Challenge
Zim Sailing wanted one website that could function as both an information source for their boats and paddleboards, which are custom-quoted per order and/or available through authorized dealers, while also allowing for the online sale of their lower price-point items, such as sailboat parts and apparel. The company wanted a mobile-friendly version of their site as well.
Solution
Brave River Solutions used responsive design to create a hybrid e-commerce/informational site. Responsive design uses a fluid layout that flexes to fit the size of the viewing screen, reducing the need for users to scroll, pan, or zoom when accessing the site from mobile devices. Because responsive web design works off a flexible layout rather than relying on pre-determined sizes, the website will display correctly on any size screen – eliminating the need for multiple, device-specific sites.
Results
The new home of Zim Sailing features sections for Zim’s sailboats and paddleboards, racks and trailers, and charters, which allow for a high amount of well-organized details on each product, along with links to locate nearby dealers, download PDFs, and watch videos where applicable. There is also an e-commerce section where Zim’s customers can buy parts, apparel, accessories and more directly from Zim Sailing. Both the e-commerce and informational content pages of the website can be easily updated and maintained by Zim, using Brave River’s user-friendly Content Management System (CMS).
Technology
- ASP.net
- HTML/CSS
- SQL Server Database
- Google Analytics
- Responsive Website Design
- BRS Commerce
- Online Shopping Cart Software
About the Company
Zim Sailing, based in Rhode Island, provides one-design sailboats, parts, accessories, and services to the North American market. The principals of the company are lifelong sailing enthusiasts with boat building experience spanning over 40 years.
Additional Services
“I’ve viewed the content pages and e-commerce pages on a variety of devices, and it looks amazing. [Our website] is going to set us apart from our competitors and put us years ahead of other companies.”
Paul Zimmermann, Project Manager at Zim Sailing
