Grind Web Studio

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the head of games at Elephant Games, which offers online gaming and gambling software in regulated markets in Europe.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grind Web Studio?

We reached out to Grind Web Studio to design the frontend of one of our first game prototypes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We decided on a traditional design for our web application slot game—gems and royal symbols. In addition to delivering those graphic elements, we relied on them for the in-game sound and special effect sounds. They combined all aspects of the design using JavaScript Game Engine and Phaser.io. Once complete, they integrated this game engine with an existing API.

What is the team composition?

We’re working with two designers, one sound designer, a project manager, and a developer.

How did you come to work with Grind Web Studio?

We met through a friend of mine that had worked with Grind Web Studio in the past and had a successful project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in July 2018 and remains ongoing as we continue the integration process. I’d estimate we are more than 90% complete at this point.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The online gambling market in the United States is different from how it is in Europe. Instead of this being a standalone application, it will be offered by licensed gambling operators. Our application is not live, but the prototype Grind Web Studio has delivered allowed us to secure an agreement with a distributor to take the game to licensed gambling operators.

How did Grind Web Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate well through emails, Google Docs, and Skype calls. They are not specialists in gambling software, so there was a learning curve for them, but they generally understood our feedback and developed new iterations quickly. The project took slightly more time than we originally estimated, but in the end, we’re very happy with the product.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their design team is a definite strength. The finished product is quite impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I attribute the delays in our project only to their inexperience working with games like this. I’m hopeful that if we work with them in the future, they’ll be able to complete the design faster.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would caution against discrediting their team just because they are remote. They’re talented, and they know what they’re talking about.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of First Estate. We’re a real estate agency that deals in residential and commercial properties in Sofia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grind Web Studio?

We wanted to create a website that stood out from our competitors. We engaged Grind Web Studio to build an innovative site that had visual appeal and an easy-to-use interface.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We first worked together to develop a wireframe of our envisioned site. We knew we wanted an elaborate yet usable backend; Grind Web Studio created a foundational CRM system onto which they’ve built new modules over time. The team also created responsive features for our frontend. One program uses Google Maps to perform searches for real estate listings within a custom-drawn area. Another search module allows users to find properties ‘near me’; it uses their IP address to locate the closest properties based on a pre-selected range. Also, Grind Web Studio created a saved search feature that emails customers automatically when new properties pop up that match their searches. These modules were rare on local real estate agency sites at the time.

What is the team composition?

Ivaylo (Founder and Business Development, Grind Web Studio) serves as our project manager. Victor (Founder and Designer, Grind Web Studio) collaborated with us on the design and turned our ideas into a functional website.

How did you come to work with Grind Web Studio?

A friend of mine in the IT industry recommended Grind Web Studio to me. At our first meeting, the team offered an excellent quote that matched our needs and allocated budget.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2014, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Grind Web Studio finished the CRM system and website by June 2014, and we went live in September. After its launch, the site received praise for its accessible interface and visual appeal. It set the standard for our competitors. Our share of organic traffic also increased to more than half of our total traffic since we engaged Grind Web Studio. They continue to update the site and add modules as needed.

How did Grind Web Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They are highly accessible and responsible. We keep in touch via email and phone. Any time that I need something done, I can reach out to their team, and they will respond quickly, even if it’s a last-minute request.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Grind Web Studio responds quickly and fulfills their promises. The team also suggests alternative approaches to tasks and offers fresh ideas to solve challenges proactively. They think critically about what they’re asked to do and find the best solution to meet a customer’s needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

At the start of our engagement, Grind Web Studio admitted that they weren’t strong in SEO. However, we’re highly satisfied with the work they’ve done for us overall.

Any advice for potential customers?

As with any web developer, take more time on your wireframe than you initially anticipate. It’s an extremely important process that will benefit your website down the road.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Graffiti Studio

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Multilingual dubbing & subtitling

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grind Web Studio to accomplish?

• Website development

SOLUTION

How did you find Grind Web Studio?

Referral

Why did you select Grind Web Studio over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Grind Web Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Creating a wireframe
• Designing a custom WP template
• Web development
• Hosting the website

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The website looks, feels and functions exactly as expected.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were very responsive and time-driven.

What was your primary form of communication with Grind Web Studio?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They don't give up when they need to overcome an obstacle.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grind Web Studio could have done differently?

Perhaps expand their services to include content writing to cover 360 degree website needs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of C.L.L.C.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Luxury cosmetics

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grind Web Studio to accomplish?

• More sells
• More clients
• More activities in app

SOLUTION

How did you find Grind Web Studio?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Grind Web Studio over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

They helped us in creating an application according to the design of the site. The idea of ​​the application is to be faster, easier and more convenient. In addition, games, promotional offers, exclusive offers and many other activities are embedded in the application.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We are still working on the project. Our first campaign was extremely urgent. Nearly 40% of our registered users downloaded the app as soon as it was announced.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They provided us with exceptional assistance in building and promoting our mobile app.

What was your primary form of communication with Grind Web Studio?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They successfully identify the needs of their clients and provide full support in the implementation of the project and its further possibilities.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grind Web Studio could have done differently?

There wasn't anything they needed to improve on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder & COO of Starling & Company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Starling & Company is a boutique creative agency focused on helping small businesses, personal brands, and service providers launch and grow in an intentional way.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grind Web Studio to accomplish?

We reached out to Grind Web Studio to assist us with a web development project for a B2B client

SOLUTION

How did you find Grind Web Studio?

• Online Search
• WooExperts database

Why did you select Grind Web Studio over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Grind Web Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We contacted Grind Web Studio for WooCommerce web development tech support. Dimitar was very responsive and receptive to our concerns with the site. He isolated the problem and immediately got to work. We’ll definitely be working with them in the future, and we recommend that anyone needing support with WooCommerce call Grind Web Studio first!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The interaction with Grind Web Studio was quick, convenient, and pleasant.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were quick to respond to our questions via email, and gave us a call when they saw that the information could be easily explained over the phone or a text.

What was your primary form of communication with Grind Web Studio?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their willingness to help on short notice and their continued professionalism.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grind Web Studio could have done differently?

None that we can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO assistant and project manager in charge of the Baristo online shop launch. Our company offers full-range coffee services for BTC and BTB customers. We've developed and we're marketing our own coffee brand Baristo.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grind Web Studio, and what were your goals?

We worked with Grind Web Studio on the development of online shop dedicated to our coffee brand Baristo. Our goals for the project were to promote and sell our products online.

SOLUTION

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

We required offers from 5 companies and we trusted Grind Web Studio for their expertise and know-how on e-commerce websites. The main factors were their practical approach, reasonable deadlines, price and the following technical support.

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

Grind Web team guided us in all the steps of the project: structure, design, functionalities, and their advice were very valuable. We are not experts and we trusted them completely, and they proved their expertise. The web site is structured on WooCommerce platform, featuring also card payments, ERP connection for real-time data transfer.

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

There was a team of 4 people working on our project, including:

• a coordinator
• a designer
• a developer
• QA

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Baristo online shop started from scratch, but it was quickly indexed, site traffic increased and sales respectively. A year later, reports show significant increase of key indicators such as: turnover, average purchase value, returning customers.

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

Communication was conducted by mail, sometimes by phone. Grind Web Studio team were – and still are - very supportive and we usually receive their feedback and prompt solution within hours.

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

Their customer-friendly approach backed with arguments was impeccable, giving us the pros and cons to make decisions. That was priceless for us, and gave us confidence that we’re on the wright track to achieve our goals.

They are pro-active and propose additional improvements that we can implement to improve the web site performance. Could they have done something differently? – don’t think so.

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

Don’t think so, according to our experience.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO and founder of a SleepTech US/Bulgarian Startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grind Web Studio?

Grind worked on designing our website, as well as a complete UX/UI overhaul of our app.

What were your goals for this project?

For our website, we wanted to improve bounce rate and conversion as well as improve aesthetic and design style. For our app, we wanted to create a whole new set of features that required attention to detail and transforming complex actions into a great user experience.

SOLUTION

How did you select Grind Web Studio?

Grind was a friendly referral and we compared their offerings with 4 more competitive agencies.

Describe the project in detail.

We delivered the project details and were closely guided through the process of design and development, including frequent sync up. Moreover, our feedback was processed quickly and positively, resulting in great iterations towards the final project deliverable.

What was the team composition?

Project manager and designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Website performance visibly improved and the UX/UI of the app was a whole new level compared to our initial solution.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Easy to communicate and fast response. Very positive experience.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We are impressed with their attention to detail, hands-on approach, transparency, and ability to deliver what was promised.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were satisfied with the final result.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the e-commerce manager at a technical golf shirt company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grind Web Studio, and what were your goals?

We needed an e-commerce website that gave us more freedom in three-way functionality, easy information exchange, and of course many sales options.

SOLUTION

How did you select Grind Web Studio and what were the deciding factors?

We searched online for web developers. We chose Grind Web Studio based on their previous projects, developers skills, and cost estimate.

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

I was contacted on a daily basis when changes and updates to the project were made, and weekly meetings were scheduled at my convenience.

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

We worked with a marketing manager, 2 developers, an account manager and web designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website has seen higher traffic, search rankings, and positive interactions since its launch.

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

We organized meetings, phone calls all the time. We kept in touch mainly with Stefan, who did a wonderful job.

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

We've worked with a lot of companies, but Grind Web Studio has the resources to respond to our needs around the clock. With a lot of patience and desire. I was very impressed by Stefan and Ivo's attitude to our ecommerce project. Thanks, you're really helpful.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Definitely, I don't have any recommendations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We're the largest poultry producer in Bulgaria. For more than 25 years, we have been presenting our products on every Bulgarian table. I am Marketing director since 2013.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grind Web Studio?

New company website for our IPO in 2018.

What were your goals for this project?

New modern look, mobile version, special section for our shareholders.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After a pitch for web designer studio and an interview witch the top three candidates.

Describe the project in detail.

New modern look, mobile version, special section for our shareholders.

What was the team composition?

Grind assigned a project manager who was our contact person throughout the project. Cooperative and helpful he was with us on every stage of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new design attracts more visitors on our website, especially on Products and Recipes sections, which was part of our goals when starting the project.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager kept us informed about the progress and provided frequent updates. When necessary we met at our office to discuss issues, designer proposals etc.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The Grind Web Studio team was collaborative, experienced, positive, and easy to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything can always be done better, but as the Germans say "Ende gut, ales gut."