Family Business United is a rallying point and voice for the global family business community. Founded in 2011, FBU is a non-advisory organisation and as such works with professional advisory organisations and academic institutions around the world to source content and share events to enhance the knowledge available to family businesses and their advisers. They run large scale events for family businesses and were looking to revamp their website to increase its functionality and to handle the event management side with more efficiency.

Challenge

FBU were using standard Wix as their website and event management system. This resulted in high fees costing them £21 per attendee. With 100 attendees expected for an upcoming event, this fee structure was significantly cutting into their profits. They needed a solution to this problem whilst also increasing the user experience on their website. 

Additionally, whilst they had their website updated the previous year, there were still opportunities where we could improve its design and functionality to lead to a better user experience. Along with that, they wanted training on how they could maintain their website. 

Solution

Our team at Novus Marketing Solutions proposed setting up a customised event management system on the client's existing website. By shifting away from Wix’s fee structure, we projected a savings of £1400 for the upcoming event alone, allowing the client to reinvest that money into their marketing efforts.

Website Optimisation: Our Web Lead, Paul, collaborated with Stephen, our head of creative, to revamp the site’s design. They focused on making the site more visually appealing and functional, with specific improvements suggested during discussions, including a clearer navigation bar and a new layout to feature critical content like news, insights, and resources.

Back-End Training: In addition to the redesign, Paul provided in-depth training on the Wix platform. This training equipped the client's team with the skills needed to maintain the site independently, handle updates, and use the event management system effectively.

Results:

Cost Savings: The customised event management system resulted in a savings of £1400 for the upcoming event and ongoing savings for future events. This allowed the client to reallocate funds into more critical areas like marketing and further website improvements.

Improved Website Functionality: The newly enhanced site design, guided by Stephen’s creative expertise, improved navigation and user experience. The updates made it easier for visitors to access key areas like insights, events, and membership options, encouraging higher engagement and conversion.

Empowered Team: With the back-end training provided, the client’s team became more confident in managing and maintaining the website, reducing their dependence on external help for day-to-day updates.

By focusing on reducing operational costs and enhancing the client’s website functionality, we were able to deliver a high ROI for Family Business United. The streamlined event management system, paired with a fresh, user-friendly design, continues to support the client in running successful, cost-effective events.