“In just 4 days after launch, our redesigned website for Keys generated more high-quality school placement enquiries than the previous site had received in six months.”
Conor Powers - Head of Marketing at Keys Group
The Challenge
When Keys approached us, their websites had major user and operational challenges...
A fragmented structure: The two sites—Keys and Education—functioned independently, creating confusion for users and splitting SEO potential.
Difficult navigation: Users struggled to find relevant information or move smoothly between pages, especially when transitioning from the schools listing back to the core site.
Operational bottlenecks: Updating content was slow, difficult and inflexible, meaning even the simplest of change resulted in extra development costs.
User engagement challenges: The site offered limited functionality, with no meaningful pathways for informed enquiries or action.
A dated aesthetic: Basic layouts, stock imagery, and slow performance failed to inspire confidence or reflect the vibrant essence of the Keys brand.
Previous Website
The Solution
Through our two-phased user centred approach, we created a modern website aligned with Keys’ goals and needs of their audience, including:
Unified experience: We consolidated the two sites into a seamless, integrated website that aligns with the Keys brand.
Streamlined navigation: A restructured architecture to make it easier for users to find what they need.
Empowered content creators: Built on the powerful Umbraco CMS, the new site allows for dynamic page layouts, enabling the team to respond quickly to changing needs.
User-focused conversion paths: We improved the customer journey, creating clearer pathways from awareness to informed action.
A vibrant new look: Using updated brand photography and interactive elements, the site now truly reflects the professionalism and energy of Keys.
Improved accessibility: Language variants in English and Welsh, light and dark modes, and accessibility-focused HTML and JavaScript.
A platform for growth: A new, clean architecture eliminated technical debt and future-proofed the website, which is now ready to grow with the business.
New Website
The Impact
More referrals in a single week compared to the whole of the previous year, plus:
70X more referrals: Thanks to the improved user experience and optimised conversion funnels.
Happier marketers: Thanks to the powerful, flexible, and easy to use Content Management System (CMS).
Increased buy-in: From senior management who have been impressed with the immediate return on investment.
Better understanding: Of visitor behaviour, pain points, and actions - thanks to advanced user behavioural analytics.
Looking ahead
Our partnership with Keys continues to help improve the website even more, through our ongoing 'Website Experience & Optimisation' service, which includes:
KPI tracking and measurement: Tracking of key success metrics to capture meaningful insights.
Proactive monthly optimisation: Data-driven analysis and experimentation to increase KPIs.
True measurement of the user experience: Using our Smile Index framework to measure the success, easy, and emotional experience of users - helping us understand how we can make the experience better and better.
Strategic reviews and roadmap planning: Workshops and planning to align business needs with market opportunities and user feedback.