing major communication overhauls proved invaluable in making the solutions for the VRS a remarkable success: the website and the social media presence continuously record increasing visitor and follower numbers.

Today, VRS is better positioned to disseminate ideas, spark constructive debate, and crowdsource solutions for regional priorities. Contact us to see how TYPO3 can transform your online presence.