Challenge
The client came to DigiGround with a request for Oktion, an online silent auction app, that could be used for bidding, raising funds, making donations and running auction events. Additionally, they wanted a website and branding for the app, and a marketing plan to help commercialise the product. The client wanted to market the application to both non-profit organisations and general consumers, as well as schools and venues.
Solution
DigiGround would develop a mobile application and admin panel to meet the client’s needs. The app would be available on any device and accessible from any location and would be monitored and kept up to date by the DigiGround team. We plan to begin contacting non-profit and charity organisations to potentially form partnerships. We want to work alongside these organisations to help them with their cause and raise greater funds through Oktion. We would put together a database of every non-profit and charity organisation in Australia, and we plan to begin contacting each organisation personally to find out how we can meet their needs. We would also market to schools, community groups and event centres for the same purpose. With general consumers, we plan to advertise the product to them through digital marketing methods including social media posting, social media advertising and search advertising. Website design and development Objective The client needed a website that people could visit to learn more about Oktion and to download the app. The website would include information about how to use the Oktion app, its aims and its partners. There would also be policies and contact information available on the website. Strategy DigiGround’s web design team created a vibrant website that uses Oktion’s brand colours and style. It was designed to capture the uplifting and inclusive nature of the application. To achieve this, our web designers used eye-catching images and graphics and a fullwidth, modern website layout. The Oktion logo, colours and fonts appear throughout the website. The website wasn’t intended to convert visitors to Oktion users. Instead, its aim was to give visitors more information on Oktion and how it can benefit their auction events. It is essential that visitors know all the functions and features of Oktion and how they can be used to enhance the auction experience. We set up the website in WordPress to allow the client to easily manage and update the website when needed. DigiGround also offered website maintenance and hosting for Oktion. The content was written by DigiGround and added into the site, complete with search engine optimisation (SEO). Get online SEO management Objective The client had a beautiful website created by the DigiGround web developers, but users had no way of finding it. Likewise, Oktion wasn’t appearing in Google searches for their name or important keywords. The Oktion app needed a solution to enable themselves to be found online. Strategy Instead of only focusing on increasing website traffic, DigiGround implemented an SEO strategy that targeted those who are looking for the services offered by Oktion. The first step was to research the target audience and choose keywords that they are more likely to search for. Once the keywords were chosen, we then began onsite and offsite optimisation. We updated the content, meta tags and image tags to include the keywords. We also added keywords to inbound internal links and to descriptions on Oktion’s social media pages. DigiGround created a Google My Business page to enhance Oktion’s visibility and submitted the site to directories and content submission websites. This would create more backlinks to the website and get Oktion in front of more internet users. We submitted the sitemap to search engines and set up their Google Analytics for monitoring and reporting. Social media management Objective The Oktion app was being used at a live silent auction event for the first time. To promote the event and the app, Oktion needed to build an online presence and have a space to connect with users and guests. To make this possible, Oktion would require social media set up and management. Strategy We found that the best social media networks for Oktion were Instagram and Facebook. Instagram would enable us to post images from events and live stream events to Oktion’s followers. Facebook was where most of Oktion’s users and target audience were located. DigiGround’s social media manager set up the Oktion social pages complete with SEO-friendly descriptions. We discussed our goals for the social media and created posts accordingly. These posts would go up once a day on Facebook. The posts would engage the user, providing fun points, useful tips and information about the Oktion app. The posts would encourage users to visit the website and download the app. Graphic design Objective The Oktion app had no branding when the client first came to us. They needed to develop a brand identity and graphic designs that captured this branding. It needed to be relevant, innovative and premium. The branding needed to engage their target market and speak for itself. Strategy Before we could begin work on any of Oktion’s required services (application development, website development, social media management), DigiGround needed to put together the Oktion brand guidelines. We worked with the client to develop the brand colours, fonts, logos and style. Our graphic designers created images and patterns that work in the app and website. The brand identity was based around the idea of creating positive change and bringing people together. The designers selected inclusive, fun and professional photos that highlighted the convenience of the Oktion app without compromising style or sophistication. When designing the application, DigiGround followed this brand identity while also ensuring that the app met modern application standards and provided a user-friendly display. Both the app and website designs were simple and organised, improving comprehension and usability. This kept content to a minimum and boosted the ease of use.
Results
The result was a solid brand identity, a beautiful and easy to use application, and a website design that reflects both the branding and the application. The Oktion design is instantly recognisable by the user thanks to the consistency in design. DigiGround has received positive feedback from users about the UI of the app, with common remarks being that Oktion is user-friendly, attractive and easy to understand. Our social media management efforts have increased Oktion’s visibility on Facebook and resulted in a huge growth in impressions and reach. There is a good number of users clicking the links through to the Oktion website, which shows that the audience is engaged and interested in learning more. We will continue working on boosting Oktion’s online presence even more. Since we implemented SEO for Oktion, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of visitors they’re getting. They have also been gaining ranks in search engines for their important longtail keywords. DigiGround constantly monitors the Oktion website and Google Analytics data so that we can respond to updates to search engine algorithms and make sure the site is optimised at all times. We provide monthly SEO reporting and maintenance. The website was designed and developed with close collaboration with the client. The result was a very informative and modern website that is optimised for every device and browser. Our web developers are regularly updating the site to keep it fresh and current. The website successfully gives Oktion an online presence and a destination to which users can visit for help and support.
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