Case Studies
Here are some case studies of WordPress websites we’ve built for happy clients.
The Art Center Highland Park
Challenge
We’ve done two redesigns for The Art Center – one in 2015 and another, most recently, in 2021.
The first redesign focused on replacing a complex process of loading e-commerce data which made updating events and classes a nightmare for the staff. We built a WordPress site that used spreadsheets to simplify the task. We also streamlined the clunky design with a fresh new look.
Redesign #2
A rebranding reflected a broader focus geographically as well as expanded programming – moving beyond visual arts to include performing arts. A prior emphasis on classes now needed to include exhibits and programming.
Fix
Working closely with the client (they are artists), we gave the website a sleek, clean, modern new look. We replaced a dated slider on the home page with a WOW! hero image for visual impact and removed an interior page sidebar to open up the width of each page.
We also gave the staff detailed instructions on how to add content and images to retain the clean design.
Result
TAC’s new WordPress website not only meets their visual expectations but is super easy for them to update.
A streamlined scheduling process allows site visitors to quickly find and sign up for classes using various criteria (UX). You can also easily find and register for events.
Artists can easily see how to submit work for the exhibits. We also made it easy to donate, which is especially crucial for arts organizations struggling right now.
Sales Growth Solutions LLC
Challenge
John McLeod is an outsourced VP of Sales who started his own company after years of working in corporate sales and marketing. He had a limited presence online as a sales consultant with Sales Xceleration, but he wanted his own website to drive business.
Fix
John opted for a pre-designed theme which we fully customized for SGS with photos, colors, fonts and special elements. Since trust and likeability are important when you’re hiring an outsourced VP of sales, we incorporated some of his existing videos so prospective clients can immediately get a feel for his warm, sincere, engaging personality.
Copy, which we worked on together, is clear, concise and optimized for SEO. It validates his expertise for visitors who are referred to him.
Result
The Sales Growth Solutions site is focused and sophisticated. Visitors immediately learn what John does, and more importantly, HOW he can help them achieve record-breaking revenue. The copy is supported by outstanding testimonials which are highlighted on each page. There’s no doubt of John’s professionalism and expertise. And that’s exactly what he wanted.
The Sullivan Firm Ltd
Challenge
The original Sullivan Firm website was built in 2009 on a proprietary platform. Nine years later, the site was sorely dated and in need of a redesign. Complicating matters, the original developer was no longer reachable, making updates impossible.
Fix
We built an easy-to-update, scrollable website on the WordPress platform. It features a fresh clean look with large Chicago-themed images, including a “green river” home page picture (Terry Sullivan’s request. He’s all Irish!). The client provided hand-drawn courtroom sketches that lend visual interest while alluding to Terry’s involvement in key trials.
Result
A bright modern new website highlights the firm’s key practice areas while a new blog and videos spotlight Terry’s involvement in the legal community. (He’s been the WGN-TV legal analyst for the past 20 years.) Fast-loading, responsive, SSL-secure and user-friendly, the site makes it easy for visitors to quickly learn about this law practice.
Flanigan Communications
Challenge
Dyana had a fresh new logo (Iris-designed). Now she needed to replace a woefully dated website. She also wanted to start blogging.
Fix
In PR, showing client media placements is important. So we made it easy to find with a News jump link in a sidebar on the homepage, as well as in the top menu bar. A newsletter signup bar is also in the sidebar to capture interested readers. The Case Studies page lets you quickly scroll or click on Show More to read details about specific projects.
Result
The vibrant, contemporary site reinforces Dyana's brand. Visitors don’t have to dig around to see how she can help them. The Services page clearly details her areas of expertise and explains her PR process.
Dyana loves being able to easily update her blog….aptly entitled Dyalogue.
Chicago Mediation Services
Challenge
Jill Tanz's old website was drab and dated. She needed a new site that accurately positioned her services and credentials. It was important to highlight how neuroscience is incorporated into Jill’s mediation services in a clear, concise way. She also wanted a clean, simple design.
Fix
We rebranded Chicago Mediation Services with a new logo that abstractly represents mediation and a site color palette of blue and green which was chosen to reflect calming (blue) and growth (green).
Content clearly positions Jill’s services and her expertise. The home page hero photo says “professional” and implies that Jill works with individuals rather than large teams…..which is the case. Graphic interest on interior pages is created using the logo in header banners.
Result
A clean, professional website which visitors can easily scan to quickly find what they’re looking for — whether it’s available workshops, services provided or Jill’s credentials. The WordPress site enables easy updates and allows Jill to effortlessly maintain a consistent blogging presence.
Shalom Klein
Challenge
Shalom Klein's website was disorganized and unprofessional. With all the different hats he wears, he needed a website that incorporated everything into one clear, compelling package.
Fix
We rebranded his business, using the name of his radio show “Get Down to Business with Shalom Klein”. This is a phrase that already has brand awareness and relates to everything he’s involved with
Next, SEO (search engine optimization) was used to identify key search terms and phrases and incorporated into copy to help with rankings. Images were chosen showing Shalom in his many roles.
Result
The new website is modern, compelling and user-friendly. Bold subheads break up content for easy scanning and also help with SEO. A streamlined menu makes it easy for site visitors to find his services, follow his radio podcasts and engage with him. The homepage includes quick links to important pages and a link to purchase his book. There are also excerpts from the most recent blog posts.