Key Tools & Technologies:
My Role
- Full-Stack WordPress Developer: End-to-end custom theme development and site architecture.
- Backend Integration Specialist: Configured Salesforce API authentication and automated field mapping.
- Hosting & Domain Administrator: Managed DNS, SSL, and server configurations on SiteGround.
- Data Migration Lead: Created staging environments and synchronized production databases smoothly.
- Performance Optimization Engineer: Conducted speed audits and optimized database querying.
The Challenge
The client’s existing website faced critical structural and operational bottlenecks that impacted scalability and sales conversion:
- Legacy Codebase: Outdated WordPress build lacked customization options.
- Manual Follow-Up: Lead capture relied on manual entry, causing delayed response times and lost leads.
- Environment Drift: Unsynchronized changes on production made direct code deployment risky.
- Performance Lags: Slow loading speeds negatively impacted search rankings and user experience.
- CRM Isolation: Needed automated synchronization with Salesforce for immediate lead assignment.
Implementation Details
Developed a lightweight custom PHP theme leveraging Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and Custom Post Types (CPTs) for destinations, resorts, team members, and blog posts.
Created an isolated subdomain staging environment, took full database backups, cleaned up legacy code, re-tested custom field relationships, and manually merged content back into production prior to deployment.
Minified static CSS/JS assets, enabled server caching, optimized media assets with lazy loading, and reduced database overhead using Query Monitor analysis.
Salesforce Integration & Field Mapping
Configured Gravity Forms to sync user inquiries straight into Salesforce CRM objects in real-time:
| Gravity Form Input Field | Salesforce CRM Lead Object |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lead Name |
| Email Address | Lead Email |
| Destination Selection | Custom Field (Lead Interest) |
| Inquiry Message | Notes Field |
| Consent Checkbox | Marketing Opt-In (Boolean) |
Key Results & Impact
- Zero Manual Data Entry: Direct CRM syncing eliminated lead loss and improved team follow-up speed.
- Accelerated Speed: Optimized database calls and caching led to faster page load times.
- Scalable CMS Content: Non-technical staff can manage CPT destinations via ACF without breaking design layouts.
- Seamless Launch: Safe staging workflows prevented live downtime and content loss.