Modernizing ApartDirect’s online platform

ApartDirect is a family-owned apartment rental company that has been providing both short-term and long-term rental apartments in Stockholm since 2012. Known for offering accommodations that feel like home, ApartDirect prioritizes privacy, comfort, and cost-efficiency. Their apartments come equipped with amenities such as kitchens, bedding, towels, and often washing machines, making them ideal for business travelers, tourists, and families alike. ApartDirect’s innovative keycode system allows flexible and easy check-ins without the need for reception, while still providing 24-hour support.

When ApartDirect approached us, they were already running a successful digital business but aimed to expand their market impact with new digital solutions. Their main challenges included:

• Website Facelift: Updating the existing website design to meet modern digital standards.
• Improved Usability: Enhancing user experience across all devices with a mobile-friendly version.
• CMS Upgrade: Upgrading their Content Management System for better performance and ease of use.
• SEO Solutions: Implementing effective Search Engine Optimization strategies.
• Enhanced Functionality: Adding features such as a FAQ section, live support chat, business client booking options, and a multilingual domain (including English).

ApartDirect chose UKAD based on very positive feedback from another client, demonstrating our reputation for excellence in digital solutions. Our team inherited a legacy Umbraco solution and provided comprehensive support services while working on the project. The major tasks included:

• Umbraco Development: Conducting a significant facelift update along with a major Umbraco upgrade, ensuring the website met current digital standards.
  This project was also special for us because it was based on Azure-based Umbraco Cloud Service (SaaS). We found the technology quite helpful and beneficial for both users and developers:
  
  • It is comfortable to move and transfer content and website structure from the local environment to live and back.
  • All functionality is available out of the box, eliminating the need for third-party plugins to transfer changes.

• SEO and Performance: Creating SEO-semantic markup, adding a second language version on a separate domain, and integrating SEO with social networks to enhance online visibility and performance.

• User Experience Enhancements: Improving website usability by making it mobile-friendly and adding a reviews section.

• Collaborative Design: Working closely with the client’s family, who actively participated in creating design sketches to reflect their company philosophy and values.

The collaboration between ApartDirect and UKAD led to a successful project release that met all time and budget expectations. Key outcomes included:

• Increased Sales and Customer Loyalty: The digital enhancements helped ApartDirect boost their market coverage and sales.
• Enhanced User Experience: The upgraded website and new features improved customer satisfaction and usability.
• Ongoing Support: UKAD continues to provide technical support for ApartDirect’s applications, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

By choosing UKAD, ApartDirect benefited from our expertise in Umbraco development and our commitment to long-term support, solidifying their position in the competitive rental market.