Large Manufacturer
 

The site shows concept windows from leading designers, and Marvin's real-life, hand-built interpretations.

www.MyMarvin.com

 
Marvin Windows & Doors

Warroad, Minn.

The myMarvin Project is designed to inspire homeowners and let them know what they might be capable of bringing to their own homes. The manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows, asked some premier names in art and design to create their own “dream windows. Now, the myMarvin Project is bringing those artistic visions to life.

At myMarvin.com, viewers will find the original designs and the real-life, hand-built windows inspired by legendary graphic designer Milton Glaser; architect and best-selling author Sarah Susanka; environmental designer Karim Rashid; photographer Mark Laita; and TV host and Garden Home designer P. Allen Smith. After the artists submit their designs, skilled craftsmen hand-build each window at Marvin’s manufacturing facility. Videos on the site feature the artists discussing their inspiration and tracing the development of their original “dream window” designs.

MyMarvin.com also offers homeowners an array of tools and tips, both creative and practical, to help them bring their own visions to life. Visitors to the site will find an interactive room design tool that lets users try out a variety of room styles, furnishings, accessories and windows. They can also sign up to receive the myMarvin E-newsletter with information on the latest trends in home design, art, architecture, fashion and more.

The site also allows visitors to order a complete remodeling planner kit to help bring order to the creative process when planning your own remodeling, and finally photos and information on Marvin products.

Small/Medium Manufacturer
 

The new Seaway site provides clear links to both consumer information and dealer resources.

www.SeawayMfg.com

Seaway Manufacturing Corp.

Erie, Pa.

As part of an ongoing, company-wide quality improvement effort and recognizing the ever-changing nature of the electronic marketing landscape, Seaway sought the counsel of nationally-recognized industry experts in electronic marketing and Web site optimization strategy to fine tune its Web site. The company’s goal was to maximize usability for both homeowners and Seaway dealers.

The manufacturer of vinyl windows and doors, sunrooms, entry doors and storm products accomplished several significant goals as a result of this successful partnership, including: optimizing its Web site for both the consumer and Seaway dealer target audiences, designing a clear navigational path for each audience to obtain the desired action, increasing online lead generation success for dealers, and educating authorized dealers about the company’s innovative online marketing support options.

Optimization of the consumer-targeted area of the Web site includes simplified page layouts for quick and easy navigation, significantly reduced copy tailored to the four different consumer personas, and increased emphasis on elements known to enhance search results positioning. Recognizing the importance of engaging visitors with dynamic, interesting, and educational site content, the enhanced site incorporates stimulating interactive features such as: easily accessible product videos, downloadable product comparison fact sheets, compelling testimonials, and a comprehensive professional photo gallery.

The key to Seaway’s online dealer lead generation success is its “find a dealer now” button, located on every page, allowing homeowners to quickly find an authorized Seaway dealer near them. This simple yet powerful search tool displays an authorized dealer’s landing Web page, created and provided by Seaway free-of-charge to every dealer, and provides a direct link to that dealer’s individual Web site. This program has proven to be very successful in increasing online lead generation for dealers, the company notes.

Dealers also benefit from the extensive online marketing resources available through a secured, “dealers only” area of the site. They can conveniently access company news and announcements, quickly download literature, warranties, order forms, and an array of sales and marketing support tools. Seaway customers are taking advantage of this tool by ordering sales and marketing supplies online, confirming their email contact information to request Seaway dealer email blasts, and shopping for co-branded marketing merchandise.

The company’s portfolio of marketing resources is organized into six categories, offering extensive guidance and support in the successful development of an integrated marketing strategy. A “Dealer Examples” link connects dealers with effective marketing programs and ideas that have provided favorable results for fellow dealers. With the substantial enhancements to the Web site’s offering, the manufacturer has seen a significant increase in dealers utilizing Seaway’s valuable online marketing resources.

Seaway is continuously optimizing its site to further enhance visitors’ experiences, generate additional leads for its dealers, and support them even more effectively through the online channel.

Supplier
 

The Interlock site features intuitive navigation and a sleek look, with a focus on the products themselves.

www.interlockna.com

Interlock USA

Reno, Nev.

In an industry where aesthetics are as critical as engineering and performance, a hardware manufacturer can never sacrifice form for function—especially when it comes to marketing materials. The Interlock USA Web site reflects the company’s brand and mission by focusing on intelligent design, creativity, interactivity, usability and originality.

With intuitive navigation and a sleek look, the site highlights physics and engineering—the core practice behind product development at Interlock. Set against hues of charcoal and graphite, the focus is constantly on the products themselves, while reflections and light are used to add greater dimension.

The site, however, is more than a product showcase. It serves as an international portal for prospects, customers and partners alike. The site connects to European manufacturing partner sites, the parent company and distributors. The site is a conduit for customer service inquiries and product engineering discussions. It also includes an email sign-up to capture prospective leads for generating future Web-based marketing campaigns.

The site features a custom design and layout and was built as XHTML 1.0 Transitional and is CSS standards compliant. The site uses JavaScript for dynamic product viewing.

Other 2009

Crystal Achivement

Award Winners:

TECHNOLOGY

Most Innovative Window

Most Innovative Door

Most Innovative Component

Unique Innovation

MANUFACTURING

Most Innovative Plant

Most Innovative Machine

MARKETING

Most Innovative Marketing Progam

Best Product Literature

Return to the Crystal Achievement Awards 2009 home page