Homecrest overhauls website

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 6/9/2011 4:45:49 PM

WADENA, Minn. — Homecrest Outdoor Living has launched a new website - homecrest.com - that allows for the ability to personalize an outdoor space using both the Interactive Design Center (version 3.0) and the new Patio Planner, powered by Icovia.

In redesigning the website, Homecrest used a variety of search engine-optimization techniques to help generate increased traffic to the site and its retailer network. Additionally, several social networking applications were added to the website, such as Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, to help educate dealers and customers.

Design Center

Homecrest's Interactive Design Center was launched in 2009 and is updated annually to allow consumers to not only create, but print and save the product that they have personalized online using Homecrest's most current fabric, finish and frame selections. The Design Center is an innovative way to put consumers in the driver seat when it comes to applying their individual style to the furniture for their outdoor space. Homecrest also offers a variety of color stories which help simplify the design process for the consumer. The color stories feature coordinating fabric and frame finishes and can be found in the catalog, swatch book and on the website. Homecrest currently offers 10 color stories, with more in the works for 2012.

Deck/Patio Planner

The Patio Planner is a useful tool for both consumers and sales associates on the selling floor. It enables one to layout an outdoor space, like a deck or patio, and helps create confidence in the product selection. All of the Homecrest collections are available for placement, including outdoor rugs, umbrellas and pillows.

Training Portal

Homecrest recently launched a Training Portal, Homecrest University, which features mini seminars, a Twitter information center, training quizzes and marketing support downloads. The goal of the Internet-based mini seminars and training quizzes is to help dealers become more knowledgeable about the product and write more sales orders.

Homecrest also revamped its Dealer Portal and added a catalog archive and dealer locator.