New Branding and Website for Growing Electric Contractor
It was clear that the existing website was due for a total revamp, as their vendor also relied on a proprietary yet restrictive platform. Even simple website updates proved to be challenging. The breaking point came in their difficulty in adding a button to the navigation, since the website was limited in the number of customizable options/areas. Gumpher reviewed several local vendors, but in the end, 4CDesignWorks’ experience in the Electrical Utilities field (and the A/E/C industry) made for a perfect partnership for the company’s website collaboration.
Being somewhat disenchanted with a larger “all-in-one” website provider, more local vendors were reviewed and pursued as alternatives. 4CDesignWorks’ experience in the Electrical Utilities field (and the A/E/C industry) made for a perfect partnership for Gumpher to take the next step with.
Project Kickoff & Consultation
Nearly every 4CDesignWorks website project starts with a competitive industry review to get a better sense of how each competitor positions their strengths in the marketplace. Equipped with this knowledge, we worked with Gumpher management to define their differentiators more accurately, and together, we were able to strategize and plan for their new website. Through this process and getting to know Gumpher, we were able to better understand their recent growth and their motivation to reposition the company as a key player in the commercial and industrial sector.
Their women-owned status and their family-operated environment also needed to be more apparent. 4CDesignWorks shared how others in the industry were making similar shifts and how their visual presentation was updated to reflect this change. It soon became apparent that Gumpher could benefit from a branding refresh in addition to a new website.
Branding redesign & refresh
Although branding was initially thought of as an option that was potentially more of a future need (“need” being even a strong word), 4CDesignWorks showed examples of how the brand and website work in concert to create a better overall visual statement. Showing the existing logo treatment and how it creates limitations based on the file type available (PNG), color (gradients), and readability (sizing for website main navigation).
This was done as part of the home page design process, and logo options that updated and refined the logo icon concept were shown to highlight how a visual change signals the shift from residential offerings. Going further, the naming consistency was identified as a consideration. In open discussions, the recommendation to go with “Gumpher Electric” was approved, allowing for further alternative logo options, including shorthand (just “Gumpher”) for more flexibility in certain spaces and orientations.
Brand improvements
Creating a standardized set of colors, logo lockups for flexibility, a more legible font, and an improved icon that indicates ‘electric’ through a stylized bolt, the results were a hit internally, creating excitement for the future!
Particular care was also applied to alignment. When using an italic slant presentation, this can be a challenge in where to place the icon in relation to text, and how that translates to other uses and logo lockups.
Website rebuild and redesign
One of the tactics that 4CDesignWorks employs to be efficient and time-conscious was to refine the website homepage designs as the brand was being refined. Comments from the initial suite of website homepage designs were shown alongside refined logo options. This showed variance in primary colors as there was some discussion of pairing different blues, yellows, and grays for consideration.
For the construction of the website, having a Content Management System (CMS) was a must, and WordPress was identified as being the platform that provides the most flexibility for where Gumpher was headed. The rebuild saw page a suite of featured project pages, services pages, an expanded about section (including a more in-depth history page), and building out specialized forms in addition to open positions and an improved careers page.
Client & Project Information
About Gumpher Electric
Gumpher Electric is a woman-owned, family-operated union electrical contracting company based in the Pittsburgh area. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in large-scale commercial and industrial electrical projects, serving clients throughout Western Pennsylvania and surrounding regions.
4CDesignWorks support continues into other awareness marketing and sales initiatives, further brand application efforts, and online web adjustments.
View their website at https://gumpherinc.com/
Project Highlights:
- New Brand Identity (Corporate Identity & Logo Design)
- Corporate Branding Sheet, Typography, Logo, & Color Guide
- Website Design and Graphic Design Support
- Supportive Custom Patterns & Icon Graphics
- Hosting Migration Support
- WordPress Content Management System Training
- Mobile-Friendly & Responsive Display