Project Overview
Objective:
Build and launch a conversion-focused Shopify site for Hardware Hub featuring 320+ products, advanced filtering/search, custom quoting with file uploads, AI-powered chat, SEO, and essential integrations.
Client Background:
Hardware Hub is a digital platform that connects contractors with trusted hardware suppliers, streamlining the way construction materials are sourced and delivered. With Hardware Hub, you get the materials you need, when and where you need them fast. Their mission is to simplify your build by making procurement seamless, transparent, and efficient, offering real-time prices and availability backed by reliable logistics.
Scope:
Site design & build, theme customization, e-commerce functionality (cart and checkout), product upload & SEO, filtering/search, quotation & advanced order-form integration, Google Analytics & GSC setup, AI chatbot.The Challenge
Pain Points:
No online catalogue or quoting workflow; manual will cause delays.320+ SKUs of product migration and listing. Repetitive support inquiries.
Constraints:
- Must work within existing Shopify plan/theme. (Custom code when needed)
- Complete product migration in first 3 weeks to stay on schedule.
Market / Competitive Analysis
Landscape:
Philippines’ online building-materials market is emerging—few specialty e-retailers.
Buyers expect quick quotes, transparent pricing, and real-time availability.
UX Competitive Analysis:
Competitor A: Good filters, but no quoting customers still email for bulk orders.
Competitor B: Strong visuals and strong search.
Solutions
UX Best Practices & Theme Customization:
- Mobile-First, Accessible Design
- WCAG-friendly contrast, clear typography, keyboard-navigable mega-menu.
- Hero CTA (“Shop Now”) above the fold, sticky header with “Request Quote.”
Theme Installation & Customization:
- Premium Shopify Shopify theme, customized.
- Branded header/nav/footer aligned with Hardware Hub’s logo, color palette, and typography. (Provided by client)
Product Management & SEO:
- Bulk Upload & Categorization
- Imported 320+ products (variants/SKUs) via CSV; organized into eight collections (Steel, Paints, Electrical, Wood, Cement, Tools, etc.).
- Tagged by brand, material, size to enable faceted filters.
- On-Page & Back-End SEO
- Crafted unique meta titles and ~150-char meta descriptions per product with long-tail keywords.
- Configured URL handles and alt-text.
- Google Analytics & Search Console Integration
- Set up GSC, submitted sitemap, monitored crawl/indexing, and resolved errors.
Filtering, Search & Navigation:
- Advanced Filters & Instant Search Integration
- Multi-facet filters (category, brand, price) with “sort by” options.
- Predictive search suggestions (“Search Materials…”) to speed discovery.
- Mega menu & sticky header integration.
- Exposed eight top categories plus featured brands.
- Sticky “Request Special Quotation” button opens the advanced order form.
Quotation & Advanced Order-Form Integration:
- “Add to Quote” Workflow
- Replaced “Add to Cart” with “Add to Quote” on product pages.
- Pop-up mini-cart tracks selections and running total
- Advanced Order Form
- Custom form with multiple file uploads for special/custom items.
- Automated email delivery of quote requests to the sales team.
Third-Party & AI Chatbot Integration:
- Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Tidio chatbot.
- AI Chatbot Training
- Trained on construction fundamentals, real-time pricing logic, and the full product catalogue.
- Deployed via Tidio—answers FAQs, guides quote process, and suggests related items.
