UPDATE - www.garthvincent.com has reported that they've recouped their full investment on the project within one month of going live! They had previously been reporting dwindling sales via their old site and now they're obviously delighted.
A quick look through their analytics shows that visits to the site are up, pages per visit have nearly doubled and folk spend twice as much time now on the site. We're convinced everyone is playing with the image zoom feature!!!
Good news eh?
Dom Vincent was referred to us when both he and his father, Garth Vincent, had decided it was time to upgrade their website. Although the old website had done them proud, they recognised times had changed with more opportunities than ever to take advantage of the web.
THE BRAND
The name Garth Vincent had evolved into a premium brand within the industry and were obviously keen to make sure the website reflected this. The interesting thing for me was that they didn’t have a raft of competitors to raid for inspiration as some clients of ours had done in the past. Instead they showed us what was out there but really wanted suggestions from us.
THE PROCESS
Initially I showed them websites such as Nike+ that had a radically more contemporary feel to anything in their industry which was met with real enthusiasm.
Once the specification and price was agreed I started work designing on-site at their old manor house and was made to feel really welcome (the manor house is also a gorgeous bed and breakfast). I worked in the grand entrance and kitchen over the three days I was there alongside their dogs Mungo, Winston and Merlin and everything was resolved quickly.
OLD DESIGN
NEW DESIGN
EMAIL NEWSLETTER
After the design was signed off I passed it over to John, our
web developer to start the build and Eddie started building the branded editable email
newsletter Our email newsletters are easy peasy to create and send following a predesigned template that we design with you.
THE IMAGES
The exciting thing about the build was seeing some of the things John would be sinking his teeth into. This wasn't a standard click on a product with an image preview. Dom and Garth wanted to be able to get a real feel for the guns, swords and armour. Now you can view a thumbnail followed by an enlarged view which you can trace with a further close up and, if that wasn't enough you can then go full screen and zoom further and further. Simple markings can depict all sorts of clues such as markings under a pistol suggesting it was held below deck and worn by the wire it was hung upon swinging in the oceans swell. To me and you it would be wear and tear!
THE FUNCTIONALITY
As our bespoke systems are built within Geoff, our in-house content management system, Dom and Garth could have exactly what they wanted with editable multiple categories and visible quantities. You have recommended products, editable carousels and an administration area that Dom has had specifically tailored to his every day requirements. The VIP area will also be launched but we can't say too much about that at the moment. (I'll ask Dom if he'll write something once it's live).
THE HAT TRICK
Graphic Design, Web Development and Charlotte's seamless Project Management
The work also included illustration, business cards, order pads and a half page advert. Hopefully this demonstrates the versatility of our portfolio and how it can save you bucket loads of time and hassle when you can get everything from one agency. Nothing was outsourced and all the design aspects achieved on-site with Dom, Garth, Leo and the dogs!
The website will be going live before Christmas. We’re all really proud of it aesthetically and functionally – it should be a real flagship website both in our portfolio and in its industry!
