A new website has helped leisure vehicle specialist Geist Direct to transform its business model , move to bigger premises, take on more staff and attract customers from across the world.
People from as far away as Australia and New Zealand are now using the site – at www.geistforlife.com – to browse a range of motorhomes and caravans before travelling to Geist’s flagship site in Birtley to buy a vehicle and set off on their trip of a lifetime.
Developed by Gateshead-based digital experts Industrial Strength, the website allows visitors to browse and take virtual tours of new and used caravans and motor homes, watch video clips of the design and manufacturing process, and even ‘build’ a vehicle to their specification. The site also links viewers to the Geist network of service centres, the recently-launched owners club, and a Facebook page.
Industrial Strength managing director Richard Myers said: “It was great to be chosen by Geist to develop a website that would give them the online tools to allow them to sell direct to the public instead of through a traditional dealer network.
“The website’s built-in functionality means customers can watch industry reviews, search the range of vehicles and build a unique model that suits their needs, all without leaving their armchair. And they benefit from able to deal directly with Geist’s knowledgeable team rather than a non-specialist dealer, and can save thousands of pounds into the bargain.”
The web development team also included links from which users can join the owners club and the Facebook page and become part of an online community, in line with Geist’s plans to increase its online and social media marketing efforts.
Geist Direct’s director, Patrick Carlin, said: “Our new website is fantastic. The experts at Industrial Strength have given us a worldwide sales portal that builds closer relationships with our customers as well as expanding our geographic reach. Prospective customers from all over the world can choose from our entire product range and take advantage of British design coupled with German engineering – and all without paying extra charges to a dealer or middleman.
“It has played a massive part in helping us to expand the business, create new jobs in our sales and service departments in Birtley and Lincoln, and prompted a move to bigger premises so we can showcase a much larger range of vehicles. It is no exaggeration to say that the site is now an integral part of our marketing efforts.”
Tags: Digital, website design
Posted in Case Studies