Durham Web Designer

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and owner of Super Cover. We specialize in heavy-duty hot tub and spa covers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Durham Web Designer?

I put together my own WordPress website, but I wasn’t as good as updating the plugins, especially for security. One day, I got a phone call where I learned that my website was hacked and no longer accessible. I needed help getting it back. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Durham Web Designer works on my site’s security. They first fixed my website. After that, they gave it a scouring using tools to identify where it can improve. For example, Durham Web Designer increased my site speed by identifying images to shrink. They also keep track of my rankings; they cleaned up keywords on my website and found search terms to target in my competitive industry. I now get two emails per month to see my analytics about site visits and more. I still have control over my website, but Durham Web Designer does the hosting, which is nice.

What is the team composition?

I just work with Larry (Owner).

How did you come to work with Durham Web Designer?

When my website got hacked, it included artifacts of images from an entirely different business. For the reason, nobody else wanted to touch my messed-up website. I was ready to sign up with a competitor of Durham Web Designer, but they dropped me after I signed the contract. It was a nightmare. Larry was the only one willing to work with me. Also, I’m a hybrid user so I already had my theme and wanted to retain control of my site after the project was done. Larry was the only one who accommodated that request but convinced me to put the site in his environment. 

How much have you invested with them?

The migration cost $685, which was half the cost of other quotes. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in April 2019 and is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

No one has phoned me with a problem navigating or accessing my website again. Durham Web Designer is one of our company’s fixed expenses now. If I knew how important security was for WordPress, we would have purchased Larry’s services on the first day. He hasn’t failed on a single project for me yet.

How did Durham Web Designer perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s simple: when I phone Larry, he answers. I like his hours; he works in the evenings. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I used to be an IT consultant so I can tell when people are trying to upsell me or don’t know what they’re talking about. Larry is very trustworthy and knows what he’s talking about. His personal image that he sends in emails is very trustworthy, and his tone of voice is just as reassuring. He talks like a normal human being, conveying complex topics effortlessly and with humility. He’s been around since the ‘90s working on GeoCities sites and has a blue-collar attitude that makes me feel reassured. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

When I first was considering vendors to work with, Durham Web Designer’s website put me off a bit because of its simple graphics and style. However, I’m really glad I didn’t judge that book by its cover. 

Any advice for potential customers?

I’d recommend Durham Web Designer to my own mother; I trust them that much. I wouldn’t have a problem recommending them to anyone. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and operator of a contracting company. We focus on home renovations, including bathrooms and kitchens. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Durham Web Designer?

 We didn’t have a website, and we wanted assistance in designing and developing one.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a website from scratch. We provided some content, such as photos, but they did everything else. Their team also provided an update after the initial launch to create a mobile-friendly version. Currently, they provide SEO services. 

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact is Larry. 

How did you come to work with Durham Web Designer?

My brother used them to develop his company’s website, and he recommended them to me. 

How much have you invested with them?

I believe we’ve spent around $10,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The first version of the site was launched in 2010. They've continued to provide maintenance and SEO services. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I look at web traffic. Since I created a Facebook page and Instagram, we’ve gotten more visitors on the site.

It’s also easy for me to make edits to the site myself. For example, I update photos of our contracting projects. If I’m ever confused about how to upload a new photo, Larry walks me through it. 

How did Durham Web Designer perform from a project management standpoint?

They had good project management. We primarily communicated via email and over the phone. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I love that they’re local to my area. They’re easy to communicate with and work quickly to find resolutions. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?  

They’re a good company to work with. Larry is responsive and easy to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

 I’m the office manager for Duffin’s Creek Dental.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Durham Web Designer?

We hired Durham Web Designer to design a website for us. Previously, we’d been doing our own website and we’re not very versed in the digital marketing world, so it wasn’t what we wanted.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Larry (Owner, Durham Web Designer) designed and built our website. We sent him our pictures, schedule, and a list of our procedures, which he uploaded to the site. Whenever we need to update or add anything to it, we can contact him to do it. 

What is the team composition?

Larry is our main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with Durham Web Designer?

We were looking at various companies, but some charge an exorbitant amount for their services. We followed a referral for Durham Web Designer from someone who had worked with him before. Larry made the most sense since he knew the market and didn’t push anything unnecessary on us. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $1,200–$1,500. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with Larry since October 2018. The site was live by December 2018, but our engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re earning up to 120 new patients a year, and about 40% of them are coming to us from the new website. 

How did Durham Web Designer perform from a project management standpoint?

Larry manages the project very well. If anything needs to be addressed, he’ll respond to our emails within an hour and help us figure out what to do. If we need something updated, he’ll be able to do it within a day or so. He also gives us weekly updates on how many people are visiting our site and fills us in on its overall performance. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We really value that Durham Web Designer is local and that his prices aren’t crazy. Some other companies were asking for $800–$1,200 per month and pushed different products toward us, but we didn’t need any of that.

After a year of working with Larry, it’s clear he understands what a company our size needs. Larry is easy to work with, accessible, and able to make any updates quickly. Since he’s from the area, he knows how to market everything on our site. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There's always room for improvement, but we’re really happy with Larry’s services. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with him; you’ll be happy. If you’re local, he’ll know the demographics and understand what needs to be done.