Squarespace Web Design for Paramount Tariff in California, United States
Estimated Completion: Approximately 8 weeks
Live Website Link: https://www.paramounttariff.com/
Scroll through the homepage below:
Home Page
Introduction
In the fast-paced and highly regulated maritime shipping industry, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) and freight forwarders rely on specialized services to maintain regulatory compliance. As a leader in NVOCC tariff publication and related compliance support, Paramount Tariff Services, Inc. (PTS) understood the importance of having a modern, user-friendly website that not only informs prospects and clients about their offerings but also delivers a smooth, intuitive browsing experience. With over 20 years of experience assisting clients in meeting Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) requirements, PTS needed a web platform that reflected their authority, professionalism, and trustworthiness.
Our objective was to redesign and rebuild Paramount Tariff’s website on Squarespace, ensuring a clean, modern, and professional interface. The new site would highlight the company’s core services, from tariff publication to FMC bond management, while maintaining user-friendly navigation, mobile responsiveness, and easy content management. In addition, the existing tariff search tool, housed externally on a subdomain, needed to be seamlessly integrated, maintaining continuity and familiarity for long-time users.
This case study explores how we overhauled Paramount Tariff’s website by implementing a cohesive design strategy, optimizing site architecture, and embracing best practices in user experience (UX) and mobile optimization. The final product positions PTS as the premier professional organization serving the NVOCC and freight forwarding communities, providing a robust digital foundation that supports future growth.
Our Client’s Background
Paramount Tariff Services, Inc. has served the unique needs of NVOCCs and freight forwarders for over two decades. Their expertise lies in helping clients navigate and comply with the FMC’s intricate regulatory environment. Their core services include:
NVOCC Tariff Publication: Ensuring clients’ tariffs meet FMC requirements.
NVOCC/Ocean Freight Forwarder License Preparation: Assisting businesses in obtaining and maintaining necessary licensure.
NVOCC/FMC Bonds: Offering bond-related guidance and solutions to meet FMC bonding requirements.
Based in the United States, PTS caters to a niche but crucial segment of the maritime industry. Their reputation is built upon professionalism, adherence to compliance, and the ability to demystify complex regulations. By serving as a trusted partner, they empower their clients to focus on their core business functions with peace of mind.
Project Goals and Objectives
Our primary aim was to design and build a new Squarespace website that would:
Showcase Services and Expertise:
Clearly and professionally communicate PTS’s range of services—NVOCC tariff publication, license preparation, CTPAT certification, bond management—and their decades of experience.Modern, Sleek, and Professional Design:
Adopt a contemporary, uncluttered visual style that aligns with the brand’s reputation for professionalism. The keyword here was “modern”—an aesthetic that balances corporate formality with ease of use.Enhance User Experience and Navigation:
Implement a logical site structure, guided by the proposed sitemap, allowing visitors to find information quickly. Ensure that important sections—About PTS, Services, Tariff Access, News, and Contact—are easily accessible.Maintain Core Functionalities:
Preserve the existing tariff search functionality by linking it to an external subdomain managed by PTS’s IT provider. Ensure a seamless user experience by integrating this feature clearly within the new design.SEO and Mobile Optimization:
Ensure all pages are well-optimized for search engines and mobile devices, enhancing discoverability and catering to users who browse on smartphones and tablets.Easy Content Management and Scalability:
Build the site on Squarespace with a structured CMS that PTS staff can easily update and manage over time. Create templates and style guides to facilitate effortless content adjustments.Incorporate Additional Pages for Resources and FAQs:
Add sections like FMC FAQ, C-TPAT FAQ, and PTS FAQ pages, as well as a News section, to position PTS as a knowledge hub for regulatory compliance and maritime shipping insights.
About Page
Project Scope and Requirements
The project encompassed:
Design & Build on Squarespace:
Create a visually cohesive, modern Squarespace site that adheres to the brand’s identity and reflects the company’s professional standing.Site Architecture & Navigation:
Use the proposed sitemap to structure navigation:Main Navigation: Home, About PTS, Services, Tariff Access, News, Get In Touch
Unlinked Pages: Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy
Integration of Existing Tools:
Provide a clear link to the tariff search tool on a subdomain. Visitors who require tariff data must easily locate and use this functionality.Style Guide & Branding:
Develop a polished style guide—colors, typography, imagery—to ensure consistency throughout the site.Mobile Responsiveness & SEO:
Ensure all pages look and function beautifully on mobile devices. Implement basic SEO best practices including meta tags, headings, alt text for images, and fast-loading pages.CMS Setup & Training:
Arrange the back-end CMS so that client staff can handle minor updates, add news posts, or edit FAQs without requiring developer intervention.
Design and Development Process
Discovery Phase
Stakeholder Interviews & Content Review:
We started by consulting with Paramount Tariff’s team to understand their priorities. We confirmed that most existing written content would remain the same, with minor updates. PTS emphasized clarity and wanted to better highlight their primary services and regulatory expertise.Competitor and Industry Benchmarking:
We examined competitors and related service providers’ websites. The industry trend: straightforward, information-rich pages that convey trust and compliance. Many competitor sites were text-heavy and outdated, presenting an opportunity to differentiate PTS with a cleaner, more contemporary design.Brand Positioning:
PTS stands for professionalism, reliability, and longevity in the compliance domain. We aimed to reflect that through a minimal yet authoritative color palette (likely blues or grays), clean lines, and professional imagery.
Information Architecture and Wireframing
With the sitemap in hand, we began by sketching wireframes:
Home Page Wireframe:
A hero section introducing PTS and its decades-long service. Headline: “Expert Personalized Guidance for NVOCCs and Freight Forwarders.”
Below the hero, concise summaries of core services, a highlight of Why You Should Choose PTS, and some useful links. Include a link to News and Contact, guiding users deeper into the site.About PTS Page:
A page to tell the Paramount Tariff story—30 years in the industry, mission to assist clients in maintaining FMC compliance. Include brief descriptions of services and a map indicating the office’s location.Services Page:
Organized into sections: FMC License, Bonds and Insurance, FMC Tariff Publication, CTPAT Certification, FMC Audit & CBP Penalty Consultation and Korean. Each section includes a brief overview, FAQs, and a CTA to contact or learn more.Tariff Page:
A brief explanation of the tariff search tool and instructions on its use. A button directs users to the external subdomain, ensuring continuity for existing customers who rely on this resource.News Page:
A blog-style layout for regulatory updates, company announcements, or industry insights. Encourages returning visitors and improves SEO with fresh content.Contact Us Page:
A simple form, contact details, and a map indicating the company’s location. Clear CTAs encourage prospective clients to reach out.
Visual Design and Branding Implementation
Color Palette & Typography:
Opted for a minimal palette—likely crisp whites, dark blues or navy accents, and subtle grays. This palette conveys professionalism and stability.
Typography: A modern sans-serif font for headings (clear and refined), paired with a highly legible sans-serif for body text to ensure clarity in compliance-related content.Imagery & Iconography:
Stock photos from Pexels/Unsplash featuring maritime elements, port scenes, shipping containers, and business professionals reviewing documents. Imagery chosen to support the context of regulatory compliance and global shipping without cluttering.
Icons: Simple line icons to represent services and FAQs, maintaining a sleek, modern style.Layout Principles:
Generous white space for readability, consistent use of headings and subheadings, and strategic CTAs that stand out without overwhelming.Emphasis on Clarity & Trust:
The website must reassure visitors of PTS’s reliability and expertise. By using consistent visual cues—such as a stable navigation bar, clean page layouts, and uniform button styles—we build trust at every turn.
News Page
Content Implementation
Squarespace was chosen for its ease-of-use, built-in templates, responsive designs, and straightforward CMS. We customized a base template to align with the approved design direction:
Navigation Setup:
A top-level nav with “Home,” “About PTS,” “Services,” “Tariff Access”, “News,” and “Get In Touch.”Home Page Implementation:
Introduced the hero banner with a clear headline. Subsections highlight service categories with brief descriptions and a “View Services” link to the Services page. A special section for the News. The homepage ends with a CTA encouraging visitors to get in touch for direct assistance.About PTS Page:
Detailed the company’s history, mission, and expertise.Services Page:
Each service is clearly segmented. For example, FMC Licensing has a brief overview, key features, FAQs and a “Get In Touch” button. License Preparation and FMC Bonds sections follow a similar pattern, ensuring uniformity and predictability.Tariff Access Page:
A short introduction explaining the tariff search process. A button labeled “Access Tariff Search Tool” directs users to the subdomain. Added instructions. This approach ensures external linkage without confusing users.News Page:
A blog-style layout where PTS staff can post updates about regulation changes, industry news, or company developments. Each post has a featured image, title, snippet, and a “Read More” link. Archives or categories help organize content.Contact Us Page:
A simple form requiring basic details (name, email, message) and a prominent phone number for direct contact. Clear headings assure visitors that PTS welcomes inquiries and can respond promptly.Footer Integration:
The footer includes company logo and main navigation links. Contact details are also placed here for convenience.
Blog and SEO Enhancements
Responsive Layouts: Squarespace’s responsive templates ensure that each page scales seamlessly on mobiles and tablets. We tested each page’s readability, ensuring that CTAs and form fields remain easy to tap on small screens.
SEO Fundamentals: Implemented meta titles and descriptions for each page, incorporating relevant industry terms like “NVOCC,” “FMC compliance,” “Tariff publication,” “Freight forwarder services.”
Structured content with heading tags and included alt text for images. Encouraged internal linking between FAQs, Services, and News posts, boosting site structure for search engines.Performance Optimization: Compressed images and leveraged Squarespace’s CDN for faster load times. A snappy, responsive site improves user satisfaction and search rankings.
Analytics & Monitoring: Integrated Google Analytics to track visits, page views, and user behavior. Over time, these insights guide content strategy and UX improvements.
CMS Training & Handover
After building the site, we provided PTS with instructions and a brief training session on how to edit copy, update FAQs, add new News posts, and manage any future imagery. Squarespace’s intuitive interface allows the team to keep content fresh, ensuring long-term relevance and value for their clients.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Retaining Existing Content While Updating Design
Solution: The client wanted to keep most of their current content. We reorganized pages and leveraged headings, icons, and imagery to present existing text in a more digestible, aesthetically pleasing manner.
Challenge: Integrating the Tariff Search Tool
Solution: As the tariff search tool runs externally on a subdomain managed by another IT provider, we ensured the website clearly directs users there without causing confusion. A short explanation and a well-styled button ensure continuity of user experience.
Challenge: Balancing Professionalism with Approachability
Solution: Compliance topics can be dry. We balanced the design to maintain a corporate, authoritative tone while using clean, modern aesthetics, easily scanning layouts, and user-friendly navigation. This approach makes complex content more approachable.
Challenge: Ensuring Scalability
Solution: With future content additions in mind, we set up page templates, particularly for FAQs and News posts. PTS can easily add new Q&As or publish articles on regulatory updates, maintaining the site’s relevance without a redesign.
Key Features and Highlights
Modern, Sleek Homepage:
The homepage clearly establishes Paramount Tariff’s authority and experience while offering quick paths to Services, About, and Tariff functionalities.Robust FAQ and Resource Sections:
Multiple FAQ pages addressing FMC regulations, C-TPAT concerns, and PTS-specific queries position the site as a knowledge hub. Accordions and headings simplify navigation.Intuitive Navigation & Clear CTAs:
The top-level menu and structured page layouts guide visitors logically. CTAs like “Get in Touch” or “Learn More” appear at the right moments, prompting engagement.Consistent Branding & Styling:
The chosen color palette, typography, and layout patterns create a polished, uniform look. This consistent brand image builds trust and conveys reliability.SEO-Friendly Architecture:
Well-structured headings, meta tags, and internal linking strategies support search visibility. News posts and FAQs can continuously generate fresh content, attracting more organic traffic over time.Mobile-Optimized Experience:
Fully responsive pages ensure decision-makers in maritime shipping and forwarding can access the site on-the-go, reinforcing PTS’s commitment to clients’ convenience.
More Visual Portfolio
Services Page
Tariff Access Page
Contact Page
Results and Impact
Upon launch, the redesigned Paramount Tariff website sets a higher standard for their digital presence. Key anticipated outcomes include:
Enhanced Credibility & Professional Image:
The sleek, modern design and clear organization reassure prospective clients that PTS is a leading authority in compliance and regulatory guidance.Improved User Engagement: By making it easier to find services, FAQs, and the tariff search tool, visitors spend more time on the site exploring relevant information. The straightforward navigation encourages deeper engagement and repeat visits.
Increased Conversions: Intuitive CTAs and direct contact methods streamline the process of requesting consultations, likely increasing inquiry volume and generating more leads.
Stronger SEO Performance Over Time: As PTS updates their News section and maintains dynamic FAQ content, search engines reward fresh content. Over months, this can lead to improved search rankings for niche keywords related to FMC compliance and NVOCC services.
Efficient Content Management: With an easy-to-use CMS, PTS staff can readily post updates, add new FAQs, or adjust copy. This agility helps the site remain current, which is crucial in a regulatory environment where compliance requirements can evolve.
The Paramount Tariff website redesign demonstrates how strategic planning, thoughtful design, and user-focused architecture can elevate a compliance-based service provider’s online presence. By embracing a clean, modern, and professional aesthetic, simplifying navigation, and adding value through structured FAQs and resource sections, we built a platform that aligns with PTS’s reputation and long-term goals.
As PTS continues to serve their clients in navigating FMC regulations, this renewed digital foundation fosters credibility, encourages engagement, and supports ongoing growth. By leveraging Squarespace’s capabilities and best practices in UX design, we’ve delivered a digital presence that not only informs but also inspires confidence among NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and industry partners.
Ready to work with Expert Squarespace Designers in the United States to take your organization’s online presence to the next level?
Contact us today to discover how we can transform your website into a powerful tool for your business.
A few Squarespace SEO Best Practices we Implemented
- Keyword Integration: Incorporated terms like “NVOCC compliance,” “FMC regulations,” “tariff publication,” “ocean freight forwarding license,” and “FMC bonds” into page headings, meta descriptions, and body content to help search engines index the site effectively.
Structured Content & Internal Linking: Organized content into logical categories and linked FAQs, Resources, and Service pages internally. This helps visitors find related information and guides search engines through the site’s architecture.
Descriptive Alt Text & Meta Data: Added alt text to images, employing industry-related keywords and descriptive language. Set unique meta titles and descriptions for each page, improving click-through rates from search results.
Mobile Optimization & Fast Loading Speeds: Ensured responsive layouts and minimized image sizes for speed. User experience signals to search engines that the site is valuable and relevant.
Fresh Content & Regular Updates: The News section and adaptable FAQ pages offer the potential for ongoing content, strengthening SEO. Over time, this provides more entry points for users searching for compliance insights.
Spread the word about Paramount Tariff's new website!
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this project. Leave a comment below or reach out to us with any questions.
Note: This case study is part of our portfolio showcasing our recent projects. For more examples of our work, visit our portfolio page
