Revitalizing FGS Global's Digital Presence with Next.js and Storyblok
Goals
To move beyond a basic informational website, FGS Global chose Naturaily to create a dynamic marketing tool. This involved a comprehensive redesign of their online presence, with a strong emphasis on performance, content management, and user experience.
01
Improve Code Quality and Site Performance
FGS Global's goal was to improve its website's speed and efficiency. This meant fixing problems with the underlying code, optimizing how pages were generated, and boosting overall site performance to enhance both search engine rankings and user satisfaction. They wanted to transform their website from one slowed down by various issues into a fast and dependable platform.
02
Modernize CMS and Enhance Content Management
Facing challenges with content creation and managing multilingual content, the company wanted to modernize its CMS for a more user-friendly experience. Key requirements included a Visual Editor, block-based components, and a content approval workflow to empower their content team and optimize component usage.
03
Optimize Search Functionality
FGS Global needed a robust custom content search engine. The goal was to provide full control over search results, accommodate different types of results, and enable dynamic redirection based on search queries, moving beyond the limitations of their existing search capabilities.
Challenge
FGS Global's website struggled with technical and usability issues, leading to poor performance and complex content management. Their needs included resolving technical problems, improving CMS functionality and content management, all while finding a reliable technology partner. Importantly, FGS Global was facing significant time constraints, highlighting the need for a partner capable of taking full technical responsibility.
David Campbell
Managing Director, Digital Projects at FGS Global
Our website wasn't performing as it should, and we needed a partner to help us create a digital platform that truly represents our company.
Code Quality and Performance Issues
Our first check showed some possible problems with the website's basic code, making us question its quality. We also suspected problems with the way the website was set up for speed (how pages are generated), and that the hosting wasn't strong enough, which caused performance problems.Â
CMS and Multilingual Content Management
The existing CMS required an update to introduce multi-language content options. There was also a need to improve the content management workflow for the dozen content editors.
Need for Long-Term Technological Partnership
FGS Global was looking for a partner for long-term technological cooperation, indicating a need for ongoing support and development. The client wanted to delegate the entire technical aspect of the project, emphasizing the importance of a trusted and reliable partner.
Search Functionality
FGS needed to build their own content search tool to better manage the search results, show different types of information, and automatically guide users.
Content Management by Multiple Editors
With many website components and content editors, their current system for managing content wasn't structured and efficient enough.
Approach
Our approach focused on leveraging a modern architecture with a headless CMS to address FGS Global's challenges. We aimed to build a high-performance, scalable, and user-friendly website to empower their team and enhance their online presence. We also took on a consulting role, providing strategic guidance and taking full management responsibility for the project.
David Campbell
Managing Director, Digital Projects at FGS Global
Naturaily's modern approach and focus on performance and usability were exactly what we needed to take our website to the next level.
Architecture with Next.js
We chose Next.js (based on ReactJS) to build a high-performance web application with server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) - to make the website load quickly and smoothly. This was intended to resolve the performance issues and suspected SSG/SSR problems. React's component-based architecture facilitated the management of the existing components and future development.
Headless CMS with Storyblok
We proposed Storyblok as the headless CMS for its user-friendly Visual Editor and block-based components. The main goal was to help the content editors, improve content management workflows, and streamline the management of multilingual content with Storyblok's built-in Internationalization.
Custom Search Engine with Algolia
Integrating Algolia for the custom content search engine was intended to provide advanced search functionalities, offering control over search results, handling different content types, and enabling dynamic redirection.
Modern Tech Stack
We utilized TypeScript for enhanced code quality, CSS Modules and Sass for modular styling, Framer Motion for animations, and Storybook for UI component development and testing.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Jest and Playwright were used for unit and end-to-end testing to ensure the application's reliability and functionality.
Results
The FGS Global website revitalization significantly improved content management, and user experience. We transformed their online presence by leveraging a modern tech stack and a strategic approach.
David Campbell
Managing Director, Digital Projects at FGS Global
Now we have a modern, scalable, and efficient web platform, laying the foundation for improved digital operations and enhanced content management.
This involved a significant effort with 128 Storyblok components managed by around a dozen editors, where we focused on fixing code, updating the CMS, enhancing search, and adding smart content filters.
This is an active project, and we are maintaining our partnership with FGS Global, dedicated to ongoing development and refinement.
Outcome
We delivered FGS Global a scalable, and efficient web platform by revitalizing their website with a modern tech stack and a well-defined strategy, which simplified content management
Before
FGS Global struggled with poor website performance, CMS limitations, and content management complexities
After
FGS Global now has a modern, high-performing website with a streamlined CMS, enhanced search functionality, and a scalable architecture
Improvements
Our work resulted in:
Modernized tech stack
Implementation of Next.js, Storyblok, and other modern technologies.
Enhanced CMS
Improved content management with Storyblok's Visual Editor.
Improved performance
Addressed code quality and SSG/SSR implementation issues. While performance improvements were not the primary focus, the site now offers a more stable and maintainable foundation.
Custom search
Implementation of a custom content search engine with Algolia.
Scalable architecture
A future-proof foundation for growth and development.
Efficient workflow
Streamlined content creation and management processes.
Numbers (we all like numbers!)
0
Storyblok components
0+
content items migrated
0
levels of content access
Most interesting features
Enhanced Search
Custom Content Search Engine
The development of a custom search engine using Algolia and Storyblok is a key feature. It provides control over search results, handles different types of results, and offers dynamic redirection based on the search query. This sophisticated search functionality significantly enhances user's ability to find relevant content.
Smarter Filters
Advanced Content Filters
The implementation of advanced content filters added to several pages, such as those on the /people or /insights pages, allows users to efficiently narrow down and find specific information. This feature enhances the user experience by providing intuitive and powerful content discovery tools.
Unified Data
Integration with External Systems
The website's integration with multiple external services, including MyFGS (the company intranet), Greenhouse (an applicant tracking system), and Softgarden (another platform for managing applications), streamlines data management and synchronizes job offers into Storyblok. This highlights the website's role as a central platform that effectively draws data from various systems, improving overall efficiency.
Secure Access
Smart Content Access Management
FGS Global's website offers a flexible content access framework designed to accommodate various user groups. In addition to standard public content, it provides an employee-only section and a unique feature for securely distributing time-limited, password-protected content to external collaborators. This tailored approach ensures that the right information reaches the right people, while maintaining robust security.
The Team
Our dedicated team collaborated closely with FGS Global to deliver a tailored solution that addressed their specific needs. We combined our expertise in web development, CMS implementation, and digital strategy to create a modern and effective online platform. The technical responsibility for this project primarily rested with Artur and Adrian, with Robert and Michał providing additional support.
David Campbell
Managing Director, Digital Projects at FGS Global
The Naturaily team was a true partner throughout this project. Their deep knowledge of modern web technologies, combined with their dedication to truly understanding our needs, was essential to its success. They offered invaluable guidance and support at each step of the development.
Meet the people who worked on this project
Robert
Frontend Developer
Artur
Frontend Developer
Adrian
Frontend Developer
Michał
Graphic Designer
About The Client
FGS Global is a global strategic communications firm that provides expert counsel to corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals.
Project
Headless Web Development
Industry
Agencies
Web
FGS GlobalWith a global presence, FGS Global helps clients navigate complex challenges and achieve their strategic objectives. They offer a range of services, including corporate communications, financial communications, public affairs, and crisis management.
Naturaily provided the expertise and support we needed to transform our website into a valuable asset for our firm.
David Campbell
Managing Director, Digital Projects at FGS Global
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