8(a) | HUBZone | SERB | MBE | WBE | SDB

Before

The Web site was only 2 years old, but its age in design was already beginning to show. Bold colors and a static home page, while once popular, now appeared dated. Navigation was cumbersome for site visitors. Visitors were required to make a choice from the outset—were they seeking local tips or national tips?  When "Local" was selected, the viewer immediately had to provide their zip code- with no explanation. However, selecting "National" tips required no information on the part of the visitor-it created confusion, and so the vast majority of site visitors only utilized the "National" portion of the Web site. It simply took too long to obtain the information a visitor was seeking, and local sponsors were not receiving the visibility they needed.

Changes

The new Web site is information driven and focused on the visitor's approach. Several changes were implemented, among them navigation, layout, functionality, and design.  Essentially, only the content remained.  Significantly more navigation was included on the home page. Site visitors have 21 links to choose from, but navigation is easier than before.  This is because the layout of the home page gives the viewer visual cues.

 
"The new Web site enhances our ability to
renew sponsors because they see the
improvements to the Web site and the
increased exposure it has received."

-John Etchieson
President

The Results

Web site statistics indicate that www.bbbtips.org receives three times the site visitors today than it did prior to the redesign. "Sponsors are excited and looking in to us. Local BBB chapters refer to the site more frequently, provide links from their sites into ours, increasing our search engine ranking, enabling us to reach more consumers. The list goes on and on," said John Etchieson of the BBBTips Web site. 

Already, the new Web site shows promise of more funding for the BBB consumer education project. "Our sponsors really look at how they are featured on the Web site," John explained, "Last year's earnings are expected to be matched this month, only 4 months since the new site was launched. I have high expectations for significantly increased growth this year."