The Client and Their Brief
Movem is a student property portal designed to make the process of finding accommodation as simple as possible. The site contained numerous properties across the UK, each containing detailed information such as the property’s condition, amenities, location and local services. The platform also allowed users to leave reviews, which further contributed to helping future tenants make more informed decisions. The client had worked with a number of freelance developers previously but approached us as they wanted more stability from a long term development partner. Their first requirement was to ensure that the code base was leaner, cleaner and more secure; after which we were to focus on overhauling the user interface to make it more attractive and navigable, including new filters, search bars and styles. Finally, a number of new features needed to be implemented to help grow the site and to better serve its members.
What We Did
The client provided us with access to the server and the back-end of the WordPress site so that we could begin optimising the codebase. We were also provided with a series of designs to illustrate how the new interface and functionality should appear.
Optimised The Existing Code
Our first task was to understand the existing codebase so that we could best determine how it could be improved. As the site had been built by multiple freelancers, we found a number of inconsistencies in the way code was written as well as unused or redundant scripts. Following our inspection, we were able to effectively refactor the codebase, improve core functionality and minify stylesheets and script files, all of which contributed towards improving the overall speed and performance of the site.
New Front-end & Functionality
A key requirement was for us to improve the overall UX and appearance of the site based on the designs provided. As the site was built within WordPress on a custom theme, we began by modifying the existing PHP templates for each page and component to reflect the new designs. Following this, the client wanted to improve the way in which users find properties on the site, we therefore implemented a dynamic AJAX query to give the impression of a predictive search. The client also requested the implementation of a custom advertising system to help monetise the platform. This required us to allow users to get in touch so they could pay for priority listings and display ad banners on the site. We also implemented the Google Maps API in order to allow points of interest to be plotted on a map to display their distance from the property.
The Result
The new Movem website was far more usable and attractive to users, providing a much better range of tools with which to review previously rented houses and to identify potential new houses which match their rental requirements. This was reflected in the increased number of visitors and housing reviews which appeared on the new site, and Movem was able to make the leap from being a student focused property site into a main stream general lettings site. Movem has also managed to further raise a number of investment rounds – including two rounds of crowdfunding – which stands as a testament to the trust and interest which the site has built with its user base and the wider public.
How It Looks
A Word From The Client
Square Flame have been awesome for us. We’ve used them for years and they’ve been fantastic. Would highly recommend.
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Get In Touch
Thank you for your interest in our business. If you have any questions about our services, a project you’d like us to help with, or if you just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!
