Jack Meisinger
Here's a list of 5 of the best building product websites.
This is in no way a complete list – it is 5 of our favourites! Over the coming months we will continue to highlight building product companies that are also doing a great job serving their customers online (stay tuned).
1. Velux
(velux.co.uk)
The Velux website has a strong value proposition and engaging video on the homepage making a quick, concise, and powerful impression from the first click. It is a user-friendly and helpful platform that provides architects with various tools to support their design process. The website's interface is simple and easy to navigate, allowing architects to quickly access the information they need.
One of the most useful tools on the Velux website is the window price calculator. Lots of websites avoid pricing information, but it is the first question that prospects have.
The Velux window price calculator tool allows architects to input the dimensions and specifications of the desired window, and it provides an estimated price for the window. This feature saves architects time and effort in determining the cost of each window, enabling them to make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate windows for their designs. Specifiers don't need an exact price, they just need a helpful idea. And this calculator does just that.
Another helpful tool is the daylight visualizer, which allows architects to visualize how different types of windows and skylights will affect the amount of natural light in a room. This feature is particularly useful for architects who are designing spaces that require specific lighting conditions, such as art galleries or photography studios.
In addition to these tools, the Velux website provides detailed information about the various types of windows and skylights available, including their technical specifications and installation requirements. This information is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for architects to compare different products and select the right one for their project.
Website Grader Score (find yours here):
Performance: 11/30
SEO: 25/30
Mobile: 30/30
Security: 10/10
2. Knauf
(knauf.co.uk)
The Knauf Insulation website is comprehensive without being overwhelming. The website's user experience is intuitive, and the various tools and features are easily accessible. Besides making technical information easy to find, it’s clear Knauf have anticipated their prospects additional needs and built digital tools to help.
One of the most useful tools on the Knauf Insulation website is the U-value calculator. This tool allows architects to calculate the heat loss of a building, which is a critical factor in designing energy-efficient structures. The U-value calculator is easy to use, and it provides architects with an accurate estimate of the heat loss of their building, enabling them to make informed decisions about insulation and other energy-saving measures.
Another valuable feature of the Knauf Insulation website is the CPD library. This section provides architects with a range of informative and engaging continuing professional development (CPD) modules that cover a wide range of topics related to insulation and energy efficiency. The modules are designed to be interactive and engaging, providing architects with an opportunity to learn and earn CPD points in a convenient and accessible way.
In addition to these tools, the Knauf Insulation website provides detailed information about the various insulation products available, including their technical specifications, installation requirements, and environmental credentials. The website also includes case studies that showcase the use of Knauf Insulation products in a range of real-world applications, giving architects inspiration and ideas for their own projects.
Performance: 6/10
SEO: 25/30
Mobile: 10/30
Security: 5/10
3. Cemfloor
(cemfloor.co.uk)
The Cemfloor website is a well-designed platform that caters to the diverse needs of its audience, providing an intuitive pathway to specific calls to action (CTAs) aligned with their customers and partners. Soft waves and gradients allowed them to achieve an elegant but welcoming look. Plenty of whitespace allowed for the display of information and technical elements without overwhelming the visitor. Paired up with high-quality images, animations, and video clips that showcase the product in action, it is interactive without sacrificing speed, loading time, or comfort.
The website also features a dedicated section for partners, including distributors, installers, and manufacturers. This section provides partners with access to a range of resources, including technical data sheets, installation guides, and marketing materials, to help them promote and sell Cemfloor products effectively.
In addition to these resources, the Cemfloor website provides detailed information about its products, including their technical specifications, installation requirements, and environmental credentials. The website also features a range of case studies and testimonials that showcase the use of Cemfloor products in real-world applications, providing potential customers with inspiration and ideas for their own projects.
Performance: 27/30
SEO: 30/30
Mobile: 30/30
Security: 5/10
4. James Hardie
(jameshardie.co.uk)
The James Hardie website is a visually stunning platform that features high-quality imagery and a clear focus on relevant calls to action (CTAs).
One of the standout features of the website is its use of high-quality imagery to showcase the various products and solutions offered by James Hardie. The imagery is crisp and clear, providing potential customers with a realistic and detailed view of the products and their applications. This approach helps to build trust and credibility with potential customers, as it demonstrates the quality and attention to detail that goes into every James Hardie product.
The website also places a clear emphasis on relevant CTAs, making it easy for potential customers to find the information they need to make informed decisions. The homepage features prominent CTAs for homeowners, architects, and builders, providing each segment with quick access to the information they need to choose the right James Hardie products for their project. The website also features a range of tools and resources, including product guides, installation instructions, and design ideas, making it a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in James Hardie products.
In addition to its focus on CTAs, the James Hardie website also provides detailed information about its products, including their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and environmental credentials. This information is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for potential customers to understand the benefits of James Hardie products and how they can be used in a range of applications.
Performance: 6/10
SEO: 20/30
Mobile: 20/30
Security: 10/10
5. Hormann
(hormann.co.uk)
The Hormann website features a unique menu navigation system and an organised approach to product applications by industry.
The website's menu navigation system is located at the top of the page and offers two menus: “homeowners and renovators” and “industry, commerce, and public authorities”. The menu changes depending on the selection. The menu system is easy to use, and the dropdown menus are clearly labelled, making it simple to navigate the site and find the information required.
One of the standout features of the Hormann website is the way it has organised its product applications by industry. Each industry segment, including residential, commercial, and industrial, has its own dedicated section, providing users with a clear understanding of the products and solutions that are most relevant to their needs.
Within each industry segment, the Hormann website provides detailed information about the various products and their applications, including technical specifications, performance characteristics, and installation requirements. The information is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for users to understand the benefits of each product and how it can be used in their specific industry.
In addition to its organised approach to product applications by industry, the Hormann website also provides a range of resources and tools, including product guides, installation instructions, and design ideas. These resources are tailored to each industry segment, providing users with a comprehensive and relevant source of information to help them make informed decisions about Hormann products.
Performance: 20/30
SEO: 30/30
Mobile: 30/30
Security: 10/10
Conclusion
Recently we interviewed a panel of architects about their priorities when it comes to building product websites. The websites listed above are those that are following many of the principles, comments, and suggestions that the architects we spoke to highlighted.
If you would like your website reviewed and accessed against this criteria, we would be happy to help. We can provide you with a full, actionable report called the Sitescope 360, that would help you to make changes to your website to improve your revenue.
While many building product companies know they need to keep their website updated, it’s clear that the companies above invest in their website not because they think it’s a “nice-to-have”, but because they understand that it is the first place specifiers go for product information. And a crucial step in the specification journey.
If you’d like to learn more about building product website design, schedule a meeting, and we can share what we’ve done to help businesses like yours generate millions of pounds worth of revenue through orders that came from online enquiries.