Case study
Setting the scene for Deadline Communications online.
A refreshed digital presence that stays true to Deadline’s brand while improving clarity, performance and search visibility.
The client
Deadline Communications is an Essex-based film, video and animation production company creating corporate films, promotional videos, documentary-led content, training films and animated explainer videos. They work with organisations across Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Essex, Suffolk and the wider South-East of England.
The challenge
Deadline Communications last updated their website in 2020. While the branding was still strong, the site no longer reflected the quality, scale or professionalism of their work. They wanted a fresher look and feel that stayed true to their existing identity, while presenting their services more clearly and confidently. The structure and navigation of the old site also made it harder than it should have been for visitors to understand
what Deadline offers
or take action. On top of that, managing the website had become increasingly frustrating, with regular software updates, an ageing content management system, and growing concerns around security, maintenance time and long-term costs.
What we did
We started with a short discovery phase to understand Deadline’s priorities and what success would look like for the new website. We reviewed their services, audiences and typical customer journeys, then simplified the site structure so visitors can quickly grasp what Deadline does and where to go next. Content planning focused on explaining services clearly and showcasing work without unnecessary complexity.
The design was refreshed using a mobile-first approach, ensuring the site works effortlessly on smaller screens and feels clean, modern and easy to use. Services are now presented in clear, scannable sections with improved page flow and stronger calls to action. We also added quick actions such as click to call and streamlined enquiry routes, making it easier for visitors to get in touch at the moment they are ready.
From a technical and usability perspective, we focused on speed, accessibility and ease of management. Although broadband speeds have improved in recent years, a key objective was to showcase Deadline’s video portfolio without making the site feel heavy or slow. Using our powerful CMS, we made sure we never put design ahead of performance, keeping layouts lightweight and media carefully optimised so pages load quickly across desktop and mobile.
We also considered the core Google PageSpeed and Lighthouse factors that influence real-world user experience, from load priority and responsiveness through to accessibility. Editing is simple and intuitive, allowing the team to update content themselves without relying on developer support, and we reduced the need for frequent plugin and software updates to minimise ongoing maintenance, improve security, and lower long-term risk.
SEO
SEO was built into the project from the outset rather than added later. The site is structured around clear, logical pages that reflect how potential clients search for film and video production services. Page layouts and heading structures were designed to be easy for both users and search engines to understand.
We implemented clean, SEO-friendly URLs, a consistent heading hierarchy, and strong on-page fundamentals including metadata and page descriptions. Internal linking was improved to guide visitors naturally between services and key pages, while also supporting crawlability and search visibility. This creates a solid foundation for long-term organic growth as the site continues to develop.
The results
The new website delivers a modern, mobile-friendly experience that retains Deadline Communications’ established branding while presenting their services and portfolio more clearly. It is faster, easier to manage, and designed to guide visitors towards enquiry and contact, while providing a strong platform for future growth through search and content.
