Skipa

Key Achievements

Complete WordPress to Astro Migration: Successfully migrated entire website from WordPress to modern Astro stack, eliminating performance bottlenecks and improving PageSpeed scores.

Pixel-Perfect Design Replication: Achieved exact visual replication of original WordPress site while dramatically improving performance and user experience.

Enhanced SEO Foundation: Implemented comprehensive SEO optimization including RSS feed integration and improved technical SEO for better search engine visibility.

Self-Service Content Management: Empowered client with ability to make simple changes and extensions independently, reducing developer dependency.

Integrated Business Tools: Successfully connected website with existing CRM system and Reclaim.ai for streamlined call booking and lead management.

The Challenge

Skipa, a strategic technology advisory firm specializing in M&A and growth acceleration, faced significant challenges with their existing WordPress implementation:

• Performance Degradation: Website suffering from slow load times and bloated codebase with poor PageSpeed scores
• Poor User Experience: Cumbersome WordPress admin interface and difficult Elementor page builder hampering content updates
• Limited Client Control: Inability for client to make simple changes without developer intervention
• SEO Optimization Gaps: Suboptimal search engine performance limiting organic visibility and lead generation
• Plugin Dependency Issues: Unreliable WordPress plugins creating maintenance headaches and security concerns

My Approach

I implemented a systematic conversion methodology focused on:

1. Comprehensive Site Analysis: Thorough evaluation of existing WordPress site structure, content, and functionality requirements
2. Performance-First Architecture: Prioritizing speed and efficiency through Astro’s static site generation and optimized asset delivery
3. Pixel-Perfect Migration: Maintaining exact visual fidelity while dramatically improving underlying technology
4. Client Empowerment: Building systems that enable client independence for content updates and site management
5. Integration Optimization: Seamlessly connecting with existing business tools and workflows

My Solution

Technology Stack Implementation

Astro Framework: Leveraged for superior performance and modern web standards, enabling minimal JavaScript shipping and exceptional load times.

Tailwind CSS: Implemented utility-first styling approach for rapid development and consistent design system, replacing WordPress’s cumbersome styling system.

MDX Content System: Converted existing blog posts to MDX format with reusable component architecture for better content management.

CRM Integration: Connected website contact forms with existing CRM system for efficient lead management and automated workflows.

GDPR Compliance: Implemented comprehensive cookie consent banner and privacy protection measures to meet regulatory requirements.

Key Features Delivered

• Entrance & Scroll-Triggered Animations: Applied sophisticated animations using Intersection Observer to detect element visibility and trigger entrance effects
• Contact Form with CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrated forms with client’s CRM system including robust spam protection mechanisms
• Reclaim.ai Call Booking: Enabled direct linking to video call booking from relevant website sections for streamlined scheduling
• RSS Feed Implementation: Enhanced content distribution and SEO through automated RSS feed generation
• MDX Blog Conversion: Transformed existing blog posts to MDX format with reusable components for improved content management

Measurable Results

Performance Improvements:

• Dramatically improved PageSpeed scores compared to original WordPress implementation
• Significantly reduced page load times through optimized asset delivery and minimal JavaScript
• Enhanced user experience leading to improved engagement metrics
• Better mobile performance and responsiveness across all devices

Client Empowerment:

• Successfully enabled client to make simple changes and extensions independently
• Eliminated dependency on difficult Elementor page builder interface
• Reduced ongoing maintenance costs and developer intervention requirements
• Improved content update workflow and response time

Business Integration:

• Streamlined lead management through CRM integration
• Enhanced call scheduling through Reclaim.ai integration
• Improved data protection through GDPR compliance measures
• Maintained all essential business functionality while improving performance

Client Testimonial:

“Very happy to recommend Joe for his work. Beyond the ask to refactor our website from WordPress to Astro and Tailwind, he proved a valued, knowledgeable and flexible sparring partner in areas that weren’t as clear cut. As a former developer myself, I feel qualified to assess not only Joe’s coding skills but also his overall quality of thinking. Top marks, highly recommended, will keep him as a preferred supplier for as long as he’s interested.”