Women in Banking & Finance - Membership Platform

Objectives:

• To deliver a custom WordPress theme with a redesigned user experience.
• To create a seamless member portal for event bookings and secure payments.
• To ensure the site was fully responsive and optimized for all devices.
• To integrate eCommerce functionality for merchandise and service sales.

Challenges:

• Migrating to a new CMS without disrupting the existing user base.
• Designing a custom theme that aligned with WIBF's brand identity.
• Implementing a comprehensive event management system.
• Ensuring a smooth SEO transition to maintain search rankings.

Solutions:

Morningstar Digital proposed a tailored solution encompassing:

• Custom Theme Development: A bespoke theme was crafted to provide a unique and flexible design, improving site performance and consistency across devices.
• Redesign and Sitemap Rebuild: The existing sitemap was replicated and enhanced to improve navigation and user experience.
• Custom Post Types: Enhanced functionality was introduced for newsletters, blogs, programs, applications, leadership profiles, and member-exclusive content.
• Membership Management: A robust system was integrated to manage memberships, including self-serve subscriptions and restricted content access.
• eCommerce Integration: WooCommerce was utilized to facilitate the sale of products and services, linked with membership management for a cohesive user journey.
• Member Portal: A dedicated dashboard was created within WordPress, providing a distinct experience for members, including event management and personal profile management.
• Event Management: A dynamic system was established to manage event registrations and virtual event integrations.
• Xero Integration: Ensured secure synchronization of orders, payments, and customer information with Xero accounting software.
• SEO Transition: A strategic approach was taken to retain SEO value, including keyword research, meta-data optimization, and premium SEO plugin integration.
• Data Transfer: A meticulous process was followed to transfer relevant data from the old site to the new platform.
• Training and Support: Comprehensive training materials were provided, along with a training session to empower the WIBF team to manage the new system effectively.
• MailChimp Integration: The platform was connected to Mailchimp to leverage marketing automation and enhance customer engagement.

Outcome:

The project culminated in the launch of a revitalized WIBF website that significantly improved the user experience and operational efficiency. The new site provided a robust platform for member engagement, event management, and content delivery, all within a cohesive and brand-aligned design.

• User Engagement: The site's user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality led to an increase in member interaction and retention.
• Operational Efficiency: The integration of a CMS and member portal streamlined the management of content and memberships, resulting in cost savings and increased productivity.
• SEO Success: The careful SEO transition ensured that WIBF maintained its search engine rankings, preserving its online visibility and traffic.
• Member Satisfaction: Feedback from members was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the ease of event booking and access to exclusive content.

Reflection:

This project exemplifies Morningstar Digital's commitment to delivering bespoke web solutions that align with our clients' strategic objectives. The success of the WIBF website rebuild demonstrates our ability to navigate complex requirements and deliver a product that enhances both user experience and business operations.