New digital player hooks in Ocean Basket account

So Interactive Web Designs is the notable agency responsible for the recent stir amongst the big fish in the new media market, after having successfully re-engineered the site www.oceanbasket.com.

So Interactive accessed the South African business sector in 2007, spearheaded by professional web designer and entrepreneur Darren Mansour. From its inception, the primary aim of So Interactive, was to offer clientele cutting-edge web design and development, using up-to-date technological interface trends.

“From day one, we went to market with the sole intention of positioning So Interactive as a one-stop new media shop that would not only incorporate all intricacies of web development, web design and online brand positioning but that would do so in the most cost-effective manner. A manner that best suited our clients' budgets, and expectation,” says Managing Member of So Interactive, Darren Mansour.

It was a unique strategy on the part of a digital newcomer, and which was greatly appreciated by the Marketing Director of Ocean Basket, Brendan McGhee. “We had already uploaded a basic site at the time with limited development, that obviously needed restructuring,” comments McGhee, “but we remained wary of the high flyers out there that would more often than not pitch us impractical online ideas at exorbitant costs, which we could not justify.

“The So Interactive team came to us with an understanding of our offline marketing trends and pitched an idea that would increase online branding, and they took the time to educate us on the market, before selling us the bigger picture,” adds McGhee.

According to Mansour, So Interactive evaluated the previous www.oceanbasket.com on the basis of access, functionality and brand reflection, all of which did not resonate with Ocean Basket's 3-Pillar customer promise: simplicity, value and homeliness.

“The Ocean Basket website was long overdue for a face-lift,” says Mansour, “there was no synergy between their offline identity and their online identity, which was heavily denting their online brand.”

“Since the site showed huge potential for improvement in usability, creativity and customer interaction, we came to the table with an innovative offering combining design and functionality for both the front and back-end of the site, without damaging our client's pocket,” explains Mansour.

The all new www.oceanbasket.com was launched in January 2009. The site affords hungry browsers a comprehensive menu as well as a full price breakdown of meal options, together with easy branch location. Even more appetising, is the ability for you to liaise online with the Ocean Basket Head Chef: learn about famous seafood recipes, gain useful cooking tips and furthermore, you can post your very own home-cooked recipes too.

While Ocean Basket continues to enjoy the success of its recently launched online presence, Mansour and his dedicated team continue to nurture the positioning and pockets of their growing clientele; proof for South African businesses, that even in tough economic times, you can still make your brand and your buck go further with the right creative partner.

For more information on new media services visit www.sointeractive.co.za or contact Darren Mansour on 011 616 7691.