WebsiteDesigners.London

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a company preparing a platform for webinar marketing. Webinar organizers will be able to upload the event's details and gain access to a bigger audience. On the other hand, users can narrow their search and find webinars more effectively.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Start Smarter?

I hired them to create our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Start Smarter created our website using WordPress. First, we agreed on the roadmap and some terms, including how long it would take them to finish the site. They came up with visual aspects of what they thought the site should look like and the fundamental features it should have.

What is the team composition?

I worked with only one person from Start Smarter. 

How did you come to work with Start Smarter?

I did my research online, and I believe I found Start Smarter on Clutch. Since I couldn’t find another website that dealt with the same problem, it was challenging to explain what we wanted. I got in touch with around eight different companies, and Start Smarter was the fastest to get my idea.

What sold me was that a couple of days after our first contact, they gave me their ideas on what their site should look like. I do something completely different, and this is a side project, so it was important to me that someone could listen to my ideas, put them on paper, and show me what they looked like — Start Smarter was able to do that. I thought they had the potential to be creative enough to handle things I couldn’t foresee.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around £5,000 (approximately $6,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from November 2021–April 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m satisfied with the website’s look and feel and the features. Additionally, I got in touch with a few big potential customers, and a handful of them said the website looks very vibrant. Start Smarter delivered what we agreed on. 

How did Start Smarter perform from a project management standpoint?

We had no problem regarding project management. I met with them a few times before sealing the deal, and then we got in touch about 4–5 times. After everything was agreed on, they did their job, and I focused on mine. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Start Smarter is a team of creative people. They showed me visual ideas during our second meeting, and though these visuals were simple, they looked and sounded good, especially coming from professionals. Other companies didn’t provide this; Start Smarter was the first to offer their ideas.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There wasn’t anything they needed to improve; everything was clear and on the table. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to have a meeting or two to explain what you want thoroughly and then sit and wait. Since I’m not very skilled in this area, I left everything to Start Smarter. If I were more familiar with the details and mingled more in the process, I don’t know if that would benefit the whole project. I would suggest receiving their offer and suggestions and asking for changes in the final stage of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a marketing agency that offers SEO services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Start Smarter, and what were your goals?

Start Smarter designed and built a new website for one of our clients. The results we're exceptional. The design they created helped increase conversion rates and engagement levels on the website.

SOLUTION

How did you select Start Smarter and what were the deciding factors?

Start Smarter were the best choice based on the quality of their previous work portfolio, project management skills and cost.

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

Thes first step was a meeting with our team to discuss the project. From here we worked out the objectives of the new website, namely, increasing conversions and engagement rates. We worked through a number of ideas, which were then provided to us in the initial designs. We provided feedback and the designs were developed further and coded up.

How many people from the Start Smarter team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Adam, owner

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After launching the new website, we saw a 31% increase in conversion rates.

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

Communication between Start Smarter and us was fantastic. They were timely and eager to respond to our messages in a valuable fashion. The project was completed on time and within budget.

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

The quality of service, the final product, the project management and cost.

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

There is nothing I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I have recently opened a new restaurant in London.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Start Smarter, and what were your goals?

As this was our first website we wasn't sure on how to start or what to do. We wanted our vision to come to life which it did with the help of Start Smarter.

SOLUTION

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

Start Smarter was recommend by a friend.

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

I had a short meeting with Adam and he knew exactly what I wanted in which he delivered even better than I imagined. He kept me updated throughout the process by message, calls and emails. As Im super busy Adam took care of everything and my trust was in his hands. The entire process was easy and smooth from siding terms, making payments. I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition.

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

I only worked with Adam and he was an absolute gem.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have received loads of feedback from our website, everyone loves it. People said its easy to use and really soft of the eyes.

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

To be honest I left my trust with Adam as Im super busy and he dealt with everything for me.

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

I was impressed with how smooth and quick the process was, i had no worries and after telling them what I wanted once they delivered it better than expected.

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

Nope

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the counsel at a tech startup which provides underlying blockchain technologies to businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Start Smarter, and what were your goals?

The style of the previous website was out of date. As the company plans to expand overseas, we hired Start Smarter to design a more international and modern website.

SOLUTION

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

The efficiency, responsivity, price and quality.

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

We started communication with a video call when the CEO impresses me very much with his expertise and attention to detail. In the very first call, Start Smarter grasped our needs quickly and promised to deliver the work within 10 days, a very tight timeline required due to our urgency. Moreover, our extra exceptional needs are also met. For example, we required a web design in the format of Adobe XD which is not the software designers usually use.

 After paying a very reasonable additional fee, the services can be delivered accordingly. As promised, the first draft was delivered within 10 days and we were happy with the overall design. As agreed in the contract, we were given opportunities to amend the design twice. After two rounds of adjustment, the final deliverables were happily accepted.

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

The CEO is the main project manager. He led a team of designers. Because the engagement was remote, I am not sure the precise number of people involved. The resources allocated were sufficient and efficient.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We ended up in a great new web design. They balanced quality and speed perfectly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective

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

They have a very efficient response flow. At the very first call, our needs were already well grasped. They can meet every promise they give to clients.

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 managing director of a luxury goods business my father founded in 2001.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Start Smarter?

Our small business has been around for over twenty years. Over the years we have used social platforms to promote and engage with our clients. However, these tough times have been challenging. As we move online, I decided to make some developments and hire Smart Smarter to help me create a website.

What were your goals for this project?

My goal for this project was to create a website where our clients could view our products & services, reserve items and also contact us.

SOLUTION

How did you select Start Smarter?

The director of Start Smarter is a close friend. So, automatically reached out to Adam. NO NEED TO LOOK AROUND!

Describe the project in detail.

The overall scope of the project was significantly easy! I sent over our business details (information I wanted on our about us page and services page). Then I got a first draft within three weeks. Start Smarted created a website which was beautiful.

Easy to read, very clear, using lovely features and most importantly resembling our business. I provided feedback, had a few very minor features adapted/changed. Then got my second draft, which was PERFECT!

What was the team composition?

Once I provided the personal details of our business such as the information/text I wanted to include within our about us and services page, I done nothing! Start Smarter dealt with everything. The only person I was in contact with is Adam the director.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our website it currently in the process of going live, until then we will not know the results. However, our expectations are to engage and promote using our stunning website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was extremely easy. Very quick responses, which I think is very important!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Start Smarter work in a very professional manner which I found impressive. The communication is speedy! They understand your business and create a website accordingly. They listened to what we want from them and gave everything we desire.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are no area I can identify for improvement, they are amazing at their job and also provide a very good service to their clients.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and CEO of CollectAndGoGo.com, a collectible souvenir company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Start Smarter?

I went to them to completely design my website. I’m not very computer-minded, so I needed someone strong behind the project. I did quite a bit of research, and their name came up three times, so I contacted them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Start Smarter designed and developed my website. The site is about collectible souvenirs, and it has quite a lot of 360-degree videos. There was quite a lot of detail going into it. The site doesn’t offer purchases.

What is the team composition?

I dealt only with Adam (Founder), which was fantastic. I’m not good at talking to a lot of different people when I’m trying to get something done.

How did you come to work with Start Smarter?

I made a Google search for web designers in the UK, and I found a few companies. I used to live there, and I still go back and forth quite a lot. I’m not very computer-minded, so was looking for someone I could communicate with, and Adam was easy to talk to. I just clicked with him. I looked at reviews for each company I was considering, and Start Smarter had good reviews on three different sites.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested £1,100 (approximately $1,350 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Start Smarter in February 2020, and the project wrapped up in Ma 2020. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m still getting used to the site myself, and I don’t have a lot of feedback. I’ve been on it a lot of times, and I’m happy with it. Everything on it seems to be working great, and the site is easy to use.

How did Start Smarter perform from a project management standpoint?

Adam always kept me updated. There’s a time difference between the UK and where I am at the moment. I was sending him messages at 2 a.m. on his time, and he was still online. I kept forgetting the time difference. I didn’t get to meet a lot of people on the team, but Adam was fantastic. Every time I sent him a design, he added music and had it uploaded within an hour.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Even though we finished working together, Adam was still uploading designs for me. He’s gone beyond his contract with me, just to help me out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m totally happy with them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I’d definitely recommend them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a laundry and dry-cleaning business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Start Smarter?

My goal for the project was to develop an online presence in order to help people in the local vicinity learn about our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Start Smarter designed and built our website from the ground up. They built out informational pages for people to learn about our business, as well as developing the functionality for me to interact with customers if need be.

What is the team composition?

There was one member of their team working with me on the project.

How did you come to work with Start Smarter?

I have known the owner for a while and have seen some of the other sites he developed, so I knew he would be able to handle my requirements.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, I believe the cost was around $400.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on the site from around July–October 2019, but it would have taken closer to a month if it hadn’t been for delays on my side of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There have definitely been a lot more customers coming into the store. I don’t have specific metrics, but a lot of those people have said that they found us online, which is exactly the result we were hoping for.

How did Start Smarter perform from a project management standpoint?

He takes great notes in all of our meetings both over the phone and in person, which helps significantly in terms of providing strategic support for the project. I didn’t always know what I wanted, and they were able to provide guidance that kept the project on track and helped us achieve the best possible result.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The service that Start Smarter provides at the price they provide is really an unbeatable combination. Having a company that listens to you isn’t something you find every day, but it’s definitely one of their strengths.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think there’s anything that could have improved their service.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It definitely helps to have a detailed plan and budget for what you want ahead of time so that they can provide you with exactly what you need.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a nail salon. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Start Smarter?

I needed a website to construct a web presence and give customers a way to contact us without calling. We’re a small business and we already had social media, so I didn’t see the need to have a website, initially. As we got busier, a lot of clients told us it was too difficult to reach us by phone, so we decided to construct a website. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I sent my logo over to them and told them what I wanted. They did what I envisioned. The website has a feature for booking appointments. It’s also connected with my social media, including Instagram and Facebook. Clients can message us personally and send us images of what they’d like.

The only built a one-page website. I didn’t want anything more because it would become overwhelming. Clients just want to get to the point and learn what we can do and how much it costs.

What is the team composition?

I don’t know how many people were involved. I dealt with only one person, who was quite responsive and attentive.

How did you come to work with Start Smarter?

They were recommended to me by an old friend. I contacted Start Smarter and asked to see some of their work. Some of the websites they’d done were more complex than what I wanted, but, given that they could do that kind of work, I knew they could do what I wanted.

How much have you invested with them?

The development cost was around £400 ($471 USD). I also pay them a monthly fee for maintenance and support.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with Start Smarter between February–March 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve seen a 60% increase in bookings since launching the website. I was using only Facebook and Instagram before that, but many of my clients preferred putting their own names in, rather than waiting for us. Clients have said that the site’s easy to use, clean, and functional.

How did Start Smarter perform from a project management standpoint?

They sent me drafts or demos of what the site would look like when it was finished, in case I wanted a change. They’re really easy to work with and time-efficient in dealing with any issues or changes wanted to make. I kept changing my mind on what I wanted — some people might’ve gotten annoyed with that, but they were really good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s their customer service: they’re really nice and attentive. IT isn’t my profession, so there were a lot of things I didn’t understand. They made everything simple for me.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I could suggest.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I don’t know if I have any specific advice. Even if the client doesn’t have an idea of what design they want, Start Smarter has experience building websites. They can guide them and give them different ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

 I’m the director of a short stay rental company which also provides services and accommodations for corporate employers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Start Smarter?

I wanted a vendor to assist with the website development and design. We needed to find a way to better separate our different service lines so that customers could get the information that applied to their needs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed payment gateways, backend tools for supply-side, content creation, and monthly updates for the pages. Their team also assisted with keyword optimization. 

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Adam. 

How did you come to work with Start Smarter?

We received a recommendation on social media when we were searching for a provider. After having a phone call with Adam, we decided that his company was the best fit for us. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent a little over £10,000 (approximately $12,286). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2019, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website helped us increase bookings made directly through the website. Previously, most customers booked our accommodations through third-party sites. We’ve seen an increase in traffic and inquiries. 

How did Start Smarter perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very efficient and professional. Adam helps me stick to deadlines, which has allowed the business to move faster. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I have a fantastic end product that I’m happy with. They’re a great company to use because of their professionalism, time management, and quality of deliverables. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Make sure that your goals and requirements are clearly stated from the start. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of Key Property Consultants.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Start Smarter?

Start Smarter managed three different projects for us. During one engagement, we wanted them to design an interactive website in correlation with the current market. We needed the platform to be modern, eye-catching, and user-friendly. We also wanted their team to help with online marketing and the website was our start. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Start Smarter created a WordPress website but it was designed from scratch. We provided examples of how we wanted the site to look and their team sent us an initial e-mail to explain the project including timeframes. The site doesn’t enable online purchasing because it was created to be user-friendly and interactive. They implemented different tabs and the platform helps us through pop-ups, which assist us by generating new leads.

What is the team composition?

We were in contact with Adam (Founder, Start Smarter) throughout the journey.

How did you come to work with Start Smarter?

We heard of Start Smarter by word of mouth. Colleagues worked with them previously. Then, we looked at their reviews.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in October 2019, and it lasted a couple of months. They met the timeframe set at the beginning of the engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're quite impressed with the services Start Smarter provides. In general, their work turned out to be better than anticipated.

How did Start Smarter perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated with Adam who kept us up to date via e-mail and a couple of phone calls. They’re thorough and keep time well, so the project went smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The Start Smarter team’s knowledgeable and sticks to their word. They were committed and delivered. I don’t think you can get more attributes than those.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we have no complaints because the project went smoothly and quickly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about what you want from the start. Make sure that you understand everything that’s explained and the project will be fine.