It has been a long time in the making, but we have finally launched our gorgeous new website and online shop. This project started as an idea back in 2021. It has involved a lot of research, online courses, grants, patience, more research, wonderful service providers, and more patience to get it off the ground and onto your computers! But we are so delighted with the finished product, and we hope you like it too.
How and Why did we build a new Website?
When I joined the family business full time in 2021, I had lots of ideas about what I could bring to the company. Having moved from working for a Dublin based Ecommerce business, I felt inspired to apply some of this model to our own business. Looking at our old website, aesthetically it was ok. However, it was not so easy to navigate and the information did not feel easy to access as the person browsing the site. We definitely needed a freshening up. My main focus from the out-set was you, our customer. I knew I wanted to create a website that was not just clear and informative, but one that also allowed you to experience who we are and why we do what we do.
But first, I needed help! I knew it would take a lot more than just me to create what I had envisioned, so this is where the research began.
I started by looking into grants and schemes that we might be eligible for. Here is where I connected with Meath Local Enterprise Office, and then began the steps required to apply for the Trading Online Voucher. Because I knew I wanted our site to also have an online shop, this was the perfect option for us. Our LEO (Local Enterprise Office) was so helpful throughout the process.
Once we were approved for the grant, I began the search for businesses that could help bring this idea to life. I decided to partner up with the wonderful Jill O’Meara to take some new photographs of myself, Leo and Fionnuala – a little work/family photoshoot. Jill did an amazing job. So much so that I then drafted her in to look after product photography for the new site too (my attempt was very humbling, so a massive shoutout to all product photographers out there. It ain’t easy!).
As much as I would love to claim responsibility for our beautiful website, the credit must go to the amazing Whitespider Web Design. I had met with a few companies but I just didn’t feel like they were the right fit for us. As soon as I met Julian, I knew we had found the right person to take on this task for us. Julian worked with me the whole way through the process and remained so helpful and realistic, yet positive – even when I’m sure I was testing his limits! The original draft of our site was very different to what you will see now. And it was a long and winding journey, to say the least. I am so proud of the achievement we have made in collaborating with these fantastic companies to create this fantastic website for our little company!
What is our online shop about?
With so many businesses choosing to trade online these days, we wanted to jump on the bandwagon! We already carry a wonderful range of high quality products, from some of the world’s leading suppliers in the water treatment industry. It was time that we started showcasing these products online, to make it easier for you to learn about the different options available to you.
We feel there is a lack of accessibility to information in this industry and we aim to create a community here that will provide you with easy and reliable information and water treatment solutions.
One of the criteria for the LEO Trading Online Voucher is that your site must have an eCommerce/Shop feature (as hinted to in the name!). Our original website was purely informational. This meant we had to create an online store in order to receive the grant. I spent a lot of time researching different online businesses, from water treatment companies to small Irish businesses to take inspiration from. We are so excited to finally have a platform to display all of our different products to you and offer you the opportunity to buy directly or arrange an installation by us.
We have a wide range of products available already, and we continue to add to the online catalogue on a regular basis. Our main suppliers are well established companies based in Ireland, and across Europe, providing us with both high quality components we have been using for over 30 years, and also the best in new products and innovation in water treatment. We are seeing huge developments in the domestic filtration market with really exciting new products to give you the best quality drinking water right from your kitchen.
Stick around for more blog posts to come. Soon we will be chatting about some exciting new products we have launching on our site very soon!
If you got to the end of this post, thank you for reading!!! This website project started with a simple idea, and through both personal and business challenges along the way, we are so thrilled to finally be live and connected to you all online. Without the help of all those mentioned above, Meath LEO, Jill, Julian, our wonderful suppliers, and you – our loyal customers, none of this would have been achievable. So Thank You. We are eager to see what opportunities and growth lies ahead for us, and our partners.
