18a Productions Limited

FAQs

What services does 18a provide?

We deliver three core services: web design & development, strategy & consultancy, and architecture & hosting. That means we can design and build secure, fast, user‑friendly websites and web systems, help you shape a pragmatic digital strategy (from MVP planning to SEO refreshes and tool selection), and engineer robust hosting and infrastructure that scales reliably.

How is 18a different from other web design agencies?

We are strategic technical problem solvers, not just designers and developers. We are platform‑agnostic and choose the right tools for your goals, with all work done by our in‑house team. Our long‑term client relationships (17 years of trading) reflect our focus on trust, integrity, and results—36 million people visit the websites we manage every year.

What is your delivery process and how do projects run?

Our process is collaborative and iterative, with quick feedback loops, full transparency, and clearly defined goals, deliverables, budgets, and timeframes. We keep stakeholders aligned at every step, making projects smooth and stress‑free while ensuring the outcome matches your objectives and constraints.

Do you outsource any of the work?

No. Ideas, planning, design, and build all happen under one roof—figuratively speaking, as we work remotely post‑pandemic. You always talk directly to the people doing the work, which keeps quality consistent, communication clear, and delivery efficient.

Can you help with SEO strategy and execution?

Yes. As part of Strategy & Consultancy, we refresh SEO to align with your business goals and user journey. We focus on pragmatic, results‑driven improvements—combining technical SEO considerations with content clarity, UX, performance, and the right platform choices for long‑term gains.

Do you build MVPs and support product launches?

Absolutely. We help you scope and launch the MVP of your digital product, selecting the most appropriate tools and integrations to get to market quickly and cost‑effectively. Our in‑house team iterates rapidly, validates assumptions early, and plans for scalable evolution beyond the MVP.

Can you integrate off‑the‑shelf tools into a seamless user journey?

Yes. We regularly evaluate and knit together best‑fit off‑the‑shelf solutions to reduce build time, control costs, and deliver a cohesive experience. We ensure UX remains consistent across systems and that integrations support your operational workflows and growth.

How do you approach hosting and scaling for high‑traffic websites?

Our Architecture & Hosting service goes far beyond basic web hosting. We design resilient architectures that can auto‑scale and self‑heal on platforms like AWS or DigitalOcean, so your site remains fast and reliable as traffic grows. If you’re outgrowing your current setup, we can get you up and running quickly on a scalable foundation.

Can you help reduce our AWS costs?

Yes. We perform practical AWS audits to pinpoint waste and recommend right‑sizing, architecture improvements, and cost‑control measures. In one case we helped a client cut their AWS bill by over 85%, demonstrating how active infrastructure management and smart design choices can dramatically lower spend without sacrificing performance.

Do you maintain and improve existing websites, or only build new ones?

Both. If you need your digital presence built or maintained, we can help. We focus on security, speed, and usability, and we prioritize pragmatic enhancements that move the needle—whether that’s performance tuning, UX refinements, or expanding functionality in line with your goals.

What types of clients do you work with?

We work with charities, digital product startups, global organizations, and household brands. The common thread is that the people we partner with are invested in their organization’s success, care about the bigger picture, stay grounded in realities like budget and timeline, and are passionate about progress.

Which technologies and platforms do you use?

We’re platform‑agnostic and pick tools based on what’s best for each project. That often includes cloud platforms such as AWS and DigitalOcean. We also have deep experience optimizing popular CMS setups—e.g., WordPress performance hardening and reliability improvements like Redis caching with robust fallbacks—always tailoring the stack to your needs.

How do you keep communication clear and avoid jargon?

Plain speaking is one of our core principles. We explain technical options, trade‑offs, and risks in clear, simple language so you can make informed decisions. We keep everyone in the loop throughout the project, ensuring mutual understanding and no surprises.

How do you make sure projects stay on time and on budget?

We set clear goals and deliverables up front, agree on budget and timelines, and maintain full transparency from kick‑off to launch. Our quick iteration cycles surface issues early, and our pragmatic approach helps us suggest cost‑saving alternatives without compromising quality.

Who leads 18a and what is your background?

18a is led by founders Lisa Bailey (CEO) and Tom Freeman (CTO). Lisa has 22 years in the digital sector and has planned and designed user‑friendly sites and systems for brands like the BBC and Sainsbury’s. Since 2007, their leadership has shaped 18a’s reputation for delivering high‑performance, outcomes‑focused digital projects.

What do clients say about working with you?

Clients describe us as professional, creative, and consistently on time—often feeling like we’re an extension of their team. They highlight trust and integrity as defining qualities, which is why some relationships have lasted since our early years. We measure success in results and in long‑term partnerships.

Do you offer resources or thought leadership I can follow?

Yes. Our Knowledge Base features practical guides—such as auditing form fields or conducting AWS cost checkups—and our News section shares technical deep dives, like implementing a robust Redis fallback in WordPress. You can also join our newsletter for monthly “What you need to know this month” updates curated by our team.

How do I start a project with 18a?

Contact us to discuss your goals, constraints, and success metrics. We’ll propose a clear plan covering scope, timelines, budget, and the most suitable tools and architecture. From there, we proceed with collaborative design and development, iterative feedback, and transparent progress updates through to launch and beyond.