Against the Clock

Resurrecting their Digital Presence in Six Days

Brief

Theatre Historical Society of America faced a crisis: their vendor team walked out from their marketing firm, leaving their website effectively static and its dashboard inaccessible just days before a vital national membership survey. There is no way to forecast a scenario like this. With the clock ticking, I embarked on a mission to resurrect their online presence. In just six days, I set up a fully functional WordPress site and seamlessly transferred their domains to their new hosting. With a day to spare, the website stood ready for the impending vote, a testament to determination and teamwork. Satisfied with the quick recovery, the engagement turned from one out of necessity, to a 3-year collaboration.

Scope

CMS Installation

I implemented a stand-alone WordPress deployment. WordPress is a robust and stable content-forward CMS that was familiar to both in-house staff and outside vendors.

Responsive Theme & Integrations

Based on tracking data analysis and Google indexing requirements, it was necessary to implement a more contemporary, responsive/mobile friendly layout.

THSA’s v4.0 incorporated a refreshed two-tier header, with semi-transparent navigation, social icons and account dashboard access.

This version included basic integration with a new non-profit CRM system called eTapestry, Gravity Forms, and with THSA’s members-only network, the Stage Door, which I also developed.

Domain Management

Having access to the registrar’s DNS management dashboard was crucial to repoint all of the domains and aliases to their new hosting service and keeping email service running.