Hodge Podge

What is “hodge podge”, besides that Jeopardy category where they throw in the other questions/answers that past shows never got to?  Hodge podge for me is where I share something random.  It can be a particular project or something going on in the industry or another topic.

The first thing I would like to share is an organization we have consulted and whose online presence we have helped manage for a number of years – Domestic Violence Services Snohomish County.  This organization does great work for people in incredible need.  They host several fundraising events each year, proceeds of which help to support their shelter for adults and children.  It’s a hard topic to face, but critically important to many communities in our country.

My work with DVS has been twofold – social media and website design.  I started work with them on social media, helping to raise the profile of their Facebook page with consistent content.  Particularly important was posting about and promoting upcoming events.  I am happy to say that the success following this social media marketing has been stupendous.  Some events have doubled the money raised since the social media marketing began.  Now I can’t say that ALL of that is thanks to social media, but from the spike in engagement, reach and audience, it’s a probable factor.

The other thing I have done with DVS is to completely redesign and rework their website.  The website was on an outdated site platform (the downside of what happens when that popular site builder you’re using is no longer maintained).  We redesigned it from the ground up, making several improvements along the way.  These focused on making sure that site visitors could get help quickly, like having phone numbers be clickable.  Visuals played a more important role with several key links presented in multiple ways.

I always feel great when a job is well done, but feel even moreso when I know that it is benefiting a great organization doing great work like DVS.