The scope of work included updating both the back and front-end of its online platform and members portal. Having conducted a phase of pre-project consultancy it became apparent that while improving the efficacy and effectiveness of the website back end, it was also important to the client that the development team for this project was able to maintain the features and functionality that were already in place, particularly the functioning platforms’ ‘Consumer’ and ‘Member’ zones. 

The second key element of the project was that the new look and feel of the site should prompt user engagement. ABTA wanted a website that would aid productivity and interaction among its members and had a clear direction of how it wanted to achieve this, requiring an agency that could accurately interpret this vision and make it a reality.

Key features of the project:

• Brand new CMS solution is driven by a Drupal Front-End
• Laravel Back-End integration to complement the new CMS
• Search Engine Optimisation gains
• Increased engagement with Member interaction and number of users
• CRM API integration
• Fully managed hosting service
• Ongoing support contract to ensure the smooth running of solution

Working closely with ABTA and understanding its requirements, we advised that the legacy CMS system, Expression Engine, was to be replaced with a Drupal front-end paired with a Laravel back-end. This would give ABTA more control over its site. We also implemented React Instant Search for its member search functionality to significantly upgrade the search mechanism thus improving the member user experience. 

The project went through a full and detailed scoping cycle, both in terms of the design and also with regards to the more technical aspects of the platform, this included areas such as member application, self-service areas and CRM integration to name a few. 

As a full-service digital agency, we were able to offer ABTA a range of in-house services and solutions to supplement the project and ensure its success. The website build took place during the introduction of GDPR, which presented a perfect opportunity for us to work closely with ABTA to optimise and refine the database while removing information that no longer complied with the new GDPR regulations.

ABTA opted for one of our fully-managed hosting packages, while our Search Marketing team were able to ensure that any previous Search Engine Optimisation was carried over to the new site. The deployment was carefully planned in order to minimise the impact on its existing members and ABTA was very satisfied with the outcome of the project.

ABTA has continued to be a highly valued support client and our service team have continued to work closely with its team defining and improving its member self-service web offering and other aspects of the site.