SoBold

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Epik is a design and creative agency. I'm the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To re-brand and refresh a global real estate brand websites. Epik did the design, SoBold the build. Goals were:

1. To seamlessly migrate from the old sites to the new sites - zero downtime, no built-up search value lost
2. Simultaneously launch 14 websites in 12 different languages
3. Improve mobile speed and general user experience
4. Make the process as frictionless as possible for a busy client
5. Handover the sites to the client with CMS instructions/ knowledge to make ongoing updates easy

SOLUTION

How did you select SoBold and what were the deciding factors?

I'd worked with SoBold for over 3 years at a previous company (Coyote Software). SoBold were able to provide the IT of the real estate company with all the documentation around security/ hosting/ maintenance etc. They weren't the cheapest quote we got, also weren't the most expensive, but we felt they were the best value for money and would offer the best service.

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

Sites were built-in WordPress Epik handed over the designs Both teams (dev and designers) reviewed designs SoBold built the English master site English master site was snagged and tested Multiple language sites were then built from the 'parent' English site An internal test of all the sites Handover to the client for testing Final snags fixed by SoBold SoBold pushed the sites live

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

• Will N. -Founder
• Sam P. - Lead Developer
• Jennifer V. - Developer
• Leonardo E. - Developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

SoBold did exactly what they said they would, plus went way above and beyond. Always quick to respond. The sites went live to the minute the client wanted them to. All metrics we were measuring, site speed, site outcomes etc. on or above target.

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

Project style is smart. They're all over you (in a good way). They're incredibly responsive and always at the end of the phone/ Slack. They're also good at prioritising - what 'MUST' be done versus what's 'NICE TO HAVE'. They keep you updated.

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

Speed of response and quality of their work. Their work is pixel perfect and they are the most responsive developers I've ever worked with.

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

If I was being supercritical their CMS training/ instructions could be better/ more in-depth and client focussed, but I'm properly nit-picking.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-founder of SheSays, a global award-winning organization for the advancement of women in the creative industries. For 12 years SheSays has grown to over 70,000 members in over 55 cities giving a voice to 1000 speakers worldwide. We provide free events and a free mentorship scheme in select cities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

Web design, UI/UX and web development

What were your goals for this project?

The site redesign coincides with SheSays' brand refresh and the organization's need to collate all their advocacy work.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Personal contact

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Web design to coincide with brand refresh, UI/UX to optimize for multiple city/events experience, web development, servers set-up, staff training on site updates.

What was the team composition?

A project manager, a developer and a designer. The team remained the same from the day we met until project completion.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We only launched recently so no relevant metrics but anecdotally I have received praise from at least 40 chapters. Every chapter-lead's positive review was also echoed by uplifting local user feedback.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was very effective, the team tracked with all major deadlines and milestones. Communication happened via email and WhatsUp.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team's dedication to the project was impressive. Especially when keeping to the agreed timeline at difficult C19 circumstances.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the digital marketing manager at a healthcare company. We have around 350 employees and supply the NHS.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

Our company has been going since 1995 and the web offering for both our consumer and public service side was showing its age both visually and technically and needed a re-vamp.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to double traffic and improve the UX to increase enquiries.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We looked at the work carried out by SoBold and saw they were experienced in the Health sector. We invited them in to pitch their ideas and tender for the contract. We were impressed with what they presented and the depth of understanding of how they fitted in with the overall marketing strategy.

Describe the project in detail.

Initial meetings involved developing the concept and defining success measures. SoBold came back to us with process maps and design mock-ups. We had usual staging revisions along the way before testing and launch. All went to schedule

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of two marketing professionals, an IT consultant and the Chief financial officer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have seen an increase in traffic of 110% and more than double the number of inquiries. Our brand mentions across networks have increased by 80%

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was seamless with quick actions and responses – very timely!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

SoBold is very attentive and produces high-quality work.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Can’t think of any

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a Personal Training company who want to combine an evidence based, customer drive experience whilst celebrating a personable and fun approach to the journey.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

We chose to work with SoBold in order to design, develop and launch our company website.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a website that effectively delivered a vibrant, easy to navigate website that allowed us to communicate to our audience that we were professional and committed to our practice, but also personable and approachable.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were recommended them by a client who had a great deal of success and satisfaction in not only the end result but the collaborative nature of the project.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

After an initial brief of what Common Purpose stood for, SoBold were brilliant in keeping us involved in the project enough that we could have a hand in directing the end result but never too much that we felt we were doing the leg work our selves!

What was the team composition?

They were roughly a team of 10-12 but we had a streamlined channel of communications which saw us in dialogue with the same 2-3 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our website has been launched and within days of making current/past clients and leads aware of its launch, we were able to generate new customers for the business whose lifetime value already outweighs the investment we made.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

In a day an age of apps, plugins, platforms, it was refreshingly well managed by simply communicating via Gmail with the website being built on WordPress.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The ease of communication and speed of execution were impressive. They had a low turn around time in tasks requested.

Are there any areas for improvement?

As far as I'm aware, no.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Manager of a mergers and acquisitions company, specializing in healthcare technology SMEs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

SoBold were hired to design and deliver a new website for a newly acquired business whom we had just rebranded.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to:

• Increase brand awareness for the newly acquired business
• Effectively communicate the revised product offering
• Generate a lead pipeline for a specific healthcare target audience

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have personally worked with SoBold for nearly 6 years and they joined my current organisation as Digital Partners 2 years ago after a rigorous tender process. They were chosen due to their:

• Flexibility
• Agile working
• Experience and knowledge of healthcare brands
• Creativity when it came to web design

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

• Deliver a new website on time and budget that effectively captures the revised branding for the business and allows an inbound lead capture to develop. 
• Ensure the website is easily found and promoted with a supporting SEO, social media and PPC campaign.

What was the team composition?

We have worked closely with various Digital and Creative Leads, but are pleased that our main line of communication is through the Managing Director which keeps work and projects consistent.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• The website was launched on time and to budget.
• 100% positive feedback from staff and current customers. 
• Traffic has increased by 40% in the first month. 

We are yet to be able to directly link this to a completed sale but expect to be able to by year end.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

• The workflow is always incredibly streamlined with SoBold. 
• Clear lines of communication.
• Agreed briefs and time deadlines.
• Progress updates.
• Plenty of initiative.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

SoBold's overall knowledge of our industry and the marketplace makes it easy to trust their ideas. They provide valuable suggestions when it comes to how to make a website actually work really hard for a business, and not just be an online brochure. Outside of this individual project, they remain our Digital Partners helping to steer and advise on our overall digital strategy across the Group.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are always completely satisfied with their work but perhaps more robust project brief forms may help ensure a complete understanding of requirements and overall objectives between the creative team and us right from the beginning. Design, after all, is often subjective.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Cover Ninja; a software platform utilised in the fitness industry that fixes the group exercise class cover problem.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

Cover Ninja hired SoBold to build and then maintain their marketing website. This has been taken through many stages from pre incorporation holding page, to pre-launch of the product now all the way through to purchasing the product.

What were your goals for this project?

Cover Ninja required a marketing website that looked fresh with animations, explained (without too much copy) all the amazing features contained within our platform and ultimately allowed our users to purchase the product. We required the site to be built in Wordpress as we wanted to be able to make easy edits etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We received quotes from 2 other suppliers. We were impressed with SoBold's approach to the project and quote proposal. We felt confident during the initial meetings that the project would be built within the desired timelines and within the agreed budget.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Cover Ninja's creative director designed the initial website and the specific copy was provided by the Commercial Director. SoBold delivered a website in line with the designs and at times even stepped in providing insight and feedback on the designs to make the website even better for its visitors. after the initial build SoBold then took over the design element of the website too as further features have been added and built etc.

What was the team composition?

Working with SoBold was easy. One person was very much our account manager. He dealt with the meetings, quotes and main communications etc. There were 2 other people that we were introduced to when visiting the office that were 'doing' the work, but we didn't have direct communication with them. It was incredibly easy working with one person for the entire project length.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The concept of Cover Ninja is first to market within the fitness industry and the website needed to inject this fresh, disruptive approach and it does. Website visitor stats are impressive.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

SoBold project management style is efficient and transparent. It was incredibly easy working with SoBold. I never at any point of the process felt 'over sold' to and the delivery exceeded my expectations. Cover Ninja communicated with SoBold in person (yes face to face meetings can still exist!), via email and slack. Designs were displayed in Invision and delivered in Zeplin.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

SoBold were clear from the outset. Their timelines are realistic, and I felt confident at every stage of the project. Our account manager responded to our needs and questions instantly. We felt 'managed' which put us at ease. SoBold are also a fun agency. It was great to meet them face to face and build a rapport. I am sure we are one of their many clients, but we were always made to feel like their only client.

Are there any areas for improvement?

As it stands, I cannot see any areas of improvement for SoBold. Of course, I would always like a smaller invoice :) but I don't know any CEO who doesn't want that!!! I can't recommend SoBold enough. I will certainly be using them moving forward.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a photo and video sharing platform for events. We have been going since 2016. I am the co-founder and run the business from day to day overseeing all aspects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

We needed to create a marketing website that would allow us to clearly show our platforms offering. This involved ensuring the customer understood how it worked, the benefits and why they should use the app.

What were your goals for this project?

To increase sign ups and reduce drop offs

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

SoBold was recommended to us, we were told how they had the expertise and know how to deliver on time and above expectations. From their it was a quick call to set up a meeting

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We had a design meeting in which we outlined how the website would work and how we could funnel customers to the correct areas, the visual layout would be key in determining the success of the project.

Once this was completed, work started on the building the necessary building blocks, page by page, step by step. We would have iterative releases to test and get a feel of how a user would interact. This would allow changes to be made along the project rather than big changes at the end. It also mean't our schedule date of completion was kept to and we even had time spare!

What was the team composition?

For our project we had a team of 4, 1 x design, 2 x development and project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw an increase in conversions almost instantly and continue to do so. The way the site has been set up allows us to continually update and keep it fresh.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We were in constant contact with every member of the team assigned to our project. This meant we could communicate not just to the project manager but to the developers and design team exactly what we were thinking.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The personnel, the quality of work, the scheduling and cooperation to help you achieve exactly what you were after. It was a working collaboration, which was something I hadn't experienced before.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of. We had a very positive experience and would recommend SoBold to anyone

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Marketing Manager for Clanwilliam Health. We are a healthcare software company who provide software across a range of markets in Ireland and the UK. Our software provides a complete digital foundation for pharmacists, GPs, consultants, care homes and hospitals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

We hired SoBold to develop and build our new website (www.clanwilliamhealth.com). Additionally they created new brand guidelines and brand templates for us.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed the site to highlight and promote our new Division while also retaining strong promotion and links to our extensive product range.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have worked extensively with SoBold over the past few years for all of our online and design requirements. They provide such a good service that there was never a question that we would look to another agency for this project.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They built and developed a new WordPress website. They also created new brand guidelines for us that will help to ensure brand consistency across all of our customer touchpoints.

What was the team composition?

We had a single point of contact who managed the SoBold team and resources directly. This was brilliant for us as it meant we only had to explain and provide feedback to a single person.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results of this project have exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. We have created a new online presence that really reflects what we do as a company and the whole experience was easy and enjoyable. Having been involved in many similar projects in the past I can say that this was the most straightforward one and the team at SoBold simply get what we are trying to do and make it happen for us.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was excellent - all deadlines were met and our expectations were well managed. Communication was straightforward and any requests we made were always answered instantly and effectively. I'm based in Dublin while the SoBold team are in London and even with this the project management and communication was really exemplary.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Nothing is to much trouble for them. Any and every change we had was turned around very quickly and without any problem. They are always ready, willing and able to help - no matter what. It is a pleasure to work with them and they constantly exceed our expectations. They are different to any other vendor I've worked with in terms of how quickly they respond to our requests. They always understand our briefs and deliver to an impeccably high standard.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly I can't think of any - it was the smoothest website development and build that I have ever worked on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the director of a company that designs and installs cycle parking facilities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SoBold?

We wanted to move our website from Squarespace to WordPress.

What were your goals for this project?

To improve the basic functionality of our site and allow for future flexibility.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended to us.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They built our website in WordPress based on the initial structure in the previous Squarespace site.

What was the team composition?

Will (Managing Director, SoBold) managed the project. We worked closely with two other members of their team during the site build.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work was completed very quickly and to a high standard.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

It was good—they responded quickly and made changes well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their speed and quality were impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.