MRI Network: A Modernized Franchise Experience

ABOUT MRI-NETWORKS

Since 1965, MRINetwork has redefined recruitment, connecting businesses and professionals to transform careers and companies. What started with Alan R. Schonberg’s vision is now one of the world’s largest franchised executive search firms.

BUSINESS PROBLEM

MRI Network, a leading player in professional recruitment and talent advisory services, faced significant usability and searchability issues on their website’s Franchise Directory and associated pages. The fragmented user journey and outdated visual design created friction for both employers and job seekers trying to connect with specific franchises. MRI Network needed a streamlined, user-friendly experience that guided users to key calls to action—specifically, the Global Directory—and showcased their wide network of franchise partners more effectively.

SOLUTION

Metal Toad partnered with MRI Network to modernize and optimize the front-end experience across several critical pages, including:

• Home Page
  
• Global Directory Page
  
• Global Search Page
  
• Franchise Page
  
• Employers and Job Seekers Pages

The scope included a UX audit, multiple design iterations, SEO-aligned structure updates, and frontend development focused on improving search functionality and visual engagement. Emphasis was placed on intuitive navigation, simplified contact CTAs, ADA compliance, and a refreshed brand presence using updated photos and layout changes.

Key design efforts included:

• Search & CTA Optimization: Simplified navigation to the Global Directory across the site, with clear CTAs to drive user engagement.
• Visual Design Concepts: Delivered two Figma-based design options for the Directory and Franchise pages, emphasizing human connection with photography and clean layouts.
• SEO-Friendly Structure: Restructured taxonomy and industry tagging to enhance discoverability via search engines.
• Frontend Engineering: Developed mobile-responsive page templates, implemented search filters, and refined UI elements across the site.

RESULTS

MRI Network now offers a vastly improved online experience that reflects its brand’s global professionalism and reach. Visitors can easily locate franchise partners by industry and name using refined search tools and clean design layouts. Franchise pages now include vital contact and business information, presented clearly and concisely.

With the updated design and functionality:

• Users experience faster and easier navigation across franchise-related pages.
• SEO visibility is improved due to better industry tagging and page structure.
• The site meets foundational ADA and GDPR requirements for accessibility and compliance.

This engagement has set the stage for continued digital improvements, with follow-up SOWs planned for full-site ADA/GDPR audits and ongoing managed services.

Services Provided

• UX Audit & Strategy
• Web Design (2+ Concepts)
• Frontend Development
• SEO & ADA Optimization
• WordPress Plugin Evaluation
• Design System Implementation in Figma

Technology Stack

• WordPress