Web Design:
Wildcat Fire Services
In May 2022, Kat, Larry, and Joanne from Wildcat Fire Services reached out for a new website design. Founded in September 2005 by Larry Werner, Wildcat Fire Service is a family-owned wildland firefighting and structural protection business based in Bowden, Alberta. Their commitment is to deliver top-notch firefighting services, prioritizing the prevention of loss of life, environmental impact, and property damage.
They shared their frustrations with their previous web contractor, which they felt was overpriced and riddled with hidden fees This is the reason why I started Arktos—to offer small businesses affordable marketing solutions. I was thrilled to help them out.
Project Details
Client: Larry & Joanne
Date: July 2022
Skills: Web Design
Visit: https://wildcatfireservices.com/
Number of Pages
Initial Turnaround Days
Conceptualize
My goal was to create a visually appealing, functional website that drives higher traffic and boosts SEO rankings. During my consultation with the Wildcat team, the goal became to represent all facets of their business—services, equipment, and custom manufacturing—while enhancing SEO to attract more clients. Wildcat Fire had a wealth of information about their services and equipment, crucial for constructing an informative website. They need to “bid” for contract jobs throughout wildfire season, making detailed service information essential.
My main focus was to create a website that was visually appealing, clearly organized, and informative. It needed to showcase their comprehensive services, the high-quality equipment they use, and their unique custom manufacturing capabilities. This approach would not only highlight their expertise but also draw in potential clients through improved SEO practices.
Create
The first crucial step with Wildcat Fire Services was freeing them from their restrictive contract with their previous contractor, which left them with no control over their web or email hosting. At Arktos, I ensure clients maintain complete ownership of their accounts – I never take control. Partnering with 4Real I.T. Solutions in Innisfail, Alberta, we secured new email and web hosting services and seamlessly migrated all existing emails. Ken and his team, known for their top-notch support, played a pivotal role in this transition.
- Design Layout: The header included the Wildcat logo and a navigation menu, integrated links to WCFS’s social media accounts and prominently displayed a clickable link to their 24-hour emergency phone number—critical for fire safety and suppression services. The footer included a user-friendly contact form, additional contact information, and another clickable link to the emergency line.
- Importance of Content and Imagery: The quality of imagery significantly impacts a website’s appeal. While WCFS provided substantial information, their provided photos didn’t meet the mark. I captured new, high-quality photos of all their equipment. This superior imagery provided greater flexibility in layout and graphic design. Any gaps in media were filled using stock imagery from iStock.
With the foundational work complete, the focus shifted to laying out each page for intuitive navigation and information accessibility. The new Wildcat Fire Services website effectively showcases their services, equipment, and custom manufacturing capabilities, leveraging robust SEO practices and a modern, user-friendly design to attract potential clients and support ongoing business growth.
Communicate
The final design is probably one of the designs that I am most proud of. I love the overall look and bold nature of the site. The colour combinations and font hierarchy provided an opportunity to break up information into sections ensuring readability while emphasizing key details. It’s fully optimized for mobile devices, maintaining its sleek appearance and functionality across all platforms. Engaging animations add interactivity, keeping users engaged and the interface dynamic.
Ultimately, WCFS deserved a meticulously crafted website that reflects their professionalism and capabilities. I’m confident that the design achieves just that, providing a robust online presence that enhances their brand and attracts new opportunities.