Launching Welles & Cross Online to Drive Local Discovery and Footfall
240%
Increase in organic traffic
Top 3
Search rankings for key brand and service terms
+150%
Google Maps direction requests
Overview.
Our collaborative process with the Welles & Cross team ensured that the digital presence we designed and built matched the venue’s physical charm and character, making the pub easy to find, welcoming to explore, and memorable for all the right reasons.
Services.
Website Design & Development + SEO Strategy + Copywriting
Challenge.
Welles & Cross is a newly renovated and reimagined pub in the heart of Cheshire. With a focus on exceptional service, first-class drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all, the team needed a website that would not only reflect their brand but also help them get discovered quickly by both locals and visitors. With a brand-new venue and zero digital footprint, the challenge was to rank fast, drive local traffic, and help grow the business from day one.
Solution.
With no existing digital assets, we focused on building strong foundations. We created a site architecture that prioritised local SEO, optimised meta content and headings for high-intent searches, and ensured Google Business Profile integration was fully leveraged.
Our focus on speed and performance was not just a goal, but a commitment. The new site launched with a First Contentful Paint of 1.1 seconds and a Largest Contentful Paint of 1.4 seconds, maintaining a low bounce rate and delivering a seamless experience across all devices, which we believe is truly impressive.
Within 6 weeks of launch, the site ranked in the top 3 search results for key branded and transactional queries. Organic traffic grew by 240%, and optimised listings across Google Maps and Places drove a 150% increase in direction requests, bringing new foot traffic into the pub.
“Launching a new venue is full-on, so having Jon and StudioJWD handle the website was a huge weight off our shoulders. They just got what we were about, from the look and feel, to the tone of the copy, to making sure people could find us online. Within weeks, we were seeing a real lift in local traffic and new faces through the door. The results speak for themselves, and the process was smooth from start to finish.”
Nick, Founder, Welles & Cross
240%
Increase in organic traffic
Top 3
Search rankings for key brand and service terms
+150%
Google Maps direction requests
Services that powered this project.
Every project needs the right mix of strategy, creativity, and technology. See how our services came together here, and what they can do for you.
Web Experiences
Websites, web apps, and digital journeys that engage your audience and drive growth.
Strategy
Strategic thinking based on audience, category and culture.
Organic SEO & GEO
Driving more traffic to your website with increased visibility.