Elbeco: Web Site Development and Content Management System

Elbeco, Inc., currently celebrating 100 years in the uniform business, is one of the largest manufacturers of professional uniforms in North America, with approximately $45 million in annual sales. Elbeco has over 700 authorized dealers in the US and Canada and 450 union-represented employees.

Improve Marketing Message and Increase Sales

Initially, we were contracted by Elbeco to survey the people who wear their uniforms. Elbeco was very pleased with our Data Collection and Analysis work, and, in the course of that job, they learned about our Marketing Support Services offerings. When Elbeco was looking to improve their marketing message, increase sales, and build dealer and user loyalty to gain a competitive edge in the uniform industry, they called on Market Reader Pro® to optimize their Web site and online content management of nearly 600 products and over 2,000 images. They realized that powerful Web site capabilities are essential for any company doing business today, so they decided to ask us to upgrade their current Web site to a dynamic, database-driven Web site.

Custom Web Site Development and Content Management System

Elbeco contracted with Market Reader Pro® to take on the Web site development project due to our experience and success with developing custom Web based enterprise solutions, as well as the ability to provide on-going support services. After carefully evaluating Elbeco’s current situation and future needs, we developed and implemented a Web site and hosting solution that fulfilled their needs and allowed for ease of future enhancements. The Web site includes features such as a contest which can be entered online.

Innovative Technology Used for Web Site

Market Reader Pro® utilized its expertise and innovative technology to create a Web site that gives Elbeco the ability to capture, update, and analyze information in a way that is useful to them, their business partners, and their potential customers. Some of the technological approaches employed are listed below.

• Created an online catalog to give users up-to-date information on available products by implementing a Web content management system and e-commerce solution. Cross categorizations allow each visitor to find Elbeco products the way that makes sense to them and leads to optimization for search engine placement. Multiple images allow users to view products in various image sizes and colors, and the user can also enlarge the image for more detail.
• Incorporated our proprietary Advantage3D® technology to display products in an animated 360-degree view. 3-D Web images detail the functional operation of a product and help better explain its features and benefits. With Advantage3D® images, the user doesn’t have to wait for the image to load, and no plug-in or high-speed link is required for viewing.
• Developed the Dealer Portal to strengthen Elbeco’s business relationship with their dealers by having the online capability to communicate sales leads and new products, submit online forms, and allow dealers to showcase their business on Elbeco’s Web site through the Dealer Spotlight. A forum and message board further supports the communality between Elbeco and its dealers
• Launched a national contest to help celebrate Elbeco’s 100 year anniversary. Market Reader Pro® developed the Web pages to promote the contest, created an online form so dealers could sign up, and implemented an entry form to capture participants’ information and photograph if submitted.

Web Site Developed by Market Reader Pro® Gets Results

Since we launched Elbeco’s new Web site, they have seen a dramatic increase in the use and effectiveness of the new Web site. This has allowed them to strengthen business relationships with their dealers and increase sales. The following table highlights the effectiveness of Elbeco’s new Web site in just the first two months following launch:

Through our timely and professional work, we continue to be Elbeco, Inc.’s go-to company for Market Research and Marketing Support Services.

“The new Web site does a great job in building and presenting an improved image of the company and our products. The Advantage3D® images have been fantastic in helping us illustrate some of the unique features of our products. Everyone was very impressed with the creativity, intelligence, and commitment of the staff at Market Reader Pro®. We look forward to working with Market Reader Pro® to build upon the success that we have and to further enhance the Web site’s capability.”
Michael J. Vasilik Director of Marketing
Elbeco Incorporated
http://www.elbeco.com