How has the environment changed in your field since you first started business?
When we first started out, Online media was not at it’s peak in the country. Many of our clients then needed reassurances about investing in online media as websites were not given much importance. Competitive rates for Internet services were not offered either which did not help the development of the industry. However as time went by companies in the region began to see the benefits of online media. Today there is a healthy growth in the industry, companies are getting returns from their online investment. Websites are treated as important for a better brand perception.
Internet is growing at a rapid rate especially in Bahrain, nearly about 420,000 internet users are active in comparison to mere 40,000 in 2000. This has given something for the Bahrain corporates to think about and the growth is a reflection of that.
Can you briefly describe the new trends in website design and how a more sophisticated interface can realistically add value to your clients in terms of their bottom lines?
Beside content, a website heavily relies over user experience, which generates perception about the company or product it is representing. Business analysis and Information architecture plays a key role in developing a website which is targeted to its audience.
A well-developed website always meets the target audience’s expectation and generates returns for your investment. If you ask me frankly, any site which provides good ROI to our client is bound to be in our good books, however it is important to keep your website trendy which gives unique experience to the user.
Present trends like full screen websites, print like design elements and unique navigation allow for a better depth of penetration and an increase in positive perceptions.
You provide various professional web services and solutions. Which area is most financially rewarding?
Costing models can be fairly tricky for agencies as it is rather difficult to put a price on creativity. This is partially a reason for such a difference in pricing between agencies. Here at 4SPOTS we follow a resource utilisation model, which essentially means that various services are irrelevant because every project requires a specific set of resources. The utilisation of these resources determines the cost. This is also another reason we are able to provide our services to potential clients at a very reasonable rate.
Do you outsource any part of your services? If so, to where?
Over the years we have developed certain procedures of development and determined what works for our client and what does not. It is very difficult for someone not part of the team to understand these procedures easily. Hence we do not prefer to outsource our important services, however certain services e.g Hosting, requires specialisation. Hence we have business partners as we feel it is more feasible for us to leave it to specialists for those particular services.
Throughout your years of operation, what challenges have you faced in delivering excellence and creativity to your clients?
Bringing ourselves to par with strong international agencies in other markets such as the west was a challenging aspect of our work. In order to achieve this we have constantly forced ourselves to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry. From a development perspective, we have had to constantly update our work with newer browser standards for example and the changing face of the internet.
From a design perspective however, we have always had to push harder, research and understand the client’s perception of the brand. In addition to this we have to filter through various elements of brand guidelines to achieve the most visually appealing product. At the end of each day, we make sure that any work that crosses our desks is ground breaking with regards to both technology and design.
What type of website design is most popular amongst your clients? How long is the design process?
Full screen designs or sites with liquid resolution features like those used for Portamoda, are quite popular with some of our clients. Innovative navigation like the one we created for Majaal (www.Majaal.com) and GBCorp (www.gbcorponline.com) is something that brings a fresh user experience. Printalike designs are back! Though we love to design graphics intensive sites, it is important not to get carried away and stick to the brand guideline and requirement of the client and design accordingly. Each design process varies depending on the requirements of the client.
Once the website is designed what specific after sales services do you provide?
Once the project is completed, we then work closely with the client in monitoring the site, analysing activity within the site and recommending further additions to the site in terms of content and features. We also take responsibility for the management of the website through a retainer which reduces the load on the client in keeping the site upto date.
Given the current global volatility, have you faced financial constraints from your clients in terms of the production value of your websites?
Oddly enough we have not yet faced any real change in the market as many of our clients have not reduced their online budgets. It is important for companies to step up their communication strategy during the recession and we are quite happy that many of our clients have realised this and are pushing full steam ahead with our recommendations.
How do you see Bahrain developing in terms of the regional online media industry?
Adoption of new trends is natural in the Kingdom. Bahrainis stand out as technophiles and this is what makes it so exciting to be here. The infrastructure within the country is improving and with the influx of talented and qualified professionals I don’t see any reason why Bahrain shouldn’t take the place of being at the forefront of the online media sector in the region.
Are there any plans for expansion of the services you provide? If so when, what and why?
We are actively looking into SAAS (Software as a Service) and will be investing in more portals in the future.
How do you see yourself in the Middle Eastern Online media Industry? What future contributions do you hope to provide?
We are growing quite fast in Bahrain and are now expanding our client base across the Middle East. This is largely due to the levels of satisfaction of our clients and our focus on quick turnarounds and quality offering. We hope to contribute to the industry by increasing the focus on quality and creativity.
With such a vast and cost effective pool of Web professionals at hand in India, are plans for regional expansion realistic?
While it is cost effective to outsource a lot of work to India, I think a company has to decide between agencies that understand the region and agencies that do not.
Also most part of the website development requires person to person interaction and understanding of client’s requirement and the brand perception of the team towards the same , hence I would think regional expansion is realistic.
In what specific ways are you extending your brand in order to capitalise on the current New Media craze that has taken the shape of social networking platforms?
In a recession based economy; organizations realize the value of accountable digital media. As a digital agency, we’re ready to provide unique solutions.
We’re looking beyond corporate websites. With the onset of social media, people influence other people. 85% will make a point of telling other people about a product that impresses them. The fact that they pass on your message and influence others multiplies your message and makes your money work harder for you. Bahrain has a strong internet penetration but the area that is growing within the digital market is the mobile industry with over 130% penetration and so it is only right for us over 2010 to extend our services into social media and the mobile market. We have been responsible for a few very successful social media campaigns. For example, we are responsible for creating one of the fastest growing Facebook pages in Bahrain for a retail client.