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How did the project start?
Our client approached us after finding us while browsing online and as we were local to him he was very keen on finding out more about how we could help him resurrect his motor sport and motor racing memorabilia website. He was impressed with our web design knowledge and more than impressed with our initial thoughts on how we would approach his project.
What options did you consider?
On investigating AP's online competitors and how they approached the design of their websites we soon realised that by creating something a little different, that still stood by the principles of easy navigation and uncluttered design, we would be giving him a website that would really help move his business forward. Our client was over the moon with our web site proposal and blown away with our initial thoughts on the design, look and feel of the site. He didn't require time to digest our proposal. He was so impressed he gave us the green light on the spot.
What help and expertise did you receive?
Like every other website we now work on the Automobilia Planet website was built around the Drupal/Ubercart framework. We worked very closely with Richard at Freestyle Systems. His expertise in Drupal/Ubercart proved invaluable on this project as it does with all the other web projects we work on.
We also worked closely with the client. His knowledge of the automobilia and motor sport memorabilia market allowed us to tailor a bespoke design solution for his new website.
Did you face and challenges or learn any lessons?
As with the majority of our web projects the greatest challenge we faced was the educating of the client. Most of our clients' web knowledge either comes from what they've learned from media articles or from designing their own 'home-made' websites. We find that our initial meetings with them, especially Automobilia Planet, allow us to show them how an effective website should be built and also show them how we can give them the tools to nurture and grow the site themselves.
We also introduced our client to new way of approaching the design of a website, something he had never thought of or even considered before. We showed him how we work to a set number of key Stages for each project. These stages give us the key ingredients for us to create his website.
The early stages of the project saw us designing the new sitemap and wireframe page designs for each page of the new site. On approval of these we then created the design assets for each different page of the site. As ease of use and search engine friendliness were crucial areas we highlighted in our proposal to our client. We also highlighted to them that we believed that he should take professional photographs of each of his products instead of the home/digital photographs he had been using. Even though it meant extra expense he did see the benefit in doing this. The website certainly benefits from having such great pictures. They are so much better and more clearer than his competitors.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
6 weeks from the design of the initial page design assets through to the building of the templates for Drupal and Ubercart saw the launch of the new Automobilia Planet website in May 2008. Our client was really happy with the results.
Our early work on the site delivered great search engine ranking results. We moved him from a page 2 listing on Google to a regular 3-4 position on page 1 very quickly. Feedback from their customers and their online competition has also been very positive with many commenting on how good the website is.
The redesigning of their brand identity was a key element in this project too. The identity he had been using didn't reflect the quality or prestigious nature of his products and services. Our approach to this was to create a better, more pleasing design which they said raised the bar for his competitors.
Sales are now steadily growing for them. From what they have seen so far they are now very excited for what they will be able to achieve during 2009.
Above all the whole project has given new life and energy to our client. The new, fresh approach we have created for them is way ahead of what they were expecting.
What are your plans for the future?
We work closely with our client and help them manage, administer, maintain and search engine optimise their website on a monthly basis, keeping them regularly informed on stats and tweaks we feel will help improve the website.
We've developed a population plan with them to allow them to gradually add content to their website each month. Plans are also on the table to work with them in creating an exhibition stand and materials for them to use at the shows they regularly visit during the year.
It is a joy to work with Automobilia Planet as they are the best kind of client: they understand that we are the experts in what we do and appreciate the work that we do for them. We're looking forward to helping them build their online brand and business during 2009.
