Behind the Name

Bringing a 30 year old web business into the 21st century

Project

Strategic AI-proofing (phase 1)

My role

Principal consultant

Business problem

Behind the Name is a respected but dated information website with legacy design in a rapidly changing, AI-first world. Without a pivot, the site will decline.

Solution

Focus on AI-proof features such as social, proprietary data, and interactive tools.

Outcome

Implementation underway. My previous results for BTN include user growth, increased pageviews and engagement time, and, most importantly, the first profitable year for the business.

Full case study

A homepage that sends value traffic to valuable pages

The old homepage had a number of usability issues, as well as a dated appearance that might turn away the search-driven visitors upon which the site relies. The new design is more visually appealing, increasing credibility, and puts the focus on features which retain visitors and turn them into regular users.

Improving the first impression of visitors

Most search traffic comes through one-level-deep information pages. These pages also needed substantial redesign work as well as internal advertising that directs traffic to the high-engagement, high-conversion pages.

Change management

One of the site's assets, and a linchpin of its social-first strategy, is its core of users. Without them, any new users will not have a community to join. Thus, not alienating them with sudden changes to the user experience is paramount. This redesign includes a staged implementation plan.