Case Studies
Creating WordPress websites and custom designs for local and national startups, entrepreneurs, and non-profits is extremely rewarding. My clients range from creatives and solopreneurs who are just starting out, to established brands looking to strategically refresh their visual identity and web presence.
The objective of this project was to create an updated clean and informative version of the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation’s website using WordPress. I worked closely with Julie Fruhauf, the Director of MKJF, on this project in order to not only follow their branding guidelines, but also to ensure that the site functioned in a way that met the organization’s goals and self-management needs.
Throughout the process I researched and utilized dependable plugins for custom functionality and relied on my HTML, CSS, and Photoshop skill set to add further customizations and assist with asset creation and editing.
Additionally, I used Elementor, a page builder plugin, which allowed me to add custom responsive design settings and custom elements to page layouts. The basic framework for the site came from the Genesis Framework and the Outreach Pro child theme. As a static site, it was also important to establish keywords and utilize SEO best practices to ensure that the target audience is reached via search engines.
Important aspects of this project include a popup newsletter sign-up form, embedded PDF links, an event calendar, and CTA buttons strategically placed throughout the site.
I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work on this project for the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation. As a freelance web developer and designer, I enjoy using my skill set to empower non-profit organizations by creating a bold online web presence for them to help them reach their goals and build their communities.
One of my favorite aspects of the project was helping create the photo collage on the homepage. I absolutely fell in love with their community outreach and love for one another.
My goal for this project was to create a gorgeous website that not only told the story and declared the mission of the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation, but also visually expressed the beauty and resilience of the Jewish community.
“I highly recommend Reb Dev & Design. Rebecca worked very hard for our company and overhauled our website in no time. She made it very easy for us to update, even for novices like us. It turned out beautiful and attracts the eye quickly. She responds fast and is very easy to work with. ”
— JULIE FRUHAUF, DIRECTOR, MID-KANSAS JEWISH FEDERATION
Soroptimist International Wichita, Kansas Inc.
March 2019 | Non-profit Organization
The goal of this project was to create a static and informative site for the local chapter of the non-profit, Soroptimist International. I worked closely with the Soroptimist Wichita board members during the design and development stages. Branding guidelines were used in the design of the website and logo to maintain proper brand identity. Throughout the process, I researched and utilized dependable plugins for custom functionality and relied on my HTML, CSS, and Photoshop skill set to add further customizations and assist with editing and creating graphics.
Additionally, I used Elementor, a page builder plugin, this allowed me to add custom responsive design settings, stretch content to full width, and add custom elements to page layouts. The basic framework for the site came from the Genesis Framework and Outreach Pro child theme. As a static site, it was also important to establish keywords and utilize SEO best practices to ensure that the target audience is reached via search engines.
Important aspects of this project include a newsletter archive, with PDF links, an organic contact page, and CTA buttons strategically placed throughout the site.
Working on this project was tremendously rewarding because I knew that upon completion it would connect women and girls to an organization that could help them achieve their dreams on a local and international level. One of my favorite aspects of the project was helping to design the layout for their history page. I learned so much about the organization like during World War II the group helped sponsor a canteen at the railroad station. They’ve been going strong ever since!
My goal for this project was to create a professional website with strategic CTAs throughout while sharing the group’s rich history and opportunities in a clear way. The client declined an SSL certificate despite recommendations.
“I greatly appreciate the services and professional approach that Rebecca gave our nonprofit service organization. ”
— KATHY NEWSOM, TREASURER, SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF WICHITA, KS
SCHOOL MOD WOMEN
January 2019 | WordPress Membership Website
The goal of this project was to create an online version of Finishing School for Modern Women, a local business that offers in-person classes that help women own their power. These online classes are bundled in subscriptions; memberships include access to social learning forums.
I worked closely with the owner of the Finishing School for Modern Women, Headmistress Jill Miller, during the design and development stages. We had access to The Membership Guys website which offers guidance and guidelines for how to build a successful membership site. Throughout the process, I researched and utilized dependable plugins for custom functionality and relied on my HTML, CSS, and PHP skillset to add further customizations.
Additionally, I used WPBakery, a page builder plugin, this allowed me to add custom responsive design settings, stretch content to full width, and add widgets to page layouts. Using MemberPress and LearnDash integrations I was able to add the needed functionality to the website. Many times through the process I had to troubleshoot issues, reach out to support, and Google possible conflicts in order to assure that the site functioned properly.
Important aspects of this project include the creation of rules that protect content from unauthorized users, trigger notifications that send custom emails about a user’s progress, and integration of a payment system that completes transactions and activates subscriptions automatically.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jill since 2013 and we have worked on various projects together since March of 2018. Having the opportunity to work through this process closely with Jill has been very rewarding. My goal was to create a functioning and fun membership site that carried the Finishing School for Modern Women brand to an online platform where women from all over the world can meet, chat, and learn from each other.
Project Update: Due to the pandemic, this project pivoted to utilize Zoom for online workshops/classes rather than the membership site.
Some of the School Mod Women’s website core functionality will not be renewed in December 2020, which means that the site will not be appropriate for viewing. However, this is still an important project for my portfolio.
Hopefully, in the new year, we will relaunch the SMW membership site. Follow @schoolmodwomen on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date!
“Rebecca is highly skilled in website design and the WordPress platform. Rebecca’s exceptional skills and professional experience will make her a powerful asset for any organization.”
— JILL MILLER, OWNER OF CREATIVE SOLUTIONS AND FINISHING SCHOOL FOR MODERN WOMEN
The important criteria of this project included an online gallery that wouldn’t weigh the site down with large files. I utilized plugins for custom functionality and relied on my HTML, CSS, and PHP skillset to add further customizations.
Additionally, I used WPBakery, a page builder plugin, this allowed me to add custom responsive design settings, stretch content to full width, and add widgets to page layouts. The most challenging aspect of this project was finding a way to display an online art gallery, which included hundreds of images of his sculptures, without bogging the site down. Through research, I discovered the Google Drive Gallery plugin. This well-reviewed and popular plugin added the functionality that we needed while optimizing the load time of the website.
Throughout the site, I use photos of Christopher’s sculptures as menu items, a diary of his day – social media feed, and as hero images to help tell the story of his work. His audience can also visit his site to download his CV and learn more about leasing his art.
I had the pleasure of helping Christopher build his previous website which by today’s web trends had gotten a little stale. My goal was to use my updated visual design and development skills to create a modern and easily navigable site that showcases his work.
“I’m very happy with Rebecca’s website development service! The website works well on both ends and is easy to use. I really appreciate the time that she dedicated to making at least a dozen easy to follow tutorials, both video and written. She works in a timely manner and is motivated to get the project done. I look forward to hiring Rebecca for the next round of website development.”
— KIRA WATT, OWNER, PERFECT PLATE
Building the Perfect Plate website demanded that I use my knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP to add custom styles and functionality. It also required that I learn more about WooCommerce integrations and how managed hosting accounts can limit the number of requests your site receives. I love a good challenge!
For this build I used WordPress, WooCommerce, a Storefront theme, and the page builder plugin, Elementor. I find myself working with page builder plugins a lot because they allow me to add custom responsive design settings, stretch content to full width, and add widgets to page layouts. Most importantly, page builder plugins can make it easier for clients who want to handle ongoing maintenance and content updates to the site themselves.
My objective for this project was to build a website that could sync with my client’s already working Square store. She wanted her Square inventory to update when customers purchased meals on her website and vice versa. Additionally, my client needed to be able to easily add additional products to the site correctly so that they would sync to Square.
I did this one product at a time. There was a lot of researching, testing, monitoring, and contacting support involved. I also created PDF tutorials (videos too!) for my client to help her understand how to not only navigate the WordPress admin dashboard but to learn how to monitor and update her products.
Whew! The challenges of this project did cause it to nudge over the deadline a bit but I appreciate a good learning experience and Kira was supremely patient. This was a fantastic opportunity for two female entrepreneurs to work together and get shit done!
“I’ve had the pleasure of being a client of Rebecca’s for approximately 4 years. She was able to accommodate my needs without total direction from me. Her knowledge of web design and how clients interact with websites have facilitated my efforts to communicate my work to the public. Her labors have been expedient, efficient, and cost-effective. I am grateful to have her on my “go-to” team.”
— CHRISTOPHER GULICK, ARTIST
