BuildThis

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-owner and Art Director at RoboToaster, LLC. I primarily oversee and produce any design, illustration, motion graphics, or web design & development projects that come through the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

RoboToaster was working with a client to redesign an external-facing blog. We reached out to BuildThis to advise on the site design & functionality, as well as handle the development and relaunch of the blog.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a long term partner for this type of project and process. We have some in house capability to handle small website projects, but our strength is more on the design side, rather than development.

We wanted to find a quality development partner who would be willing and able to split up projects where RT handles a majority of the design and BT would handle development.

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

The existing blog was built on Wordpress, and the redesign would also continue to live on Wordpress. With that in mind, we consulted with BT to come up with a design that would be an aesthetic upgrade, but also provide a better back end experience for the client when they needed to make blog posts or changes to the site.

The process started with wireframes and a rough site map, then static mockups of key pages. Once static mockups were approved, BT took those and turned them into a template, and transferred and applied the updated design to the existing content.

Through all iterations, BT helped make changes and provide direction to enhance the end user experience. As far as technologies, the site is a pretty standard blog. Posts are tagged and sorted into categories, and there is a social feed and subscribe form. All simple but well executed and effective.

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

Kelly Prieve, President Collin Osgood, Senior Web Developer Jack Reynolds, Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are not privy to any metrics on how the redesign helped generate more page views or end user satisfaction, but it received rave reviews from the clients. And most of the time, the client is able to make small updates themselves, which solved their ask and makes our lives easier.

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

Communication was primarily via email, and big steps were communicated via phone or video call. This was a pre-pandemic project, so there might have been some in-person meetings as well. From our end, the project management was great, and everyone was able to communicate expectations and turnarounds clearly.

It was one of RT's first couple of web projects for this particular client, so we were figuring out some of the project management with them as we were going along. But BT was patient and collaborative in that effort.

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

It's wonderful to find collaborators who are both good people, and also very good at what they do. It has been great for us to be able to find a company to assist in an area where we are lacking, and know that the end product will be successful.

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

I don't have any substantial feedback here, but I would say that in the subsequent times that we have worked together since this project, we have become more efficient on both sides.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder of Digital Avengers, a small digital marketing agency based in Chicago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire StickOutSocial?

I needed a sharp, simple same-day-development website. The website needed a designer’s touch to make the site better.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted the website I had built myself to match the look and feel of what I had envisioned.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I got in contact with Hans Skillrud (President, StickOutSocial) through networking. I had previously connected them to build a new site for two of my own clients, so it was an easy decision to pick them for my own.

Describe the project in detail.

They essentially stripped down what I had created on the site and started from scratch. They created the site in WordPress and consulted me on themes, design, and other aspects.

What was the team composition?

I worked with two developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Instantly, my SEO improved. Additionally, the backend of my site was more organized and the platform allows me to build more pages as my business grows. Though it’s too soon to see any concrete metrics, the design gives my business more credibility.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project management couldn't have been better; they were friendly and knowledgeable.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their speed and execution for the site was impressive; they turned my website into something I’m proud of. This team is built of hard-working pros. For a same-day-development project, they did an impressive job, to say the least.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope, they did a great job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of art and design for Simple Machines Marketing. I take care of everything related to creative work, outside of copy editing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with StickOutSocial?

We wanted to find a development resource that was knowledgeable in WordPress and PHP applications. We didn't want to hire in-house; we were looking for a subcontractor.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide a couple types of services for us. One is large-scale applications. For example, they're working start to finish on a site for one of our clients. They're doing everything from building the application to deployment, and I serve as the project manager. They also help us with other smaller application issues, such as adding something or troubleshooting errors on an existing website. Usually we provide them with wireframes and designs, but they provide a lot of documentation themselves in terms of timelines and tasks to be completed for a specific project. The current project that they're working on deploying today is a research network site with multiple user scenarios and complex search functions.

What is the team composition?

I work with one main project manager, and there’s usually one developer assigned to each project.

How did you come to work with StickOutSocial?

I don't know the specific details, but our president found them. We ended up working with them because they’re able to do one-off troubleshooting assignments for us along with larger projects.

How much have you invested with them?

The current project they're working on is about $20,000, and we just finished a $25,000 project. In total, we’ve probably spent between $100,000–$250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement started around May 2016 and work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have an impressive ability to tackle troubleshooting issues to larger application projects. I also really appreciate their responsiveness.

How did StickOutSocial perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very communicative—mostly through email or the phone—and super responsive. I'm always able to get a hold of the project manager. If she’s going to be out of town, she always gives me someone else to contact. It really makes it a lot easier to manage a project on my end to have her on the development side. They use Google Docs to track their timeline, and we're constantly getting status updates.

What did you find most impressive about them?  

In addition to their responsiveness, they also have the ability to provide creative ideas of their own. They suggest alternative solutions that might work better than what we or the client came up with.

Any advice for potential customers?

Be open minded to their suggestions regarding development work and best practices.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Project Manager at Hangar A, LLC. I work on strategic planning for the company, including research and analysis of domestic and international air cargo industry rules and regulations to facilitate further development of the HangarA platform. I also manage senior software engineers and structure bi-weekly development sprints, strategize and advance user experience and interface for the HangarA platform. I work on business development with various air cargo shipping customers including perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, automotive parts, live animals, and dangerous goods.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire StickOutSocial?

We wanted to make MVP platform for HangarA, including both frontend and backend development. To do this, we needed help researching and analyzing the commercial airline cargo industry along with performing an assessment of competing platforms and the feasibility of integrating an FAA data stream.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to produce a product that allows air cargo shippers to ship from point A to point B without ever having topick up the phone or use paper again.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Hans Skillrud (Founder, StickOutSocial) is a tremendous leader and his team can create robust and functional web applications, regardless of the industry.

Describe the project in detail.

HangarA is a complete solution for shipping cargo via commercial airlines. StickOutSocial created a technology solution similar to Kayak/Expedia/Travelocity, but for cargo shipping.

Many components and features were built into the platform. This included a search tool, the ability to access real-time flight information, and tables displaying rates and surcharges calculated based information provided by airlines. These tables were used to calculate pricing that matched with a flight PDF generator that was created based on guidelines issued by the international governing board of air cargo IATA. The PDF generator created necessary documentation for shippers.

They also worked on UI/UX that was desktop, mobile, and tablet-friendly. The backend was built to process hundredes of users simultaneously performing searches and processing queries

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of three individuals. We had a frontend developer, a backend developer, and a strategic researcher/designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

The HangarA platform was successfully completed.

How effective was the project management?

The project management was outstanding.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have several impressive traits. To name a few, they have great leadership, deliverables, execution, timetables, and give a good overall experience. Their staff is intelligent and has the ability to take on an industry they aren't well versed in and develop an all-encompassing tool to service air cargo shipping via commercial airlines

What tips or recommendations do you have?

They should raise their rates, they are incredibly talented.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the president and founder of a full-service distributor of snacks, beverages, and grocery items that services the Midwest. We also have a brand incubator that owns equity in multiple CPG [consumer packaged goods] brands. As the president, I oversee the strategy, growth, and overall success of both organizations. StickOutSocial is our go-to digital agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with StickOutSocial?

For years, I have struggled to work with a digital marketing and graphic design company that sticks to their deadlines and delivers good work. StickOutSocial is clearly client-oriented, which is something I haven’t experienced with other web developers and designers.

We were looking for a full-service agency to take on a complete brand design from the ground up. The challenge we faced here was finding one company that could do it all. We found that in StickOutSocial.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Although we have worked many times since, the original reason why I came to StickOutSocial was to have one of my company’s website redesigned. At the time, Hans (the president) was a one-person company. He took the time to identify my goals and functionality needs and set a delivery date and stuck with it. Since then, my website has seen a significant increase in leads (guessing 10 times more than the previous site) and therefore StickOutSocial earned my business for the future.

In regards to my other company, StickOutSocial was responsible for designing branding style guides and leading branding meetings with our executive team. Further, they designed all packaging and worked with our printing contractor to meet all standards of the industry. They also designed and developed our website for each product we launched (three in total). Website features and functionalities that were completed included a custom e-commerce portal for our manufacturers and distributors to log-in and manage their particular clients or order more product, extensive contact and branding submission forms, and graphic design work to bring all of our separate brands to live in distinct and creative ways.

How did you come to work with StickOutSocial?

I met with about 5 digital agencies in the Chicago area. We knew we wanted to work with a local agency. After meeting and interviewing these firms, I almost instantly knew I was going with StickOutSocial. They are boutique enough where they can give you the attention you need, but large enough to tackle any digital project. I was also getting the attention of their leadership, which I really value. It's been a great partnership ever since.

How much have you invested with StickOutSocial?

We have invested approximately $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together about 5 years ago and our relationship is ongoing. I utilize them for maintenance and new projects/concepts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The first website StickOutSocial built for me produces more than 10 times as many leads as my previous site. StickOutSocial shares data with me, showing that the site can be found more easily on search engines and that my website has become more usable by its visitors.

How did StickOutSocial perform in terms of project management?

This is one of StickOut's greatest strengths in my opinion. From my previous experience with other agencies, the developers are usually the ones providing the project management. StickOutSocial has team members that are solely committed to project management. They are the conduit between the customer and the developers, which is very helpful because they are often more effective when communicating to the developers.

What did you find most impressive about StickOutSocial?

StickOutSocial is transparent and honest. They provide BuildOut links on each of our websites allowing us to watch their process in motion and provide feedback. We appreciate their professionalism and commitment to seeing our projects not only to completion but continuing to provide an analytical assessment of how our website is fairing.

Are there any areas where StickOutSocial could improve?

When the company first started, Hans was the only person at the company. He was clearly very busy and I would have appreciated more updates during the development part of the website. That said, he did stick to his word and delivered me a great website on the delivery date. I actually provided this feedback to Hans after the first project, which he clearly took to heart because now he has dedicated project managers to help guide customers through the website development process.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with StickOutSocial?

Be communicative! Voice your opinions and let the team talk you through options and provide reasoning for different ideas. StickOutSocial collaborates well and is very knowledgeable in their field.