Recently, a NFP organisation approached us to overhaul their outdated website—we saw this as an opportunity to help them redefine who they are, take the organisation to the next level, and stand out in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

From the get-go, they came in with a wish list as long as my arm: better user experience, smoother functionality, member area, bespoke search functions, SEO optimisation, fresh design—the works! Their goals? Ambitious. Their budget? Surprisingly limited. But we were excited to step in, offering not just a website refresh, but a broader brand strategy to boost user engagement, member outreach, and overall functionality.

The Reality Check

At Cyrius, we thrive on working creatively with tight budgets. But we’re also upfront about costs—and why. As we dug into the project, we found a mountain of issues—ranging from broken links to outdated SEO practices. They needed a major overhaul if they wanted a modern, user-friendly site that delivered results. We laid out a clear plan to get them up to speed.

The Resistance

Here’s where things got tricky. Their digital manager, who had overseen the site for years, wasn’t thrilled with us pointing out existing flaws. Defensiveness kicked in, and suddenly, we were in the firing line —when we were simply trying to offer the best solution within the scope.

We understood their hesitance—the site had been their “baby” for years, and the idea of starting over and learning a new platform was overwhelming. So, we offered a scaled-down solution: a much smaller fee for an assessment and quick migration to a new platform, allowing them to test the waters.

What We Offered vs. What They Chose

We proposed scalable solutions that would set them up for future growth, but they opted for a quick fix—potentially costing them more in the long run. Here’s what they missed:

• User-Centric Design: Without focusing on how visitors and members engage with the site, they risked losing potential members and users.
• SEO Optimisation: Ignoring SEO meant they would remain invisible in search engines.
• Long-Term Planning: We suggested platforms that could grow with their organisation, but they stuck with what was familiar.
• Cybersecurity & Maintenance: Without professional oversight, their site could face serious vulnerabilities down the road.

In spite of all this, we remain hopeful they will find their way through and be in the position they want to be in to take the organisation to the next level.

The Takeaway

In this case, the client focused on what they wanted—a shiny new website—rather than what their users needed: a smooth, engaging, easy-to-navigate experience.
We get it: stepping into the world of new technology can be intimidating and overwhelming.

At Cyrius, we see things differently. We put users first. That’s how you create real value—by thinking about how your site functions, not just how it looks. And we make it our business to be with you on the journey to a new website environment…. every… step of the way!

Saving money by cutting corners or DIY-ing a solution might seem tempting, but it usually ends up costing more later—missed opportunities, poor user engagement, or needing to redo work down the track. Our role as experts is to guide clients toward the best solutions, even when it’s not what they want to hear.

Looking Ahead

It’s always a challenge when a client doesn’t see the value in a long-term solution, but we stand by offering the right expert advice—even when it’s hard to hear.

As Don Draper from Mad Men said: “Success comes from standing out. Not fitting in!”
And at Cyrius, we’ll always offer you the best solutions to stand out in your noisy, cluttered sector.

Keep looking for that “best-fit” solution and remember—true value lies in seeing things differently!

Petrea

PS Got a project you want to discuss? Get in touch.