After 5 months of slogging away, we've finally managed to get the new version of LessonsGoWhere up and ready to go!
Here's some beautiful screenshots of how our brand new baby looks like:
Our New Homepage
Baking Classes!
In December 2013, we did a quiet beta launch of LessonsGoWhere, building the website very simply on an open source e-commerce platform. Though it was clunky, with loads of bugs and a terrible checkout system, it worked. In fact, we handled over $30,000 in transactions in a little over 5 months on the old site!
With all it's bugginess and problems we had, it was with a little bit of regret that we took the old site offline. Despite it's problems, it was what we had at the start, and it was what we used to build our relationships with so many customers and so many of our lesson providers.
With the data we had collected in our beta period, including feedback from both our customers and lesson providers, we knew that we needed to make improvements quickly! We made the decision in February to start work on a new platform, and in just 3 short months, have finally transited over to this beauty!
Here's one last look at the homepage of our old site:
In the entire 5 months we were in beta mode, LessonsGoWhere was only mentioned once in the media:
This was in December 2013, right before we even went live with our beta site, and the comments we got were pretty harsh. Words like 'old-fashioned', 'cluttered' and 'old school' were used..
But we've bounced back! We not only made the old site work, but we've made lots of improvements! So what are the improvements we've made exactly? Besides an overall design overhaul, here's some of the major improvements you'll see:
- Smoother & Easier Checkout System for You!
We've made it easier for you, our customers, to book your classes and even select your preferred timings of each class! In the past, we had a nine step checkout system that was so troublesome that we really really respected each one of our customers who survived it. These days, the checkout system can be completed in three quick steps, and if you're already a member of LGW, it's even quicker! You can now book your lessons with no worries on our secure checkout system with PayPal!
- Pre-Registration for Previously Conducted Classes
One problem we faced with the old site was that there were so many wonderful classes that had already been conducted! We regularly had customers who called us, asking about classes that were already conducted, wanting to book their slots. With our new system in place, if you see a class that you love but has already been conducted, simply click on the 'Pre-Register' button, fill in your email, and when the class is conducted again, you'll be the first to be informed!
- Mobile and Tablet Friendly Interface (Check it out on your phone!)
This might be the biggest improvement you'll notice!
With nearly 50% of all our traffic coming in via mobile devices, it was crucial for us that our users had a seamless experience on our platform. Whether it was on their desktop, or their mobile devices, we wanted to make sure they could read, and especially see the images clearly without too much fiddling. We created a 100% responsive platform that adapts to all mobile devices, including tablets.
Browse through LessonsGoWhere on your hand phone and see the difference now!
- Google Map Locations
We've heard you. Our customers have requested time and time again for a clearer description of the location of each class. We've gone right to Google and have integrated the Google Map API on to each lessons page, as well as each lesson provider's page, so that you're able to see exactly where the lesson will be held, check out the street view around the area, and even get directions on your mobile if you're driving over!
- User-Friendly Filters (By Weekday or Weekend, Time of Day)
Only free on weekends or only at night? You can now easily filter all our lessons via weekends or weekdays, and even by the time of day. Now, you don't have the excuse that you're not free!
With over 400 different classes available, you're never too busy to learn!
All of the improvements we've made were so that you'll have a better experience on our site. If you spot something that you think can be improved, or just want to tell us how much you love us, drop us an email at info@lessonsgowhere.com.sg and let us know!
Heard enough about our new site? Start exploring it now!
Love,