The Problem: Online, But Not Optimised
When Terraria’s founder Ibby first approached Clean Design, he already understood the importance of brand. What he didn’t have was a website that reflected the warmth and character of the place he had built. Most guests still booked through Airbnb or Booking.com — platforms that charged commissions and left him with limited control over customer experience.
The immediate goal was clear: establish a strong online presence that could not only introduce Terraria to new visitors but also convert them, directly. This meant building trust at first click, fast. And doing it in a region where even power cuts are part of the narrative.
Building Trust at First Click
South Goa has its quirks — from patchy infrastructure to a laid-back rhythm — but it also has discerning travellers looking for charm, credibility, and clarity. Terraria needed a site that conveyed all three.
CDC’s approach was simple: treat the website not just as a digital brochure but as the business’s primary conversion engine. The site would need to reflect the vibe South Goa, highlight high-quality visuals, and seamlessly guide users to the existing booking engine — without disrupting their experience.
Speed Meets Clarity: A Fast Build Powered by a Ready Founder
Ibby did something most founders struggle with — he came prepared. With high-resolution photos, complete copy, and a clear sense of his brand, he gave CDC the runway to build quickly.
In just a few design sprints, CDC shipped a site that felt immersive and human. Webflow gave us the flexibility to iterate without delay. The copy was warm, the visuals welcoming, and the structure intuitive — guiding users naturally toward action, not distraction.
"The build was one of the fastest we’ve done. When a founder brings clarity and assets, design magic happens."
— Pranav Kay, Founder, Clean Design
Design That Sells Without Saying ‘Buy’
There were no pushy popups. No limited-time discount banners. Instead, the site did what great design always does: it earned trust.
The homepage opened with warmth, not hype.
The booking nudges were subtle but clear.
FAQs handled common objections — especially around location, power cuts, and pet-friendliness.
SEO architecture ensured the site wasn’t just findable, but relevant.
Everything felt effortless. Which, of course, is the hardest thing to design.
The Results: From Obscure to Essential
Here’s what happened post-launch:
Conversion Rate: 6.9% — an exceptional figure for hospitality.
Booking Source Shift: 98% of bookings now happen directly via the website.
Organic Traffic Wins: Ranking for broad terms like “cafes in South Goa” and “pet-friendly cafe” — even when users don’t click, the site earns trust via rich search snippets.
Price Confidence: With better brand positioning, Ibby raised prices without losing momentum — a rare feat in seasonal markets like Goa.
What began as a quick design project turned into a full-stack business upgrade.
Beyond Pixels: Strategic Nudges That Moved the Needle
CDC didn’t just design a site — it helped reposition a brand.
One of the most impactful conversations came when Ibby considered offering discounts. Pranav suggested a different path: raise prices instead. Terraria’s charm wasn’t about affordability — it was about exclusivity and warmth. The results validated that bet.
CDC also advised on content marketing, encouraging the use of influencer reels and planning for a blog to capture long-tail traffic. This wasn’t just about a beautiful homepage — it was about designing the engine behind a growing brand.
What’s Next for Terraria?
Backend Streamlining: The team is now exploring ways to track user behavior and improve operations.
Blog Launch: Planned content hub to boost impressions and long-term SEO.
Replication Model: Pranav sees Terraria as a template for how small hospitality brands can scale with smart design and a sharp brand story.
Takeaways for Founders
Terraria’s story offers three big lessons:
Design is leverage. When done right, your website isn’t an expense — it’s your best salesperson.
Preparation accelerates outcomes. The faster you deliver assets and clarity, the faster your design partner can deliver results.
Conversion isn’t a trick. It’s the outcome of credibility, structure, and user empathy.
Ready to Turn Browsers into Buyers?
If your startup, stay, or service needs more than just pretty pixels — if you want a site that sells — let’s talk. At Clean Design, we partner with founders who are ready to grow.
