Community-driven platform Work Rest or Play has released its first post-rebrand analytics report, showing strong early engagement and promising growth across its digital and social channels.
Formerly known as the HD8 Network, the platform officially rebranded in July 2025, expanding its reach across Kirklees, Wakefield, Barnsley, and Leeds. With a broader regional focus, a new domain, refreshed branding, and dedicated content streams, the platform is designed to support businesses, community groups, and residents alike.
Digital Performance: Solid Growth Despite Transition
Despite the expected short-term impact of the rebrand, Work Rest or Play is already showing healthy signs of traction:
- 113,000 search impressions (Google Search Console)
- 6,370 page views
- 2,900 new users, 1,700 active users
- Average engagement time: 1 minute 2 seconds
- 19,540 click-throughs to advertiser websites, social media, and contact pages
Top Traffic Sources
- Direct: 1,229 sessions
- Google: 802 sessions
- Facebook: 350+ sessions (combined desktop and mobile)
- Bing (Organic): 58 sessions
These results reflect strong early brand recognition and audience intent, with nearly 20,000 outbound interactions—a strong result for advertisers and community partners.
Advertiser and Partner Overview
As of August, Work Rest or Play is supported by 130 advertisers:
- 67 Business advertisers
- 63 Community organisations
Breakdown by tier:
- 99 Bronze
- 25 Silver
- 6 Gold
This distribution shows a strong commitment from local stakeholders, with a healthy mix of commercial support and community-driven participation.
Social Media Reach Across All Channels
The brand’s social channels have also gained momentum since the relaunch:
Main Work Rest or Play Channels (last 3 months)
- Facebook: 121 followers | 35,962 views
- Instagram: 189 followers | 11,015 views
- LinkedIn Page: 71 followers | 760 impressions
- TikTok: 103 followers | 358 likes
HD8-Focused Channels (still active and supported)
- Facebook: 3.1K followers | 83,791 views
- Instagram: 1,758 followers | 4,679 views
- LinkedIn Page: 382 followers | 110 impressions
This shows the brand in HD8 still maintains a loyal and engaged audience while the new Work Rest or Play identity continues to gain traction.
Community Engagement via Facebook Groups
Work Rest or Play also manages a number of topic-based and location-focused Facebook groups, providing hyper-local visibility and engagement:
- Work Rest or Play (Main Group): 140 members (Public)
- Work Rest or Play in HD8: 2.8K members (Public)
- Jobs in HD8: 1.5K members (Public)
- Babies, Toddlers and Children in HD8: 979 members (Private)
- Crafting & Creatives in HD8: 219 members (Public)
- Sports and Fitness in HD8: 149 members (Public)
These groups remain a vital part of the platform’s local engagement strategy, driving targeted conversations and community action.
Important Note on Metrics
“Our analytics reflect a period of transition,” says Merewyn Sayers, founder of Work Rest or Play. “Changing domains and social handles naturally disrupted short-term visibility. However, we’re already seeing encouraging signs of recovery and growth.”
“We’re confident the rebrand will deliver stronger long-term performance, and the initial data confirms we’re moving in the right direction.”
What’s Next?
With new hyperlocal hubs, thematic campaigns, and an expanding content offering, Work Rest or Play is positioning itself as the go-to platform for what’s on, who’s doing what, and how to get involved—whether you’re working, resting or playing.
To request the full analytics report or find out how to advertise or collaborate please email contact@workrestorplay.co.uk