One of the most exciting aspects of web design is the chance to step into different industries and understand what makes each one unique. Working in the locksmith and tradesmen space, one thing quickly became clear: trust is everything. Customers need to know they’re working with legitimate, verified professionals. So when the client approached me, their top priority was clear:
“I want customers to be aware of the level of services we provide within our business.”
Our mission was to build a sleek, functional website that captured the essence of the locksmith business while providing customers with all the information they need in a few simple clicks.
The Vision
The objective was straightforward:
- Showcase services clearly
- Maximise call-to-action buttons
- Provide essential context — location, call-out charges, and a straightforward service list
Starting With A Clean Slate
I’m a firm believer in the power of a blank canvas approach (subject to the project), especially when building a website from the ground up. This gives me the freedom to customize every detail without having to deal with unnecessary bloat or restrictions from pre-built themes.
For this project, I opted to use a very basic Elementor theme to create a fully responsive layout. The flexibility of Elementor allowed me to adjust and tweak the design until it fit the client’s vision perfectly.
One key element was ensuring the site worked seamlessly across all devices. With a large portion of users browsing from mobile, I made sure the layout was intuitive and clean, adjusting columns and alignment with custom CSS where needed.
Homepage Design: Simple Yet Impactful
When it came to the homepage, I followed one guiding principle: user experience. While flashy animations and complex interactions can make a site visually appealing, they can also slow it down and clutter the message. So, I kept things simple.
The homepage became a quick-info hub. It’s a no-nonsense page where customers can immediately find services, read reviews, and get in touch. Everything was kept streamlined, without compromising on functionality.
Reviews: The Core of Credibility
The most important aspect of the design was integrating customer reviews. Reviews are vital in the locksmith industry, and the client wanted these visible front and center. To achieve this, I created a custom post UI in WordPress to add a dedicated review section. This allowed the client to input new reviews seamlessly and display them dynamically on the homepage.
To give the client full control over reviews, I created a little form for them to submit feedback directly, then used a shortcode to display the latest entries on the homepage.
Service Page: Clarity Above All
The service page needed to communicate a lot in a short space. The client offers a limited range of services, so there was no need for over-complication. The design was minimal and easy to navigate, with a clear, mobile-friendly grid that made it simple for customers to access the service they needed and contact the client immediately.
I created a simply grid method to outline all the key services my client offers for customers to quick and easily see.
The call out changes were split in two parts between day time and night time, the client had some specific information and insisted a quick call to action for customers to easily contact my client was crucial.
Footer: Reinforcing Trust
The footer was an essential component in ensuring the website reflected trust and professionalism. To reinforce the client’s credibility, we showcased logos from trusted platforms like Checkatrade and MyBuilder, making it easy for users to verify the client’s credentials. This is an important element in a service-based business where trust is paramount.
I could’ve use the theme’s footer, but to create a stunning design and compatible footer, I installed elementor headers and footers plugin.
I first carried out the appearance settings and made sure that this particular footer would become the sites main footer.
This allows me to two separate containers with a core row functionality, this allows a compatible layout on all devices for users to easily view and interact with.
Additionally, we displayed the full range of services offered, making it easy for customers to see what’s available and encouraging engagement.
Feedback and Refinement
Before launching the site, I sent it off for internal review. My boss provided some valuable feedback and suggested a few tweaks to improve the CSS and overall responsiveness. After incorporating these changes, I showed the final version to the client.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. The client loved the simplicity and accessibility of the site, particularly how quickly users could find information and reach out. The visual elements also struck the right balance between professional and approachable.
The Final Result
With the client’s approval, we took the website live: kinglock.co.uk. What started as a simple idea turned into a robust online presence that reflects the client’s professionalism and commitment to quality. The site is now a reliable resource for customers in need of locksmith services, reinforcing the importance of trust and clarity in the online space.
