Show + Tell

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the operations director for Pulse Fibre.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Impression Studio?

We were looking to put together a brochure for our customers and wanted to build a website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were working on two main projects with Impression Studio: defining a PDF brochure to put in front of our customers and designing and developing our website. Impression Studio was also in charge of the graphics and wording on the website. 

We had initial meetings to define what we were looking for and who we were as a company. We gave them guidelines and ideas of what we felt would work, and they added to those and put forward design options for us to choose from. We went back and forth a couple of times before agreeing on the direction we were taking, and they started to bring our vision to life. The website was built using WordPress. 

They are currently working on creating email signatures for our company, and they design proposals for us. 

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact is Tim (Project Manager), and we’ve worked with a couple of other people as well. 

How did you come to work with Impression Studio?

One of our directors had worked with them before, so they came recommended to us. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $20,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2022, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website is going live very soon, and we expect that to have an impact. We’ve also had positive feedback about the brochure from our developers and contacts. Ultimately, we’ve been happy with the results. 

How did Impression Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

The projects have taken longer than we expected, but we also changed things throughout the process, which extended the time. We use Asana for project management and phone calls for communication.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very good at understanding what we want and are hoping to see from their work. Impression Studio is responsive and always gets back to us very quickly. As our relationship has developed, their understanding of our company has grown. We really like working with Tim, and we feel like we’ve been able to develop a great relationship together. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We can’t come up with anything at this point. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a good understanding of timescales and budgets, and set your expectations accordingly. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Lease Loop provide tailored Apple Mac Leasing solutions to UK businesses. I am the Managing Director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Impression Studio?

Our website was over 5 years and had become outdated. We wanted a design that no only improved the user experience but one that captured the values of our company.

SOLUTION

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

We already knew Impression as they were an existing customer of ours. We were always impressed by their professionalism, enthusiasm and industry knowledge. When we started discussing the project with them it was an easy choice to select them.

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

We had a series of initial meetings to discuss the objectives for the site. Both in terms of its functionality and our customer journey. We also wanted to ensure that the design was user friendly but more appealing that our competitors. Having settled on the design and workflow Impression then project managed the whole process. They ensured our continual involvement throughout the process to ensure that we were really happy with the final product.

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

We had a team of four working on the project including the managing director. We had clear lines of communication and used online tools that enabled us to immediately provide feedback and ideas.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw significant increase in site traffic and received really good reviews on the user experience.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The use of Asana allowed us to share and comment on workflow with ease. It prevented the need for unnecessary meetings and sped up the work no end.

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

Their design capabilities really stand out. Also making the site's back end user friendly has made our life so much easier with doing site updates and changes.

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

The end of the project dragged a little but we were as much to blame for this.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of an online telecoms-based service provider. We work globally with SMEs and PLCs, delivering our service via our website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Impression Studio?

Our previous website was created in-house and launched our service to SMEs in the UK. We needed a complete professional redesign of our brand identity, website and user experience to appeal to larger international companies and position our business as a serious provider of services.

SOLUTION

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

We interviewed multiple web development agencies online, but the energy and portfolio of Impression showed they would be the best agency to work with us on redeveloping our brand.

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

After a series of discovery meetings to discuss our goals, we received initial designs for the branding and logo design. Once we chose a logo and brand style, Impression worked closely with us to finalize the design and provided multiple formats for the logo and lettering styles. Using the new branding, Impression mocked up multiple ideas for the homepage and other pages, including new sections to the website, a knowledge base and animations.

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

We worked with a project manager, two designers and a QA

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our company has moved to the prominent position as leader in our niche and secured larger deals with larger companies. We have heard feedback from competitors that they are impressed with the site's design and usability.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager provided regular effective updates, through in-person meetings, phone calls, and emails.

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

We appreciated that they were patient and thoughtful while we came up to speed. When we initially approached Impression we knew we wanted a redesign but we hadn't coalesced our thoughts into structured plans or ideas - all this was teased out by Impression. We have worked with other agencies in the past, but this was a particularly collaborative and positive experience.

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

Things could always be done faster, but the quality is more important than speed and we ended up with a beautiful product that we are proud to show to clients.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Hello! I am the founder and MD of an ecommerce development agency called Sway - we specialise in Shopify web development projects and are based in Yorkshire.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Impression Studio?

We operate in a competitive space so the need for the business was to create a strong brand proposition & then clearly communicate this on the website so we can stand out from the crowd. We required an agency to help with brand proposition development, branding, and website design & development.

SOLUTION

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

We research and shortlisted 3 agencies in the Leeds region who we felt had portfolios with a strong focus on creative design. We invited the agencies to pitch to us. Impression were the clear winner with an impressive approve that wasn't only creative but could incorporate UX, SEO and lead generation KPIs into the process.

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

The agency took us through an indepth discovery process where we discussed who are core audiences are and what their challenges were. We then focused on a creative workshop with moodboarding to inform the creative direction the design team would focus on for the new website design. Once the creative phase was completed, we signed off the design and this went into production with the developers at Impression. The site was built with a component led CMS and React front end for performance & speed. The agency carried out browser & bugs testing before the site was launch on time!

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

Our main point of contact was the project manager Joe who we had regular comms with and weekly status update meetings. We also worked closely with the designer & developer who were involved with presentation and workshops throughout the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As SEO was a key objective we saw traffic increase 265% however the key success for us is the perceptions and how customer now view the agency. This partnership has been invaluable and set the foundations for success in the longer term.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Using Asana helped to keep all comms, actions and todos in one place. Impression were keen on workshop any challenges the project faced and this certainly helped to overcome any hurdles quickly & effectively.

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

As an agency owner myself, I know how difficult it can be working on multiple project & clients at any one time. I was impressed how it was often Impression chasing me and not the other way around! They were certainly on the ball.

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

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a manager of Kettlewell Fuels Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Independent and family-run supplier of oil and LPG to domestic, agricultural and commercial customers

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Create new website with Ecom function and web based My Account

SOLUTION

How did you find Impression Studio?

Existing relationship

Why did you select Impression Studio over others?

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Impression Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

A new brochure website, based on the reskinning of an existing site for a different brand, with a reskin of the existing My Account and Ecom sites

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website has only recently been soft-launched with a full launch to follow, so early days in terms of providing analytics. However, we're delighted that we're already seeing a number of Ecom orders.

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

Excellent. They are a great team to work with. They ensured good communication, and extremely responsive throughout the project, from start to finish. A few details were missed, but as soon as we highlighted them they were fixed in a timely and efficient manner.

What was your primary form of communication with Impression Studio?

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

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

They adhered to projected timescales on the whole, but the great communication between them and us was the thing that stood them head and shoulders above other agencies.

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

There were a few areas that were 'missed' such as back end rebrand of the reskinned site and email confirmations of orders and quotes for customers. However, when flagged, these were addressed quickly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Coordinator of Nickerson

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

British seed breeder

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• bring our digital presence in line with our sales and marketing objectives
• redesign our very old very ineffective website
• increased digital functionality to aid sales funnel

SOLUTION

How did you find Impression Studio?

Online Search

Why did you select Impression Studio over others?

• Great culture fit
• most cohesive and thoughtful pitch

How many teammates from Impression Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Impression Studio were tasked with the design and build of 2 websites in line with individual marketing objectives and requirements of the sales team for our B2B operation and our retail sales brand. My focus is the retail operation, which was technically a re-skin, but required to look and function very differently to the initial build. 

With regards to design, it needed to reflect the brand and act as a shop window for our sales team. In terms of functionality the main driver for the site is to find and contact your local seed specialist. For this we needed profile pages built for each rep, responsive navigation and an interactive map function.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Increased traffic, Direct sales leads, Feedback from both staff and customers

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

Our account manager Tim for the most part went above and beyond to resolve problems quickly and efficiently. Timescales and pricing were clearly stated and followed. Emails and calls were handled quickly and efficiently, my only issue is with reliance on Asana as a communication and project management tool, I feel its an unnecessary and annoying extra layer - though that is just a personal preference.

What was your primary form of communication with Impression Studio?

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

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

After some initial teething problems responsive and competent account management, and access to other talented and skilled staff as required

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

I find the use of Asana a project management tool unnecessary. There were several issues raised in meetings, resolved very thoroughly by the account manager in person, that were then forgotten, requiring additional work on their side and time and expense on ours. These problems have all since been resolved satisfactorily and overall we have been happy with the design and build process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Brand Manager at outdoor lifestyle company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Brand strategy and development for our new Direct to Consumer proposition selling outdoor lifestyle products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Word of mouth.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Impression were appointed on a brand naming, brand strategy, messaging development and visual identity project for a new ecommerce start up selling a range of premium furniture for gardens.

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

Charlie: Director; Jordan, Head of Design; Megan: Designer; Alek, Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team went through a thorough planning process in close partnership with the client team and the result was an original brand concept that we believe will cut through the market and help us achieve our commercial ambitions.

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

Our key contact was Alek which gave a consistent communication, ensuring the project ran smoothly. Charlie was also involved from a strategic point of view, and very visible so we were well served by the team. The result was a brand that was on brief, and delivered efficiently.

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

We were impressed with their creativity, technical capabilities, and great strategies - so a one stop shop. And essentially, nice people delivering great work.

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

Only that geographically we were far apart - but that's where video conferencing comes in.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder of Decked Out, the UK's leading deckchair hire company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Impression Studio?

I engaged Impression to create our branding & also design & build our website. SEO was a core element of the initial project and beyond.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were recommended to the agency.

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

The process was highly creative, fun and enjoyable at each stage. I've been through similar projects before but their team made it easy for me by making sure I know what to do at each stage. Expectations were managed.

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

I dealt with 3 people. Account manager, designer and coder.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project has received great reviews from colleagues, clients and it won an award!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Easy and straight forward.

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

The final products were beyond our expectations. It communicates our brand values & personality so well.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Dubai based real estate agent with over US$1.16Billion in sales

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Impression Studio?

I hired impression to create an extremely special Business Card for myself with a unique design process.

SOLUTION

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

I found Impression in 2011/12 when they were first incorporated and worked with them many times for over 11 years.

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

Design preparation, material sourcing and printing.

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

The Director and Designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was executed brilliantly creating a one off bespoke business card design unlike anything available at the time.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely efficient and punctual.

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

Their approach, patience and understanding when design ideas needed to be amended.

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

They were excellent.