CodeMedia 360

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

JCL Traffic Services is a traffic control company and sign manufacturer. We manufacture street and temporary movie signs, and also rent out all the equipment people need to help conduct events in accordance with local or State requirements.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CodeMedia 360?

We had previously tried to build a website with another company, but it didn’t go well. They were unresponsive, and didn’t seem to address what we were asking regarding design, changes, and website functionality. We decided to look for someone new to complete the project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We already had a design based off the previous website, and my boss also liked certain aspects of other companies’ websites. We let them know the things we wanted, then they started to do the programming for our new, customized website.

We have a lot of products on the site, so we needed a space where people could see what they were ordering from us. Our previous order process was a little cumbersome due to having to email back and forth, but now our customers can search directly to see the signs that we offer.

CodeMedia made the backend extremely user-friendly and simple, which has been really helpful. Initially, I had to put in all of the products, which was very time consuming for one person. I had to put in the descriptions, prices, and quantities, among other things, and it all had to link to QuickBooks.

The previous developer had made it to where we could put items onto the site, but it was difficult because there were certain things only they could change. CodeMedia sits down with us and helps us work towards what we are trying to accomplish. They look at things we present to them, then propose a solution that actually works for us.

Currently, we’ve gone from development and usability to trying to increase things on the SEO side. The project manager has looked at our Google Analytics and suggested other things to try to increase sales. Our sales have been going up slowly, so it will be interesting to see if SEO will really work for us.

What is the team dynamic?

We have a project manager who is our main contact, and he’s good at translating what our needs are to the programmer. I’m unsure exactly how many programmers were working on this project.

How did you come to work with CodeMedia 360?

We came to work with them through a referral. We spoke to some of the other customers they’d had, then looked at who recommended them as well as their past work. We contacted Avi [Founder, CodeMedia360], who was very good about explaining things in a way that my boss and I, who aren’t tech savvy, could understand.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May of last year, and it’s an ongoing collaboration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our sales have gone up consistently in comparison with our previous website, which we didn’t get much from. We are also getting sales across the U.S., which we didn’t have before either.

People have been finding us on the East Coast, and since we are cheaper than companies in that location, it’s not unusual for us to ship products across the country. As we pick up more of the marketing aspect of things, it will be interesting to see how much more those sales will increase.

We’re not a huge company, but we’ve been around for 20 years, and it’s been nice to finally find a new place to grow into. If it wasn’t for CodeMedia, we wouldn’t be where we are today in terms of the website. They seemed to have a very full-picture perspective.

They don’t just build a website and give only what is asked for, take their client’s money, and wish them luck. Some companies don’t suggest anything extra. If a client doesn’t know the Internet in terms of how to increase sales, then they’ll have to find another company to help. Conversely, CodeMedia really seems to have a lot of good partners to work with, and isn’t just concerned about creating a website that’s pretty and usable.

How did CodeMedia 360 perform from a project management standpoint?

Avi is very proactive, and likes to keep to the original timeline. Things get delayed, but they push really hard to have those conversations in order to figure out and fix things. It’s really nice that they want to get the project moving along and to make accomplishments.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

The site works really well, and it’s nice to see people create things in a custom manner. Their turnaround time and adherence to deadlines have been impressive. As someone who worked with another company for over a year only to get a website that barely worked, CodeMedia’s driven service has been refreshing. They ask for feedback and deliver designs, which has ultimately helped us have a good-looking, user-friendly website.  

Our program manager really tried to get things as simple as possible. Customers have a short attention span, so if something is too difficult, they will give up and move on to spend their money elsewhere.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This is one of the most stressful projects I’ve worked on for my boss, and it’s been a big learning process for me. Our project manager helps us out, so I really don’t have any suggestions for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the Marketing Director at a movie theater in Hollywood, in charge of marketing and social media.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CodeMedia 360?

We needed to modernize and relaunch the theater’s website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed and designed the new website using WordPress, and included seamless integration with all the ticketing options we offer.

What is the team dynamic?

Avi was the main point of contact for the project, and he worked with a few others.

How did you come to work with CodeMedia 360?

We selected them because they are client-friendly and constantly available when new features need to be integrated into the site. They are a larger company, but still provide personal attention to their clients.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement began in October 2014, and while the website relaunched in February 2015, they still make changes and updates when requested.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website gets a lot of traffic, and people are using it not only as a ticketing platform but also as a resource to learn more about the theater’s rich history through photo and video galleries related to events that have been hosted here.

How did CodeMedia360 perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been great— both in building out the ticketing function and in integrating new features. Building the website was a collaborative process as Avi and his responsive team would make mockups, take feedback, and quickly implement our thoughts into future drafts. We’ve met in person several times, but we usually communicate through email or over the phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They always go the extra mile for their clients. Whether it is a small or large change, they are very reliable and can appreciate when certain things are time-sensitive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I can think of.