The Web Gateway

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a startup called babycito. We connect parents with family support service providers serving our local area, as well as provide a service registry option. On a service registry, families can register for services they would like to use or anticipate needing as they grow their family.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Web Gateway, and what were your goals?

We needed to start from scratch to create our new company's website.

SOLUTION

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

We interviewed 3 other web developers for this project. We felt The Web Gateway's experience and proposal for how to approach our project were the best. They made me feel very comfortable and were able to help me understand how this project would be accomplished, even though I have no IT background!

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

New Website Functionality Requirements Our new website will need: Multi-vendor directory Similar to websites such as TheKnot and WeddingWire and how they offer a vertical marketplace/directory connecting newly engaged couples with vendors An easy-to-use content management system (CMS) Intuitive navigation Clean and focused design All applicable content imported from current site A cash service registry function Users can create a registry of vendors/services Guests can contribute funds to a user’s registry Similar to HoneyFund Separate login area for users/providers Optimized with SEO best practices A blog Social media integration (share buttons, follow buttons, etc.) Email update sign-up form Contact Form

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

A project manager was our main point of contact throughout the project. In addition, there were other developers and designers working to complete each task.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our website launched on our planned launch date and looks beautiful! It is clean, easy to navigate and visually pleasing.

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

We communicated mainly through UpWork. We would be in touch almost daily about what parts of the project were being worked on and if there were any questions or hang ups. Outside of UpWork we have occasional meetings on Zoom. We also used Google Docs to keep a running list of issues to address so that all individuals involved with the project could see what had been completed and what still needed to get done.

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

Their ability to turn my vision into an actual product, as well as the relationships we were able to build.

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

Timelines. We had some holidays and also ran into some unexpected challenges so these undoubtedly contributed to our project extending beyond the intended finish date. Perhaps in the future they could build in more additional time for any unseen circumstances.

BACKGROUND

What challenge were you trying to address with The Web Gateway?

We hired them for their expertise and experience in website development and SEO solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Web Gateway provides web development and SEO services for our clients. Many of our customers use custom-built websites, and The Web Gateway team helps us monitor and solve issues on a case-by-case basis. For web development, our team designs the frontend, we give The Web Gateway all the files, and they develop the backend using JavaScript. Then, they publish the site. 

The team has also developed SEO strategies and optimized page-loading speeds for our clients. In terms of keyword research, we’ve worked closely with them on one project related to the automotive industry. However, The Web Gateway does the research for most projects. Then, I verify the information, ensuring it works for our area and economic culture. 

What is the team composition?

I’m in direct contact with Arfah (Head of Business Strategy) and a project manager. There is also a whole team of people working on the projects that I don’t interact with.

How did you come to work with The Web Gateway?

We found them on Upwork, and we hired them for our very first project to get to know them and see how they worked. Once we worked on our first project with The Web Gateway, we knew they would be a great resource for us. 

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent a little over $10,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around June 2021, and our engagement is ongoing.

SOLUTION

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

Our success metrics for web development involve the site working properly with every function running well, and The Web Gateway has delivered this for every project. The team understands what needs to be done and gets it done. 

When it comes to SEO, we haven’t had a campaign long enough to have viable data. However, we’ve recently kicked off a campaign with one of our client’s websites, and everything looks good so far. The Web Gateway’s strategies and methods make sense, and the traffic on the site also looks good. The site has 3,000 users per month, and that’s without backlinking. Based on this, we project the metrics will be good.

Additionally, I appreciate how simple the team makes the process for us. While some providers need handholding, The Web Gateway is great at making things happen. Additionally, their 15–20 years of experience allow them to solve unusual problems for some of our clients.

Overall, The Web Gateway team’s engagement is amazing, and they’re receptive to our needs. When projects hit road bumps, and we need extra work done, they’re always happy to help. This sets them apart from other providers who offer cookie-cutter services and don’t want to fall outside their comfort zone.  I really appreciate The Web Gateway's willingness to solve problems and take ownership of our projects.

How did The Web Gateway perform from a project management standpoint?

The team sticks to the budget; I know what I need to pay and when, and nothing pops up out of the ordinary. I’ve had projects go out of control and extra money coming out of my pocket, so The Web Gateway’s budget management has been really helpful.  In terms of communication, the team is very clear. I’ve worked with providers who take hints as approval, whereas The Web Gateway always confirms approvals appropriately. 

We use Monday for project management; their team is a guest in our account, and they have their own boards. Whenever we need to do web maintenance, I’ll put the request on the Monday board along with the files and information they need. They'll keep track of the status, and once they’ve completed the task, they'll notify me so I can update the board. Keeping track of their work is easy; we haven’t had any problems. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed by The Web Gateway’s willingness to teach me what they do. Whenever they’re implementing a solution I’m not familiar with, they’re willing to sit down for a two-hour meeting and explain the entire solution. Other companies would likely close off their processes. 

I especially appreciate this attention because, from a financial perspective, it takes time that they don’t need to give me. So, The Web Gateway cares about our working relationship beyond a financial interest. They’re invested in bettering both of our businesses together — I admire that a lot. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve been improving throughout the process, especially in their communication. However, I would like to communicate more with the executive that brought us on board. The project manager could keep him better updated on our project status. For example, we recently had a meeting about a problem that needed attention, and the executive wasn’t in the loop. This has been a very small problem, though, and hasn’t affected us to a significant degree.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to put aside enough time to take advantage of The Web Gateway’s willingness to teach their clients. Leverage their transparency about how they implement their services. Even if you only use them once, they can provide valuable industry information that you won’t necessarily get in most places. So, it would be best if you learned while you have the opportunity.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive of a software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with The Web Gateway?

We needed a website for our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The Web Getaway developed a site for us. They provided content, graphics, and SEO guidance. They also customized the website’s functionality and are currently giving maintenance and support to the site.

What is the team composition?

There have been around three people involved in the project; there are two developers and one executive.

How did you come to work with The Web Gateway?

I found them on the internet. I spoke to the executives, and they described their capabilities based on our needs, so we chose them because it was a good match.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $5,000 with them so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2020, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

People’s feedback is that the site is helpful and informative. Also, some of our keywords are getting high-level Google search results thanks to their SEO efforts.

How did The Web Gateway perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great. In terms of communication, we use phone calls and go-to meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their level of customer service and attention to their needs is what distinguished them from others. Also, they can bring solutions to our requirements through their expertise to solve any kind of problem that presents to us — that’s rare to find.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s anything they can improve on — they’re good. 

Any advice for potential customers?

Articulate clearly your needs and objectives, and they’ll be able to interpret them and provide a solution specific to your needs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at Control P

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a printing company which specialises in supplying health and safety signs as well as custom artwork to other businesses

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Web Gateway to accomplish?

• Enhancing brand presence by creating our website from scratch
• Applying SEO practices to ensure website is optimised

SOLUTION

How did you find The Web Gateway?

• Other

Why did you select The Web Gateway over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

What was the size of The Web Gateway’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

The Web Gateway has meticulously crafted a comprehensive and dynamic development strategy that caters to the unique needs of Control P London. As a premier e-commerce brand, Control P London offers an extensive range of top-quality commercial-grade vinyl and street signs that meet the diverse needs of its customers.

To ensure that Control P London continues to maintain its market-leading position, The Web Gateway has developed a robust plan that encompasses various aspects of the brand's operations. This includes enhancing the brand's online presence, optimising its supply chain and logistics processes, expanding its product line, and improving its customer engagement and retention strategies.

Through its innovative and forward-thinking approach, The Web Gateway has provided Control P London with a roadmap for success, enabling the brand to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. With this development strategy in place, Control P London is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional products and services to its customers while remaining at the forefront of the e-commerce industry.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• The design work and layout of the site. Browsing through our 2000+ SKU’s individually and ensuring all images were On point as well as having SEO optimised titles and descriptions for each.

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

They were extremely helpful. I asked for many changes and they welcomed many more they insisted that they won’t stop until I’m 100% satisfied. The project was clearly layout with daily updates about the work and the goals for the upcoming week. They were always on time.

What was your primary form of communication with The Web Gateway?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

Their commitment to providing a flawless design and UX. I’d provide a design which I thought was perfect and they’d still come back with something better. Their attention to detail is impressive for sure.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Web Gateway could have done differently?

Not really, they understood my needs perfectly and allowed me time to think if I needed to. They’d advise to the best of their experience and allow me to make the end decision. No complaints here

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company is a web design and development agency focusing mostly on web flow and Shopify

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Web Gateway, and what were your goals?

We hired the web gateway to continually make edits to a real estate client for their WordPress website

SOLUTION

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

I've worked with other WordPress developers in the past and they don't take direction very well with slow turn around times but the web gateway was quick and I only needed to give them a small amount of direction

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

The project details we're always changing and the web gateway was able to change task on the ball

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

I worked with Ali the project manager as well as two developers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

we were able to quickly service the client with

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

The project management style for the web gateway was organized with a collaborative document that was updated with new tasks

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

I found the communication and turnaround time unique about this company. I also found that their independence was a nice surprise.

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

Early on we found that some tasks fell through the cracks, but after creating a collaborative Google doc we had no other issues