Overview
About the business
Riff's Workshop teaches hands-on blacksmithing classes and creates custom forged metalwork in the Hudson Valley. They serve beginners exploring the craft, hobbyists building skills, and clients who want one-of-a-kind blades, tools, and decorative pieces. Instruction covers fundamentals like hammer control, tapering, and heat treatment through formats ranging from a 90-minute bottle opener session to a two-day intensive. The shop also sells finished pieces made on site. Their approach blends traditional forging techniques with modern design.
Known for
- Hands-on blacksmithing classes
- Custom forged blades and tools
- Traditional techniques with modern design
- Hudson Valley location
- Expert instruction for all skill levels
Challenge
What they needed
The business had a functional website but it was difficult for prospective students to compare class options, check availability, or book a spot without emailing back and forth. Local search visibility was limited, so people searching for blacksmithing classes in the Hudson Valley often missed them. The Google Business Profile showed a different address than the website, creating confusion. Custom work inquiries came through a basic contact form that did not capture project details efficiently.
Solution
What we built
Vermillion redesigned the site with a clear class catalog, online booking for each course, and a structured custom work request form that gathers project scope, timeline, and budget upfront. They optimized the Google Business Profile, unified the address and hours, and added location pages targeting Middletown, Newburgh, and surrounding Dutchess County towns. The new site is hosted on a platform the client owns, with analytics set up so they can see which classes attract the most interest. Copywriting refined the workshop's voice to emphasize hands-on learning and craftsmanship.
Results
What changed
Prospective students can now view schedules and reserve a spot in minutes, reducing the back-and-forth that previously delayed sign-ups. The workshop appears more consistently in local searches for blacksmithing classes and custom metalwork, bringing in steadier inquiries from across the Hudson Valley. The unified address and hours eliminate confusion for first-time visitors. The owner spends less time on administrative email and more time at the forge.
Straight from Google
What their customers say
We had the best experience ever at rift's workshop! Our young homeschoolers got to create a bottle opener out of a simple stick of metal and it was incredible to watch the whole process. Frank, the owner was absolutely fantastic. So respectful, patient and great with our kids. I loved every minute of it and am already …
Such an amazing experience. Frank is so knowledgeable and helpful. We first came in for a keychain class then ended up booking a knife making class because we had such a great time. These classes are great for any level. We had never done anything like this before but everything that we made came out great. We love thi…
This was set up for me as a surprise for my birthday. I had an absolutely spectacular experience with Riff's Workshop. The class was a blast, but Frank even went out of his way to accomodate all of my weird dietary restrictions. Frank was super patient and gave us the opportunity to create something we were proud of. I…
My wife brought me to craft a knife for my 30th birthday and it was an epic experience. Very knowledgeable, and tailors the class for you. You do the vast majority of the work and he steps in just to help fine-tune your project to ensure an excellent end result. Great time, with an incredible knife. I'm also the first…
Frank runs such a fun class! Really engaging, interactive, and super interesting. Plus he has three very cute shop dogs. Would definitely blacksmith with him again