Seattle New Media

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the assistant director of an academic center at UCLA. The center hosts a number of academic conferences and lectures every year and distributes scholarships and fellowships to students. The Center also manages several publications and research projects, many of which feature digital components. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Seattle New Media?

We hired Seattle New Media to develop a website for The Archeological Gazetteer of Iran, which was spearheaded by a faculty member of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at UCLA. He had a repository of physical media, including photographs, maps, and unpublished excavation reports. He wanted to digitize them to create an online encyclopedia of archeological sites of Iran. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our initial requests and goals included an ArcGIS map and encyclopedia catalog. An ArcGIS map would allow users to see the ancient borders of various empires and their geographic features, as well as demonstrate changes over time. The site also needed to be interactive so users could filter all archeological sites on the map via time period, location, and specific site features. On top of that, we wanted a regular encyclopedia catalog, where visitors could search alphabetically and by time period. 

Meanwhile, we also needed a repository for images that users could view and download. We also wanted a bibliographic index of PDF files of both published and unpublished works that could be provided for free to viewers (copyright allowing). Seattle New Media handled all of this.

At present, the website has around two dozen archeological sites posted. We expect to have hundreds, if not thousands, of archeological sites when the project is completed — if it’s ever completed; archeologists always find new material. While the site is up, we’re still working with Seattle New Media for ongoing support and site updates. 

What is the team composition?

We work with Erik (Co-Founder) and Joseph (Designer). The designer answers our day-to-day questions on the technical side of the project. Erik oversees the project and assists us with our big-picture goals. 

How did you come to work with Seattle New Media?

We came across Seattle New Media through a colleague. Seattle New Media had reasonable pricing and seemed invested in this project. They were by far the most responsive group when we were shopping around for vendors. All of these were positive things for us, so we decided to engage them. 

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve invested around $12,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2020, and our engagement is ongoing. They designed and built the site through December 2020, and we had a fully functional site at the beginning of January 2021. From there, we worked with them through March 2021 to enhance the platform. After that, we had a public launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

To measure the success of the project, we’ve set milestones, and Seattle New Media has been great at hitting all of those objectives, which include the functioning prototype and the public launch. In terms of their abilities, they’ve proven that they understand what we’re trying to achieve. The Seattle New Media team is great at setting realistic goals in terms of timelines and milestones. 

How did Seattle New Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They have excellent project management; they don’t overpromise and underdeliver. We’ve had weekly meetings with them to go over things during the development process. Now, we have monthly check-ins.

Moreover, their responsiveness is highly reassuring when it comes to managing the website; we know they’re monitoring and taking care of things. In addition, there’s never a time when we don’t get the attention we need. They also always send reminders if they need anything from us, keeping us on track. 

To communicate, we have a channel on Slack, which works well. They’re incredibly responsive, answering questions within minutes. We use emails for larger discussions or if we have to include people who aren’t in the Slack channel. For instance, since we’re at UCLA, we have our internal IT services. Occasionally, we need to reach out to them to gain access to information or servers. As a result, we include them in our communication with Seattle New Media. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are great with interpreting our needs and wants. For instance, I don’t use the proper terminologies common for website development. That can be a huge communication barrier. Fortunately, Seattle New Media is great at converting our academic viewpoints into the digital language.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their billing system leaves something to be desired. For instance, when I explain exactly what I need on the invoices, they sometimes send me invoices that don’t have the proper terms and dates. I have to send those back and ask them to fix them. 

For context, they use an online invoice generating system, which doesn’t always put the necessary information for UCLA to pay it. We know that this is a minor issue; it’s not a hurdle that can’t be overcome. Still, it would be nice if they correct it. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know your goals and expectations. Even though Seattle New Media can come up with good ideas, having a well-thought-out project and goals when you approach them will help you truly take advantage of their skills and time. They’re ready to hit the ground running, so come with solid ideas.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Director of Digital Marketing for a SaaS subscription platform that connects advisors with companies seeking board members.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Seattle New Media?

Our website and landing pages were in dire need of a facelift with both the UI and the UX. We hired SNM to help with the auditing, planning, and building of the new interfaces on the front and backend of Webflow for the site and Unbounce for the landing pages.

SOLUTION

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

The team at SNM were extremely responsive and proactive from the very beginning. They were clear with communication and confirming expectations. Their going above and beyond from the very first conversation is what led us to choosing them to help us with our projects.

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

We searched all over Upwork for qualified talent to help with Webflow site production and Unbounce landing page design/builders which proved to be very difficult. After a few discovery conversations regarding our needs and expectations, we're now in the process of exchanging deliverables and providing feedback on wireframes and design concepts.

We've yet to launch anything that SNM has produced, but I've been more than happy with their level of involvement and willingness to handle all of the curveballs I've thrown at them.

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

I've spoken with 4 people at SNM. I'm not sure their Titles, but 2 of the 4 seem as though they're the Founders/C-Level individuals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven't launched anything yet, but are very pleased with the work SNM has produced so far which includes a wireframe of our website homepage and the beginnings of landing page design concepts.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

SNM has been very communicative over Slack and email. They're also willing and able to hop on the phone whenever needed for a quick clarification or chat, which is a breath of fresh air these days.

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

I've been very impressed with SNM's scrappiness. They've been able to deal with our ever-changing needs as we move through our ebbs and flows of business day-to-day.

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

The only thing I'd recommend for the SNM team (which I haven't actually given them this feedback, so no knock on them) is to look into building out some sort of project management workflow in Asana (or similar) to give me a better idea of where the deliverables they're working on are at.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital Marketing Company My designation is Assistant Manager - SEO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Website Development services - The goal was to create an interactive website with a good design

SOLUTION

How did you select Seattle New Media and what were the deciding factors?

Because of the amazing online reviews that the company had online, we decided to take their help with this project

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

Their project was to create an interactive and user friendly website for one our customers. The client already had a website but we wanted to optimise it as that helps with SEO. We had seen their own website and were amazed by their work. So we wanted similar quality of work to be done for our client as well.

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

We were in contact with their project manager and their web developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the website had been optimised, over the last 2 months the traffic has increased by 10%

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

The communication took place over email and also on Slack where all the details were mentioned and all the updates were also given on a group made on Slack where the developer and the project manager were available 24/7

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

Their commitment to get work done following their deadlines and at the same time maintaining the high quality of work

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

I don't think so. Their attention to detail could sometimes cause problems for either companies as it would sometimes mean that they cannot adhere to deadlines but at Seattle New Media, they complete the work well in advance, a couple of days before the deadline and their work is also amazing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the former Chief Brand Officer of Kesem

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Kesem is a leading national nonprofit supporting children who have or have lost a parent or guardian to cancer with free programs and services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Seattle New Media to accomplish?

• Website UX - maintenance and content implementation
• Systems support

SOLUTION

How did you find Seattle New Media?

Online Search

Why did you select Seattle New Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Seattle New Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Seattle New Media provides on-going web maintenance, supports digital app and platform integrations, and helps troubleshoot web and platform issues.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team is very responsive. They address requests quickly - generally during the same day or within 24 hours. They are all very comprehensive and patient when explaining issues and potential solutions to ensure our team understands and is able to make decisions for our organization.

What was your primary form of communication with Seattle New Media?

Virtual Meeting

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

The quick turnaround.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Seattle New Media could have done differently?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Art Director/Web Designer of an advertising & marketing company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Digital Marketing and Advertising

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Seattle New Media to accomplish?

• Advanced Webflow Javascript development and customization

SOLUTION

How did you find Seattle New Media?

• Online Search
• Webflow vendor list

Why did you select Seattle New Media over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Seattle New Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Custom Javascript development that allows us to sort a series of thumbnails linked to a portfolio database.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to launch our new site much quicker and with greater customization all for a reasonable developer fee.

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

They were very responsive and easy to get in touch with via their Slack channel.

What was your primary form of communication with Seattle New Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their helpfulness, quick responses, and friendly attitude were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Seattle New Media could have done differently?

Offering a monthly support rate for ongoing development and additional transparency about how code was implemented might be helpful.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner of a job board site in the Web3/crypto space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I needed to create some complex integrations with my existing Webflow site, so the job board would be automated.

SOLUTION

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

Seattle New Media was a perfect choice given their expertise with Webflow design and implementation.

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

Multiple integrations with Webflow and apps like Zapier, Airtable, etc.

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

2, a project manager and staff member.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They completely automated the workflow on my site, leaving me time to concentrate on sales.

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

Very responsive over email. Always available for a quick Zoom chat.

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

Their responsiveness and expertise in Webflow integrations were impressive.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the proud Cofounder and CEO of Notch, a hassle-free way for sports clubs to manage, schedule and pay their league referees in an all-in-one workspace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Seattle New Media?

Our dev team are heavily focused on our product and we required quick assistance on a few navigation issues to our website.

SOLUTION

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

After a consultation meeting, I was very satisfied that the team possessed all the experience, skills and professionalism we needed.

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

Pretty simple task for a skilled team, but executed to an excellent level and very efficient so not many stages to this process.

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

We worked and interacted with 2 members of the SNM team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Quick solution delivery. Very reliable team, knowledgeable and skillful. Professional and easy to work with, I highly recommend SNM!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They have very effective communication.

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

They have a rapid response rate and no small tasks were ever an issue, even on a Friday.

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

No, looking forward to working with the team on other projects.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Principal sales and marketing consultant, responsible for broad deliverables including web presence.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Completely new website design for a sales organization.

SOLUTION

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

Erik, Joseph and the team were the only ones to call me, and discuss what needed to be done, and hit the deadline and the budget, with work that exceeded expectations

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

We had an initial consult, scope of work, regular reviews and check ins.

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

A PM and a developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Only very positive impressions of the site at this time.

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

Slack, changelogs via Google Docs, and a test environment.

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

Spot-on expertise and they get things done right the first time.

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

Not really, very smooth all around.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Amped Up Live. This is a live music calendar for Wichita, Kansas, and the surrounding area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Website was created in April 2021. It needed some professional skills to modify and make it more user friendly.

SOLUTION

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

I put a note on LinkedIn and they were the first ones to respond. Rate was good and they just started their business too.

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

I needed some coding to convert the desk top site to mobile and some small enhancements for response.

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

I worked directly with the owners of the site to discuss scope of work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were very successful in completing the scope in a timely manner.

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

Communication was open and they were very dependable.

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

The first thing that caught my attention was their hourly rate. My website does not generate revenue so I was skeptical that I could find someone at a decent rate. The second was their professionalism and how inquisitive they were to follow on with my issues is impressive.

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

No.