A3 Creative Solutions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the communications lead for the Global Health Technologies Coalition (www.ghtcoalition.org). We're a coalition of more than 35 nonprofits, academic institutions, and aligned businesses working to advance drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and other tools for global health needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire A3 Creative Solutions?

We hired A3 Creative Solutions starting in 2019 to help us maintain our website www.ghtcoalition.org and in fall 2021 engaged them to redesign the site to improve design and user experience.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We were looking for a web designer with experience on the Treepl CMS platform to take over design support and maintenance of our site from a previous vendor. We received quotes and spoke with multiple vendors, ultimately choosing A3 Creative Solutions because of their deep experience, impressive portfolio and highly competitive rates.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

A3 Creative Solutions initially supported us in adding new features and updates to our website, but in late 2022, we engaged them to do a full redesign of our site. They started the process with discovery conversions, discussing with our team how our needs have our needs had evolved, what we liked and disliked about current site, and initial suggestions they had as areas of improvement.

Then based on back and forth conversation, we settled on an overall structure/architecture for site sections. Then they led us through a multi-step design phase, first main outer pages and then inner pages, where they showed us mock-ups of page designs and worked with us to refine designs to our liking.

Then once we signed off on designs, they developed the site in phases, giving us opportunity to beta test each part before we ultimately made the new site live.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with the two owners, one who operated as the account manager to mainly interface with us, and the other the designer/developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We were very pleased with A3's services and the outcome of our website redesign. We've received may compliments on the site from our coalition members and philanthropic funder and though the site was more recently released, there seems to be a slight uptick in active users since our launch.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

A3 is very easy work with. They are incredibly responsive and communicative, often responding to simple inquires within less than an hour of being sent. For our website redesign, we had a combination of select meetings via video conference, and then lots of email communication back and forth.

When they send design mock-ups or designs for client review, they typically also send these videos walking you through the item and raising any specific elements they want you to take note of. It’s a nice balance that gives you the info you need to review at your leisure, without creating the need for additional meetings. They also deliver work very quickly and always on-time or before set deadlines.

If there are any delays, they always communicate as soon as they become aware of a potential problem.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are soo responsive. They get back to me more quickly than any vendor I've ever worked with before. They also work really fast. I feel like they complete projects in half the time it's taken when I've done similar projects with previous vendors. They have really strong design sensibility. I've really been impressed with everything they've produced for us.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

As we've moved from design phase to development phase on projects, we've sometimes hit hiccups where carrying out the vision laid out in the design actually required more hours of labor than originally anticipated or custom built add-ons that have added cost to the project higher than original quote.

In each case these costs have been relatively minor, so not a huge issue to absorb, and A3 has laid out the situation and sought our sign-off before proceeding, but unanticipated costs are always a bit frustrating when you are managing a project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Valio Insurance Services, an insurance MGA.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with A3 Creative Solutions?

We wanted to redevelop our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

A3 Creative Solutions revamped our site from scratch.

What is the team composition?

We worked with both Aaron and Donna (Co-Owners).

How did you come to work with A3 Creative Solutions?

I’ve known one of their principals for many years, and I chose them for this project because I liked their work.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent $5,000–$10,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July–October 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The quality of their work was excellent.

How did A3 Creative Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was excellent. In terms of communication, we used Zoom and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their personal involvement in the project was outstanding; they took it as their own.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s anything they can improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared with content and have a clear idea of what you want your website to look like.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Member Services Manager for Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club. I manage the day to day operations including oversight of the website as well as updates.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire A3 Creative Solutions?

Our website required an updated look that better spoke to our Club vision and values. We wanted something that was more impactful as well as functional.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We reviewed two proposals and decided to go with A3 because of our positive past experiences and the strength of the presentation. The proposal was well thought out at an affordable price.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

We provided A3 with a rough guide of our ideas and examples of what we wanted our website to look and feel like. A3 took this information and created three designs for our review and feedback. Using Figma, they produced the finalized design with the mobile and tablet views as well.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked closely with both owners who also act as an Account Manager and Creative Director.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have been working with a short timeline to complete this project. A3 has been very responsive with their work and continue to show progress in their build. We are confident that we will meet our goal to release our new website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Both Aaron and Donna are very accessible if I had an immediate question. We discussed issues over the phone, over zoom, via email with screenshots, and with messenger. Multiple forms of communication made it very quick and easy to move forward.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They willingly share their knowledge and experience with recommendations that suite our needs and also push us out of our own idea box. They are both very in-tune with market trends while providing the benefits and setbacks of certain features. They truly are committed to the project and not just the project deadline.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing coordinator. We provide complete process and water solutions for a variety of commercial, industrial, and municipal applications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire A3 Creative Solutions?

We had already worked with A3 to develop our website a couple years ago. We wanted to add an interactive agents map to our contact and knew we could trust A3 with the work.

What were your goals for this project?

Have an interactive maps for clients to find agents in the area for USA water and wastewater solutions.

SOLUTION

How did you select A3 Creative Solutions?

We had worked with them a few years ago and were very impressed.

Describe the project in detail.

Create an interactive map to show all USA states, when you click into the state it shows the agent in that territory and their contact details, as well as their logo.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with our account manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Having a list of all agents will make is much easier for our clients to get ahold of who they need to in their area, faster and more efficiantly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Always very effective, we email (this is my preference) and the response time was extremly fast.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Very easy to work with. They can take our random thoughts/ideas and turn it around into something well developed, functional, and stay on brand.

They are honest about how they charge and when they think they can help save for you (ie - show you how to make edits so we are not facing the min charge for a quick chnage we can do ourselves)

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have no complaintss. We are very happy with how this project turned out and the process from start to finish.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a media company focused on live content creation & viewer engagement.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire A3 Creative Solutions?

I hired A3 Creative Solutions for my web design & emplamentation.

SOLUTION

How did you select A3 Creative Solutions and what were the deciding factors?

I had observed their website & looked at some of the other work they had done for other companies.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

The project started with an initial meeting to discuss the process. I have some examples of sites that were relevant to my industry. They walked me through the user experience & I followed up with content featuring wording, images, & videos for the site. They then helped to set up my email accounts, & pushed it out live, & provided me with literature & education on how to maintain it.

How many resources from the A3 Creative Solutions team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Two. Donna & Aaron, & they are co-owners.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Giving people a place to learn more about me & the things that I do was the biggest success. Have a website & dedicated email has been great for networking & having a more committed & professional presence on the web.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very easy. They explained each step, listened to the things I wanted, & executed everything in a very professional & straightforward manner.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to listen and honesty stood out in the partnership. They listened to the things I desired & were honest about time tables, workflow, & what we could do within my budget.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I don’t think so. They are fantastic to work with, & I will continue to seek them out first when a new project or opportunity arises for me & my business ventures.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Manager of a home service franchise brand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire A3 Creative Solutions?

A3 is in charge of the design/development of our website, as well as maintenance, set up of CMS platform, etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have a long-standing relationship with them and have known them to produce great work.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

I was not involved in initial stages with A3. In fact, their relationship with our brand goes back well beyond just the current project. I am relatively new to my position, but not new to working with web agencies and find them to be very thorough, responsive and responsible.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I've worked with the owners, Aaron and Donna

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Aaron and Donna are terrific problem solvers. As a franchise, we have some complex parent-child relationships and updating tasks that make our project challenging. They are terrific about finding solutions and are affordable and responsible for coming up with efficient solutions.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are super quick to respond and handle things for us. Much better than probably any other vendor I've worked with before.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Again, their responsiveness is impressive — I often hear back from them in a matter of minutes.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I can't think of anything. They do a great job!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and executive Producer at Crawford Filmworks Inc. We are a Canadian production company helping provide local Canadian support to international production partners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire A3 Creative Solutions, and what were your goals?

We've been working with A3 Creative since 2019. They've handled all our website & logo design, along with the yearly updates required to keep our site fresh.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

they were a local company that had strong recommendations from others in the community.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We began by discussing our objectives with the website and from there A3 began developing various logos and website designs for us to provide feedback and finalize.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

2, Aaron the main website coder and designer, & Donna who handle more of the client relations and operations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our entire team at Crawford Filmworks we're very pleased with what they created for us. We are excited to continue to grow the awareness of the brand and logo they helped create.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

they were very timely and managed our expectations respectfully.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They gave us a creative and fresh web design.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

it's hard to say. overall we are very happy with what we've received and don't have any specific constructive criticism at the moment.