Amasta Media LLC

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-owner of a fitness company. We offer monthly content, annual transformation challenges, and nutrition products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Amasta Media?

Our membership platform was slow and causing issues with expired accounts, PayPal connectivity, and access to membership sections in specific cases. Due to a lack of timely communication with our prior vendor, these technical problems weren’t addressed for six months. This led to a loss of revenue. We engaged Amasta Media to build out the website and make it more user-friendly.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Amasta Media’s first focus was fixing our issues with PayPal, our primary payment processor. Our PayPal module uses custom code that lies outside of our Woo Memberships platform—the program we use for our membership site. Amasta Media had to dive into the code to troubleshoot our issues. They’re also helping us implement TaxJar so we can charge sales tax on products. 

The team is now working to fix our slow site speed. They’ve had to learn our site’s multiple custom buildouts. Because they tie into each other, any updates or changes require a delicate touch. It’s difficult to fully address the speed issues within the existing infrastructure. At Amasta Media’s suggestion, we’re looking into a rebuild down the road.

In the meantime, Amasta Media is reorganizing our blog and video pages—which host over 400 videos and several hundred blog posts—to make them more user-friendly. They’re also helping troubleshoot technical issues with membership to support our customer service team. Other key services include building a landing page for our Black Friday sales and working with our marketing partner to ensure that all the advertising tracking pixels are working.

What is the team composition?

We work with Askar (Founder, Amasta Media) who is in California. Our project manager and developer work from overseas.

How did you come to work with Amasta Media?

We searched for vendors using Clutch. After interviewing a few, we felt most confident about our conversation with Askar. He gave honest answers about their services, and Amasta Media had an onshore office, which we felt would make collaboration easier.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2018, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Thanks to Amasta Media’s work, we’ve reduced our users’ major complaints about slow load times and not being able to access content. We anticipate that these changes will come across in our conversion rates and the number of visitors and new members soon. Amasta Media acts like a partner in our development. Their quick response times and attentiveness to our needs make our collaboration painless.

How did Amasta Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is excellent. The team responds quickly to our questions and alerts us to any delays in advance. They also provide frequent updates on progress; we know the website’s status at all times. We appreciate their honesty about their capabilities and the amount of time a request will need. We’ve never received any surprise billing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We value their honest and upfront communication. Clear timelines, quick responses, and truthful replies are hallmarks of Amasta Media’s work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them as much information about your project as possible upfront. Throughout the project, keep all lines of communication open on your end as well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a marketing consultant and own my own company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Amasta Media?

As a marketing generalist, I work on brand strategy and digital marketing projects for startup brands specifically in the beauty and wellness space. I was partnering with a new skincare company that wanted to create a strong footprint and tell a compelling story through their e-commerce experience with a platform that was also highly functional. I hired Amasta Media to help us plan a scope for the site development. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Amasta Media was involved from the beginning. They helped us spec out the architecture and choose the appropriate platforms. We built our website on a Shopify platform. They were instrumental in backend development and integrations with our email service provider (ESP) and accounting software as well as shipping and taxation with our third-party logistics (3PL). 

They collaborated with our design team to ensure that our site is optimized for conversion. Anytime we needed to update anything, Amasta Media was extremely proactive about coming to us first. They frequently suggested great ideas like adding new plugins or features of that nature. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked with an account manager as well as frontend and backend developers. 

How did you come to work with Amasta Media?

I've known Askar (Founder, Amasta Media) for over a decade, ever since he worked in-house at a development firm. I've also worked with his wife who is a designer. When he founded Amasta Media, I was keen to work with them based on his track record and our history together. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $20,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June 2016–June 2017. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Amasta Media is definitely a great technical partner. They set us up for success. From a technical perspective, our platform operates seamlessly. I can also speak to strong conversion rates that I attribute to their integral role in the design process. Their development support improved page loading speed and ensured the site functions optimally so we can get our users in the flow as quickly as possible. 

How did Amasta Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Amasta Media went above and beyond. They were extremely detail-oriented and responsive. The team took initiative and brought new ideas to the table that I hadn't considered. We mostly used email to communicate, which is my preferred method of contact.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Amasta Media's approach really sets them apart. Based on my experience in the marketing world, working with a technology partner is rarely as seamless as it was with their team. They understand how to simplify and clearly convey complex information to help us make informed business decisions that work for the brand and the project. They're very detailed oriented, kind, and timely. It felt like they were managing me more than I was managing them. They are an excellent partner. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly think that Amasta Media's work is fantastic and recommend them wholeheartedly. Anytime someone asks me for a firm recommendation, I always think of them first. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I suggest taking a high-level perspective on your project. Share your specific goals with whatever agency partner you use and leverage them as subject matter experts. Think tactically about what you want to achieve. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the executive director and owner of Brighter Babies, a daycare and early development center for children over three months old. We're based in New York City and have been operating since 2011.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Amasta Media?

We wanted to redesign our website. While most of our business is acquired by word of mouth, we wanted to create a website that could serve as a reference for parents who wanted additional information about the school, our monthly menus, and other information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We discussed our business and goals for the new website with Amasta's team, and they designed and developed a modern, user-friendly website with a CMS that allowed us to make edits and update content as needed. They also created short video tutorials for us to reference to make changes within the CMS on our end.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with Askar (Founder and Chief Development Officer, Amasta Media), his wife, who helped design some of our icons and other creative elements, and a tech lead.

How did you come to work with Amasta Media?

I liked the website Amasta created for another child care center I'd seen. After speaking to them, it seemed like they had a good understanding of what we needed and they were affordably priced compared to some of the other vendors I'd reached out to.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $3,500.

What is the status of this engagement?

They worked on our website from September 2015 to May 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Amasta created a user-friendly, informative, and upbeat website that continues to serve us very well. After launching the site and sharing it with currently enrolled families at the school, we received a lot of positive feedback. It's bright and playful, but still gets across important information effectively to parents. The site has also helped us reach more potential clients; we now receive about 50% of inquiries through the site's contact feature.

How did Amasta Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They met all their deadlines and were very responsive throughout the entire process. Whenever I had a question or needed something updated, they'd generally turn it around within 24 hours or less.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their responsiveness sets them apart from other vendors. They continue to maintain a strong relationship and make themselves available to us whenever we have any questions. I'd definitely work with them again and recommend them to anyone in need of a website redesign.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don't hesitate to ask them any questions you may have, regardless of your level of technical knowledge. They were great about helping me understand different aspects of their process and how to manage the website on our end.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the former CEO of Next Great Player, which was an amateur sports website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Amasta Media?

We worked with Amasta Media to plan and develop our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were looking to build something akin to Facebook for sports so that users could post photos and updates of notable amateur athletes. We wanted everything to be accessible on mobile devices. We prioritized functionality and simplicity. I wanted a firm that could recognize our target audience and build something that appealed to it.

What is the team composition?

I was pleased to only work with one project manager, who then served as a liaison between both sides.

How did you come to work with Amasta Media?

I was familiar with their work because they provided similar services to a company I had done some consulting for.

How much have you invested with them?

Overall, we spent several hundred thousand dollars.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from September 2013 through October 2014. We experienced roadblocks with our funding, so this project is incomplete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although we have halted development, it’s important to note that the quality of their work was quite high. When particular stages were completed, we held screenings of the product for investors and consultants, and they were always very impressed.

How did Amasta Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They were a pleasure to work with. They had obvious social skills in addition to their technical prowess, and that made it easy to work with them. We were able to work remotely and effectively. They were balancing other projects at the same time as ours, but they always made us feel like we were their only client.

What did you find most impressive about them?

When I was working with them, they were in their infancy, but you couldn’t tell because they were already so professional. They understood customer service, and they were very thorough.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They made excellent choices throughout. At one point, they sent a portion of the work to a third-party group of developers, and I was nervous about that, but they nailed it. They made it easy to trust them because they always made an informed decision. I think they did all they could do.

Any advice for potential customers?

A lot of people would insist on micromanaging, but it’s best to let them do what they do.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the president of a commercial production house.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Amasta Media?

Our company was moving in a new direction, which involved going directly to clients. We were looking for a vendor to develop a website for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a website that is very user-friendly and easy to update. We have the ability for FPP transfers and can upload decks of presentations for the clients with password protected portals. Every week, they updated us on the progress, so we could make sure we were going in the right direction. If we had any feedback, they made the changes by the following week.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 2–3 members of their team.

How did you come to work with them?

We talked to a few different companies, but Amasta expressed a lot of interest in our project and offered us a good price. Also, they had quick turnaround times, which was a big factor that influenced our decision.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2015 and the project was completed in October 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our clients love the design of the website and the fact that it’s easy to get to the portfolios that are posted on the site.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They met all their deadlines. Sometimes, we were holding them up when we were making decisions internally. They regularly sent us links to the work they had done, so we could see the first versions of the website and provide feedback.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They worked very well as a team, always gave us recommendations, and readily accepted our changes. They understood all of our needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think so. It was a very good working relationship. Everyone walked away from it feeling we accomplished exactly what we wanted to accomplish.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be organized and clear about what you want.  If you're not sure about what you want, they can't be sure either, so you need to know the direction you're going.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the President and Head of School of the Battery Park City Day Nursery in New York City.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Amasta Media?

We had an older website that we felt was out of date and we were looking for someone to help us build a new one.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Amasta took what we liked from the old site along with a few changes and developed the new one. They were able to take some of our photos and place them throughout the website and made the interface much more user friendly. They developed the backend to allow us the ability to go in and make changes ourselves, but there are still certain things they need to update from their end as necessary. They continue to add updates as we request them or as is needed to keep up with evolving technology.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with their founder.

How did you come to work with Amasta Media?

Amasta’s owner had a child attending our school. We talked with him and realized he shared our vision for the school and really wanted to get the word out about our program. After seeing their plan and rate we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $7,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working together since June 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website now allows users to download content such as registration forms and tuitions rates and includes great pictures of students doing things in the classroom. These abilities, and the easier interface, have made the website much more interactive for our users.

How did Amasta Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Amasta’s team responds to us almost immediately and is always available. We primarily communicate over phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The personal attention they offer is above and beyond. When we first began the project we were having some issues with our server provider, and Amasta went out of their way to contact the company behind the scenes and work things out. They always listen to what we want and follow our direction even if it isn’t where they initially wanted to go. They don’t try to sell you a premade package, and their responsiveness is fantastic.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Unfortunately they are no longer in my area so I can’t interact with them face-to-face, but that has not affected their work at all.

Any advice for potential customers?

Really think about what you want and don’t be afraid to lead them in a different direction than they may be headed in the beginning. They are willing to go on the trip with you and will do whatever you ask of them. Don’t be afraid to bring in new ideas yourself.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Little Hands Healthy Minds is a child psychiatry private practice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Amasta Media, and what were your goals?

A website to explain the services we offer.

SOLUTION

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

Amasta Media did excellent work for a colleague of mine in early childhood education.

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

We first met to discuss the target audience, then web site layout and finally the technical details of hosting and analytics.

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

The founder Askar was the main contact person with one or two meetings including the designer Tatiana.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Prospective patients can see exactly the services offered and how I specialize in treating children and young adults.

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

Askar and his team are very responsive with fast turnaround times.

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

Amasta Media was meticulous and relentlessly driven to deliver. They made us feel like we're their only customer, even though they were very busy.

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

No, they exceeded all of my expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Blue Legend Swim School

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Amasta Media?

Design our Website

SOLUTION

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

They are focused the details and they customize everything which is fantastic.

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

The project goes to stucture first and every page discuss including the color and shapes of everything.

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

In total, we worked 3-4 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website is very successful

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We mainly use the zoom meeting for the work and it is very effective.

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

They customize and they focus on the detail thing.

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

no. They are great!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Righetti Glugoski is a civil litigation law firm focused primarily on representing employees in complex class action litigation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Amasta Media, and what were your goals?

To provide expertise in consulting, designing and building our primary website.

SOLUTION

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

We searched for reputable companies in the area and, after interviewing several companies, we chose Amasta Media because it was the most qualified.

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

We held several meetings with the Amasta Media team so they could understand our business and our goals. The project went through Beta development and several revisions before we arrived at the final product over the course of several months.

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

Worked with 3-5 individuals with Amasta Media.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Couldn't be happier with the final product. Also, Amasta Media has been very attentive after finishing the project to help us keep the site updated and current.

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

Always available and timely. They met all project deadlines and time frames without fail.

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

Most impressed with the ability of Amasta Media to quickly grasp our needs and goals and then deliver according to our expectations.

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

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of MLC Interiors LLC., an interior design company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Amasta Media?

I needed someone to design my website for me.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted a website that described my services in detail and included photos of my work.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They’d previously done work for my husband’s business.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

I supplied them with websites I liked and they developed mine according to those guidelines as well as their suggestions. They also requested an outline of my services and a file of my work.

What was the team composition?

Their team consisted of two designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The website has been very instrumental in getting me jobs.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They were organized and punctual with deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed with their vast knowledge of website design and development and I learned a great deal during the process. They were extremely creative, implementing a layout that combined my services with rooms I had created. The overall effect was informative and showed my work in the best possible light.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There aren’t any that I can think of.