Case study for
Pinotage Association
WordPress Website Redesign
This project required a complete rebuild from the ground up to address significant performance issues and improve user experience.

Project Overview
The previous site featured slow-loading pages and layouts that relied heavily on slider images, which were not optimized for indexing. The new design focuses on creating beautiful, well-structured page layouts, ensuring fast loading times and improved visibility in search engines.
My Role
Your role in this project was to lead the design and development process, focusing on creating an efficient and visually appealing website. You were responsible for:
Assessing Needs: Evaluating the client’s requirements for a complete site overhaul.
Designing Layouts: Crafting beautiful and user-friendly page layouts, particularly for the about section.
Optimizing Performance: Implementing strategies to enhance site speed and ensure fast loading times.
Improving SEO: Ensuring that the new layouts were properly indexed for better visibility in search engines.
Challenges
The project presented minimal challenges, primarily revolving around ensuring a smooth transition from the old site to the new design. Key considerations included maintaining the integrity of existing content while optimizing page layouts and enhancing load speeds. Effective communication with the client helped address any minor issues promptly, ensuring a seamless rebuild process.
The Process
Planning & Research
The main focus during the planning and research phase was to find the best ways to represent the client's brand through a light and airy design. This involved exploring how to effectively use the brand's existing visual assets to create a cohesive look and feel that resonates with the target audience. Collaborative discussions helped to align the design with the brand's identity and goals, ensuring that the final outcome truly reflects the essence of the business.
Outcome
Finished Design
Reflection
Upon reflection, this project reinforced the importance of going above and beyond for clients, especially in situations where they may feel vulnerable. I recognize that some developers can create complex hosting setups or withhold critical information, making it challenging for clients to navigate their own websites. Moving forward, I am dedicated to providing transparent support and ensuring that my clients have the knowledge and access they need, empowering them to take control of their online presence without feeling held hostage by technical complexities.