Using audits to drive change, Mechanics Bank launched with a new CMS and an improved design that follows web best practices. Find out how.
A New Web Presence for a Regional Powerhouse
Gate City Bank worked with Blend on a total site overhaul — from discovery to development and launch. Now, with a new design and Optimizely implementation, their new site is ready to soar.
Client
For over 100 years, Gate City Bank has dedicated itself to creating a better way of life for its community — both customers and employees. For a bank with a century-long history, a new website needed more than a quick coat of paint — and that’s where Blend came in.
Blend’s work with Gate City Bank began at the organization's heart: there are many moving parts within a bank community, and getting the right people on board as soon as possible is essential. Discovery focused on competitive research, design inspiration, and a complete set of wireframes and a proposed site map — all with a mind toward a clear and solid design and development plan.
Design focused on expanding Gate City Bank’s new marketing materials within the website, translating a bold new campaign into something accessible, usable, and web-focused. Icons and elements were paired with design best practices to balance familiarity and trust.
Optimizely was a perfect fit for an organization like Gate City Bank, which prioritized user and editor experience through some creative development ideas. Unique content challenges — such as token replacement and developing a system for disclosures — were folded into the editorial process in a way that paired technical power with editorial know-how.
What’s more, a complex content model — the site includes, for example, a fully categorized and extensible FAQ system to bring answers to customers where they need them — necessitated the rich features Opitmizely brings to the table.
In the end, Gate City Bank’s site reflects the spirit of Gate City Bank itself: community-focused, heavy on great features, and serious about taking care of your money. Like any bank community, there are many moving parts — and we’re proud to have gotten them all to work together within the site.
Project Results
- Complete strategy and design based on past banking experience and consumer research
- Unique development solutions to Gate City Bank’s unique content needs.
- Complete design and development within Optimizely.
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