AuPairWorld - global au pairing platform
CHALLENGE
AuPairWorld, the world's leading online au pair agency, required an upgrade of its web technologies to improve user experience and facilitate connections between au pairs and host families worldwide. The migration to a new system was challenging due to the site's high traffic and the need to protect sensitive user data. It was also essential that updates would not disrupt the live website's service.
SOLUTION
The website underwent a rebuild and complex migration to the latest version of Drupal with no service disruptions. Functionality was enhanced with the implementation of advanced features and a custom built React application with real time secure messaging service which enhances user experience and facilitates communication.
HIGHLIGHTS
Au pairs and interested host families can now register on the site, search for each other, using a specially designed search tool and receive suggestions of suitable matches based on personal search criteria. Added functionality is available to Premium users promoting uptake of this membership option, boosting revenue for AuPairWorld.
AuPairWorld
AuPairWorld is the leading online au pair agency in the world, matching au pairs with host families. Operating worldwide, over 3 million au pairs and families have registered on the site since its foundation in 1999. AuPairWorld is a high traffic matching website with 1000´s of active users.
Complex Drupal migration and enhanced functionality
The AuPairWorld website has been continually evolving since its initial launch in 1999 and has grown to be a vast platform. In order to keep advancing and provide greater functionality AuPairWorld needed to overhaul their backend data, modernise the technology stack, and upgrade to the latest version of Drupal.
The migration from Drupal 7 presented a complex challenge, involving the migration of content from various supporting legacy systems. Given the high traffic on the site, with thousands of active users, it was critical that the migration process ensured data integrity, secure communication, and zero downtime for the live site.
The migration was completed smoothly, with no disruptions. In addition, new features were introduced to ensure responsible use of the platform, improve user experience and foster engagement between au pairs and host families.
Backend data structure
A thorough cleanup of the backend data structure was carried out to enhance scalability and streamline maintenance processes. Now, the leading au pairing platform can easily adapt its functionalities to evolving user needs.
1xHOSTING
Hosting is managed by 1xINTERNET on the Google Cloud Platform, a great solution for a high traffic site such as AuPairWorld as it is scalable and able to deal with traffic peaks. We also provide AuPairWorld with full 24 hour support.
User Safety & Safeguarding
The image and text filters offer a safeguarding feature for AuPairWorld users by checking for inappropriate or offensive images and flagging inappropriate conversations that violate the use of the service.
Functionality for an engaging user experience
The new functionality and messaging tools were designed to foster direct and rapid communication, ensuring user safety, and convenience within the platform. Full access to the functionality provided on the platform is only available to au pairs and Premium users creating a powerful incentive for families to upgrade to Premium membership, thereby boosting AuPairWorld´s revenue.
Personalised match making
Useful matchmaking features were implemented such as a wink functionality to increase engagement and interaction between users. Users can register and search for suitable matches based on their personal search criteria. Daily notifications are sent to registered users of suitable matches based on their personal requirements.
"Thanks to 1xINTERNET, we were able to successfully complete the relaunch..."
"We have been bringing au pairs and host families together online since 1999. Thanks to 1xINTERNET, we were able to successfully complete the relaunch of our multilingual online platform, giving it a completely new technical base. This provides the foundation for us to be able to continuously develop AuPairWorld for our customers."
Heike Fischer, Managing Director, AuPairWorld
Feature rich messaging service as a catalyst for Premium Membership growth
In order to provide AuPairWorld with a seamless and engaging messaging experience, we extended and customised an open-source Golang server, utilising cutting-edge WebSocket technology and built a client-side React app that communicates using the client-server WebSocket protocol. AuPairWorld's messaging feature is a prime example of the synergy between Drupal and our custom-built technology, delivering advanced capabilities that exceed expectations.
Non-Premium users have access to an 'icebreaker feature,' offering a selection of pre-written texts which they can send in limited quantities. To access the full messaging experience, users are encouraged to subscribe to Premium membership. This tantalising glimpse of the Premium benefits serves as a compelling incentive for users to upgrade, ultimately driving increased adoption of Premium memberships. Implementing this technology was a strategic move that not only enhanced user satisfaction but also contributed to AuPairWorld's growth by attracting more Premium users.
State of the art functionality and safeguarding for AuPairWorld users
A premium membership option allows users to contact each other using a safe secure messaging system. This state-of-the-art messaging service mirrors the familiarity of WhatsApp style messaging, facilitating connections between au pairs and host families. All communication is documented within the website, email reminders and prompts are sent to ensure users don’t miss important communications. Additionally, certain conversations can be "starred" to highlight them as favourites, allowing users to prioritise the most interesting profiles.
There is comprehensive safeguarding for users as all messages take place within the AuPairWorld website. An image filter identifies and flags inappropriate images from being uploaded to user profiles and a feature was incorporated which prevents users from sending private phone numbers, enhancing overall safety for users.
Structured data for scalability
Drupal was a good fit for this project, owing to its great flexibility and ease of adaptation to the complex functionalities required by a leading platform like AuPairWorld. The emphasis on structured data, a core advantage of Drupal, was one the main advantages in the restructuring. Given the success of the Drupal 7 version of the AuPairWorld website, the logical decision was to continue developing with Drupal and upgrade to the latest version.
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