KOTA

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Head of Marketing and Communications for Rocket Leisure, looking after all the internal and external output of the company, across online & digital as well as PR and media.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire KOTA - Creative Digital Agency?

To re-design our websites for our four live music and cocktail bars.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a total website overhaul, to give out a more mature impression of our brand, while keeping the independent and fun feel of our venues.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was a really painful process to begin with, first of all by putting a Facebook status to see if I had any friends in the business, then chatting to people who had done it previously. I had many conversations with various web designers but felt a lack of inspiration from any (especially with the budget investment being proposed by them). I stopped looking, and that's when I stumbled across a website built by Kota, and knew that these guys would be up to the job. From there, it was plain sailing!

Describe the project in detail.

We had the initial kick off meeting with the full team from Kota as well as myself and my three Directors. We agreed on the structure of the websites and how they would sit alongside each other before going into design stage. We also talked about what analytics we would want to be getting from the sites. The initial design stage took place, and Kota sent over the pages for my approval. After a small bit of back and forth, we nailed the overall design and went into build stage. Generally, the websites were pretty much perfect from the offset. There was some back and forth on some of the key design elements such as the characters portrayed on the website, but that was just a case of choosing the right people who portrayed our brand. Following that, the only other thing that took some time was the parallax on the home page, as it was such a crucial landing point for the customer and getting them engaged in the website. It took some time to get right, but we are really happy with the outcome and pleased we put the right time and effort into it to make sure everyone was happy.

What was the team composition?

We were assigned a project manager at Kota who feed all our information back into the creative and development team. I was the main point of contact from Rocket Leisure, and managed the approval process with my Directors.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback on the websites has been incredible, and it's so beneficial to be able to see how customers are using our websites as we have no visibltiy of this before. Our bounce rate has decreased and average time on the website has increased, so that's promising. Mainly, it's cut down our internal time and how long it takes for us to update all our events. With four venues and 1200 gigs a year, our time is precious and we are now able to make changes to our sites quickly and easily.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our project manager was always quick to respond and helpful with our requests. There was quite a lot of back & forth to deal with, partly due to struggles on our side with a lot of people involved, but Kota were good at sticking to their guns and belief in their ideas to keep pushing us in the right direction.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The design of our website is just incredible. In our view, it's the best bar website out there. We are thrilled with it and how well in conveys our offering, our vibe and our story.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Overall I'm really satisfied with how it went. If I'm being picky, I think more time on the phone rather than email would have helped, and also potentially a few more calls/face to face meetings with the creatives and/or developers would have helped clear up any questions/issues faster and more directly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Ethical fashion e-commerce website, Founder

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire KOTA - Creative Digital Agency?

To create the e-commerce site from scratch.

What were your goals for this project?

To create a web store that was beautiful, but still communicated a purpose of a greater good.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I'd seen their work for other sites and loved the visual impact they had created for their clients.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Designed the site as per my requests and always had ideas to help build on my original idea for the site.

What was the team composition?

The team included Jonny, who led the project - and was very good at it; James and Charlotte. All of them were to work with. They all brought unique talents to the table which helped alleviate the end product they created for me.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were able to deliver what was promised. They were great and creating a structure to the project and communicating clear projections.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They used Slack and included me on most of the project building so i was able to maintain full control over my website.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

A lot of companies are not transparent about deadlines and promise unrealistic timelines. With Kota, they're honest and always looking to do what's best for the client.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not really!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the digital communications manager at the British Red Cross, a voluntary aid society that helps millions of people in crisis in the UK and around the world to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis and emergencies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with KOTA – Creative Digital Agency?

We brought in KOTA – Creative Digital Agency to create an exciting and engaging landing page for One Kind Thing, our flagship brand campaign.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

KOTA – Creative Digital Agency designed and developed a bespoke landing page, but also gave a unique look and feel to the campaign. They used WordPress and created a single-page website. We then used a reverse proxy that would allow us to host the campaign information on one platform, but it would appear like it was a part of the Red Cross website.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a creative director, a graphic designer, a project manager, and a senior developer. Their team was helpful, and their project manager really took charge of the project. It felt like they were a part of our organization.

How did you come to work with KOTA – Creative Digital Agency?

We used a tender system to choose between various agencies. KOTA – Creative Digital Agency provided a comprehensive plan and exciting proposal for our landing page, and everyone on the panel knew that they would help us move this campaign forward.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–May 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The landing page’s main purpose was creating an engaging digital experience that improves how users experience our brand and encourages them to do the one kind thing that will impact someone’s life. Obviously, we need more time to be able to report for specific metrics but we can say that the campaign had a positive impact on Brand metrics so far.

How did KOTA – Creative Digital Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

They did a wonderful job liaising with five different stakeholders within the British Red Cross and the brand agency that was developing our campaign. The creative and graphic designers understood the brand very quickly and presented a wide range of exciting designs and features.

The project manager created a project plan very comprehensive that helped to clarify ownership of different tasks and deliverables, which was really compatible with our normal workflow. Throughout the project, everyone knew who they needed to be in contact with to ensure that everything was completed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very keen to help and really wanted the project to be successful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should learn to say no to the client sometimes.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

First, create a very clear brief because it will help them deliver the best product. However, give them some creative freedom because their designs are fantastic. Their staff is very talented and they care about what they’re working on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Project Manager of Futureform

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Salesforce experts who understand what financial services companies really need.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• Improve and rebrand our current website

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Other

Why did you select KOTA over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from KOTA were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Rebrand and resign the company website

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A signed off fully functioning website

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

Excellent project management skills

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

KOTA's collaboration, customer service, and creative skills were impressive.

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

NA

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of a catastrophe insurance company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a major writer of property catastrophe reinsurance, covering large insurance companies around the world against major losses from natural catastrophes such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• Website design

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Online Search

Why did you select KOTA over others?

• High ratings
• Referred to me
• Previous work

How many teammates from KOTA were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We engaged Kota to reimagine and redesign our website

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• A new website!

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

The project too longer than I was expecting howveer there was no hard deadline so this was not a problem

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

Email or Messaging App

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

I was impressed with their existing work, design ideas, and the people we met.

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

Kota could have been more influential in the website content. Also the production site had quite a few bugs which took a long time to fix. Finally a lot of the design features had been turned off (e.g font sizes, the ability to add parangraphs) and we had to request that this be turned on. I would say the design team did a better job that the coding team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Marketing of Collidr

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Fintech asset manager

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• New Website
• Brand Creative
• Visual Compelling

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Online Search

Why did you select KOTA over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

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

Development of a new website, including new visuals and layout.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

New website

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

Delivered on time, on budget, with great professionalism.

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Creativity, professionalism.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CMO of a healthcare shift management company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We connect healthcare professionals with shifts. With our shift management tools, qualified nurses and carers you can trust and online learning, our company helps you deliver better care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• Full brand refresh
• Website launch

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Online Search

Why did you select KOTA over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from KOTA were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Brand positioning 
• Brand strategy 
• Brand architechture
• Tone of voice 
• Visual identity 
• Website design & UX
• Website development 
• Hosting

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Brand guidelines
• UK site
• FR site
• CAN site 
• Reporting dash

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

Great! We had a dedicated notion space for all our documentationa and timelines! I always had the most up to date information. If I had questions answers came immediately!

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They have talented team members — real experts in their field.

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

Nope!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Marketing Manager of Preto Group Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Preto Brazilian Steak house

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• Social Media Strategy
• Content Creation
• Analytics

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Online Search

Why did you select KOTA over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from KOTA were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Digital marketing strategy: Social Media strategy/content creation/paid and social advertising/providing analytics and metrics/creating Logo and branding

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Increase in traffic website 
• Increased leads through digital channels 
• Conversion rates increased 
• Social Media growth and increased brand awareness 
• Increased click-throughs on the website and social media followers due to implementing an influencer strategy

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

They met both criteria. The team at Kota not only met but exceeded expectations by combining timely delivery with a proactive and responsive attitude towards fulfilling project requirements.

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The combination of their professionalism and friendliness, coupled with their expertise in the field, was impressive.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of Signol

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Signol is a behaviour change service that motivates aviation and maritime crews to make more fuel-efficient decisions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• Redesign website

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Online Search

Why did you select KOTA over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from KOTA were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

The main objectives are to: 

• Digitally transform the Signol website. 
• CMS to empower the marketing team. 
• Search Engine Optimised. 
• Training. 
• Ongoing support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Contemporary & clean design, user-friendly CMS, better, more cohesive brand styling and expression,

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

Always on time, always interrogating to understand our needs and wants, and happy to assist when we encoutered blockers.

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

proactivity, timely delivery, resilience and patience when we (the customer) needed to adjust the initial plan. They had great ideas and inspiration to solve any challenges we faced.

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

For newer businesses like ours, and given that KOTA has the capacity, would be great to have a bit of brand/style understanding and guidance added to the service pack. It might have saved us some time overall.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Operations Director of The Halo Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Design and build modular structures that create world class experiences

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire KOTA to accomplish?

• Website redesign to reflect the current business model

SOLUTION

How did you find KOTA?

Already working with them

Why did you select KOTA over others?

Already working with them

How many teammates from KOTA were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Full website redesign

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successful website redesign and launch, metrics improving and feedback from clients overwhelmingly positive

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

Project was managed well through a project management system. They maintained excellent communication throughout the engagement.

What was your primary form of communication with KOTA?

Virtual Meeting

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

level of design for the website

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

having more phone conversations or virtual meetings over majority of elements on email or project management system.