Meadowlarke Stables

Website redesign

Overview

In 2024, I collaborated with Meadowlarke Stables North to overhaul their outdated and problematic website. The primary goal was to transform their digital presence into a visually appealing, user-friendly platform that not only enhances user experience but also streamlines operations. This was essential for them to focus more effectively on managing their online orders seamlessly while still delivering exceptional equestrian services.

Challenges and Solutions

Outdated Website Design: Client was faced with a website that regularly crashed and had sluggish performance, resulting in poor user engagement and a frustrating browsing experience.

  • Solution: I implemented the latest version of WordPress and I replaced outdated themes and plugins with modern, more efficient ones to ensure smoother site functionality and improved overall security.

Complex Backend Operations: The complex backend required coding knowledge for updates, making it difficult for the Meadowlarke team to manage.

  • Solution: I introduced a visual builder tool that enabled them to easily update their website without needing technical expertise.

E-commerce Needs: To streamline the handling of products and services, I integrated WooCommerce, making transactions smoother and more reliable.

Administrative Efficiency: I added a digital waiver sign feature to reduce paperwork and streamline administrative processes for customers, enhancing the customer experience.

My Role in the Project

Strategic Planning

I developed the overall strategy for the website redevlopment, defining key objectives like enhancing user experience, improving site stability, and integrating e-commerce capabilities. This involved researching industry trends and aligning the new site’s design and functionality with the best practices in website development.

Custom Theme Development

Leveraging an existing WordPress theme, I extensively customized it to align with Meadowlarke’s branding and operational requirements. This involved adjusting the theme’s aesthetics, layout, and functionalities based on client feedback and needs. Customizations included tweaking CSS for visual enhancements, modifying PHP templates for additional functionality, and configuring plugins to extend the site’s capabilities, ensuring a unique and tailored web experience.

CMS Customization

I customized the WordPress backend to suit the specific needs of the Meadowlarke team. This included developing custom post types, taxonomies, and metadata to facilitate easy content updates and management.

UI/UX Design

I took care of the entire design process, focusing on creating an intuitive and accessible user interface. This involved conducting user research, creating wireframes and prototypes, and performing user testing to refine the interface based on real user feedback.

Responsive Design Implementation

Focused on ensuring the website’s optimal performance on various devices, I implemented a responsive design. This was crucial for providing a seamless experience for users on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

SEO Optimization

I optimized the website for search engines, improving visibility and attracting more traffic. This involved integrating SEO best practices into the development process, including proper use of HTML tags, enhancing site speed, and ensuring content was optimized for target keywords.

Metrics

4

Weeks of development

68

Tasks completed

30

Increase in online bookings and purchases

50

Increase in average session duration on the website

I Organized It!

Meadowlarke Stables’ website suffered from excessive text and a confusing layout, making it hard for visitors to find essential information about equestrian services and events. Its outdated design and inefficient navigation resulted in a frustrating user experience, with crucial service and booking details being difficult to access.

I Improved It!

I focused on simplifying the user journey by clearly categorizing services and integrating an intuitive navigation system. By implementing a visually appealing design, I ensured that visitors could effortlessly explore various equestrian offerings.