The City of Hagerstown contracted us to plan, map out and create a new web presence that would promote a new specialized economic development initiative. After listening to the goals of the project, we recommended building a set of tools that can actively be used by city staff, current business owners, and new business prospects, instead of a static brochure-style website.
The site also includes a custom content management system that allows the city to update it whenever they want without any programming knowledge required. From adding text to images to updating page title tags, practically everything is managed in the CMS while maintaining its simplicity and easy of use. The city decided that instead of relying on one staff member to keep the entire site fresh and relevant, they wanted to assign staff to specific sections — we added a user permissions module so that staff personnel could only update their assigned section. We also included some safeguards to prevent those “oops!” moments.
The site plan includes separate phases, with “Phase 1″ being launched in September.
Hagerstown Advance has been a fun project to work on and it means a lot to us that this initiative is successful because we live and/or work in Hagerstown. And with our past experience in specialized economic development projects, it was natural fit for us.
We’re continuing to add content and new features to the site, so be sure to check it often. www.hagerstownadvance.com
Note: The Hagerstown Advance project also includes a DVD which was produced by High Rock Studios, and print pieces which were created by High Rock Studios and Fleetwood Design. High Rock also designed the Hagerstown Advance logo and Ridgerunner Publishing provided all of the photography.
