A high-performance marketing website and custom content management system designed to elevate the digital presence of a specialist cycling media agency.
View siteWhat we did
- Comprehensive website redesign and UI/UX architecture
- Custom ExpressionEngine CMS development and integration
- Strategic content migration and information architecture
- Mobile-responsive front-end engineering
- SEO-focused technical structure and metadata planning
- Brand ambassador and videography portfolio showcase
About the project
Media-24 is a unique cycling media consultancy that operates at the intersection of passion and performance. Founded and led by Mike Cotty, the agency represents world-renowned cycling brands, producing world-class content that ranges from cutting-edge cinematography to high-engagement social media strategies. Their work is defined by authenticity and a deep-rooted understanding of the cycling world, serving major clients such as Cannondale and Mavic.
When Media-24 approached Tinderhouse in 2018, they required a digital platform that matched the visual quality and technical expertise of their physical output. The goal was to build a sophisticated marketing hub that could act as a portfolio for their global projects while providing a seamless user journey for international brand managers and partners. By focusing on a high-end web development strategy, we aimed to create a site that reflected the soul of cycling through every interaction and visual element.
To deliver immediate value, we utilised a minimum viable product strategy during the initial phases. This allowed us to launch the core marketing pages and brand ambassador showcases quickly, establishing a modern digital identity while the deeper project archives were synchronised. This MVP approach ensured that Media-24 could maintain their momentum in the fast-moving sports marketing sector while transitioning to a more robust, scalable technical environment.
The Challenge
Despite having an incredible portfolio of global work, Media-24’s previous digital presence was no longer sufficient for their expanding reach. The agency faced several technical and strategic hurdles:
- Visual Disconnect: The existing site failed to convey the cinematic quality of their videography and photography services.
- Content Management Friction: The team needed a way to frequently update their brand partner list and project reels without technical complexity.
- Global Accessibility: With a worldwide audience and roster of international clients, the site required flawless performance across all territories and devices.
- Mobile Responsiveness: A significant portion of their audience—professional riders and marketing executives—accessed the site on the move, requiring a high-performance mobile experience.
- SEO Inefficiency: The site was not structurally optimised to rank for competitive cycling media and sports marketing terms.
- Scalability Limitations: As the agency added new services like technical writing and product development, they required a flexible architecture to house this diverse content.
Our Solution
Bespoke ExpressionEngine CMS Integration
To give the Media-24 team total control over their diverse content, we implemented a custom build of the ExpressionEngine CMS. As specialist Expression Engine developers, we tailored the administrative backend to allow for the easy management of video embeds, high-resolution photo galleries, and client testimonials. This structured data approach means that new projects can be published in minutes, ensuring the site always reflects the agency’s most recent world-class work.
Cinematic Portfolio and Videography Showcase
The heart of the solution was a high-performance portfolio section. We engineered a layout that prioritised visual storytelling, allowing their cutting-edge filmmaking and photography to take centre stage. By integrating low-latency video playback and dynamic image carousels, we created an immersive experience that demonstrates the "Media-24 mark" of quality. This focus on premium visual delivery is a cornerstone of our sports app development and web philosophy, where performance is as important as aesthetics.
Performance-Driven Responsive Design
We developed a fluid, responsive front-end architecture that ensures the Media-24 brand remains consistent from a desktop 5K monitor down to a smartphone screen. Recognising that speed is critical for engagement, we optimised asset delivery and employed advanced caching techniques within the CMS. This ensures that the high-impact visual content loads rapidly, maintaining the professional feel of the brand even on mobile data connections. This approach to app development standards ensures a software-like feel within the browser.
Strategic SEO and Metadata Framework
To support Media-24’s global reach, we integrated a comprehensive technical SEO framework. We structured the site with clean, semantic HTML and optimised the metadata for their key service areas, such as brand ambassadorship and global editorial. By building the site with search engine crawlers in mind, we helped position the agency at the forefront of the cycling media industry, ensuring that prospective partners can find their expertise easily on a global scale.
The Results
The 2018 relaunch of the Media-24 platform provided the agency with a digital infrastructure that truly reflects their "cycling with soul" ethos.
Enhanced Professional Credibility: The modern, high-end design has solidified the agency’s standing as a premier partner for the world's leading cycling brands.
Increased Content Agility: The internal team now publishes new project case studies and video content independently, reducing administrative overhead.
Global Performance Excellence: The site delivers a fast, stable experience to users across Europe and North America, supporting their global ambassador roles.
Seamless Mobile Engagement: Engagement metrics on mobile devices increased significantly, reflecting the fluid and intuitive navigation.
Improved Search Visibility: The site now ranks effectively for specialist cycling media terms, driving high-value organic enquiries.
Technical Highlights
Core Framework: Custom ExpressionEngine CMS for high-flexibility content management.
Backend Technology: PHP and MySQL architecture for robust, scalable data handling.
Front End: Modern, responsive HTML5 and CSS3 with cross-browser optimisation.
Performance: Advanced template caching and asset minification for rapid page loads.
SEO: Integrated technical SEO framework and semantic markup for global reach.
Media Handling: High-performance video integration and dynamic image processing logic.
Need a Digital Platform for Your Sports Brand?
Whether you are looking for an MVP development plan to launch a new service or a high-performance website to showcase your global portfolio, our Kent-based team can help. We specialise in creating bespoke digital solutions that capture your brand's unique identity.