Web Loft Designs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of ZuuKeeper, a programmatic advertising company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Web Loft Designs?

We needed a development agency to build a website that could tell our brand’s story in an organized and accessible manner.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We conducted preliminary meetings with Web Loft Designs to communicate our needs and take design inspirations from different websites that we liked. They used WordPress to build the website from scratch and applied the design preferences and functionalities we discussed during the discovery phase. Our creative team then produced different forms of web content, such as service descriptions, team profiles and photos, and our introductory video.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Paul (VP of Client Services) and Marina (President), and there was a bigger team involved in the development process.

How did you come to work with Web Loft Designs?

I found Web Loft Designs online while searching for potential local development agencies to onboard for this project. I chose them because I was motivated by the strong client reviews and featured projects I saw on their website.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $9,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from March–September 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re a new company and this is the first website we’ve ever launched, so there aren’t any quantitative metrics to share at this point — however, I could confirm that Web Loft Designs’ work rewarded us with more clients and referrals. The boosts in our digital presence and revenue were our main success metrics for their team’s efforts.

How did Web Loft Designs perform from a project management standpoint?

We relied on Basecamp for project management, and Web Loft Designs amplified our involvement in the real-time site development through Sigma Energy Viewer. They had a dedicated team of developers who worked on our change requests and feedback as soon as they received those.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Web Loft Designs delivered everything they promised and remained transparent in communicating what they could and couldn’t do for us — we highly appreciated their team’s straightforward approach.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I couldn’t think of anything they could’ve done better or differently — we were happy with everything they did for our business.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very involved in the process — any development work requires quick response rates and reliable feedback from the client’s end.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a manager for a new diesel mechanic truck service maintenance and repair shop. The company just opened its doors to clients, fleet customers throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Web Loft Designs, and what were your goals?

Our company is a start up, so we needed to create our presence online from scratch.  Web Loft has planned, designed, and developed our website (they will be adding more pages as we grow), they also helped with copywriting, and they optimized it for search engines.  We are now thinking about ongoing SEO which they also offer as a service, so we will be contacting them again very soon. 

SOLUTION

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

I personally know the owner, know how they work, and this was the natural choice for me.  I also checked their portfolio and read their customer reviews before approaching Web Loft as a personal connection is great but seeing their work and reading about their quality and very personal approach was definitely a deciding factor. 

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

We did not know where to start, we just knew we needed the site before we opened our doors to the public.  We showed them a couple of competitors' sites, and we answered questions on their new project survey that the project manager sent before we started. Then Web Loft PM scheduled a planning call to go over the scope, goals, our audience, actions we wanted our visitors to take (we are targeting not ony clients but also potential employees: we are new, so we are still in the process of hiring). After that we had one more planning call and very soon we saw the design that met our expectations 100%.

We had a couple of small change requests which were completed within a few hours, and shortly after we were asked to review the already developed site.  We were asked to send the final content (which they also helped us with), to make a hosting service provider selection (they also made a reommendation), we were given a live admin training and the site was launched.  Very smooth process. 

They also helped us to set up our Facebook account and advised on other tactics including job board postings (we are still in the process of hiring)

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

The owner worked with me intially to set up the project and to consult on the approach.  Also, she was the one who was overseeing the design process.  Majority of the time we spent with the designer and the PM who were crazy fast in fulfilling our requests.  And very professional and friendly, too. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We went from zero online presence to 100% online including social media and advertising in a matter of just a couple of weeks. 

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

Project management process they have is designed to accommodate any type of a clinet in my opinion. They had a clearly defined process, but they were also flexible without sacrificing the quality of their work. They are a scrappy team, very knowledgeable and they don't cut corners.  

They use Basecamp and Figma which make communication very easy.  They have another tool which name I don't recall but Basecamp and Figma are two main ones.  I heard they are also using Jira but that is for their internal team communication. 

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

They are very caring, professional in every way, generous sharing their knowledge, respect their client's wishes but will not let you go down the wrong path. Very responsive and personable.  

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

Can't think of any.  This was my first experience with a web development company, and this was top notch.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Verde Bio Holdings, Inc., a publicly-traded oil and gas asset management firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Web Loft Designs?

As we were a startup, we built a basic website. However, we’ve gotten pretty big, and we did a large capital raise in the capital markets, so it was time to bring our website’s level up and make it more professional.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Web Loft Designs developed a new WordPress website for us from scratch. I provided them with most of the information needed, including the logo, color scheme, and visuals, and I requested a well-functioning site.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with two people from Web Loft Designs, but I know that developers and designers worked behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with Web Loft Designs?

I wanted someone local to us so that I could review some of their previous projects. I did some research online and found Web Loft Designs.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent somewhere between $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2021, and the site was launched in June 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve got a lot of compliments on our new site from investors. However, we don’t track metrics or traffic because it is just an information portal for our investors.

How did Web Loft Designs perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed great, and we used Basecamp for project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I didn’t research for more vendors nor compared Web Loft Designs to their competitors, but I know that they did a fantastic job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think that Web Loft Designs could have done something different. This was the first time that someone was building a professional website for me, so I didn’t know what I was getting into. However, it was a fantastic experience, and I would do it again.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with Web Loft Designs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm an owner of a Supply Chain Consulting Firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Web Loft Designs​​​​, and what were your goals?

I've hired Webloft Design to build a website for my company

SOLUTION

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

We have reached out to multiple vendors, some provided through Clutch, others we sourced locally. Deciding factor in our choice were the value, custom approach and experience. Despite all vendors coming in competitively close price-wise, Webloft Design won over by treating even our rather small project with a nice personal touch. They really listened to what I was looking for and provided a small and informative video presentation with great suggestions

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

To get us started, we needed simply structured ~10-15 page informational website.

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

I mostly interacted with the dedicated Project Manager and occasionally with the President.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At the time of the review, our webpage is just about to be launched. But despite that, our clients and other relevant parties with who we shared a preview were very impressed by the quality and design

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

Webloft Design uses a Project Management cloud based platform, where it is easy to post any comments / examples etc. It is a useful software and it serves it's purpose, but I do have to note that it spams inbox quite a bit, sometime multiple times about the same thing. If you are like me and like to keep the inbox under the total control, checking the platform mailing preferences would be a good idea. Occasionally, we would connect for a videocall to discuss general directions and broader topics.

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

We felt like we were treated with care and given real design advice and direction throughout the project. There are plenty of web development agencies, but many of them are used to selling a recycled template product. Before Webloft, we have encountered many agencies that just asked for directions instead of offering a solution.

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

As I mentioned in previous section, I am not a huge fan of the Project Management software used, as it stacks all comments into a one big block under any particular topic as well as it spams quite a bit if settings are left at default. I do personally use Asana, and I find that there is more flexibility in structuring and understanding feedback on that platform.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a sales coaching & consulting firm in Dallas, TX.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Web Loft Designs, and what were your goals?

Our website was created about 10 years ago and we had been patching and updating it. The WordPress updates were not being installed and the site became outdated technologically and with its out-of-synch messaging. We hired Web Loft to create a new website entirely in order to upgrade the technology and to add the new marketing messaging. Another major goal was to keep the site clean, elegant, and simple.

SOLUTION

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

We had worked with many web site vendors before and the major difference we found with Web Loft is that they genuinely cared about the project being successful. They also clearly cared more about us and our business as well as they do the art/skill of building websites, which is what other vendors failed to demonstrate.

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

After the kickoff meeting where we explained what we wanted, we were given an online form to complete where uploaded graphics, images, etc and answered many questions explaining who we are and what we do. Everything was later clearly laid out in an online project management tool (Basecamp) which was also used as a central communication hub.

Once the wireframes were created we were allowed to provide feedback and edits which was an important part of the process. Next we entered the final phase which was to code the designs that we approved. What was impressive was each image, word, or graphic was approved or discussed electronically before they moved forward. This was a much better alternative than things I've seen in the past.

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

A project manager was our main point of contact, but on several occasions we would interact with the owner, who is very pleasant, customer focused, smart, and actually a lot fun to work with...which is rare.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

What became very clear very quickly was that the design was very polished, professional and clean which is important considering our clients are mostly Fortune 500 companies. Also, the message on the site was very Clear, Compelling, and Concise which is exactly what we were hoping for!

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

There was as much communication that was needed via Basecamp. We would also be notified via email as a reminder that an action was needed in basecamp. We never had any issue with delayed responses and if there was ever an issue it was resolved quickly, which is always appreciated.

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

They would not allow us to add any feature, word, or graphic to the site that would conflict with our ultimate goal. This was impressive. They genuinely cared about the end result, even if it included telling us no to an idea. I really appreciated this and found it both rare and refreshing. Thanks

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

We were new to basecamp and could have used a brief tutorial in the beginning. They later explained things to us on a call and we never had any issues afterward.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of a small and relatively new company that manufactures and sells industrial fans.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Web Loft Designs?

We wanted to establish our first company website. We hoped to use it as a platform for marketing and e-commerce.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

While I onboarded the company after the engagement had been kicked off, I believe they started from scratch. We didn’t have any inhouse resources to provide web or graphic design. They built a platform that allows customers to purchase our products online via credit card.

What is the team composition?

I worked primarily with Paul (Senior Project Manager).

How much have you invested with them?

I’d assume it’s come to several thousand dollars.

What is the status of this engagement?

The relationship began in September 2018 and it’s an ongoing relationship. We’re currently undergoing minor changes to the site.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since they established our platform, we’ve continued to see consistent improvements in web traffic. The platform has also received great internal feedback.

How did Web Lofts Designs perform from a project management standpoint?

I’ve had a couple of projects with them, and the shorter was one was a good quick-hitter. They’ve been good about sticking to a project plan and scope. You can expect them to deliver on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s been easy to communicate with them. While it’s often difficult for non-technical folks to express their vision, they seem to understand what we want to achieve. It’s been stress-free in speaking with them because they’re able to translate our wishes into actual features.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not really. Sometimes their response time could be improved because they get a little busy, but we’ve been thoroughly satisfied with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I prefer to work on discrete projects with definable milestones. I’ve found multiple, smaller projects towards a larger goal to be the optimal way of working with companies like theirs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of The PRS group. We’re a client-driven geopolitical risk and forecasting group.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Web Loft Designs?

I was looking for a web designer that could freshen up the website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team refreshed our website. I worked closely with their designers because I knew what I wanted. I sent images of colors, fonts, places, and cars that I liked to convey my personality to the designers. Through that process, the site started to fit our look. They also helped us with the backend because we have a section to our company where clients come to buy data.

In the following years, they worked on other projects. Their team provided different offerings and added different functions to the website.

Their team maintains the platform. I contact Marina (President & Founder) when the site needs a fix or an update.

What is the team composition?

I communicate with Marina who hands off projects to her team.

How did you come to work with Web Loft Designs?

They came as a referral. I got competing quotes but those other service providers were nuts. Their offers were all over the board. Web Loft Designs had the knowledge and technical wherewithal to create a good product.

How much have you invested with them?

For the website refresh, the project cost about $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them around August 2012 and the engagement’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I got a lot of compliments on the site. We’re in the investment finance and risk world, so the cooler colors fit well. A lot of analysts that I worked with on a 1099 basis reached out and offered their help. The design changed peoples’ emotions.

How did Web Loft Designs perform from a project management standpoint?

They priced the projects accurately and delivered on time. We've now had a long relationship, so I can text Marina when I need the site fixed. Their team doesn’t disappear. We have a business relationship but it’s one where we trust each other so well. They’ve done a good job with the ET zone for work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Web Loft Designs listened to my ideas without trying to give me a cookie-cutter solution. Unlike other vendors, their team was able to revamp the site without overhauling the platform. They have a great maintenance policy, so I don’t feel like I’m ever getting goosed. Every time that I’ve asked them to complete a project, they’ve done it. If a feature didn’t work out well, they fixed it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’ve fixed any issues. A long time ago, there was an issue with getting on ET, which they fixed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about what you want. Work with them. Don’t expect solutions to pop out at you. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you want and what you don’t like. Their team can handle honest feedback.

Before I hired Web Loft Designs, I’d gone through a couple of other companies that were brutal. If that’s what a web design company is, I’ll send smoke signals to people.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

American Course Academy is an online provider of educational courses dealing primarily in Hospitality Industry training. My position is Director of Business Development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Web Loft Designs?

Our company hired Web Loft Designs to develop two online educational sites.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to have attractive websites that were concise, easy to navigate, and stood out from among the competitors in our space.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through online review and sample portfolio.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Our project was the creation of two separate websites providing online educational services but than referenced each other so that a 'bundle' option could be selected by the user. The process with Web Loft was very structured and made us think through content development we had not previously considered.

Through their process, we were able to flesh out the detailed information based on our experience. They helped with every facet along the way including site plan, review and edits of script, image selection, and most importantly shared their experience, expertise, and advice on additional 'features' that could be added to rank higher in searches or get more conversions from visitors.

What was the team composition?

Web Loft has a large staff but we primarily worked with 4 key individuals throughout the process - each experienced in their niche relating to project management, web development, and graphic arts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our entire business is online so they helped to create the 'face' of our company. We are receiving good traffic and conversions into sales.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We had direct contact with the project manager. He originally set the schedule for delivery of our websites and kept us apprised along the way. There were no delays from their team. In addition, we could track their team's progress through an online management site called ActiveCollab.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found their honest assessment of our script and ideas refreshing. They are not afraid to point you in the right direction based on their experience. Also, I found the ongoing communication was reassuring they were actually working towards our project and meeting the established deadlines agreed upon.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We had a great experience with them and are using them for 2 additional websites now. They are very efficient and is a pleasure to work with them. So far, so good and we don't have any recommended areas for improvement to suggest at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Rakhov Home Services

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Great service! Very satisfied. Definitely recommend!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Web Loft Designs to accomplish?

• Website developing

SOLUTION

How did you find Web Loft Designs?

Referral

Why did you select Web Loft Designs over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Web Loft Designs were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Great service! Very satisfied. Definitely recommend!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Quick and effective

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

Everything was very prompt and effective

What was your primary form of communication with Web Loft Designs?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

Everything was very effective

Are there any areas for improvement or something Web Loft Designs could have done differently?

Everything was great!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive of Photon Leap Technologies

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

IT services and solutions

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Web Loft Designs to accomplish?

• Web Design

SOLUTION

How did you find Web Loft Designs?

Online Search

Why did you select Web Loft Designs over others?

Close to my geographic location

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

Web design, web development, SEO optimization 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website turned out exactly as we hoped and the entire team are very knowledgeable and helpful.

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

Webloft was professional  and delivered a great work. Marina, paul and the entire team worked towards launching the website within the timeframe requested.

What was your primary form of communication with Web Loft Designs?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They are very friendly, patient and super helpful during the whole process.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Web Loft Designs could have done differently?

No