In the fast paced digital world we live in today, having a responsive and user-friendly website is crucial for any business, regardless of its size or industry. A well-designed website not only attracts potential customers but also streamlines operations and enhances overall customer satisfaction. In this case study, we will examine the challenges faced by a client with a static, antiquated HTML site and discuss how the implementation of a CMS-driven, responsive website revolutionized their business operations, improved conversions, and catered to their target audience.
Meet the Client:
The Safety and Health Council of North Carolina is a non-profit organization focused on reducing accidents and health hazards through education and training. Established in 1960, it has evolved from a local organization to one serving the entire state. Governed by a board of unpaid volunteers, the Council offers training programs, resources, and educational materials for a safer community. Funding comes from training fees, membership dues, and product sales. Annually, the Council trains around 35,000 drivers in defensive driving courses and has established safe driving partnerships with judicial districts in 66 North Carolina counties. In 2010, the Council celebrated its 50th anniversary and was recognized by the National Safety Council for its contributions to saving lives and preventing injuries.
The Problem:
The Safety and Health Council of North Carolina was in need of complete website redesigning services because they had been running a static HTML site that had become extremely outdated and presented quite a number of challenges:
- Lack of Responsiveness: The website was not optimized for mobile devices, making it difficult for smartphone users to navigate and access information.
- No Reporting for Orders: The client had no way of tracking orders, leading to potential inefficiencies in operations and customer service.
- Absence of Onsite Payment Integration: Customers could not make payments directly through the website, creating an inconvenient user experience and potentially causing a loss of sales.
- No Content Management System (CMS): Without a CMS, updating the website’s content was time-consuming and labor-intensive, limiting the client’s ability to quickly and easily add new classes, manage student capacity, and remove sold-out classes.
- Inefficient Site Structure: The website’s structure did not cater to its two main audiences – companies seeking workplace safety training and individuals interested in defensive driving or train-the-trainer courses and certifications. This made it difficult for users to find relevant information quickly and efficiently.
The Solution:
To address The Safety and Health Council of North Carolina’s concerns and revamp their website, as a responsive web design company, Custom Software Lab implemented the following solutions:
- Responsive design: We implemented a mobile-first design approach, ensuring that the site was optimized for various screen sizes and devices. This allowed the client to capture the growing smartphone audience and improve conversion rates.
- CMS integration: We incorporated a robust CMS to allow the client to easily manage and update their site’s content. This streamlined the process of adding new classes, managing student capacities, and removing sold-out classes.
- Reporting and analytics: We integrated reporting and analytics tools, enabling the client to monitor orders, analyze user behavior, and make data-driven decisions for their business.
Onsite payment integration: We added a secure and convenient onsite payment solution, simplifying the checkout process for users and boosting conversions. - Custom class management system: We developed a custom class management system that allowed the client to group classes based on audience type (Companies – Workplace Safety, Individual – Defensive Driving, Train the Trainer courses and certifications) and manage them efficiently.
User Data Collection:
In addition to the above solutions, the client wanted to collect personal details from users when they signed up for classes. We implemented a user-friendly registration form that captured essential information such as name, email, phone number, and additional details relevant to the class. This data was stored securely and in compliance with data privacy regulations, allowing the client to use the information for future marketing and communication purposes.
How CSL Accomplished This:
To achieve the client’s goals, we leveraged WordPress as the Content Management System (CMS) and WooCommerce for the eCommerce functionality. We then customized WooCommerce to create a unique and dynamic product page showcasing the various classes offered by the client. This allowed users to easily browse and register for classes, both online and in-person, on a user-friendly platform.
Unique Characteristics of the Project:
- Dynamic schedule page: We created a dynamic schedule page that displayed all upcoming classes, providing users with a comprehensive overview of the available courses.
- Online and in-person class segregation: In response to the changing learning environment in 2021, we developed two versions of classes: Online Classes (via Zoom) and In-person classes at the facility. This allowed users to choose their preferred learning method.
- Enhanced reporting and analytics: The client can now access order reporting through the admin panel and Google Analytics, offering valuable insights and data for improved decision-making.
- Automated email notifications: We customized the admin panel to allow the client to select internal staff members per class who would receive email notifications for signups. This streamlined communication and reduced manual work.
- Customizable data capture: We provided customization per product, enabling the client to choose which personal fields to capture from students during registration, tailoring the data collection process to their specific needs.
Challenges of the Project:
- Grouping classes based on type: Ensuring the platform accurately categorized classes based on their type and audience was a challenge that required meticulous planning and execution.
- Accepting customized data per class from the students: The project required a system that could accept and store unique data from students, depending on the class they registered for.
- Notifying the correct people based on which class was signed up for: Creating an automated system that sent notifications to the appropriate staff members based on class registrations was a complex yet crucial aspect of the project.
Project Timeline:
The project was completed within 3-4 months.
Design Inspiration:
The design inspiration aimed to create a simple, intuitive interface that even non-tech-savvy users could easily navigate and make a purchase. The user-friendly design focused on clarity and ease of use, ensuring that the platform was accessible and appealing to a wide range of users.
Client Benefits:
After the project’s completion, the client experienced numerous benefits, including:
- Improved sales: The enhanced user experience and streamlined class registration process contributed to a massive increase in sales.
- Improved reporting and analytics: Better access to data-driven insights allowed the client to make informed decisions and optimize their strategies.
- Ease of use and dynamic class management: The client now enjoys a more efficient and flexible class management system, with everything being dynamic and easily adjustable.
- Streamlined internal processes and reduced manual work: Automated email notifications and a tailored data capture system contributed to more efficient internal processes and reduced the need for manual work.
By transforming the client’s static HTML site into a responsive, CMS-driven platform, we were able to address their key concerns and provide a seamless user experience. The new site not only allowed the client to manage their classes and business more effectively, but also improved the user experience by offering a mobile-friendly interface, easy class registration, and integrated payment options. As a result, the client experienced increased user engagement, higher conversion rates, and an enhanced overall business performance.
“I think what y’all do for us is fantastic. We really appreciate our partnership. The website is functioning great, our registrations are going out the roof for our driving classes and our open enrollment safety classes are doing extremely well. Overall, excellent, and—again– you run an excellent show and we appreciate you!” – Spokesperson for The Safety and Health Council of North Carolina
With 20 years of experience in software and website solutions, Custom Software Lab sets itself apart from the competition by providing custom web, mobile, or desktop software for clients across various industries. Catering to over 600 clients in 12 countries, CSL offers core services such as custom web development, web application development, custom mobile apps, responsive web design, and e-commerce storefronts.
Our success is built on collaboration and teamwork among highly skilled and experienced staff, who are committed to clients’ success. Custom Software Lab, a custom software development company, uses a client-oriented approach focused on adding value to our clients’ businesses through quality application development services and consulting.
Quality assurance is given utmost importance, ensuring stable and effective product performance for clients. As a testament to our commitment to quality, Custom Software Lab offers a unique Lifetime Warranty within the industry for custom software development services. Contact us today to learn more.
