NBN Online for the week of August 6, 2007

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
Homeland Security Crackdown on Illegal Workers Imminent
Housing Career Path Starts With CD-ROM and Building Doghouses
‘Buy Now’ Campaign Helps Boost Activity in Smaller Michigan Market
Coast to Coast
No Money Down Disappearing as Mortgage Option
Politics & Government
Housing Trust Fund Bill Heads to House Floor
House Energy Bill Includes Federal Role in Writing Building Codes
Economics & Finance
Mortgage Interest Rates Drift a Bit Lower
Eye on the Economy: Home Prices Fall, But Not Dramatically
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: A Tool to Find Circle Centers — Spot On
Sales and Marketing
Web Marketing Helps Ease Impact of Home Sales Slump
Enter The Nationals Sales and Marketing Awards by Sept. 28
Business Management
When Scheduling Jobs, Don’t Overlook Your ‘Soft Schedule’
50Plus Housing
Offer Residents an Alternative to Security Deposits
Multifamily
Law Safeguards Tenants Who Are Domestic Abuse Victims
Custom
Register for Custom Builder Symposium in Naples, Fla.
Building Systems
Plan to Attend SHOWCASE 2007 in Hilton Head, S.C.
New Modular FAQ Brochure Available to Builders, Consumers
Education
Education Calendar
Design
Attend AIA’s Full Spectrum Practice Symposium
Codes and Standards
New Installation Instructions Announced for Steel Tubing
Deadline Nears for New Code Amendment Proposals
Safety
Award Honors Outstanding Builder Safety Programs
Boost Job Site Safety With Fall Protection Training Products
Labor
Advanced Superintendent Training Now Offered
‘Instructor of the Year’ From Roswell, N.M. Job Corps
Building Products
Product Searches Now Easier on Georgia-Pacific Web Site
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Herman J. Smith Scholarship Award Winners Announced
Association News
NAHB Board in Seattle for Fall Meeting Sept. 8
Committee, Council Appointment Forms Now Online
Nation’s Building News Earns National Honors
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Special Offer for NAHB Members on the Dell ATG D620 Notebook
Introducing the Hertz Green Collection. Reserve and Conserve.
Get Free CD of Customer Service Forms From Biz Forms and Checks
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Product Searches Now Easier on Georgia-Pacific Web Site

As part of its strategy to better serve the needs of architects, builders, contractors and consumers, Georgia-Pacific Building Products LLC recently redesigned its Web site (gp.com/build) to make it easier for visitors to find the information they are seeking.

As part of its redesign process, the manufacturer conducted research reinforcing findings that Web site visitors seek clear product terminology, a text-centered home page tailored with information to meet their specific needs, efficient search mechanisms and easily accessible information, such as dealer locations.

“Our audiences — primarily builders, architects, ‘do-it-yourselfers’ and home owners — need a streamlined, direct user experience,” said Brent Paugh, vice president of sales and marketing for Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC. “We redesigned the Web site to focus on better serving the commercial and residential building community and do-it-yourselfers with a user-friendly, clear and action-oriented online solution.”

These specific improvements were implemented for the site:

  • A new search applications to help users more easily find specific information on the site

  • Streamlined navigation to ensure that the site provides easy access to information targeted to specific audiences such as contractors or architects


The site has been redesigned to decrease the number of one-page only visits and reduce the number of people who leave the site at the home page, according to Leslie Schworm, the company’s manager for Internet marketing communications.

“By focusing on user goals, we believe the site will enhance customer relationships and lead to a more productive online experience,” she said. “Architects, construction professionals and consumers alike rely on our site for comprehensive product information.”

Schworm added that nearly every visit to the new site results in a PDF download for further information.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific Corporation is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.

This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.


 

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