Digital AMMO — Out of Business

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of Command The Web, a company that creates WordPress websites for solo training and small law firms. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Digital Ammo?

We were trying to move away from a service-based model to a more product-based model, so we engaged Digital Ammo to provide web design and development services that would allow us to reduce our lead time and be more competitively priced. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Digital Ammo provides design and development services for WordPress websites, as well as the development of our e-commerce platform built on Ruby on Rails. They've built in complex shopping cart features on our platform that allow customers to create several line items and either one-time or recurring payment options. They use technologies like Adobe Creative Suite for design and HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby on Rails, WordPress, and Django for development. 

What is the team composition? 

I mostly communicate directly with the CEO and a project manager, who relays the information back to the rest of the team as needed. 

How did you come to work with Digital Ammo?

I'd worked with Digital Ammo as a subcontractor in the past, so I was familiar with their internal operations and impressed by their attention to detail when it came to design and development work. I haven't found another firm capable of doing a better job–they really go out of their way for their clients. 

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $700,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since October 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their designs are gorgeous and their backend work is very thorough. Everything they've built for us has been outstanding. Their use of JavaScript libraries to make our page intro animations sleek gives our websites a high-end feel. They create products above and beyond what's typically seen in the industry we cater to.

How did Digital Ammo perform from a project management standpoint?

Dealing with one main point of contact streamlines the project management process. Their team is well structured so that each person is focused on one main specialty and very strong in that area. We mostly communicate through phone and email but also track projects in Basecamp. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're a small, family-owned studio with an incredibly strong team. Their knowledge and skillset across different facets of web development set them apart.

They've also been great about listening to our ideas while providing feedback where they can help improve product outcomes. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We've been completely impressed by them thus far. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're the experts, so keep an open mind to their input where it could help improve outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing manager at Centerstone Executive Search & Consulting. We’re a national, retained executive search firm. We place C-suite executives and provide consulting services including such as coaching and executive assessment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Digital Ammo?

Last year, we opened a new industry vertical. Our website wasn’t supportive of our new growth strategy because our core client group had been in the consumer space. We needed a new partner to rebrand and redesign our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Digital AMMO created our new website from scratch. We created a project schedule to meet our needs to get the site up and running quickly, which their team supported with creative solutions. Our team provided a general architecture with requirements for the site, which remained similar to the previous version of the platform. In terms of layout, Digital AMMO developed the entire website. The team exceeded our main objectives for the platform: easy navigation and contemporary design.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact has been Olivia (Project Manager, Digital AMMO), but they’ve had various team members working on the project.

How did you come to work with Digital AMMO?

Our team found them through a WeWork community forum as several of our associates have WeWork spaces. After talking with them, we just knew; we had a good initial feeling on the call. Based on the thoroughness of the proposal and how quickly their team could get the website turned around, we decided to collaborate with Digital AMMO.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our collaboration in June 2018, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We see them as a long-term partner. While they’ve helped us with these initial projects, we imagine we’ll be keeping them close for several years. If we identify new needs or fixes for the site, we’ll be going back to them.

How did Digital AMMO perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve mainly communicated by email, but also have frequent phone calls. We’ve used basecamp, which has been useful for tracking the project. Their team was quick to develop the initial concept and has been quick to turn around products when we’ve provided feedback. Digital AMMO has managed a collaborative process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their openness to collaboration distinguishes them from competitors. At the beginning of the collaboration, we had a call during which they asked many questions to garner a thorough understanding of our business. They also had us answer questions beforehand. Rather than just knowing the industry, their team got to know our company. This allowed our website and brand to feel like a natural extension of who we are. We’ve found it tricky to find companies that can get up to speed and click with us, but Digital AMMO was able to do that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Honestly, it’s been such a refreshing process to be able to work with Digital AMMO. There were a couple of aspects we wanted to adjust on the website, which we sent to Olivia who got them turned around rapidly. We’ve been pleased with everything they’ve done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open and receptive to their ideas. Give them as much independence as possible in the beginning, then narrow ideas to become more specific towards the final product. Don’t put too many limitations on them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the president of San Diego Rain Gutters. We are a small company located in San Diego, California that has been in business for 42 years. We manufacture and install one piece, seamless rain gutters systems for residential and commercial buildings.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Digital Ammo?

We hired Digital Ammo to evaluate and redesign our tired, unattractive web page. We also asked them to incorporate a reliable form filling page for those customers who wanted more information or an estimate for replacing their rain gutters.

What were your goals for this project?

To present our selves to our potential customers as a qualified, professional and reliable Home Improvement company that they can trust to do quality work. To make it convenient for them to research rain gutters and find answers to their questions. Having been satisfied with what they found, they could easily request more information, have a question answered or have an estimate scheduled at their home. Naturally, we wanted this design to produce more leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After seeing several examples of websites they designed and comparing them to other websites offered by different companies, it was an easy decision to make. They were heads above their competition in eye catching design, ease of navigation, and logic of the layout.

Describe the project in detail.

I notified Ms. Olivia King who I communicated with often during the different phases of the project. For the most part, I gave their designers free rein to come up with what they thought would work. I've learned from past experience to let professionals be professional. After just a few changes we had an excellent website. Before publication, I would call Ms. King with a request. It was always met with a cheerful tone and we would discuss it. If she thought it had merit, it went immediately into the design. Really, it was a pleasure to work with her.

What was the team composition?

I was not made aware of the team members. I was extremely busy during the time of the design and I checked in with Olivia once a day to find out the progress and to see if there were any questions that needed to be answered. I liked working with just one person.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Many, many people who have called and who have contracted with us has let us know that it was because of the website that they went with us. they liked how professional it made us look, the information it provided, and the feedback they wanted to see. We've seen a remarkable uptick in our sales because of the new design.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent. I could not have been happier.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was very impressed with their knowledge, integrity, and willingness to go the extra mile for their clients. Ms. King is genuinely interested in producing the best product possible and her work ethic shows in her final product. I'm just very impressed with this company.

Are there any areas for improvement?

For a young company, I think they are doing an excellent job. Being as satisfied as I am, I don't see anywhere there can be an improvement, although I'm sure there are some places to improve. There always are. If they keep doing things the way they are doing and keep striving for perfection, I see a very bright future for them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work in the communications department for a political action non profit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Digital AMMO?

Web design and development, mobile application design and development, UI/UX

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was tasked with researching and qualifying a number of local web development and user experience design firms. Digital Ammo ended up being superior in almost every way possible so we went with them.

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

We were assigned two project managers because there was a ton of moving parts to this project. They initially allocated a great deal of time to working through the project fundamentals, a line of discussion that always seemed to culminate in how our leadership would define success. We then began to parse the various data points and white papers their team aggregated during the pitch process. Once their team was satisfied with the path to success and understood the supporting data we entered a design "sprint" phase which eventually transitioned into a development "sprint" phase. I have to say their process was intense but the end results were undeniable.

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

We primarily worked with two project managers and three senior level designers. A Digital Ammo partner also regularly checked in with our team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The designs Digital Ammo delivered exceeded expectations, garnering praise all the way up to our executive director/founder.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely effective. Communication was always direct and to the point. If we had questions they were answered immediately, even over weekends and off hours. We were VERY impressed by the workflow, organization and project management.

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

There's so much to be impressed with but the design skills stood out above all else. What they delivered blew us away.

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

No. They were literally perfect.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Video production company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Digital AMMO?

Rebrand and new website

What were your goals for this project?

rebrand our company and show off our portfolio of work in a cool way new way.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

they worked with us on the price since we are budget conscious.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Impressive creative throughout the process applied functionally with attentive customer service

What was the team composition?

good

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Feedback from clients and potential clients has been that our website represents my company well

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

effective communication through out account manager

What did you find most impressive about this company?

creative design

Are there any areas for improvement?

some miscommunications

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a full service law firm, and am one of two founding equity partners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Digital AMMO?

We hired Digital AMMO to build our law firm website.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a modern, stream lined website that was easy to use and navigate and which could grow with our needs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

From another recommendation.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Digital AMMO reviewed our prior website. Redesigned our prior website and reworked all of the language and links on the website

What was the team composition?

I worked with several Digital AMMO employees, the main one of which was Kara Lai.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Our new website has been very well received by both existing and new potential clients. We are very happy with it. Digital AMMO has been such a pleasure to work with. They are very responsive and accommodating and take great care in following direction and meeting deadlines.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Digital AMMO took care of everything and made it very easy to manage. They worked independently and provided regular updates for my review and comments. They incorporated our desired changes accurately and promptly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their skill, timeliness, ability to work independently, and attention to detail impressed us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not really as I was extremely pleased with their services.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

It is a Intensive Outpatient Center for Children and Adolescents

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Digital AMMO?

Design logo, website, and some marketing materials

What were your goals for this project?

Website, business cards, and some promotional materials

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Reviews on google

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They designed, developed the website, business cards and some promotional materials

What was the team composition?

The project team was about 7 ppl. Four on our side and three on digital ammo side .

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We are still new and growing company so this was our first project to get a presence. We do not expect to see results until next year.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was through a single person on the Digital Ammo side, Olivia King. It was a very effective structure since we had to communicate with one person instead of having multi threaded channels. It was very effective and timely.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were responsive to our concerns and addressed our issues in a timely manner. Professionalism was the second closest.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It is hard to say since our project was very small. But we were very satisfied with our experience

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Code Platoon is a nonprofit coding bootcamp for veterans. I am the Executive Director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Digital AMMO?

Rebuild our website.

What were your goals for this project?

A more visually pleasing and navigable website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Referral. Quality of prior work.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They rebuilt our entire Wordpress website.

What was the team composition?

Project manager and various developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We have a beautiful new website that is a major improvement from our previous one.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Our team interacted with their developers using a Basecamp workflow.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I'm impressed with the quality of the output. They were easy to work with, delivered on time, and launched the site flawlessly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They were great in every aspect.