Coastal Web Solutions

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of operations and business development of PCW Millworks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Coastal Web Solutions?

We wanted to revamp our existing website and ensure that it kept up with the times and looked better than before.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Coastal Web Solutions has designed and developed our WordPress website. Since we had gotten a new server internally, they had to create a new site.

We initially communicated via email and then hopped on a Zoom call. From there, we provided the information they needed to complete the job.

They’ve revamped our portfolio page. We wanted to ensure it was up to date and showed the customer side of the business. Other than that, we’ve kept everything the same. The site includes a short synopsis of our story; we don’t make it long because we know people flip through websites pretty quickly.

What is the team composition?

We’ve been in contact with the owner. He has somebody else helping him, but I’m unsure who the other representative is.

How did you come to work with Coastal Web Solutions?

They were a referral from a friend. The company had done business with them before I even came into it; Coastal Web Solutions created our old website.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve only seen one of the invoices, but I assume the total amount will be roughly under $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them about five years ago. However, this project began in April 2024. They got everything done by May 2024, but we couldn't finalize things due to the timeframe and meetings on our side. We’ll probably launch in June 2024.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Coastal Web Solutions has been great, honestly. They’ve met our expectations.

We’ve talked to family, friends, and other people at networking events. They know we’ve re-done the site, and we hope it’ll generate more traffic.

How did Coastal Web Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve delivered the work on time and within budget. They’ve also set timelines that are better than our expectations.

Coastal Web Solutions over-communicates, which is actually good. We just use phone calls, emails, and a couple of Zoom meetings.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

The owner is great to work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their strong suit is making sure that the customers are happy. Even if there’s extra work they could charge us for, the team goes ahead and does it. They’ve gone above and beyond our expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I haven’t noticed any improvement areas.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d definitely recommend them. I know they have other services; we just haven’t utilized them because we don’t need them at the moment. However, in terms of marketing, website development, and SEO boosts, Coastal Web Solutions is a good team at an affordable price.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the district manager at a staffing firm based in North Illinois. We support companies filling every kind of job position, from operations managers, QC, and shipping coordinators down to simpler positions like dishwashers, general labor, and forklift drivers. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Coastal Web Solutions?

I needed support to create our company's website. When I started my position, I took the responsibility of creating our website and managing social media, so I contacted Coastal Web Solutions to develop our site.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Coastal Web Solutions designed and developed our WordPress website from scratch. The team introduced us to WordPress and gave us questionnaires to learn more about our company and local market. Coastal Web Solutions used our answers to create a website that connected with our audience and attracted the customers we were looking for. The team integrated several plug-ins, SEO tools, and email and contact forms.

Coastal Web Solutions asked us for websites we liked regarding design. We sent them a site where the background picture stayed static while the text body moved. Once the text body reached the top of the page, the new picture came up behind that text. We found that effect was called Parallax scrolling, and Coastal Web Solutions integrated it into our site. 

We were also adamant about SEO tools. Coastal Web Solutions selected a few keywords to target, which progressed to 15–20. Coastal Web Solutions offered Google Ads services, too, although we asked them to focus on SEO. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Coastal Web Solutions' accountant and two owners.

How did you come to work with Coastal Web Solutions?

I found Coastal Web Solutions on Upwork. I had helped create websites in the past and had worked with teammates from all over. I spoke with Coastal Web Solutions on the phone, and they seemed very genuine in our conversations. The team offered training videos and seemed reliable.
How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $2,000–$3,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged Coastal Web Solutions from January–March 2024. We're currently engaged in a different project. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before working with Coastal Web Solutions, our site consisted of one page and received around 10 visitors monthly. Now, we have around 1,900 monthly visitors. Coastal Web Solutions met all our requirements and delivered all the requested features regarding the design layout, including a sticky header, contact forms with space for multiple emails, and the site's theme.

How did Coastal Web Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

We set up a timeline of a month and a half that Coastal Web Solutions met, after which the team worked on adjustments I requested since I was nitpicking. We communicated via text messages and phone calls. The team delivered monthly SEO and analytics reports.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Coastal Web Solutions stood out for their honesty and willingness to help us, which was why I decided to work with them on a second project. When we first contacted Coastal Web Solutions, the team wanted to help us and left nothing unsaid. The team answered all my questions, and when they couldn't answer them, they were honest. Coastal Web Solutions went out of their way to help us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything Coastal Web Solutions could improve regarding this project. However, I know some company owners nowadays speak other languages, so if the team had Spanish-speaking teammates, it could be a plus for other customers. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest going straight to the point and being direct when speaking with Coastal Web Solutions. The team will be able to understand what you're looking for and propose work that allows you to gauge what's being done and what you want to be done.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner of a national broker for heavy equipment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Coastal Web Solutions?

We needed support to design and develop our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, Coastal Web Solutions asked me questions about my website needs and built it according to my requests. The team has designed, built, and launched my website and offers web support. I've requested specific images and colors from Coastal Web Solutions for the site's design. 

What is the team composition?

I only work with Conner (Owner). 

How did you come to work with Coastal Web Solutions?

I met Coastal Web Solutions through a referral.
How much have you invested with them?

I've spent over $5,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with the team in the summer of 2019, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Coastal Web Solutions has met my requests, and I've seen an increase in site traffic and leads. The team delivers excellent quality work. 

How did Coastal Web Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Coastal Web Solutions meets deadlines and stays on budget. We communicate mainly via email and phone calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm impressed by Coastal Web Solutions' ongoing attention to my needs. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to my mind for the team to improve. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest having fluid communication with Coastal Web Solutions. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the sales and marketing manager of a woodworking company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Coastal Web Solutions?

We hired Coastal Web Solutions for their team’s development expertise. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Coastal Web Solutions provided us with website development and design services. We used the site as a marketing tool and a place for our business portfolio. The key technologies they used included WordPress and Elementor. For features and functionalities, the website contained a contact form and a portfolio page that showed images and videos of our projects as a construction company.

What is the team composition?

I mainly coordinated with Conner (Owner), who also served as the project manager. 

How did you come to work with Coastal Web Solutions?

We found them on Google. 

How much have you invested with them?

Our investment was less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement lasted from May–July 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw an increase in leads. In fact, we gained two general contractors who were in our clientele right off the bat. On top of that, our website started showing up on Google right away. Before the project, we had little to no online presence. Overall, the website was quite effective, and Coastal Web Solutions did everything we asked them to do.

How did Coastal Web Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered work on time and budget and communicated well with us. We used phone calls and emails to communicate. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Conner was a pleasure to work with; he was highly responsive and efficient. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They efficiently completed projects on time. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Effectively communicate what you need for your projects. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a senior marketing manager for WelbeHealth, a healthcare program for seniors that’s part of the PACE program.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Coastal Web Solutions?

We needed help developing portions of our website, Salesforce integrations, and custom development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Coastal Web Solutions has developed and produced a portion of our qualification tool on their network. We initially contacted them, and they gave us feedback on how many hours it would take and what the process would look like. Once we followed through with the step-by-step, we started with a meeting. They collected all the items necessary to fulfill the project and asked the essential questions.

We use Salesforce, and the website is hosted on WordPress. As a healthcare company, we’re mindful of HIPAA. Coastal Web Solutions has maintained HIPAA compliance throughout development. They ensure everything and whoever looks at our documentation is part of a secure network.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with Conner (Owner).

How did you come to work with Coastal Web Solutions?

We had worked with Conner previously, and he’d done a great job. We brought him again to work with us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $10,000 within this year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in April 2023 on a different project that was part of website development. This year, we’ve focused on customization. Our engagement is based on the projects we have, so it’s on and off.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

One of the milestones is maintaining the website fresh, which we benchmark by using Google Analytics and traffic to the website. So far, everything looks like it’s working.

Other than that, we see how projects are delivered; we can tell if they’re done correctly or not because it’s a website. Coastal Web Solutions performs at a high-quality space and delivers on time; they always execute correctly. 

Moreover, privacy and protection are crucial since we’re in the healthcare space. Everything is always done securely, and Coastal Web Solutions has even provided recommendations on maintaining security throughout the project.

We love working with them. We usually work with two development companies but go to Coastal Web Solutions first.

How did Coastal Web Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

When we propose projects, we give them our budget and ask them if it’s feasible. We usually don’t begin the process if they can’t come within budget. However, we’ve never had issues because they’re always upfront. Anytime they think they might go beyond budget, they’re transparent about it. Nonetheless, we’ve never exceeded the hours they’ve explained we’d need.

We also give Coastal Web Solutions specific deadlines to achieve for our projects, and they reach all of them. They’ve been accountable for any timelines that we assign or they proceed with.

For communication, we use Google Meet and Microsoft Teams as our platform. We also use emails as needed and phone calls for quick clarifications.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re able to work on website and software development. One of their strengths is developing from scratch. We also work with another company, but Conner is actually able to do the website portion that works with HTML, as well as software portions and Salesforce integrations. We can do all three with Coastal Web Solutions instead of going to a different company to integrate with Salesforce.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, everything has gone smoothly. We haven’t experienced anything that they could’ve done differently. The only hiccup was on our side because our IT team wasn’t fully integrated. However, Coastal Web Solutions had nothing to do with it; they’ve been very patient throughout the project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

With any vendor you’re working with, you should come prepared with what you want and use examples. You must have your deadlines to set expectations early on; it’ll create a good partnership.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Foleys Ice Cream Shoppe

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Ice cream shop

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Coastal Web Solutions to accomplish?

• create a website for my business
• for my shop aesthetic to be represented in my website
• update the design, add more sections with photos

SOLUTION

How did you find Coastal Web Solutions?

Upwork

Why did you select Coastal Web Solutions over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

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

Improved upon current website, easily editable, SEO implementation, add more photos and descriptions, add an event calendar

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am hearing from customers who have seen the new website.  They ask for sundaes they saw online.  Customers also mention the new products we launched this spring which they saw on our new website.

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

Conner turned around the work quite quickly.  I had at least one or sometimes two edits to go over each week.  He was more than happy to edit or adjust a section, size, color, etc.  It was important to me to stick to my shop's aesthetic (1940s style ice cream shop).  
While the first few samples weren't exactly what I was looking for, we talked out my color design, font styles, etc and Conner would come back to our next meeting with all areas improved.  I also appreciated his suggestions from an outsider's perspective on bringing more customers to my shop.

What was your primary form of communication with Coastal Web Solutions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They were very easy to work with and accommodated my busy spring schedule.  There was no hard sell, either (which I got from many other companies I spoke with about my project).  It felt very much like I know my business well and he knows website building well, so we came together to come up with the best of all worlds on my website.  It's very well done.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Coastal Web Solutions could have done differently?

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Designer of Fashion Designer

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

I am a Clothing Designer and Freelance Director

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Coastal Web Solutions to accomplish?

• Develop a Portfolio Website to display my work

SOLUTION

How did you find Coastal Web Solutions?

Online Search

Why did you select Coastal Web Solutions over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Coastal Web Solutions were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

I hired Coastal to develop a portfolio website for me to display my design work. They first built out a beautiful landing page and then developed all of the internal pages. Then, they went through a quality assurance phase and finally launched the site. They kept me informed throughout each phase of the project and maintained clear communication the entire time. They even offer a one month period where they train you to maintain your own website and stay flexible to any necessary updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We set 4 different milestones for the project:

• Build the landing page
• Build the internal pages
• Quality Assurance
• Launching the site.

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

They delivered each milestone on time if not early. They maintained very clear communication throughout each phase of the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Coastal Web Solutions?

Virtual Meeting

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

I found their constant updates and ability to quickly respond to requests very impressive. They are very responsive throughout the whole process

Are there any areas for improvement or something Coastal Web Solutions could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Partner of Surge Development Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Provides construction management and owner representation services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Coastal Web Solutions to accomplish?

• My primary goal was to have a website that professionally showcases our range of services as construction managers and owner's representatives. I wanted it to highlight our skills, capabilities, and the specialized knowledge we bring to each project.
• I also aimed to include a comprehensive portfolio section on the website where potential clients could view detailed examples of our previous projects. This was important to demonstrate our experience and success in managing complex construction projects, establishing our credibility in the commercial construction industry.
• Lastly, I wanted to enhance our online presence to affirm our legitimacy in the industry. It was crucial to develop a professional and easy-to-navigate website to attract developers looking for reliable construction management partners, ensuring they have immediate access to essential information about our business.

SOLUTION

How did you find Coastal Web Solutions?

Referral

Why did you select Coastal Web Solutions over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Coastal Web Solutions were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

1. Website Design and Development: Design and develop a full-featured WordPress website. 
2. Concept Design and Review: Prepare and present a design concept of the homepage for client review, with flexibility for revisions and adjustments as required until approval is obtained. 
3. Custom WordPress Theme Development: Upon approval of the homepage concept, develop a custom WordPress theme that encompasses the homepage, interior pages, and incorporates all related styles, typography, and branding. 
4. SEO Optimization: Ensure that the website structure and URLs are optimized for modern search engines to enhance online visibility. 
5. Responsive Design: Develop pages that are responsive and ensure they display correctly across all devices including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. 
6. Revisions and Adjustments: Offer continuous opportunities for revisions in content, features, or functionality throughout the project to meet client satisfaction. 
7. User Experience and Workflow: Design the website to follow modern user experience principles and workflows to enhance user engagement. 
8. Progress Updates: Provide daily updates on the progress, detailing work completed and items ready for client review and feedback. 
9. Development Environment: Set up a secure sandbox environment for all development work, enabling safe reviews and testing on any browser and device type as needed by the client. 
10. Website Deployment: Deploy the developed site from the sandbox environment to the live domain and hosting server following thorough quality assurance and final client approval, ensuring no downtime. 
11. Post-Launch Support: Provide ongoing support and maintenance post-launch to accommodate any future updates or necessary changes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Created a baseline web presence. Website can be found in search engines. Fast loading site and good user experience across devices. Created a site that remains dynamic through the WordPress site.

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

Coastal Web Solutions demonstrated exceptional project management throughout the development of our website. They consistently delivered all milestones on time and were highly responsive to our needs, quickly addressing any issues that arose. Their proactive approach ensured a smooth process and a successful project completion.

What was your primary form of communication with Coastal Web Solutions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most impressively was the priority Conner placed on us as the client. His responsiveness was remarkable, ensuring that our needs and concerns were addressed promptly and effectively.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Coastal Web Solutions could have done differently?

One area for improvement with Coastal Web Solutions could have been the inclusion of a maintenance agreement to cover future website issues. This would ensure ongoing support and quick resolutions for any potential challenges that might arise post-launch for small companies without IT departments.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Marketing Manager of a consumer products company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Pet product

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Coastal Web Solutions to accomplish?

• Website Update

SOLUTION

How did you find Coastal Web Solutions?

Online Search

Why did you select Coastal Web Solutions over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Coastal Web Solutions were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

Website changes and development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website looks and performs beautifully. 

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

Conner worked efficiently and effectively.

What was your primary form of communication with Coastal Web Solutions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They understood what we needed and executed it.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Coastal Web Solutions could have done differently?

N/A