weCreate

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Corporate Marketing Manager, Scott Enterprises. A regional hospitality company with 25+ businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Development of a restaurant website for a new, upscale dining facility. Needed to incorporate various menus with frequent and seasonal changes, testimonials, special events and more.

SOLUTION

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

Successful previous work with WeCreate for other businesses in our portfolio.

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

Developing site design in respect to our established brand guidelines, prepare initial content, loading in design elements such as food photography, developing a calendar functionality for upcoming events, building a menu item management system to automatically generate multiple menus with a single content library.

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

1. Dylan - Content & Technical Support
2. Mickey - Initial Design Renderings & Layout
3. Zach & Nate - Owners, Strategic Support and Launch Timeline

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The finished website incorporated all of our initial feature requests, as well as some functions that were requested as the concept of the restaurant evolved prior to opening. Site represents our brand in a clean and cohesive way, in a design that is user-friendly and easily adaptable. Our website represents the restaurant in a professional and polished way. Assists in positioning our restaurant as high-end within our market and among competitors.

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

Team is easily accessible through email or phone and are always willing to hop on a screen share to show specific site functions or procedures. Responses are always timely, and the team is able to be easily reached anytime there is a critical matter.

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

The team at WeCreate has a diverse set of abilities and functions. There are team members who can respond to any sort of request.

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

None.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on July 21, 2020

Jenny Poff

Former Marketing Director, Hospitality Company

Hospitality & Leisure

Erie, Pennsylvania

Confidential

Sept. 2018 - Ongoing
 

Project Summary: 

weCreate Website Design & Marketing handles web design and development efforts for a hospitality company. They revamped two websites using WordPress and integrating a reservation tool and a toggle feature.

Feedback Summary: 

The websites have received positive feedback from guests and internal stakeholders. They boast a well-designed UI and are easy to navigate. weCreate Website Design & Marketing met deadlines and resolved any issues. They excelled in listening and implementing input from a large number of people.

BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former marketing director of a hospitality company. There are over 30 properties including a water park, ski resort, restaurants, hotels, and conference centers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate Website Design & Marketing?

Our two major revenue properties — a water park and ski resort — were in dire need of a website update. The proprietary vendor was using the same template across other companies, and we wanted to be different.

SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?

They handled web design and development as well as maintenance for the two sites using WordPress. The update for the water park website included an integration of the reservation tool we use as well as a way to showcase events and alerts for when we reach capacity or have closed attractions. The home page needed to showcase promotions because that was our most visited page.

For the ski resort, we needed to flip the content of the site between our summer and winter seasons. weCreate created a way for us and our guests to toggle between the two seasons.

What is the team composition?

It depended on the phase of the project. At the beginning, there were two individuals who kicked the engagement off. Then they brought in their development and design teams. I worked heavily with the developers and designers throughout the process.

How did you come to work with weCreate Website Design & Marketing?

I referred them to my company because they were local and I had previously worked with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

The ongoing engagement started in September 2018. There is ongoing maintenance and support.

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

The websites received great internal feedback. Team members said they were super pleased and were able to easily find information. Externally, we had a lot of guests saying how happy and impressed they were with the platforms. They liked the reservation system and provided more feedback about its UI.

How did weCreate Website Design & Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

They did great. They knew when deadlines were and made sure to meet them. If there were any snags, there was clear communication on what we needed to do.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They did really well with our Peak website, it was a beast not only from the developmental and functionality standpoint but because the team was three times as big from our side. weCreate had to gather a ton of input from a variety of different people. There was such a huge range of needs, and they listened really well and corralled them to simplify as much as possible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We were happy overall. They could use a project manager to make sure they align with clients. However, I know that’s something they’re already working on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to include the developer from the beginning of the project.

Star Ratings

Overall rating: 5

Quality: 5

Schedule: 5

Cost: 5

Willing to refer: 5

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Orthopedic physician office / CFO

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire weCreate Website Design & Marketing?

We wanted a new website and to gain assistance with increasing our online presence.

What were your goals for this project?

Have an updated and more user friendly website. We also wanted to increase the online traffic viewing our website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were impressed after the initial meeting with the weCreate team and liked the quality of their past work examples they shoed us.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The weCreate team created a new website for our practice. They are also helping out with SEO and increasing our online presence going forward.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of 4 individuals that I worked with directly and everyone had there own area that they were in charge of. Project manager, design, developer, and domain specialist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to incorporate an area for our patients to be able to pay their invoices directly through the website. Also, we now have a website that we are proud to announce to people and excited for everyone to view it. In time, we are hoping this translates into more patients electing our practice as well.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Every phase of the project was planned out and explained to us in detail. There was constant communication and we included every step along the way.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Everyone on the team is quick to respond and thorough with explaining everything.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The process was smooth and we liked the results. No recommendations at this time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a traffic manager at the Healthy Back Institute.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate?

We didn’t have the in-house talent to create a more efficient and smarter website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They redeveloped our website from HTML to a CMS-based system on WordPress. They prevent user experience disruption by integrating our Infusionsoft system with new sales funnels.

What is the team dynamic?

Zach [Co-owner/Development Director, weCreate] was my main point of contact. He delegated some work to staff behind the scenes, but completed most of the project himself.

How did you come to work with weCreate?

I can’t recall how I found them, but I remember being impressed by their portfolio and project management expertise. They stood out from other companies we had previously hired that produce sub-standard work.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $35,000 - $40,000

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started in summer 2013 and ended October 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They improved our site’s functionality and usability drastically; the new features impacted conversions positively. We’ve seen increased organic traffic as well.

How did weCreate perform from a project management standpoint?

I found them excellent and reliable. Zach had many useful recommendations such as decluttering our site’s numerous plug-ins. His confidence and judgment were always apparent.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a one-stop shop. They knew WordPress in and out, but also provided great marketing and strategy ideas. It’s a very well-rounded company.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Research the project’s scope and the company’s history to make sure they align well. I recommend considering weCreat for any web overhaul. I can’t speak highly enough of Zach.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a manufacturing company that specializes in products for enclosed motorsports trailers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate Website Design & Marketing?

Our previous website was fairly simplistic and we lacked social media expertise. In order to modernize the company, we needed stronger social media presence and a redesigned mobile-friendly website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we would meet with them once every few days so they could understand what our goals for the website were. Once the project began, we met with on a weekly or bi-weekly basis in order to give feedback on what they were putting together provide ideas of what we wanted to see. They overhauled the website in WordPress which made it easy for me to go in the back-end and update things like pictures or events we’re participating in. They made the site mobile-friendly and provided aesthetic upgrades to its color scheme and product branding.

The social media campaign was a different project entirely. I created databases detailing our product, its functionalities, and additional markets I wanted to advertise too. I gave weCreate that information and we strategized how to reach as many consumers as possible.

What is the team dynamic?

The website project consisted of 3 of the co-owners working different roles.

We worked with 2 people on the social media project, but 1 left the company before it was completed.

How much have you invested with them?

A little over $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The website redesign took place in June 2014–September 2014. They handled our social media campaign from January 2016­–June 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Roughly 60%–%70 percent of our business and customers come from the website. Many of them have never seen the product in person so the newly designed website has been invaluable in that respect and fantastic overall. User feedback has been extremely encouraging. It’s easy to use and offers a lot of information. weCreate’s redesign delivered all of our expectations and requirements.

Unfortunately, the social media campaign didn't go nearly as well. It fell short of what our expectations were and yielded truly minimal impact. It was not something that worked for us.

How did weCreate Website Design & Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

We would communicate and send files back and forth with the web design team via an online project management tool almost daily. They were always available to us for help with WordPress. I could either call or email and they were very timely in responding to any questions that I had. Their approach to that project was flawless.

Management of the social media project did not go smoothly once the primary person working on it left the company. The remaining management staff didn’t do an adequate job of following up with the work she was supposed to be doing. I felt like I was the main person driving the project and was paying a lot of money to do so. weCreate is a wonderful company but this project failed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're incredibly professional and will listen to client concerns. Accessibility is a stand out quality, as I have no problem contacting them with a question at 7:00 in the evening.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I know we provide a niche product, but I don’t think their marketing abilities are developed enough yet. Frankly, I would happily work with them again on another website redesign, but would not do so for a social media marketing project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would happily work with them again on another website redesign and have recommended them to colleagues for that service. However, I cannot recommend them for a social media marketing project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the IT manager of McShane Welding.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate Website Design & Marketing.

We were looking for web design and marketing materials. We wanted to update the website, as well as the logo to become current with our directions in the company, and with our advertising and marketing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

This was our first experience working with a digital agency. We had a website previously, but it was it was very clunky and outdated. They took a look at our website and submitted a couple of ideas. We looked over and reviewed them, and provided constructive feedback. One of the main things we wanted was a simple shopping cart that would able to be viewed. Previously, we didn’t have any kind of actual feedback system on our website. On top of that, we wanted something that was clean – where you didn’t have to go in 15 different directions to find an item for purchase. We were very adamant about making the website easily accessible, manageable, and trackable, so if you went on there you didn’t get lost. They now handle all of our SEO, shopping campaigns, and marketing.

What is the team dynamic?

My main point of contact was Nate [Co-owner and Marketing Director, weCreate]. If I ran into an issue I would contact Nate and he would usually address whichever team member he needed to look at the issue. I also worked with the other co-owners, Brian and Zach, and a couple people there locally.

How did you come to work with weCreate Website Design & Marketing?

We had a pre-existing website from another design company, but they were generally very unreachable, so we decided to start looking elsewhere for a new look and design. My brother-in-law got in contact with them and we started the process through the avenues that weren't getting reached. It’s likely we chose them because they were an upcoming and local company. The Northwest Business Association may have recommended them to us.

I was brought in about halfway through the process to get the website running, answer questions, and get it on the web to allow for business to come in. The process took a little longer than we anticipated. However, it’s been a smooth process since they got involved.

How much have you invested with them?

Approximately $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in August 2016, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With the SEO campaigns and the website, we have seen a higher uptick than we had with our previous website. We've seen online sales increase and better reactions from our customer base. It has helped to eliminate some of the customer service work because the website handles a lot of the credit card transactions and sales.

Customers that are looking for our products are now able to find them much easier through the campaign and through the marketing that’s been done. From an aesthetic point of view, the website looks much better now and functions as it needs to be. We get a lot of feedback from WeCreate on a weekly basis, and it’s almost like a partnership.

How did weCreate Website Design & Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

The team we had was fantastic. Whenever I had a problem, I would go to Nate and he would assign someone to take a look at that part of our website. Aside from the marketing direction, I would speak with Nate about once every 2 weeks about any issues we were having. As far as the website goes, communication was minimal but there was never a problem.

For our marketing and shopping campaigns, we were having weekly meetings with them to put in our information as far as the directions we wanted to go. We were looking at whether we were putting time into one product or one category.

Overall, they’ve performed above average, and everything was delivered on time and within budget. They were very responsive and very easy to deal with. I applaud the decision to work with them. I've had a great experience. They address all issues right away.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their level of professionalism and attention to details. They’re not a company that just fixes a problem and that’s the end of it. They’ll tell us what the problem was so if it comes up again we know what to look for.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not really. They’re very professional and quick to answer any questions. If I've ever had a problem, I have a contact number for them that I can reach them. They've always directed us where we had to go if we did have any issues. I know they're a small company trying to expand, but even with that, we’ve never had a problem.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

To have a basic understanding of what they're looking for and know that they will provide them with a layout that they will be completely satisfied with. They are very flexible with the vision of what a company has.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work in the sales department for Polymer Molding Inc., a plastic injection molding company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate?

Our website was outdated and not user friendly. We needed a platform where we could continuously update our charts, numbers, events, and products.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The project had a tight timeframe, so they brought their team over and created a game plan covering the basic design, the content for the site, and all the information for the charts. I uploaded all the images and content to their project management platform.

WordPress would have some limits; however, weCreate would be able to find a work around. They were able to reroute our emails and include multiple options into our online contact form.

Our new website now has an online catalog that is easy to navigate, news and events section, a company directory, credit applications, and our certifications.

Towards the end of the project, their web developer, Dave, and I went through the website, page by page, and nitpicked every little thing. He was able to make any change then and there.

When the project was completed, Dave gave me a one-on-one class on how to handle and maintain the website, in case I need to add or change things.

What is the team dynamic?

Brian [Bohrer, weCreate, Account Executive] was our main point of contact and he handled the business side of the project. Nate [Wheeler, weCreate, Marketing Director] was the project manager. Dave did the coding for the website. Mickey and a few other people worked on the graphic design and the face of the project. I met Zach [Lanich, weCreate, Development Director] a few times, but he did more of the behind-the-scenes work.

How did you come to work with weCreate?

When I worked for another company, I looked for local web-development companies for a website project and I was pointed towards weCreate. However, at Polymer Molding, I recognized that the old website was a barrier, and brought in weCreate and other companies.

weCreate was the only one that invited us to discuss their quote and their capabilities, whereas the other companies simply emailed their quotes.

How much have you invested with them?

The website was about $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The initial meeting was in January of 2017 and we started in February. The project finished in March.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received a lot of compliments on the new website. Since we’re now feeling comfortable sending people to it, we can start some online advertising. The new website allows us to track who is visiting so we can pay more attention to our customers.

How did weCreate perform from a project management standpoint?

They were on top of everything. I was able to communicate with weCreate everyday through their online project management platform. Whenever we wanted something specific, they would either say yes or explain what is possible to meet our needs.

Every time I had a question that I couldn’t make sense in an email, they were always there to answer any questions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most impressive thing with weCreate was how responsive they have been. They did a great job communicating things to people who weren’t familiar with how websites work.

They went above and beyond what they initially planned on, and they did not give us any flack about the flat rate we had agreed on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you know everything you want for your website before you go into those initial meetings. There are a lot of follow-up questions that need to be answered before a company can even respond to what you’re looking for.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

USA Rope is a rope manufacturer based in Pennsylvania.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate?

I needed to build a quality website and work on its SEO. This was my first time working with an agency.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I sat down with weCreate and discussed what I wanted. They put a quote together, after which we both performed some research and content writing. weCreate also produced the photography on my site, and worked on SEO.

I gave them creative freedom in terms of design for the WordPress site, since they’re the professionals, and I’m not. At the end of the day, I would know what I was or wasn’t happy with.

What is the team dynamic?

I worked with Nate Wheeler [co-founder], Zach Lanich, the coding director, and a couple of their web designers, depending on the need. The team had 6 people in total, and it remained the same throughout. We spoke daily.

We started out by using Basecamp, after which we moved to Mavenlink for project management. Much of the communication was done over the phone as well.

How did you come to work with weCreate?

I found them through a referral. I performed a lot of research beforehand, and found some crazy options in terms of price—$7,000 per month for SEO is ridiculous. Many of the reps from these companies are salespeople, and throw in a terrific game, but, when the time comes to back up their claims, they don’t. weCreate had much better pricing than these other places, and they’ve proven to deliver good work.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent $22,000 to $26,000 on their services, over the last 4 years.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with weCreate in May or June 2013, and have an ongoing relationship for SEO and website tweaks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

weCreate did a great job of simplifying the website and making it user-friendly for people searching online.

I’ve gotten great results from their SEO work, and received all kinds of compliments on the quality of my website. Many people have told me that they chose my business because the website looks professional.

In a 6-month period, I was able to grow my business to $70,000 in revenue per month. Percentage-wise, my search traffic has gone through the roof. We started from ground zero in terms of SEO, and I’ve reached 600 organic hits per week. I am on the first page for many of the targeted keywords.

How did weCreate perform from a project management standpoint?

I couldn’t ask for any more from them. weCreate was communicative during any problems.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re easy to work with, and are a no-nonsense kind of team. Other groups I contacted threw good stories at me, but, at the end of the day, they didn’t really want to budge off of what they felt comfortable with. Nate actually went out and took chances, which got us to where we are today.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. It was a laid-back, good experience.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Just be honest. I didn’t know much about on-page or off-page SEO, or really anything which had to do with website development. weCreate worked me through the process, and I learned a lot from them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I handle sales for PHB Corporation, a manufacturer of high-pressure, aluminum, and other die casting items in the U.S., China, India, and Malaysia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate?

Finding new customers is the biggest challenge. Old methods of knocking on doors and cold-calling weren’t working; people find suppliers in differently now. An effective website is more cost-efficient than a large internal salesforce.

Our website, however, was getting lousy traffic and not generating any qualified leads. We also wanted to improve our search engine results for key terms like “aluminum die casting.”

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

weCreate came to us with a proposal for a total marketing plan, which laid out all of the steps they would take, a timeline, and a budget.

The first project was to redesign the website and add a chat box letting potential customers easily connect with sales reps. Next was SEO [search engine optimization] work involving blog articles, keyword tracking, and backlinks earning efforts. Deliverables included customer testimonials and other short videos.

What is the team dynamic?

We have one primary point of contact and several supporting members, perhaps 3–5 in total.

How did you come to work with weCreate?

We solicited and compared bids from three companies. weCreate was not the least expensive but their proposal made the most sense, especially from a timeline and cost perspective. The proposal pitched more than appealing visuals and more advertising and instead outlined concrete steps to improve marketability and visibility. The final decision was made after evaluated other sites they’d created.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

It began in May 2016 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are close to securing two new customers—in the automotive and lighting industries—that have come to us because of weCreate's work. Our business typically has a 1–2 year sales cycle, so 2 new customers is great.

I was skeptical about the website chat box but within a week of its launch we’ve received  several qualified leads. It's simple and easy for potential customers to use, and for salespeople to continue the conversation via phone or text.

How did weCreate perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate a couple of times a month while trying to optimize search results and improve the site. They’re forthcoming about any adjustments needed, very responsive, and always timely when returning our calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They bring meaningful ideas to the table, for example, the suggestion to change our marketing structure. The trackable improvement plan laid out helped overcome a stagnant brand. Whereas some companies  oversell their case, what weCreate delivered works, making them true to their word.

Advice for potential customers?

Start simple; optimize the website with compelling content that users are likely to favor. As the organic traffic flow increases, expand content and other SEO efforts as necessary.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the sales executive of MedEx Billing Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate?

We were trying to draw more traffic to our website, and redesign it. The old site was outdated, and our old agency didn’t have the ability nor marketing skills to do what we wanted to have done.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We told them what our company needed; they performed some research by looking at what we already had and presented us with new ideas. We took all of their suggestions. The new site was built on WordPress. Everything is present on a single page, eliminating the need to click on links, which allows existing and potential clients to see everything they need to see about us.

We needed all-new marketing material, which weCreate made for us. This included brochures, email templates, follow-up material for conferences and new clients, and a PowerPoint presentation. They branded all the material on our site and in print form, and they created a Facebook page for us as well.

What is the team dynamic?

I don’t know how many people were assigned to our project. I talk to their owners, Nate Wheeler, Brian Bohrer and Zach Lanich, and 2 designers. We usually speak once a month, to keep in touch and communicate any issues.

We met twice last week, in order to discuss some feature changes, including the addition of online payments. Since we are a medical company, there are multiple HIPAA regulations, and weCreate is making sure that everything is in place.

We communicated by email and phone call, but I also came to their office, since I live in Erie, 10 minutes away. We didn’t use any project management tools.

How did you come to work with weCreate?

Their office is across from my hair dresser, who had used weCreate for some of her marketing. She mentioned weCreate because she knew we were looking for a provider. I went to my boss, and told him about this new marketing company, which seemed to be good, with young people with bright ideas. We had a conference call with them, and we’ve been working together ever since.

We considered another provider in New Jersey, which is being used by a friend of mine for his website. weCreate not only had a lower price, but they came up with an amazing concept for the site. We chose them based on their presentation, ideas, and price. They made the whole process easy for us.

How much have you invested with them?

I don’t have this information. I would estimate that the cost was around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with weCreate in April or May 2016. The collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have gotten more hits and RFPs through the website, from people filling out the online form requesting our services, in the last 6 months, than we’d gotten in the previous 6 years. weCreate has done a great job.

People have commented on the PowerPoint presentation they built for me, and asked me who created it.

How did weCreate perform from a project management standpoint?

Everything has been delivered on time and budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There is a lot to say about them. When I came to weCreate, they were able to take all our material, despite not having known anything about our company previously, and produce an amazing presentation and brochures. They researched what we did and how we did it, and created a great product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I don’t think so.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My business is Out of the Grey Coffee, an organic coffee roaster. We use customizable coffee, single origins from around the world, and we make 39 different blends. We have 179 named flavor concoctions. Part of our business is flavored coffee, so we have lots of coffee.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with weCreate?

We have a very strong business, but it’s either B2B or within one of the cafes. We’re trying to get that online, to create that feel and customizability online. We started with another company that put together a website for us. It was probably one of the worst experiences we could possibly have.

The first website was supposed to have a customizable feature to it for flavored coffee. For example, if a customer wanted vanilla cookie or chocolate caramel coconut, they could do it. They could name it and describe it. Then there’s the single-origin side, and all these different aspects to this website. It just wasn’t coming together. It wasn’t even the look or any of that. In fact, I was the one uploading photographs and typing the descriptions because it just wasn’t going to get done.

Once we got that part done as close as reality would allow, we wanted to add a feature that allows users to receive points for a purchase. We call it the Bank of Java. When a customer creates, names, describes, and then shares a coffee blend, they receive a certificate from the Bank of Java and start earning points, or “beans,” to use for anything on the site. When people start to purchase what you created and shared, then you earn bonus beans.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I have a buddy who did a free website for one of the cafes, and that was a much better site than the one I spent $6,000 on. When weCreate came in, they had to fix so much stuff. I think they had to fix a lot more than they thought they would just to get on a solid platform to do what I asked them to do. I don’t know if they necessarily knew what they were getting into.

When weCreate came on board, they said they would do this share feature and the Bank of Java. They tightened up a few issues the site had going on. I have more that we’ll be doing on the site, too, but we’re going to do it in phases. The first version was an absolute nightmare, but version 2.0 with weCreate was awesome.

The next part we’re going to do will allow users to upload something with meaning. When they create a coffee from about 54 million combinations of ingredients, name and describe it, then they’ll be able to upload something. For example, if you’re making a coffee for your parents, you can upload their anniversary picture, or one from when they were dating. You’re uploading something that has meaning for you. You have control of what that bag looks like in the front. People are going to love that. Once the coffee is gone, no one’s going to throw away that bag. That bag has sentimentality to it. Customers can create something unique for themselves, a gift, or for their company.

weCreate redesigned our WordPress site completely. The old site wasn’t even on a stable platform. Things would break or wouldn’t update; they would just be all out of whack. It took Zack a lot to just get on a solid foundation to build what he was commissioned to do. They were more than fair with me, doing everything they did.

We did some keywords for SEO. People are coming to the site, and I’m making money from it, but we’re trying to get it all down so that it functions perfectly, it’s smooth, has the automation and technology, and is just a great user experience. It’s still not there, and there’s a lot more we need to do. We aren’t putting a ton of money toward SEO because when people find us, they’re repurchasing. I have people who have purchased 15 times in just 6 months. We’re trying to get the experience right before we really start selling it to the world.

How did you come to work with weCreate?

We have 10 cafes in downtown Erie, along with other places. Zack, weCreate’s co-owner and creative director, visits one of our cafes. I kind of knew him, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to work with someone I knew, and he’s a young guy. I decided to go with a supposedly highly reputable local firm, but they subbed everything out. They had no control or anything, and it was a really bad experience.

For version 2.0, I talked to a lot of people to determine who I could hire. I knew the future of my business was on the line. weCreate’s name just kept coming up. I interviewed four different companies, and weCreate was the only one that asked any questions. In our conversation, they weren’t just listening to what I said; they tried to understand what I was trying to do and then make it better. They helped me clarify what I was trying to do. After sitting down with them, I knew they were the one. I can’t believe we have a gem like weCreate here in Erie, Pennsylvania.

How much have you invested with weCreate?

We’re a little over $9,000 right now. We’ll be investing another $9,000–$10,000 for version 3.0.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in January 2017, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

My online customers are primarily female, and they use the customizable part of our site more. Since most of my in-store customers are men, I would never have thought that.

We haven’t really focused on SEO, but we are tracking where our customers are located. I first got a customer in Kansas City, and now I have a lot of customers in Kansas City. It’s gone from one customer to 11 in a matter of a couple months. I know that, when we’re able to put money toward SEO and marketing, it’s going to go viral — especially the share features and the customizable coffee.

Before weCreate got involved, people were on the site for an average of 11 seconds. They hit the page and just left. Now, it’s 1000% different. People are actually purchasing. An average order is when someone purchases a couple café flavors, they create something, and then they get maybe a single origin. They’re trying to get the free shipping we offer for orders over $50.

How did weCreate perform from a project management standpoint?

They were awesome. They’re always refining my ideas. I couldn’t speak more highly of how they’ve handled everything. We generally communicate by email or phone, but we also have in-person meetings. I was able to see what the website would look like before it was up, and that was very helpful.

What did you find most impressive about weCreate?

They did what they said they were going to do, which was amazing. They helped me clarify what I wanted to do. I’m a coffee guy — not a tech person. A lot of the things I know now, I learned from dealing with them.

Are there any areas weCreate could improve?

Nothing is inexpensive, but I feel they’re fair. I wish I would have dealt with them first. I would be so much further than where I am now.

Do you have any advice for a potential client of theirs?

Come with your great ideas and bring a notepad. When you talk through things with Zack, he’s going to give you all kinds of great ideas. If you can have him working for you, I don’t think you could do better.