FlexTeams rebuild or refine six websites in 2009-2010
As 2009 comes to a close, two brand new Strothman Associates client websites are ready for work in 2010 in the Pittsburgh market. Both are online and going through fine tuning—a website is always a work in progress as part of a larger marketing strategy. Four additional website rebuilds happened earlier in the year, each with it’s updated messaging, unique challenges and budget limitations. Each was built or rebuilt by a custom FlexTeam chosen for talent, chemistry and cost. RECENT UPDATES here too.
Importantly all of these use Google Analytics to reveal traffic patterns and all have some form of Search Engine Optimization, because it isn’t necessarily true that “if you build it they will come.” Copy writing for the web requires a strong awareness of what keyword phrases will attract the best search results.
What Does a Website Cost?
Costs for these new builds or refinements ranged from $1,000 to $12,000, depending on the degree of complexity. On the biggest of the projects, four bids came in with a wide range of costs—from a $3,700 to a $15,000 for the programming only—for the same website specifications. Shopping and researching pays off in this marketplace, not only for price but also for reputation, reliability and experience.
MASTER REMODELERS
In 2008 RS&A rebranded this upscale contractor in ads and with a new identity package, including to place him in the elite group of contractors with tomorrow’s solutions for home energy efficiency. In November 2009, Master Remodelers’ 9 year old website was replaced with a new one featuring a Joomla content management system that allows his staff to update the site on their own. It also features an interactive portfolio of project photos and an innovative interactive quiz for visitors.
Since the launch of the site, Randy has done a lot of tweaking to improve performance with search engines and to increase visual appeal. UPDATE 1: And this April a new WordPress blog was integrated into the site, featuring events, updates and special topics. Like green home remodeling. A special challenge was working over distance with a developer in Atlanta. (more). UPDATE 2: In late 2010 we also added Facebook to their marketing toolkit and are gradually building a following.
Read our blog about the value of social media in driving quality traffic to websites.
Of course this doesn’t happen automatically. “Build it and they will come” does not apply.
.
.
PARK HOUSE
We completed this simple, fun and colorful site in early January. Built on a simple WordPress content management system, the owner learned the system in two lessons and is now in full control. It also features Google Analytics and lots of enticing photos. Check it out at ParkHousePgh.com.
BONUS: The site has a strong tie in to Social Media, particularly to announce musical events. Facebook and email are integrated with a simple Events blog. In one step the owner: 1) creates a blog announcement, 2) posts on his Facebook page and 3) sends an email to his list. A real time saver.
DEUTSCHTOWN
For several months a committee of volunteers working with a paid web developer and funded by Pennsylvania Elm Streets honed this new web site to promote the community. Randy developed the web architecture, tone and much of the writing and imagery. More about the committee process in an earlier blog, plus insights on branding and marketing communities.
.
FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISING
While the new Deutschtown site was being built, tragedy struck the neighborhood in early January: a fire destroyed an apartment building leaving nearly 20 people homeless. Many of the volunteers who were building the Deutschtown site rallied to create a multifaceted fundraising campaign, including a temporary website with PayPal contribution options. More than $5,000 came in to help the homeless neighbors. More about this effort in an earlier blog.
.
PITTSBURGH WATER LIMO
In a quick turn around before the Pittsburgh Pirate season opened in April, the owners wanted new branding and a revamped website to better market their various river shuttle services. In a matter of a few weeks the revamped website more clearly spelled out the offerings, although it still needs some additional work. New Google analytics now tell the client what promotions are working best. (blog post)
.
RANDY STROTHMAN & ASSOCIATES
Our website had become outdated after two years and it was time to put a fresh face on it, sharpen the messaging, and streamline the content with some major editing. The result is a cleaner and more contemporary home page, simpler menus, improved search function, links to social media and two blogs.
From the beginning in 2007 it has been housed on a WordPress content management system, allowing us at no cost to quickly and easily make additions or changes. But we still keep a WordPress guru or two a phone call away.
Randy Strothman wrote all of the website copy for this site, as well as for Master Remodelers’ and Park House’s, plus much of the writing for Deutschtown and Pittsburgh Water Limo.
.