Alt Media Studios

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president, founder, and CEO of EZ ERISA Plan. We’re an online portal that’s highly specialized in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), a federal law that controls employee benefits in the US. 

We focus on health and welfare benefits, and we’re a service company that provides group benefits brokers with high-end compliance solutions. Our website is something that doesn’t exist anywhere else. Daily, group benefits brokers use our website to create various compliance documents for their clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Alt Media Studios?

We needed an outsourced, full-service technology company that could understand what it was that we wanted to achieve. We also needed a partner that could support our business in pretty much every way. We were looking for someone to develop our website, manage our social media, and assist us with marketing materials. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we explained to Alt Media what we wanted to accomplish, and they gave us our options in terms of technology. We took their lead on the overall design and functionalities of the app. Throughout the development, they consulted us about the site’s functionalities. 

Alt Media then developed our website, and they implemented sophisticated Google methodologies in building our platform. The website design and elements are also complicated. A user can put their information into the system, and the system will generate a compliant document. 

We can see the data that users input on the frontend through our custom-built, robust, and manipulatable backend access. Whenever we want to check in when somebody purchased something, we can see all our needed data.

Over time, we’ve asked for certain reports to be developed through the platform. Alt Media has given us the ability to manipulate all of the site’s data to retrieve the information that we need. The site also allows credit card payments and various other functionalities. 

In addition, Alt Media helped us put our marketing materials together and provided us with some branding. They helped us create and design collaterals such as brochures and other handouts. They did our logo for us. They consult with us before proceeding with their various campaigns. One time, we even did a video production. 

Our partnership with them is ongoing, and we have them on a monthly retainer. 

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with Steve (President), Ryan (Web Developer), Miranda (Marketing Strategy Coordinator), a graphic designer, and a video producer. Ryan is our main point of contact, but Steve is also available to speak with us as needed.

How did you come to work with Alt Media Studios?

I talked to various people and did some online research to look for a partner in this project. I interviewed four firms. Alt Media understood what I was trying to do better than anyone else. Their price was much better and more competitive, and their payment terms were reasonable. 

We first built a core beta site before we launched. I quickly found them trustworthy as they had a lot of integrity, approached things logically, and understood what I was trying to do despite the highly-complicated nature of my niche. With that, I decided to hire them for this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent in excess of $50,000–$75,000 over the past seven years. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2014, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website has complicated content, but Alt Media’s build remains simple, interactive, and user-friendly.

How did Alt Media Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve established a good workflow with Alt Media — we assign a task, and they give a response, including a timeline and pricing. Once we agree, they then work following that plan. They’re usually right on key in terms of timing; I don’t recall them ever having missed a deadline. 

Additionally, as a small business owner, I like the idea that I have somebody like Steve to reach out to when needed. We usually communicate through email and Zoom. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Alt Media cares and understands what we’re trying to achieve. They want us to use optimal solutions for what we’re trying to do.

Alt Media has grasped what we were trying to achieve in a way that no one else did, and that’s because they listen. They immediately have ideas about how we can do what we want to do.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about your objectives, and listen to them. They know the best way to get something done. Engage in a conversation with their team — even if you have some preconceived ideas, their suggestions may be better.