Digitalliance

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Michigan Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization providing animal welfare and sheltering services to the metropolitan Detroit area. I was the marketing director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We asked Digitalliance to help us create a new website better able to drive adoptions and donations, with greater functionality, and an improved user experience. The Digitalliance team excelled at aligning the needs and wants of several internal audiences with overall marketing and communications goals and strategies.

From wire frames to design options to navigation and content management, Digitalliance was always a step ahead. The team was led by Curtis Jackson, a consummate professional and master in branding, strategy and design, who took time to explain the "why and how" of things, next steps, milestones and deliverables. He exceeded our expections. That's why whenever I have an opportunity to recommend a website developer and designer, Digitalliance is the first and only name I provide.

SOLUTION

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

Curtis Jackson and I have worked on numerous digital advertising and marketing projects and I experienced firsthand the quality of his work. For this project, we evaluated three potential agencies and proposals and based on pricing, timing, project outline and creative direction, we selected Digitalliance.

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

This was an all-encompassing project that included a completely reworked website with all new content, navigation and an easy to use CMS. Once Digitalliance was on board, we assembled an internal team to manage the project, meet milestones, address issues and asses recommended technologies. Digitalliance walked us through each project phase with insight an expertise.

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

We had a primary project manager and associated team leads throughout the process. Everyone was professional, easy to work with and thoughtful. We always felt like we were a top priority and Digitalliance's only client.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The MHS board and a select group of doners were especially invested in a new website with stronger mission focus, a direct path to donating and simpler navigation: they were delighted with the outcome.

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

Digitalliance is a great team to work with. Serious when they need to be and fun when there is something to celebrate. We held weekly team meetings and regular one-on-ones with the project manager. We were provided a timeline spread sheet that captured milestones and next steps.

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

Digitalliance is always on top of digital best practices. These guys are resting on their laurels. What's more, they listen carefully, ask smart questions, identify potential heartburn and then provides thoughtful, useable responses to keep the needle moving. They are always thinking, always evaluating, and always collaborating.

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

This was a complex project with lots of moving part and egos to manage. Anytime there was a bump in the road, whether that bump came from the client or the agency, they were quick to fix it, learn from it and move on.