The Challenge: An Outdated and Insecure Platform

Torii Consulting, a growing design consultancy, was held back by its digital presence. Their existing WordPress site was highly vulnerable, relying on a bloated suite of plugins like Elementor that stifled creativity and made updates a chore. The site failed to represent their revamped brand, was difficult to navigate, and critically, did not generate leads or effectively promote their design podcast, "All Things Design."

They needed a complete overhaul with three primary goals:

  • Generate qualified leads through custom-built sales funnels.
  • Drive engagement to their YouTube podcast and establish their brand as an industry leader.
  • Improve Design Presence As a leader in the design consultancy space, their website needs to speak for the standing with a strong design.

The Solution: A High-Performance, Custom-Built CMS

Working on a tight deadline ahead of the "Design Outlook" conference, I collaborated weekly with Torii's design leaders and owners. This ensured the new site not only aligned with their new branding but was also strategically built for their business goals.

The decision was made to build a completely bespoke solution, as off-the-shelf platforms couldn't provide the required flexibility and would be costly to maintain.

  • Strategic Technology Stack: I chose Payload CMS for its flexibility and developer-friendly experience, paired with Next.js for its performance and SEO capabilities. This powerful combination allowed us to build a future-proof platform capable of handling multiple data feeds, custom SEO, and potential AI integrations without relying on a mountain of third-party plugins.
  • Custom Sales Funnels: A key feature was the creation of targeted sales funnels, such as the Torii TX and AI in Design landing pages. These bespoke funnels guide potential clients through a curated journey, directly addressing their needs and increasing conversion rates.
  • Seamless Content Management: The new CMS completely streamlined Torii's content workflow. The team can now create new pages, case studies, and marketing funnels with ease, giving them full control over their digital presence.

Results & Impact: A Stunning Transformation

The new website delivered a significant return on investment, transforming Torii's online presence from a liability into a powerful business asset.

  • Boosted Lead Generation Activity: The new website delivered a significant improvement in lead generation, with the number of inbound enquiries growing substantially in the first three months.
  • Reduced Overheads: The new, efficient platform massively reduced monthly hosting costs and eliminated all plugin subscription fees.
  • Enhanced Performance: Lighthouse scores saw a major boost across the board, with faster page speeds and improved accessibility.
  • Increased Engagement: The custom YouTube feed successfully drove more traffic to their "All Things Design" podcast, helping to grow their audience.

This project demonstrates a successful blend of strategic design and custom development, providing a scalable and secure solution that directly translates to business growth.