Why strategy first
A website is a business tool, not a brochure.
Since 2007, Inverse Paradox has built, managed and evolved custom web solutions that produce more revenue for our clients, whether that comes from online and in-store sales, inbound phone calls or lead forms. Every one of those projects starts with the same question: what does this site need to do for the business?
Strategy is where we answer it. We look at your goals, your audience, your content and your current numbers, then turn what we learn into a plan your team can act on. It keeps design decisions grounded and keeps development focused on the features that matter.
What we do
Research that turns into a plan.
User research
We talk to your customers and the people who serve them to learn what they come for, what slows them down and what earns their trust.
Content audit
We inventory what you have, flag what is outdated or duplicated, and decide what moves forward, what gets rewritten and what retires.
Metric benchmarking
We record how the current site performs, so every later decision can be measured against a real baseline.
Competitive analysis
We review how competitors present themselves and where the gaps are, so your site stands apart for the right reasons.
Information architecture
We shape sitemaps and navigation around how people actually look for things, not how the org chart is drawn.
Platform recommendations
WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, Craft CMS or a learning platform: we recommend what fits your goals, budget and team, and explain why.
How it works
From questions to a roadmap.
A strategy engagement can stand on its own or lead into a full design and build. Either way, you finish with documents you can use:
- A summary of goals, audiences and success measures
- A content plan and recommended sitemap
- Wireframes for key templates and journeys
- A platform and integration recommendation
- A phased roadmap that separates launch must-haves from later improvements
Because the same team carries the plan into design and development, nothing gets lost in a hand-off.
After launch
Strategy doesn’t stop at launch.
No website is ever complete. Technology and your audience change, and your site should change with them. After launch we keep measuring, compare results against the benchmarks we set and recommend iterative improvements through ongoing support, working alongside your internal or external marketing team.
That rhythm of build, manage and evolve is how a site keeps earning its keep years after it goes live.
Philadelphia-based, nationwide
A national website strategy agency, based in Philadelphia.
Inverse Paradox is a website strategy agency based just outside Philadelphia, working with clients across the country. Strategy is where most projects are won or lost, so we start with your customers, your numbers and the site you have today.
Inverse Paradox began as Neil Harner’s freelance practice in 2002, became Inverse Paradox in 2003 and an agency in 2007. Twenty years on, our senior team still builds every project in-house.
Get in touch for a straight answer on scope, timeline and budget.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do we need a strategy phase if we already know what we want?
Usually it is shorter, not skipped. Even a clear brief benefits from a check against real user behavior and current analytics, and it often saves budget by ruling out features nobody will use.
Can you work with our marketing team or agency?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with internal teams and outside marketing partners. We focus on the site, the data and the technology, and fit around the work they already do.
Which platforms do you consider?
We work across WordPress, WordPress VIP, WooCommerce, Shopify, Craft CMS, LearnDash and Moodle. If your situation calls for something else, we will tell you.
What do we walk away with?
A written plan: goals and measures, a recommended sitemap, wireframes for key pages, a platform recommendation and a phased roadmap.