Linkup Studio

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of a company offering landscaping and maintenance for burial grounds that, due to various circumstances, would otherwise be left without supervision. Our yearly activities involve cleaning, decorating, and landscaping tombs; cleaning, handling, and maintaining monuments; tending flower gardens; and painting fences. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire LinkUp Studio?

I needed a website and a mobile application to support our company. LinkUp Studio provided frontend and backend development and design.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create apps that worked well, met all of our technical requirements, and allowed the possibility of future updates. LinkUp Studio met our objectives perfectly. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

A colleague recommended that we contact LinkUp Studio.

Describe the project in detail.

I wanted to create a website and mobile application in a specific area—caring for the graves of foreign relatives in Ukraine. Few people understood the essence of my idea. I needed a provider with a great imagination to create a new solution using my design template, and LinkUp Studio succeeded.

What was the team composition?

We work with three developers and a quality assurance (QA) engineer. The developers are always online to discuss aspects of the project, and the QA engineer produces accurate deliverables. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

We collaborated on every stage of development. LinkUp Studio quickly implemented every new idea I shared. I had some design templates already, but their designer sometimes offered even better solutions. The results of the project were completed professionally and met our original terms and budget.

How effective was the project management?

LinkUp Studio does not provide designated project managers, but I was still able to communicate with the whole team through their project-management system and on weekly calls.

I appreciated not having to pay for an unproductive “yes-man.” By directly communicating with the development team, we minimized potential misunderstandings and had a clear understanding of what we’d accomplished and what challenges we’d be facing in the future.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The LinkUp Studio team is made up of true professionals who are eager to pursue new opportunities. They also think in technical as well as in business terms.

What tips or recommendations do you have?

If you want to make your idea into a reality, I definitely recommend working with LinkUp Studio. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the co-founder of ScaleAbout, a company that works with social media influencers who have distribution, outreach, or monetization problems. We have tools that solve these problems by taking their content from social media and spreading it outside the social media and SmartLane. We also are building a marketplace for the fans to connect with their influencers and pay them for services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with LinkUp?

We needed frontend and backend development work and we had a deadline. We were looking to outsource a company since we're a startup and lack big resources.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I work with my product manager and my UX/UI designer. I provide specs and screens and then I create small tasks. I go over the task with the developers and schedule a timeline that works for both of us. Once they finish their task, they pass the ticket back to me and I review it. When I have questions, I send it back.

Since I have a technological background it's very easy to work with them. I don't need a project manager from their side.

What is the team composition? 

I work with 3 developers. Usually, I interface with two of them, and one is in the background. 

How did you come to work with them?

I found three good companies and I sent them all the same interview questions. Then I compared their product and pricing and decided that LinkUp is a food fit. I took my chance with them and they were great.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $10,000–$15,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with them in January 2017 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They met the deadlines and everything went according to my expectations.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

I communicate with them on a daily basis to discuss the progress and the next steps. They're very responsive and great communicators.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated their transparency and their professionalism.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I assume they could have more developers that specialize in more fields. The last developer I used wasn't from them because they didn't have anyone who specializes in what I needed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It's all about communication and expectations. As long as you communicate properly and everything is transparent there shouldn't be any issues. Know what you're looking for and they will develop it for you.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a GPS-enabled mobile app tour business. We work with a number of cities, hotels, and tour operators to launch iOS and Android apps that feature city guides.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with LinkUp Studios?

We had an existing Android app, but they helped create a GPS-enabled version from the ground up.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After we provided the architecture, they ran tests and suggested new features to take advantage of Android’s unique capabilities. They built the app to our specifications, ensuring it matched the corresponding iOS version.

While we launched the app on our own, they assisted with any problems that arose during the submission process.

We do marketing through our WordPress site, and LinkUp helps with that on occasion.

What is the team dynamic?

We worked directly with Andriy Sambir [CEO, LinkUp Studio] in the beginning, and he organized his internal team. Oleks Pochinsky [Developer, LinkUp Studio] serves as our primary developer and we communicate with him weekly.

How did you come to work with LinkUp Studios?

They were referred to us two years ago. We were told they were hardworking, so we decided to give them a try.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We starting working with them in January 2016 and our relationship is ongoing. While our initial project is complete, we hire LinkUp whenever we need an Android app built.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Having an Android app to complement our iOS version has helped our business tremendously, doubling our revenue in the last year. Our investment has already paid off.

How did LinkUp Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

Andriy really focuses on building business relationships, working to ensure the client is happy. We use GitHub for project management and G Suite apps to share documents.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We've worked with developers in the past that have simply walked away from a project. Andriy and his team, however, are committed. They manage our high expectations and have given us a sense of stability we’ve never experienced before.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’ve worked through a few minor prioritization issues over the course of our long-term partnership. This would be true for most developers, of course, and it's important to communicate through an effective project manager when working with a remote vendor.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As with any developer, it helps to have a clear idea of the technologies you want to incorporate. Set clear milestones and objectives. This is how LinkUp prefers to operate, which is why we worked so well together.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and founder of an organization called Wholesum, an online platform that assists in streamlining meal planning for companies, outfitters, and outdoor excursion organizers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with LinkUp?

We needed help developing our mobile app and online platform. Development requirements included website design assistance, graphic design support, and database coding.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They supported us during initial app and web development and design. They researched and recommended the optimal server to launch our platform, and coded the web app using Ruby on Rails. With my guidance on algorithms and user interface design, they built us an iOS and Android app. They helped us with the app approval process by meeting the relevant criteria necessary for posting apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

What is the team composition?

I communicated with about five of their team members, including a project manager for initial planning; a team leader and developer for user interface and graphic design aspects; another developer for mobile apps; and yet another developer for the final phases of the project.

How did you come to work with LinkUp?

After local development teams proved to be too expensive, I posted our project on Upwork, and they responded with an estimate. I interviewed five companies to determine which would be the best match for us.  Out of those, I really appreciated LinkUp, not just for their skill set, but for their enthusiasm for the project. They clearly understood the scope of what we needed, and they came ready with new ideas for how we might change or adjust our specifications.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $6,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2016, and we’re still collaborating.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have around 20-30 companies actively using our platform, and more than 200 others are testing it, or expressing interest in it. To what extent this can be attributed to LinkUp’s work is hard to determine at the moment. Overall, I’ve been so happy with their work that I’ve given them more tasks than detailed in the initial scope of the project.

How did LinkUp perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been responsive, transparent, and communicative.  Whenever I've requested a timeline for deliverables, they've provided me with accurate estimates. Their turnaround for work varies depending on complexity, but they’re always upfront about expectations. They’ve done everything they can to meet our specifications.

It’s been easy and effective working with them, and I’ve been pleased with them throughout our collaboration. We communicate via phone, email, and Skype. We also use Acello to communicate for bigger, multi-step deliverables.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They do everything exceptionally well. When I decided to hire a development team, I was anticipating having to spell out specifications for our project’s vision, but they presented me with ideas and products that surpassed what I could have done. Every phase of our collaboration has gone smoothly, and they’ve absolutely exceeded expectations almost every step.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Due to the complexity of the backend work, we’ve inevitably uncovered bugs and glitches. I’ve learned to conduct thorough testing for every deliverable in order to better understand what users may experience in different situations and check for bugs. However, they’re always quick to fix issues free-of-charge.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take the time to thoroughly lay out the specifications you want, and then trust in their work. Make sure to leave time for product testing and revision, but other than that, if you give them the space to work they’re capable of delivering a high-quality product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My name is Chris Miller and I'm the founder and CEO of a boutique consulting company. We help communities—in Latin America, North America, and Europe—attract jobs and companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with LinkUp Studio?

I had an idea for something called “economic development in a box,” which is a single tool delivered as a service to clients around the globe to solve common community problems.

We were looking for a vendor that could provide a comprehensive web platform. It needed to support 15 modules that perform different functions, as well as connect the community to the resources they need to be successful.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They started by identifying the problem that we're trying to solve and then worked backwards to identify the best technology to use. They selected Ruby on Rails as a cross-browser platform, along with a PostgreSQL database on a Nginx web server.

There was extensive back and forth during testing, including finding and fixing bugs. Most of the changes that made were due to me changing my mind, but they also made recommendations if they felt something made more sense to be done a different way.

They finished Phase 1 of the project, and now the ball is in my court to sign up the first customers. After six months of collecting feedback, they'll begin Phase 2 development.

In addition to the technology, they offered really useful suggestions about how this product could be integrated into my company. They were very interested in figuring out how best to deliver the technology that would solve the business challenge.

What is the team composition?

My primary contact was Andriy [Sambir, CEO, LinkUp Studio]. I also worked with a lead developer and two junior developers.

How did you come to work with LinkUp Studio?

I was introduced to Andriy though entrepreneurs I worked with on a project in Ukraine. He struck me as very personable, enthusiastic, and direct. His team is made up of really smart people, and they were eager to do something big.

I asked him if he would be willing to take a look at the project. He talked it over with his team and said they would love to work on it.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $19,000-$22,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started around June 2015 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There are no data or metrics yet, but this is a really important project for my company because it transitions us to delivering an actual product rather than just providing a consulting service. It was absolutely critical that it be successful, and so far I am very happy.

How did LinkUp Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

It was a very fluid, dynamic, and agile process. I had a weekly call with Andriy, which other developers would join depending on the phase of the project. They were in constant contact via Google Hangouts as they refined some of the features. Once a week we'd also have an all-team meeting for a progress report and any challenges.

They adopted my project management and ticketing system for this project, and I really appreciate that flexibility.

What did you find most impressive about them?

From a business perspective, I was impressed by their diligence, enthusiasm, and—most importantly—integrity. Every step of the way, Andriy and his team demonstrated integrity. I trusted them implicitly, and I was I was well rewarded for that trust.

From a technology perspective, I was impressed by their intelligence and flexibility. Typically developers are only interested in talking about code and tools. LinkUp is willing and able to understand your business at a deeper level.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go into great detail on the problem, and then let them propose some ideas. Listen to what the developers tell you because they can add value beyond just the code.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of a hair care products company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

My company provides innovative, natural, and safe hair care products, combining cutting-edge technology with organic ingredients to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results while promoting the health and well-being of both users and the environment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Linkup Studio to accomplish?

• The primary task was to develop a website design that aligns with the brand's positioning while ensuring excellent usability.

SOLUTION

How did you find Linkup Studio?

Online Search

Why did you select Linkup Studio over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Linkup Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Objective:
Develop a website design that appeals emotionally to a target audience of women while prioritizing usability to ensure that the site effectively drives sales. The design should balance aesthetic appeal with user-friendly functionality.

Key Requirements:

Brand Alignment:
The website must reflect the brand’s positioning, creating an emotional connection with users while maintaining a professional, clean design. The main goal is to drive sales, so usability is just as critical as aesthetics.

Dynamic Elements:
The homepage should include dynamic elements, but they must be subtle and not overwhelming. Avoid over-the-top effects, where elements are overly animated or visually distracting.
Interactive Product Images:
When users hover over a product image, the image should either change or highlight in some way to enhance interactivity and engagement.

Design Flexibility:
The examples provided in the brief serve as inspiration but are not meant to be followed literally. There is flexibility in design as long as it aligns with the overall goals of the project.

Full-Width Layout:
Where possible, the website should avoid excessive margins or side spaces, ensuring a visually engaging, full-width design.
Balanced Information Density:
The site should strike a balance between being informative and clutter-free. It should not feel too sparse or overloaded with unnecessary information.

Color and Contrast:
Avoid using excessive dark backgrounds with light text, as this may negatively affect readability and user experience.

Lively, Authentic Feel:
The website should feel lively and authentic, avoiding an overly artificial look. The goal is to create a website that feels modern, fresh, and approachable.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project has not yet been launched, so it is not possible to provide measurable outcomes at this time. However, I can confidently say that the company demonstrated a high level of commitment and delivered a project that fully met my expectations (and I’m quite the perfectionist!). Their dedication to aligning the design with my vision was exceptional, and they ensured that all requirements were executed to a high standard.

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

Their project management was efficient and organized. They delivered items on time and were highly responsive to my needs, consistently addressing any feedback and ensuring the project aligned with my expectations. Their proactive communication helped keep everything on track.

What was your primary form of communication with Linkup Studio?

Email or Messaging App

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

What I found most impressive about this company was their strong client-oriented focus and ability to quickly adapt to challenges, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Their human approach stood out—the team had a deep understanding of the brand's vibe and genuinely put effort into making sure the project was a success. Moreover, they are a group of talented individuals with a keen sense of modern aesthetics, which truly elevated the quality of the project.

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

Everything was handled well, and I’m fully satisfied with the outcome of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of PLX AI, the fastest provider of automated financial news.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired LinkUp Studio to develop a React-based internal tool for PLX AI.

SOLUTION

How did you select LinkUp Studio and what were the deciding factors?

Found them through a referral. Had a video call to discuss the project and hired them after that.

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

LinkUp Studio designed a React-based internal tool for PLX AI (proprietary). We had several meetings to explain to LinkUp developers what the tool should do, and then we had catch-ups as often as needed to monitor progress and give feedback. They delivered new software uploads every 2 days.

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

3-4 people

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The tool was completed on time and functioned as envisioned.

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

We used slack and skype to stay in touch, monitor progress, give feedback and strategize direction.

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

Everything went smoothly.

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

n/a

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am CEO of decorative lighting design and manufacturing company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire LinkUp Studio?

Corporate web site development

What were your goals for this project?

Bring online our complete catalogue and company information, have dynamic blog and ease of administration.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Recommendation

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Web site design and development, complete work

What was the team composition?

General manager, developer, tester

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Project was done in high quality with attention to every detail brought up by us. They worked patiently until the results met our expectations.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Arranged through email and Trello. Effective enough.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their capability for achieving non-standard design ideas was impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

As always!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there. 

I’m the owner of a microblading equipment manufacturer and supplier. We sell our products to beauty professionals worldwide and offer seminars and classes in the U.S. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire LinkUp Studio?

We hired LinkUp Studio to code and built out our entire company site.

What were your goals for this project?

We were aiming to create a seamless, modern, user-friendly website and e-commerce shop.

SOLUTION

 How did you select this vendor?

LinkUp Studio had positive reviews on Upwork, the site we used to find a development team.
 
Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

LinkUp Studio coded our website entirely from scratch. They helped us user-friendly design pages and made sure our content followed SEO best practices. The optimized platform includes an e-commerce store, class registration, and informational pages. Backend developers from their team structured our e-commerce store and course registration system.
 
What was the team composition?

We worked with Andrew (Full Stack Developer, LinkUp Studio) and three of his colleagues. The team included two programmers and one designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Successfully developing our new website essentially constituted our company’s initial launch. LinkUp Studio seamlessly coded a platform that empowered us to enter the online sales space. As our main revenue stream, the new e-commerce store is the pivotal part of our business. Course registration pages are designed with a clean simplicity that places us far ahead of our competition.
 
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

LinkUp Studio regularly communicated with us to clarify our goals and ensure we were on the right track to achieve them. They always met deadlines and completed tasks within a short period of being assigned. Andrij (Software Engineering Expert, LinkUp Studio) was always available and returned our messages very quickly. Overall, they’re a very capable team.
 
What did you find most impressive about this company?

Andrij (Software Engineering Expert, LinkUp Studio) took on the role of project manager for our site. He had all the right answers and stayed on top of every aspect of our project. Thanks to LinkUp Studio’s honest communication, things never got lost in translation. They kept an open line of communication to preempt any misunderstandings.
 
Are there any areas where they can improve?

There’s not anything that I can think of.