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Company: Thermal Insulation Contractors Association
Project: Website Relaunch
Dates: Jan 2007 to Dec 2009
How did the project start?
We felt our old website was outdated, no longer user friendly and the functionality levels needed to be enhanced to continually support our membership base. After seeking advice we decided the best way forward was to redesign & relaunch the whole website and improve both the design and technical aspects of the website.
What options did you consider?
Whilst in the thought process of how to develop our website; we took into consideration the following things;
1) How the website would communicate to our members & consumers.
2) How our members would be promoted to their full potential to the general public.
3) The needs of the user; having clear and concise information; without the use of jargon.
4) It needed to be user friendly, with a simple navigation system.
5) The admin system behind the website was crucial to allow simple and effective updating to both memberships information and supporting content throughout the website. It was also important the system was able to manage updates from a number of administrators.
What help and expertise did you receive?
As a non profit making organistaion we were able to attract some funding towards our project. We also had several meetings with our IT consultants (CBS North) to discuss our needs. Once we felt we were in the position to move forward with our ideas we turned our ideas into reality.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
Yes - the main challenge we faced was trying to integrate our bespoke software database into the website. As the membership for our association grows; we need the functionality to upload new members on a regular basis. This involved bringing our IT consultants, Calm and our software provider together to find a solution.
As the project progressed and the business need increased we found ourselves pushed for time. We were ultimately aware of our customers needs; putting pressure on ourselves to get the website live in a short period of time.
In hindsight we feel the sense of urgency could have been avoided. We realise it would have been better to correct small issues as they arose, rather than after the website was launched.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
The website has had a profound effect on our business. We are now able to provide a stepping stone between our membership and the general public.
The foundation of the website redevelopment project has been completed however we recognise that digital communication opportunities are growing and the website will become fundamental to support the way the organisation communicate in the future.
We are also able to promote our own business within the construction industry, highlighting the need for training & apprenticeships.
Our website is also a tool for the general public; we provide vital information on Thermal Insulation and Asbestos.
What are your plans for the future?
We update the website on a daily basis and will continue to do so.
We also hope to begin the second phase of the website, incorporating a members section. Each member will have their own unique login and password. We will then tailor the pages to the members needs, as well as allowing them to access member only information.
We will also be adding a FAQ page which will provide further information to general public.
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