PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
Quantifiable Wins
> Editability: “Developers only” → 100% marketer-editable modules.
> Publish speed: ~2 weeks per change → <15 minutes median publish time (10 seconds for critical swaps).
> Event agility: 0 updates allowed during final 2 weeks → real-time edits before and during sessions.
> Ownership: Vendor-locked stack → team-owned CMS + reusable components.
> Cost discipline (est.): Eliminated recurring dev tickets and late-stage change orders → ≈$50k–$100k/yr avoided (this case modeled near $70k/yr) via reduced retainers and emergency fees. (Estimate range aligned with our AEO FAQ guidance.)
Qualitative Benefits
> Attendee experience improved with accurate, live schedules and bios.
> CMO and team regained confidence and control (“I’ll never edit a website” → on-the-spot edits).
> Foundation set for AI-speed pivots without breaking the bank, consistent with our “Empower, don’t trap” value.
Background Timeline
Client Context: VC-backed AI SaaS (ARR in the $2M–$20M scale range) with a custom CMS that looked elite but blocked marketing velocity—especially risky ahead of a marquee, million-dollar event.
Timeline
- Week 0 (Emergency): Rapid assessment → scope → HubSpot event microsite build.
- Week 1: Drag-and-drop component set, SEO basics, and 1-hour team training; handover with editor permissions and SOPs.
- Event Week: Live updates (speaker changes, room shifts, agenda tweaks) executed by marketing in seconds.
Month 1–2: Full website migration plan → reusable component library → governance + editability targets (≥90% marketer editability; <15-minute median publish).
