How we streamlined Apollo's referral system with a single page website and contact form
Jordan has amassed clients and strong reviews in a short space of time because he delivers quality results fast. New ideas and abundant energy. I gave a complex and changeable brief which Jordan listened to, ran with, and transformed into a professional website with both clear presentation of information and tasteful flair.
Introduction
When Liam Doherty, founder of Apollo Developments, approached us to design and build a new website, we knew this project would be special. Apollo Developments is dedicated to providing positive activities and mentorship to young people with social, emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues. Given the profound impact of Liam's work, the website needed to reflect his mission's importance and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Goal for the Site
Apollo Developments needed a single-page website that could showcase the incredible work Liam does, attract referrals, and connect with the community. The site needed to resonate with diverse audiences, including children, parents, teachers, social workers, and other referring professionals.
The Challenge
The main challenge was to create a single-page design that communicated Liam’s values, mission, and services to various demographics. It was crucial to ensure that the website provided a clear and engaging journey for each audience member without alienating any group. Liam’s message is vital, and there was no room for allowing people to drop off before accessing the help they need. Additionally, Liam wanted to ensure that his funds were primarily directed toward helping the youth, so the website needed to be cost-effective.
Services Provided
- Web Design: We designed a single-page website that encapsulates the essence of Apollo Developments. The design uses a premium layout, easy navigation, and well-thought-out language to ensure that Liam's message is clear and compelling.
- Custom Design in Figma: Utilising Figma, we crafted a visually appealing design incorporating Apollo Red (Pantone Warm Red U) to maintain brand consistency and evoke a sense of trust and excitement.
- Development and Programming: The site was developed using Astro and Sanity, providing a custom CMS that allows Liam to update and manage the site easily. This setup ensures full creative control without any limitations and includes comprehensive training to enable independent management.
Design Approach
Our design focused on creating a visually appealing and functional single-page website. We integrated vibrant colours and engaging content to capture the dynamic nature of Apollo Developments. Liam already had an amazing brand with established colours and a logo, which allowed us to design a cohesive and attractive website around these elements.
Mission Statement
During our discussions, Liam shared a powerful quote that encapsulated his mission perfectly:
"I founded Apollo with a definite mission, to positively impact the life trajectories of Guernsey’s young people through activities and mentorship. If we want happy, resilient, and productive members of society, we need proactive interventions with young people who have lost their way. Apollo is making their support an unquestioned priority, as if the world depends on it. Self-emancipated slave Frederick Douglass said it better: 'It is easier to build strong children than to repair weak men.'"
Recognising the impact of this statement, we pulled it out and used it prominently on the site as his mission statement, ensuring visitors understand the core of Apollo's mission right away.
Navigation and Functionality
Even though it was a single-page site, we created a robust navigation system that allows users to jump to important sections of the page effortlessly. This navigation is fully controllable through the Sanity CMS, enabling Liam to add or modify links as needed, making the site highly adaptable and user-friendly.
Premium Animations
To add a touch of sophistication, we incorporated premium animations using GSAP (GreenSock Animation Platform). These animations enhance the user experience by providing smooth transitions and dynamic interactions, making the site engaging and memorable.
Custom CMS with Astro and Sanity
The custom CMS built with Astro and Sanity provides Liam with full creative control over his website content. This setup allows him to update the site easily, ensuring it remains current without needing extensive technical knowledge. The CMS enables Liam to focus more on his critical work with the youth rather than on managing the website.
The Results
The new website for Apollo Developments successfully achieved its goals. It became a central hub for referrals and showcased the high-quality work that Liam does. The visually appealing design, coupled with easy navigation and engaging content, ensured that visitors could easily understand Liam’s mission and the positive impact of his work.
Client Testimonial
“Jordan has amassed clients and strong reviews in a short space of time because he delivers quality results fast. New ideas and abundant energy. I gave a complex and changeable brief which Jordan listened to, ran with, and transformed into a professional website with both clear presentation of information and tasteful flair.”