Not So Lame: Websites That Work

Last month, HBSDealer published an indictment of the lame website. Many of our readers self-confessed to having little in the way of a Web presence, and those who do are not entirely up to speed.



Of a total of 218 respondents, 39% said they would describe their company’s online presence as “Non-existent: At least we’re in the phone book.” An additional 17% answered “Weak,” and 26% were “Above Average.” Only 18% of the respondents gave themselves a top rating of “Strong” in the Web design category.



This time, we thought we’d turn it around and shine the spotlight on a couple of websites that are in pretty excellent shape. Internet Luddites, take note! Here’s what a successful hardware store website looks like.



Miami, Florida-based Shell Lumber & Hardware hits you first with an immersive, multimedia experience. What better way to personify your store than by letting the viewer hang out there vicariously? The site follows through on its initial promise with clear-cut navigation, a digital catalog, a well-articulated mission statement and an informative blog. (shelllumber.com)



Boulder, Colorado-based McGuckin Hardware doesn’t treat its social presence like an afterthought. Scroll just a little past its moving ticker of deals and promotions, as well as store information displayed prominently in the page header, and you get this attractive spread of social media links and historical reading material. (www.mcguckin.com)



With a title like “World’s Coolest Hardware Store,” the site design certainly lives up to the promise. Charlotte, North Carolina-based Blackhawk Hardware made an interesting choice to prioritize its blog content on its main page, which includes posts ranging from Big Green Egg Easter recipes to Pinewood Derby Car Supplies. (blackhawkhardware.com)