The Background
A leading construction lender for real estate development projects was looking for ways to optimize their web presence and build their digital brand. Built in WordPress, their existing website served them well for many years and they were now ready to enhance it as part of their digital marketing efforts while, in tandem, they were evaluating the possibility of a complete overhaul.
There were opportunities to improve the website to better serve the business goals. Configuring Google Search Console correctly was necessary for the company to receive valuable insights about the website's performance in Google search results.
Additionally, the client wanted to optimize their backup strategy. Looking into performance metrics from PageSpeed Insights revealed numerous unresolved issues and improper settings.
The company teamed up with Dura Digital to conduct a “deep dive” of their existing domain, look for opportunities to enhance the web presence, and evaluate options for a future revamp.
The Challenge
Dura Digital was tasked to do a “deep dive” into their existing web experience, looking for opportunities the way the website was managed, and looking for ways to optimize and customize it to meet their needs.
During an initial exploration of the website and discussions with the client, Dura Digital focused on conducting the following efforts:
- Google Search Console & Google Tag Manager configuration
- Backup plan evaluation
- Web performance & accessibility
- WordPress plugin audit & update (core, theme, plugins)
- Sitemap configuration
After accessing the hosting provider and WordPress backend, Dura Digital found opportunities for optimization that were prioritized with the client to maximize the time value to be provided.
The Solution
To accelerate results, Dura Digital grouped the effort into five main areas:
General Checks
This involved obtaining the correct credentials for WordPress, Hosting, and Google Marketing tools, which could potentially block progress if not secured.
SEO Configuration
Setting up Google Search Console, Analytics, and Tag Manager. Reviewing, curating, and monitoring the sitemap.
Performance & Accessibility
Using the curated sitemap pages with the client's prioritization, the Dura Digital team looked for opportunities to enhance website performance. This helped address the most important tasks in an organized and clear manner.
WordPress Website
Verifying the backup plan, creating a staging environment for plugin audits (updates and removals), and optimizing assets through proper theme configuration and image optimization.
Discoveries
Identifying improvement opportunities while working on the site. This helped document new tasks and prioritize them accordingly.
The Results
Following Dura Digital's three-week intensive review, the client's team made significant strides in enhancing their website management. Optimization efforts on WordPress and the hosting platform improved page performance metrics significantly, from 54 to 82 (+28) points, accessibility from 80 to 91 (+11) points, and best practices from 92 to 100 (+8) points.
Google Search Console's core web vitals assessment improved to a status of Passed for mobile pages.
Dura Digital provided website management guides to the company for them to easily manage their website quickly and confidently moving forward, along with details about the next steps to act on opportunities for further improvement.
By identifying and addressing key improvements to the way they manage their website, the company can now focus on running their business and building the best digital presence for their customers.
Services Provided
- Web development
- Technical support
