Statement of Interest_
Thank you for the opportunity to reply to your website RFP. As you know, we have worked closely with the Village of Allouez for 10 years and look forward to continuing our relationship, providing brand-led website services and support.
We started as Burnham Richards Advertising in 2002 and evolved into BRING Studios because we wanted a name that internally explained what we do every day and externally explained what a client could expect. Yes, we take direction, play extremely well with others, and always BRING value by thinking differently about an idea, strategy, alternative, or creative twist.
The first example of this thinking is to include the requested information- then create this RFP website that houses the same content but in a more engaging way.
Sincerely,
1. Base Bid_
As requested, we have split our bid into two sections. The base bid reflects the scope to redesign, migrate top-level content, and include a CMS with continued web support and maintenance.
Specifics include:
a. Designing and building the basic site, including migrating content for existing pages, and a site map
b. A content management system that easily translates to any host and is easy to manage
c. Detailed annual web content management software licensing, support costs, and any other products or services associated with the construction, completion, and continued support/maintenance of the site
2. Additional Bid_
The additional bid outlines alternate items and features to be included in the website– budget permitting. After we perform a Web Audit to determine areas of technical needs and updates along with goals, we will recommend other enhancements to the website. We had addressed the RFP alternate items below.
Specifics Include:
- The cost of hosting the website and annual maintenance fees. See section 3.
- Migrating all content from existing site beyond the top level. We plan to copy the existing site and build a new theme around the current content. This will, also maintain SEO built over the last 10 years.
- Increased functionality including all or some of the functions listed based on knowledge and experience with such functions including:
We plan to provide a calendar solution the can be filtered by event type. (board meetings, public works, community events etc.)
We plan to add a robust site search functionality along with a revised mega-menu for improved UX and navigation.
We will incorporate an SMS system link into the website so residents and businesses can sign up for text content and alerts.
We will bring the VOA Facebook feed directly into the website.
We will create a log in portal similar to one we built for REDI Transports (below) that would facilitate uploads, forms, and confidential information.
Convert 23 existing forms into electronic, submittable forms.
3. Hosting & Maintenance_
BRING would continue the Village of Allouez hosting and maintenance plan at the simple level, and provide the same support and attentive repose to website issues and updates. See annual hosting plan below.
4a. Website Experience_
Since 2002, BRING Studios has been designing and developing websites around our clients’ brands. Recent updates in technology have streamlined and expedited the process through the WordPress platform. As in construction, WordPress is the solid, tried and true foundation, upon which we create custom website solutions. The samples below share similar features, design or purpose to the new VOA website.
Other Municipal Experience:
Definitely De Pere– original logo and website development.
City of Algoma– Original logo, brand campaign, and website.
Town of Ledgeview– Original brand & logo, website, signage, monuments.
4b. Project Team_
The BRING team will consist of 3 disciplines to achieve optimum results. As a team we have worked together on many accounts and projects, refining processes and delivering solutions for clients across brand, web and video projects.
David Richards
david@bringresults.com, Director of Creative Solutions.
David studied advertising in London before moving to Minneapolis and working as Creative Supervisor at Olson, Fallon, and VML. After working at Goltz Seering in Green Bay, his passion for branding and entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to start Burnham Richards Advertising (now BRING Studios) in 2002. His experience includes brand-led websites for OSMS, Somerville, BayOral, Xperience Fitness, and HJ Martin.
He brings to the project:
- Open Communication/Expectation Setting
- Account/Project Management
- Estimating/Budget Tracking
- Creative/Brand Direction
- Concepting/Copywriting
Amber Rockey
amber@bringresults.com, Web Solutions Manager.
Amber studied Graphic Design at NWTC and brings over 12 years of website design and development experience to the account. Ada[ting to emerging trends, she became fluent in HTML before mastering WordPress, Woo-commerce, and SEO best practices. Amber has built brand-led websites for OSMS, The National Shrine, REDI Transports, Somerville, and Tadych Investments.
She brings to the project:
- Design Aesthetics & Technical Disciplines
- UX Design/Information Architecture
- Web Design/Programming
- Web Maintenance/Support
- Analytical Reporting
- Hosting & DNS Management
Stacy Richards
stacy@bringresults.com, Brand Solutions Manager.
With 25 years of brand advertising experience, Stacy carries an impressive resumé of past agency accounts, including Harley-Davidson, Mack Trucks, Minnesota Office of Tourism, and Polaris Snowmobiles, Watercraft, and ATVs. Stacy managed clients on the account side, leading both strategy and brand development.
She brings to the project:
- Brand Strategy
- Account Direction
- Content Supervision
- Process Management
- Operations
Approach_
Our approach to website development is the same, no matter site size or industry. We focus on bringing brand-led results through creative, video, and digital solutions. Therefore, before jumping straight into web development, we thoroughly get acquainted with the brand and plan how we can strategically communicate its strengths throughout the website. This insight comes from our Web/Brand audit that we execute at the start of the process. See below.
During the discovery phase, we walk clients through a Web/Brand Audit to uncover the relevant information, brand history, competitive overview, and marketing goals. With these findings and additional research, we plan key messaging, create target personas, and explore web functionality to reflect the brand. Once we have a solid understanding of the brand and how to communicate it, we move on to information architecture, site mapping, and navigation.
Discovery phase includes:
Collect and review web audits
Review client wish list
Asset & design file collection
Admin/login collection
Target research
Competitive research
Sitemapping
Content hierarchy
During the design phase, we integrate the brand promise into graphics and user experience. We present layouts for a homepage and specific internal pages to agree on colors, fonts, and site features. Once design elements are approved, we build a test site on a hidden server so you can interact with the site all the way through to the final launch. If in-house photography and video are needed to enhance the site, they will be produced during this phase.
Design & Development phase includes:
Create and present design options
Supply Google Doc for content input
Program responsive website
Deliver site for content insertion
Build a fully functional test site
Once we have final approval on the test site and have proofed, checked, and double-checked it, we will push it live. We will host and maintain your website to keep all plugins and software up-to-date and make sure the site remains free of bugs or broken links. This is an ongoing process and is performed on a scheduled basis.
Deploy phase includes:
Launch new website
Add Google Analytics
Archive old site
Redirect links
Begin site maintenance
Monthly traffic reports
5. Proposed Project Schedule_
| Phase One – Discovery; Complete By | 5-12-2023 |
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Initial Client Meeting, Web Audit, Review Creative Brief, Create/Approve Sitemap & Information Architecture, Present Wireframe |
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| Phase Two – Design & Develop; Complete By | 7-7-2023 |
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Present Page Designs, Collect Content (Body Copy, Files, and Images), Complete Development, Provide Test-Site Links for Progress, Review Full Site For Changes |
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| Phase Three – Deploy; Complete By | 8-4-2023 |
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Revisions, Final Proof, Additional SEO & Site Speed Measures, Add Accessibility Tools, Launch, Begin Maintenance |
|
6. Training Overview_
BRING includes and recommends in-depth training with key client personnel to make sure the new website can be updated and content controlled by the client. Our WordPress training session covers login, user management, media galleries, and image/copy editing. …….. and of course, follow up questions are welcome.
7. Other Items & Assumptions_
BRING acknowledges and agrees to the scope of work required as outlined in the RFP.
Assumptions are as follows:
- BRING will host a test site on an internal server during development so the team can review and proof before launch.
- BRING will incorporate ADA-compliant accessibility onto the site.
- BRING will set up all forms to be formatted, electronically submitted, and printable.
- BRING will provide estimates for any additional photography/video recommended or requested and not supplied by the client.
- BRING will transfer and organize 50% of existing posts/articles/content to the base website.
- BRING will meet the VOA team, but work with a single point person during development.
- BRING will include updates to VOA’s Google my Business page, and local listings.
- BRING will create a password-protected area where staff can upload share and securely store information and documents.
- BRING will develop a website that is mobile-friendly and integrate with MailChimp, RecDesk, All Paid, (Gov Pay), Municipal Online Payments, and CivicPlus.
References_
Brad Lange, Village Administrator | Village of Allouez – brad.lange@villageofallouezwi.gov
Heather Nohr, Marketing Director | Somerville Architects & Engineers – hnohr@somerville.com
Darin Schumacher, Marketing Director | OSMS – dschumacher@osmsgb.com
Chelsey Hare, Marketing Director | The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help – chare@championshrine.org
Erica Berger, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer | Village of Hobart – erica@hobart-wi.org