Situation:

The Institute of Management Consultancy had a well designed and structured web site with excellent content. However, many of the repetitive updates required on the site necessitated the involvement of a web designer and it was envisaged that these could be completed in-house.

Solution:

After formalising a strategy for the Institute’s new online presence, a database driven web site was designed, the main features of which include:

• Database driven news and events service, and content management system
• Online membership payments system
• Redesign of a secure members lounge
• Incorporation of style sheets and minimal use of graphics to speed download time of site

Results:

The new site allows any member of staff at the Institute - with minimal training - to manage major parts of the site’s content in-house. This not only minimises the chances of any errors occurring in the content, but also allows the Institute to update and change content instantly without the need for third party involvement.

Testimony:

“With the need to update our website, and bring much of the content-management “in house”, we turned to Rob Aldridge for help. With minimum disruption, and an efficient, professional and open approach, Rob has changed our lives for the better!”
Joan Fisher, Head of Business Development, Institute of Management Consultancy

RAW Consulting’s existing web site performed particularly badly in terms of download speeds as it contained very heavy amounts of graphics. Its performance on search engines was also limited.

Solution:

A web site strategy was created that was aimed at marketing the company to new clients and a site was designed to meet a number of objectives, particularly focusing on:

• Improvement in site speed and usability
• Improvement in search engine rankings
• Generation of online customer enquiries

Results:

The site has been stripped back to a simple design, one that corresponds accordingly with the corporate image. Vast improvements have been made to the download speed of the site and search engine rankings.

Discovery Drilling had an excellently designed website, with a particularly well thought out content and structure. However, the existing site had poor search engine rankings and hits on the site were minimal.

Solution:

Enhancement of existing web site with a focus on:

• Improvement in search engine rankings
• Increasing site hits
• Reduction in running costs

Results:

Discovery Drilling now ranks number one on a number of search engines, including Google, for “Discovery Drilling” and has a very high status for other important terms including “geo-environmental drilling”, which represent the companies services. As part of the new hosting and management agreement it has been possible to significantly reduce the running costs of the site.

Testimony:

"Rob has in a very short space of time got our company to number one on google, increasing web enquiries by a huge amount. Along with this he has saved us significant running costs whilst always being available and willing to deal with any issues or changes we require."
Mark Green, Director, Discovery Drilling

Achievement Management Consulting's original site had become outdated and a new design was commissioned with Rob Aldridge. The new design was to include animated graphics to represent the mission of the company and be complemented by a completely new online image. The existing site also lacked a unique domain name.

Solution:

Creation of a new web site with particular focus on:

• Creation of new online image
• Animation of company logo
• Search engine positioning
• User-friendly site lay-out
• Interesting photos and graphics

Results:

The new site was designed with attention paid to download speeds and usability. Navigation has been kept simple and animation used to enhance understanding of the site’s purpose. Although only recently launched, initial search engine rankings are promising.

Testimony:

"Rob did an excellent job in designing and implementing the new site. While I provided text and suggestions for layout, Rob often proposed more interesting design solutions. His responses were always prompt and his technical knowledge reassuring. I'm pleased that he continues to be my webmaster."
Bill Peace, Director, Achievement Management Consulting

Chalet Kiana’s existing site had the fundamentals of a good design, however, a number of areas were identified that would enhance the users experience and give the site a more professional look and feel.

Solution:

Enhancement of current design to foster greater links with new and existing clients and improvement in search engine rankings. In particular the following was carried out:

• Removal of existing site design based on frames
• Incorporation of online enquiries form
• Addition of Chalet availability diary, which is kept continually up to date

Results:

Chalet Kiana’s new site has been designed to generate more enquires from its users, and provide them with all the information required before deciding to book a holiday. The tourism industry is particularly competitive for search engine placements, however, significant improvements have been made since the site's redesign.

Testimony:

“Since Rob took over our website we have received a lot of compliments about how quickly the site comes up and how good it is both in terms of looks and effectiveness. Our business requires that our availability information is always up to date and he always reacts quickly. The integral email form has proved invaluable; our clients can contact us immediately, whilst the information is fresh in their minds, thus the likelihood of losing them is lessened!”
Jennie Henderson, Chalet Kiana

A simple web site was commissioned to provide an online presence that would generate interest in the singing talents of Ian Barratt.

Solution:

In line with the specification, the design of the site was kept simple with a focus on capturing enquiries from interested clients. Particular attention was paid to the search engine positioning of the site.

Results:

Although only recently launched, initial search engine rankings are promising.

Testimony:

"Rob Aldridge has provided a responsive, professional service.  Visitors to the site have commented on the professional image that it presents and the site has generated interest in my services as a tenor."
Ian Barratt

Student Action India is a charity that Rob has been involved with for a number of years. Their existing website was basic and didn’t include any of the excellent content that the charity produces regarding development education. It also lacked any facility for members and volunteers to communicate and share information, which is particularly important considering they are spread throughout the world.

Solution:

A new database driven web site was designed, the main features include:

• Database driven news and events service, and content management system
• Discussion board for volunteers to communicate and share ideas on
• Virtual office, where important documents can be stored and shared

Results:

The new site has created a sense of an online community and allows those volunteers that are further a field to keep up to date with activities and provide input. It has also allowed much more of the charitie’s work to be put online for interested users.