In my latest role, I have been freelancing as a web developer at software company and Microsoft partner, QGate. The head of marketing hired me to build a lead-generating headless WordPress website. The website had to deliver content ranging from blog posts to video content while maintaining optimal performance.
QGate was already running a WordPress website, so we agreed to sort and migrate the current data and move it to a new headless WordPress architecture. This allowed QGate to have the flexibility of using WordPress for its content management capabilities. I used a JavaScript frontend framework to pull the data using the WordPress REST API. This approach made the website extremely performant and flexible, allowing me to connect different API integrations and control caching data.
One of the most challenging aspects of the build was managing both frontend styles and WordPress patterns (components). Syncing both styles consistently required structure and organisation to avoid styling bugs and errors on the website. I designed a comprehensive design system with semantic design tokens, which gave us greater control over synced styles and patterns.
The website required API data from multiple services. Implementing lead generation forms was vital for capturing new leads, and we took advantage of the Dynamics 365 form API. Working closely with the head of marketing, we applied forms to strategic areas of the website. Forms were correctly configured and used validation best practices and bot preventions to ensure a clean user experience.
I was involved in the entire process, from managing key stakeholders to defining the structure and architecture. I was responsible for handling data migration and creating design mock-ups and wireframes as well as implementation and delivery. The project was carried out in stages to help break down the more complex aspects of the build.
Upon completion, the website received positive feedback. The website has immediately started to see increased activity and lead conversion. While performing optimally.