Case Study: Website Fixes Without a Redesign

See how the experts at Alt Media Studios helped our client with some existing website issues and quickly built them a custom site from scratch.

The Goal

Our client, a Northeast Ohio insurance agency, came to us with a specific request: they wanted us to fix some issues on their website. At the time, Alt Media Studios did not host their website, so this would require some strategy. We discussed the situation and decided that the best way forward would be to completely rebuild their site, but hosted on our servers. During the process of recreating their website from scratch, we could implement fixes and ensure that everything was just as the client preferred, and also include a custom-built privacy policy at their request. 

Oh, and let’s not forget about timing–they came to us in early December and wanted to aim for the end of the month. It’s likely that they were not aware of how much work goes into building a website from scratch–especially when the developer is asked to create an exact replica–but thankfully, the client was gracious, and acknowledged that with the winter holidays approaching, they didn’t want anyone to miss out on family time or scheduled time off just to meet this deadline. So nice!

Could the Alt Media Studios (AMST) team make it happen for this client? You probably already know the answer.

The Strategy

As soon as possible, our developers got to work on this new project, which was essentially a new site build, although not a redesign. There was plenty of back and forth, some long days, and all requested fixes and edits implemented, including the requested privacy policy and a widget that allowed for testimonials to be pulled directly onto the client’s home page. Changes made included adding headers, editing the contact form response, updating links and logos, and general changes to existing verbiage. There were also some key contact data points that we checked and verified that they needed to be updated so clients could more easily get in touch. Thankfully, the client readily provided all necessary information, and fast! They were also quick to respond if we ever had any questions.

Once we had work done on our end, we created a website mockup that the client could view on mobile and desktop to ensure that everything looked right–they loved this feature as it negated any uncertainty about how the final product would look. 

This project required a lot of communication, both from our team (the norm), and from the client (not always the norm!). We are so glad that they were very communicative and a good communicator at that! It certainly made what could have been a frustrating and tedious process smoother and much faster. Speaking of fast, did we make that deadline?

The Results

Yes! Our team had the site recreated and ready to launch by the end of the month! That said, as this project progressed, the amount of alterations and edits, back-and-forth communication and the year-end holidays made it clear that the original launch date likely would not still stand. From waiting on a key logo to further client edits, it took another month to get the all-clear that we were ready to make the new site live. That said, we’re very thankful that this client was prepared for this likely reality and didn’t want to push too hard to make it happen. Very gracious, very appreciated.

In the end, this completely new site build, along with a consistent flurry of edits and alterations, took less than two months, start to finish. We still think that’s a great outcome. And after some final communications with the client and ironing out IT questions, they were happy too. We were able to launch, and there was a seamless transition from the old to the new website. Now they have an updated site without its former pain points and managed by our expert digital marketing team. We sincerely hope to be able to do more work for them in the future.

The Takeaway

Phew, there’s a lot to say on this one. First of all, the client’s request wasn’t exactly typical. And some digital marketing agencies may have turned them down. After all, designing and building a new website is a chance for developers to stretch their creative and technical muscles and show off their skills. Well, for sure, there was no shortage of showing off skills here, as it is a difficult feat to recreate a lookalike website from scratch. Especially when the site owner is as intimately familiar with their site as this client was. But our team handled the client’s request with the same level of professionalism, efficiency and expertise as always. 

Another thing–we’ve got to give it to our client on this one for being such a good communicator! This is not the norm, and in fact, could be said to be rare. We know clients are busy–that’s why they entrust marketing and custom web design to us, after all. But at the same time, consistent and frequent communication is often the fuel that keeps projects running smoothly and at a quick pace. Without reliable feedback, we often can’t move forward, and the project timeline can stall out. So shouts to our client for their timely replies, it really made a difference.

Lastly, for folks who are considering making changes to their website–be they large or small–you want to make extra sure that you’re working with professionals. Only an experienced team of web developers could have tackled this request and handled it so quickly, with such skill, and such a great outcome. In the end, the team that manages your website matters more than you may realise. Your website is often the first contact that new clients have with your company–you want it to be stellar! Proper website management is also one of the best ways to improve online ranking, boost your online presence, and drive traffic. It all comes down to your website, and with emerging AI-based technologies on the scene, how you manage your website is more important than ever. If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, you know who to call–contact the team at AMST today to learn more and get started.