In the spring of 2004, McGowan and Company Inc., a leading writer of specialized insurance programs, engaged IdeaStar to complete a re-design of its corporate Web site. McGowan desired additional functionality, ease-of-use, and a professional online presence. The company was looking to create a practical online agent resource center. For over sixty years McGowan has provided its agents with superior products and unparalleled service. Its online presence could provide no less.

In order to establish a professional, informative presence, McGowan executives want the Web site to prominently display products and services. The primary target audience for the Web site is insurance brokers; users who require clear, up-to-date information. In addition, the site needs a user-friendly content management tool that allows non-technical McGowan staff to update news items and content regularly.

IdeaStar established a professional online presence for McGowan through several collaborative steps. To begin with, a new logo was created and a color palette was determined. Together, IdeaStar designers and McGowan executives produced a comprehensive site map, and agreed on an overall feeling for the site. Subsequently, the IdeaStar design team created a clean, professional look and simplified navigation to improve usability and user experience throughout.

Having a professional “looking” site is only part of the equation. IdeaStar fulfilled McGowan’s technical requirements by developing an entirely content-managed site. Products and services pages accommodate quick changes, and a “What’s New @ McGowan” news section keeps the homepage from getting dated. Most important, the content administrator adjusts sub-navigation automatically with the addition or deletion of pages, eliminating the need for ongoing design changes.

The new mcgowaninsurance.com site launched in December 2004. The site fulfills McGowan’s requirements for usability and design, and provides plenty of information for visitors. IdeaStar’s expertise in insurance technology worked to McGowan’s advantage, providing them with a Web strategy and long term plan for functionality. And, there has been great feedback about the new Web site from current clients and brokers. 

“IdeaStar was excited about the possibilities of retooling our old, static Web site, and stepped up to the challenge of providing us with a great online strategy,” says Laura McGowan, regional production underwriter. “We are currently partnering with IdeaStar on phase two, providing our agents with online product access. This will streamline our entire process, cut costs, and save time.”