ayrmer software :: news :: best balance of flexibility and speed of development :: february, 2010
Travel Publishing Limited initially approached us to discuss integrating Google Maps into
their existing website last year. Following the integration - using the
Google Maps Application Platform Interface (API) -
we made some observations about the website. As a result, Chris Day asked us
to make a number of enhancements that included automatic meta tag generation
based on page content and an improved user interface for the
search page.
We don't normally publish entire testimonials, but on this occasion we have as Chris' comments reflect a genuine client experience and one we are proud of at Ayrmer Software.
Travel Publishing Ltd has, for many years, published a series of guidebooks
covering the UK, most of which take advertising. Around 10 years ago the company
created its first website offering an entry on the site to all advertisers included
in the guide books. This site www.travelpublishing.co.uk went through a number
of revisions including incorporating the Google Maps API until, in early 2009, it was
decided a complete revamp was required including changing the site URL to the more
evocative www.findsomewhere.co.uk.
As the original site was not database driven there was considerable manual effort
needed to update the site as each new guidebook was published. We also wanted to
offer a web-only solution to advertisers, which, with the existing site, was too
difficult to maintain.
The main focus for the new site, as well as simplicity of updating, was to enable a
user to easily obtain focussed results based on the selection of type of establishment
and location. It had to be intuitive, easy to use and quick to return results. We
were not looking to maximise the number of page views for each advertiser but to
ensure the user would arrive on an advertiser page relevant to their requirements - i.e. give
advertisers high quality prospects. In addition we wanted to make available our valuable
editorial information on cities, towns and villages around the UK to improve traffic to
the site and drive users to the advertising pages.
It was felt that the development would need to go through a number of iterations and
therefore working with a smaller software house would be both more flexible and
cheaper. Having discussed the outline specification with a number of suppliers it
was clear there was a considerable difference in perceived costs and time frames
for the development. Ayrmer Software was selected as it seemed to give the best
balance of flexibility and speed of development but with a sensible cost base. In
addition we felt they understood the issues and were prepared to adapt during the
development phase as necessary. This has proved to be the case.
The resulting website www.findsomewhere.co.uk is underpinned by a database, which can
be quickly and easily updated. Google Maps have been used to support the geographical nature
of the site and keyword / metatag creation software has been developed for the keyword
search facility on the primary search page and to provide information to spiders.
We are pleased with both the functionality and cost of the end result. As a result we
feel we now have an appropriate solution for advertisers requiring an effective
advertising platform on the web covering many different types of establishments
in the UK.
Chris Day, Travel Publishing Limited
If you would like to discuss the integration of Google Maps API - or indeed any other APIs, like Twitter or Facebook - please contact us.
