An example of the success of Polar Design’s full-service approach, Criminal Watchdog, Inc. (CWD) turned to Polar Design to build its brand, technology and online marketing from the ground up.  Our team consulted with CWD to define its target audience and create a compelling visual message.  This included a logo and look and feel that, in concert, portrays a company that is established yet technology driven.  Our design team carefully engineered a look that utilizes photos and colors to convey peace of mind, stability, without completely falling prey to stereotypical corporate web design approaches (the interface and design also features unique design elements).  

Upon completion of the branding and design phase, we developed a technical design document outlining in detail CWD’s business requirements and functionality, as is part of our standard process.  Following review and revision of this document with the CWD, our development team developed the solution following the document guidelines, including background search tools, e-commerce, user security and transaction modules of the site.  Programming progressed quickly thanks to the web site and software architecture planning done ahead of time. 

The project featured significant technical challenges since information ordered on the site needed to be obtained from a third party database.  Accordingly, Polar Design developed a web services interface based on XML Soap to access that data upon confirmation of successful purchase with the site's credit card processor.  The solution came to include extensive error handling for any disruptions in connectivity with the third party databases and transaction processor utilized to deliver Criminal Watchdog's reports to its customers.

Finally, we launched an aggressive link popularity campaign that grew visitor traffic (see chart above) and revenues by approximately 20% month to month since inception in July, 2004 through March, 2005.  The site was able to break even on marketing, hosting and maintenance costs after a 7 month campaign, and has now moved to provide the owner a solid return on his investment.  Best of all, based on the nature of link popularity and unlike pay-per-click or banner advertising, were the client to cease marketing expenditures tomorrow, its sales would continue at the same level achieved at the end of the search engine marketing campaign.