Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was safetyspeed.com, the newly relaunched, ultra-user-friendly and completely revamped website of Safety Speed Manufacturing.

Tom Houska, manufacturing marketing manager for Safety Speed based in Ham Lake, MN, said plans for the new site were sowed last year and even after a web developer was chosen in March, it would take another six months before the new site would go “live.” That momentous occasion occurred in early September.

Trying to compare the form and function of the new safetyspeed.com to its previous self is kind of like watching the Super Bowl on a 70-inch plasma HD TV as opposed to a 27-inch tube TV with rabbit ears. You can still watch the game, but the thrill of the experience is so much less.

“This world-class website does not in any way replace the direct, responsive customer service that we have been known for throughout the industry for over five decades,“ Houska said. “But our goal in launching this new website is to provide an online resource for individuals and dealers to learn more about our product solutions and how we can help them with their panel processing needs.”

Here’s 10 ways that the Cut-Rout-Sand-Edge specialist hit it out of the park with its new website:

1. Looking Good!: They say that seeing is believing – so trust your eyes as they gaze on this cleaner, more contemporary website design. Still not convinced? To fully and easily appreciate the phenomenal facelift that Safety Speed Manufacturing’s website has undergone, check out these before and after screen captures.
2. 
3. Here’s Waldo: It’s easy to find the products and services you’re looking for as improved navigation is a hallmark of the new website. All content is cross indexed so you can logically move from point A to point Z and any point in between. In addition, you can click on one of eight end-user categories such as cabinet shops,  lumber yards,  plastic processors  and sign makers  to further streamline your search.
4. The Need for Speed: The new website has been optimized not only to be found by search engines, but to facilitate faster loading of pages. See how quickly the Safety Speed Manufacturing story  loads. ­­
5. Shop and Compare: Looking for the vertical panel saw that best matches your shop’s needs? Safety Speed currently offers 15 different models ranging in price from under $2,000 to just over $20,000. The website’s new Comparison Module allows you to do side-by-side comparisons of specifications and features of each of the machines that most pique your interest. Also compare vertical routers, widebelt sanders and more.
6. Accessorize: In addition to its high-quality lines of American-made vertical panel saws, vertical routers, widebelt sanders and edgebanders, Safety Speed offers a wide selection of accessories ranging from saw blades and sanding belts through hold-down bars and measuring devices.
7. Supporting Cast: Safety Speed has built an international network of dealers and distributors. Instantly find the one closest to you by entering your address in the Dealer Locator.
8. Gesneden – Omwroeten – Zand – Rand. That’s Dutch for Cut – Rout – Sand – Edgeband. So it’s no problemo if you no habla ingles. A quick click translates the site to Dutch, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese or Russian.
9. Blogs R Us: OK, so you are reading this post. That speaks volumes about the new blog channel! It’s the newest addition to Safety Speed’s social media arsenal. Follow Safety Speed on Twitter. Like Safety Speed on Facebook. Watch Safety Speed machine demos on YouTube.
10. Visit SafetySpeed.com on the Go: With Smartphone and tablet use skyrocketing, the new website was designed to provide visitors with an enhanced user experience no matter where or how they log onto the site.
11. Buy Now: Why wait? You saw it. You compared it. You know you want it so buy it now! Safetyspeed.com’s eCommerce platform  allows you to fill your shopping cart anytime, anywhere. Order an accessory now and receive it within two to three business days. Order a machine and have it within two to three weeks.

Article written by Rich Christianson. 

Rich Christianson is the principal of Richson Media, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his 30-year career Rich toured more than 200 woodworking plants throughout North America, Europe and Asia and written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends.