What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’ve had a couple of clients that had zero web presence, but after working with Highforge, have an incredibly beautiful online experience that they’re really happy with.
There have been at least three times when we’ve had clients that have never been happy with their logo, and we will recommend using Highforge as part of a website redesign. All of our clients have come away from working with them really proud of their new logo, or whatever product Highforge delivered. Clients have walked away saying that their logo, brand message, or tone is measurably better than it was before.
How did Highforge perform from a project management standpoint?
The two methods of communication between us are email and a shared Slack channel, which is fairly recent and has allowed our team members to connect directly. Communication between us has been very good.
At this point, we introduce Highforge to our clients and let them own the project management experience specific to the design elements. I believe they use Basecamp as a project management tool with clients. They will also have meetings where they share their screen with the client as they’re working in Photoshop. It lets the client feel like an owner in the process and like they’re making meaningful contributions. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from clients that work with them.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Before Highforge, we had trouble finding designers that could balance both the artistic and administrative side of the business—really connecting with the clients and their audiences emotionally, while remaining on schedule. However, Highforge can quickly understand what the client needs, the tone they are searching for, and the audience they are reaching and then deliver the product on time. It seems like such a simple thing, but they have consistently delivered for every project over the past year.
Our project manager, who has handled a lot of traffic management and messaging, has interviewed clients, created journey mapping for their customers, and created a message and brand that is concise and tonally accurate for the audience. It’s obvious that they listen to their clients and care about the work they do.
Are there any areas they could improve?
With every project, there’s the opportunity to better prepare clients for the exact project workflow. It would be really valuable to use every client engagement as a chance to pinpoint exactly where the project is in terms of the original plan or schedule. That would help the client see the successful progression.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Have all of your key stakeholders in the initial meeting. Highforge can handle multiple inputs, and by having all of the invested parties present at the beginning, it allows them to ask and respond to any questions ahead of time, and receive as much feedback as possible.
Highforge’s marketing and design ventures have skyrocketed the site’s visibility, reaching elusive audiences and securing large clients. They’ve cultivated a reputation for up-to-date research, strong analyses, and strategic thinking. In the end, their amicable attitude inspires trust and loyalty.