Cumbria Wildflowers, a long-established nursery in Cumbria, approached Social Ant with a clear requirement: to upgrade their outdated Joomla website to a modern, user-friendly WordPress platform. As a DEFRA-registered nursery specialising in native British wildflowers, plants, bulbs, and seeds, they needed a website that could handle the complexities of their product range while reflecting their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
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The new website needed to address several key challenges:
Social Ant began by analysing the existing website and identifying areas for improvement. The team worked closely with Cumbria Wildflowers to design a WordPress site that was not only visually appealing but also equipped with the functionality needed to meet their unique requirements.
The product catalogue was a central focus. Social Ant developed a system to handle the many variations in product sizes and pricing tiers, ensuring customers could easily find and purchase the right products. To address the frequent customer queries about plant selection, the team created a bespoke habitat selector tool. This interactive quiz guided users through a series of questions about their garden or plot of land, filtering product searches to display the most suitable options for their needs.
For trade customers, a dedicated wholesale section was developed. This included a product table for bulk ordering and a quote request system, simplifying the process for larger projects.
The e-commerce functionality was enhanced with Stripe and PayPal integration for secure payments, weight-based shipping calculations, and automated email notifications. A simple stock management system was synced to the website, streamlining inventory updates. Additionally, invoices, picking lists, and downloadable product guides were incorporated to improve administrative efficiency and customer experience.
The design of the website reflected Cumbria Wildflowers’ ethos, using earthy tones and natural imagery to evoke their connection to biodiversity and sustainability. The site was optimised for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience across all platforms.
The new WordPress website transformed Cumbria Wildflowers’ online presence, providing a modern, intuitive platform that met the needs of both customers and staff. The habitat selector tool has been a standout feature, empowering customers to make informed decisions and reducing the volume of repetitive queries.
The streamlined e-commerce functionality, including payment integrations and weight-based shipping, has significantly improved the purchasing process. Trade customers have also benefited from the dedicated wholesale setup, making it easier to place bulk orders and request quotes.
The Cumbria Wildflowers team has found the new stock management system and automated administrative features invaluable, saving time and reducing manual effort. The addition of downloadable guides and planting advice has further cemented the website as a go-to resource for customers.
The upgraded website has not only boosted online sales but also strengthened Cumbria Wildflowers’ reputation as a trusted, sustainable nursery. Social Ant successfully delivered a solution that combined technical innovation with a deep understanding of the client’s values and goals.
