Creating a Responsive WordPress Website
When creating this portfolio site, I wanted it to serve two purposes:
- To showcase my work in Webdesign, UI/UX, Frontend Development and CMS content management.
- To demonstrate my ability to build, optimize, and manage a professional WordPress website from scratch.
Choosing the Foundation
- CMS: WordPress
I chose WordPress because it’s the most widely used CMS and aligns directly with the type of content management and web design roles I am seeking. It allows me to demonstrate hands-on experience with customizations, plugins, and site optimization. - Theme: Riverbank
I selected this theme because it is lightweight, responsive, and customizable. It gives me full control over typography, spacing, and layout without unnecessary bloat — ideal for a professional portfolio.
Plugins & Tools for Functionality
- Rank Math SEO
I implemented Rank Math to manage on-page SEO, set custom titles and descriptions, and automatically generate sitemaps. I also customized breadcrumbs for improved navigation and user experience. - MonsterInsights + Google Analytics
Integrated for site traffic and user behavior tracking. This allows me to analyze how visitors interact with my portfolio and continuously improve user experience. - Akismet Anti-Spam
Added for comment and form spam protection, ensuring security and clean site management. - Local Google Fonts Hosting
Instead of pulling fonts from external servers, I configured Google Fonts to load locally. This improves performance, reduces GDPR/privacy concerns, and ensures consistent typography.
Performance & UX Choices
- Custom CSS
I wrote tailored CSS for typography (using the Caudex font), breadcrumbs alignment, and page spacing. This ensured a clean, consistent design that matches my personal style. - Minimalist Design
I avoided unnecessary plugins and heavy effects. The focus is on clarity, readability, and showcasing my portfolio projects without distractions.
Outcome
This site reflects both my creative skills and my technical ability to build and optimize a professional WordPress website. It demonstrates my capability in:
- Site setup and configuration
- SEO and performance optimization
- Plugin integration and management
- Custom design adjustments with CSS
- Web best practices (security, accessibility, analytics, GDPR)