What We Do
Digital Strategy
Program Strategy & Planning
Each client is unique. Every organization has its own set of challenges and goals. The Brick Factory knows that to build an effective digital strategy, we must first understand the ambitions, assets and culture of a client. With each new engagement, we undertake a rigorous planning process that solves challenges unique to each client and turns abstract goals into concrete strategies.
Information Architecture
It may seem obvious, but the primary goal of every site should be to connect visitors to relevant content. Techniques such as user scenarios and card sorting enable us to help clients create clear, user-focused information architectures.
Content Audit & Strategy
When building websites, content is often treated as an afterthought. But content should instead be the starting point. It should drive the entire development process. We help clients maximize their content assets and develop strategies to keep their sites fresh.
Technology Audit & Strategy
Technology choices can make or break a project. From Content Management Systems to Customer Relationship Management to fundraising software to email list providers, there are a million products and picking the right options can be difficult and frustrating. We help our clients select a suite of tools that ensures their web program grows with their needs.
Design
Online Brand Identity
Online branding is about effectively telling an organization’s story to target audiences. The Brick Factory works hard to understand the story unique to each client. With that knowledge, we can develop an online brand that is a true reflection of who they are and what they do.
Website Design
Steve Jobs said this about design: “It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” We agree. Our goal for each client is to develop attractive, usable website designs that help them achieve their organizational goals.
User Interface Design
Designing a great website or piece of software is about making the complex simple. In all of our work, we strive to create great experiences for users and conversions for our clients. Attention to detail is what makes an interface great.
Interactive Design
Sometimes it takes more than text and photos to tell a story well. Luckily, online storytelling can take advantage of and be supplemented by infographics, video and interactive maps. We pride ourselves in knowing what online tools and techniques are needed to tell each client story.
Technology
Content Management Systems
The Brick Factory specializes in building web programs that are powered by best-in-class open source Content Management Systems such as Wordpress and Drupal. The needs of each client are different, and we work closely with each of them to pick the best tool for the job.
Custom Applications
We believe in using existing tools whenever possible. But sometimes we run into new challenges and must build something from scratch. From mobile applications to online products to Facebook apps, our team has the knowledge and experience to build something exactly to the specifications of each client.
Mobile Design and Development
Ten percent of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. That percentage is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years as the sales of smartphones and tablets continue to explore. From mobile applications to responsive design, we help clients create and implement smart mobile strategies.
Testing & Quality Control
“Little things, done right, matter,” says media strategist Renny Gleeson. “Well-designed moments build brands." We couldn’t agree more. We immerse ourselves in the details. Before the launch of any new client project, we perform a rigorous quality control program that makes sure each site gets the details right.
Ongoing Services
Training & Support
We want our clients to become self-sufficient. And when building web programs, we strive to create systems that they can largely manage on their own. The Brick Factory offers ongoing training and support services to ensure our clients have the skills they need to perform routine tasks themselves.
Search (SEO and SEM)
Google, Bing and other top search engines drive the majority of traffic to most websites. We develop ongoing strategies for clients to ensure that their site appears on the results pages of targeted keywords. We also manage paid search campaigns aimed at driving traffic and building supporter bases.
Social Media Marketing and Optimization
Web users spend a significant amount of their time online on social networks. We assist clients so that they maintain a professional presence on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. We also help them optimize their websites to maximize traffic driven by these networks.
In an era of social networks and apps, email is often a forgotten tool. But used correctly, it’s still effective for increasing traffic, facilitating donations and raising awareness. We help clients deploy smart strategies to build their email list. We also help them optimize their messages to ensure the emails they send have an impact.
Online Fundraising
Money doesn’t just start flowing in simply because an organization places a donation page on its site. Online fundraising requires focus, message discipline and a reliance on analytics. We work with our clients to develop effective online fundraising strategies.
Measurement & Analytics
Part of our planning process with new clients involves setting clear goals and metrics for the program. After the launch of a website, we work with clients to track the success of their efforts and to shift course based on what is working and what isn’t.
Products
ImpactWatch
ImpactWatch is The Brick Factory’s proprietary media monitoring solution. It’s used by brands, trade associations and advocacy groups to track the issues that impact them.
Giving eCards
Giving eCards is a simple way for non-profits and advocacy groups to raise money online. The system allows for eCards to be uploaded to a custom organizational page. Visitors can then make donations and send eCards in honor of friends and family.
