Website Case Study: Breathing New Life into Hawes Arborists' Digital Presence
The Challenge: A Website Lost in the Woods
Hawes Arborists, a professional tree care business based just outside Shaftesbury, came to We are Chain through a trusted mutual contact. Like many small businesses, their website had served them well once upon a time. But with the pace of change online, what was once a useful tool had become outdated and stagnant, failing to reflect the high-quality, modern service the team delivers every day out in the field (or forest, as the case may be). This is our story of the development of their digital realm makes a nice website case study for anyone looking to upgrade their site.
Their branding was solid, but the site needed a serious refresh to bring it up to speed with current design trends, user expectations, and—perhaps most importantly—local search visibility.
The Solution: Design, Develop, and (Literally) Dig In
After a proper sit-down consultation with Mark, the business owner (and his exuberantly friendly black labrador, who greeted us with a flying kick and a slobbery kiss), we got to work.
Design & Development
Using their existing logo as a jumping-off point, our design team created a fresh, modern visual style that felt clean, professional, and trustworthy, without losing the local charm. We developed the site in WordPress, focusing on usability and easy content updates.
Services Overhaul
As part of the process, we worked closely with Mark to update the services offered on the site, making sure they reflected the current direction and capabilities of the business.
Custom Photography
A key issue was the lack of imagery. Instead of relying on generic stock photos (because no one wants a picture of a Canadian pine forest on a Dorset tree surgeon’s site), we went on location with the Hawes team to a real client’s property. There, we captured authentic images showcasing the various services in action, adding a personal, professional touch to the new website.
The Results: A Local Website That Works
The final product is a slick, easy-to-navigate, and search-optimised website that’s already generating solid local enquiries. Better yet, Mark can now add content himself, thanks to a bit of training from us (and the dog, who supervised proceedings).
Ongoing Support
We didn’t just stop at launch. As part of the package, we provided guidance on improving local SEO, including how to optimise their Google My Business profile and how to leverage local directories to improve search visibility. The goal: make sure Hawes Arborists are found by the right people in the right area, when they need them most.
Key Takeaways
- Upgraded an outdated site with a fresh design on WordPress
- Created custom imagery to showcase real services in action
- Improved local visibility through SEO best practices
- Empowered the client with training for ongoing content updates
Need a Website That Works as Hard as You Do?
If your website feels like it's stuck in the past, give We are Chain a shout. We blend practical experience with digital know-how to create websites that do more than just look good—they grow your business.
Get in touch with us today and let’s talk about bringing your site back to life. Visit Hawes Arborists website now.