ABOUT

The brief called for a creative digital agency to redesign the existing website (integrating with Tessitura ticketing technology) and assist in positioning the Royal Exchange Theatre as an internationally recognised centre of excellence. Following a competitive UK wide tender, we were excited to be selected and celebrate our growing portfolio of clients within the arts sector.

Beginning with an in-depth analysis of RET’s market position and the marketplace as a whole, opportunities for future growth were identified to facilitate the redesign of the website, making best use of information architecture and key user journeys. Opportunities highlighted to improve RET’s positioning were to expand the content, make the website more social and attract quality inbound links. Further improvements were to include greater integration of high quality imagery and video, which tends to attract more visitors and engagement, making the site more of an authority to search engines.

Our experience of best practice responsive design in combination with work across numerous complex Tessitura integration projects meant we were able to not only hit the brief but support the RET in addressing a number of further core considerations. With the volume of updates and flexibility required in mind, an open source content management system such as Joomla was essential for the RET, allowing staff to take full control of their website moving forward.

The bespoke design means content is now accessible in just a few clicks, encouraging users to interact with the site and in turn, enhancing the site’s performance and the user experience.

Alongside full social media integration which promotes an active and engaged online community the website boasts features including a shopping cart, the ability to select your own seats and a donate function.