Rompetori - Website renewal for the event portal

Objectives: The goal was to commercialize the Rompetori.info website and streamline the purchasing process for both event advertisers and ad space buyers.

Role of Smartbutlers: Our role was to conceptualize the business model, focusing on designing the revenue logic and productization. We handled the technical specification, visual design, and coding of the application for the new platform.

Results: The website's user interface was renewed both visually and in terms of usability. The site was also monetized, with added purchasable services. On the new site, customers can buy advertising and paid premium event listings.

A Clear Revenue Model as a Roadmap for Development

Our work started with the conceptualization of the business model, essentially designing the revenue logic and productization. In collaborative planning meetings with the client, we defined products, pricing, and projected sales forecasts. We then created a written description of the structure and functionalities of the new site.

Once the structure was finalized, we began visualizing the user interface. Using mockups, we presented the client with options for the site's appearance and layout, such as colors, fonts, elements, and composition. The visual identity of the old site had to be recognizable in the new version to ensure a seamless transition for returning users, so the familiar Rompetori´s red remained the dominant color. This was paired with a new, approachable font and modernized UI elements. Brand-specific icons and a refreshed logo completed the design.

Customized Processes for Event and Ad Purchases

The next phase was creating a test site. At this stage, we walked through different usage scenarios to incorporate all relevant user interactions into the design. Following the test site phase, we moved on to full site implementation. The site was built on the WordPress CMS, with fully customized event search and management, as well as ad management and logic.

Custom processes for purchasing events and ads were built on WooCommerce. The result is an automated process for ad space purchasing, allowing registered customers to make purchases independently. Additionally, targeted advertising options were developed so that customers can choose to advertise on general ad spaces or on specific event pages for a certain location.

This tailored solution required extensive software development. While WordPress and WooCommerce served as the foundation, all core functionalities – such as event search and management, and ad management and targeting – were built from the ground up to meet the unique needs of Rompetori.

With the new site, customers can buy ad space and paid Premium event listings. Free event listings were also maintained, as they form the foundation of the site. Simply put, more events lead to more visitors.

The practical understanding of the potential target audience from the client's side greatly facilitated the visual design and overall site planning. However, it's nearly impossible to predict all usage scenarios in advance. Thus, when the Rompetori.info site was launched, we continued development actively during the first weeks based on user feedback.

Finland – The land of hundreds of flea markets

And here’s a small endorsement for all flea markets in Finland, domestic tourism, and especially for reducing consumption. Finland is the promised land of flea markets. It’s often said that flea markets save both your wallet and the environment. Recycling, refurbishing, and reusing items are not only economical but also responsible. Reducing consumption is one of the most effective ways to lessen our environmental impact.

Especially in the summer, there are numerous flea markets, auctions, car cruising events, and various other second-hand sales events. These family-friendly events offer the chance to meet other collectors and enthusiasts, and there’s often evening entertainment for adults as well.

The goal of the Rompetori.info site, from its inception, has been to bring all Finnish events to one platform for easy browsing. This way, even the smallest events can make their voices heard, and people interested in collecting and events can discover gatherings that would otherwise go unnoticed.

With Rompetori.info, you can browse for interesting events along your travel route before a summer holiday trip. Or, if you’re interested in collecting Iittala or Arabia Moomin mugs, you can find events where these are sold. On event pages, visitors can also find information on additional services, such as food offerings and accommodation.