The Challenge

The original website was built on Wix and had evolved over time without a clear governance or maintenance process. A detailed review highlighted a number of issues that posed risks to usability, data handling, and long-term sustainability.

Key challenges included:

• Poor usability and unclear navigation for key user journeys (visiting, donating, booking)

• Broken links and inconsistent content structure

• Accessibility issues, including missing alt text and incorrect heading hierarchy

• No cookie consent management

• Confusing or unnecessary features such as user accounts and shopping cart elements

• Limited control over data and integrations

• Dependence on a closed platform, restricting ownership and flexibility

For a volunteer-led charity, the site needed to be simple to manage, robust, and future-proof, without introducing unnecessary complexity.

The Solution

Platform Migration & Rebuild

I rebuilt the website on WordPress, providing full ownership of the site’s code, content, and data. This removed platform lock-in and created a flexible foundation that could grow with the organisation.

The build focused on:

Clean, maintainable site architecture

• Clear separation between content, design, and functionality

• A structure that supports non-technical editors

Usability & Navigation Improvements

The new site was designed around real user needs, including:

• Clear routes for visitors planning a trip to the lake

• Improved donation and support journeys

• Easier access to events, volunteering, and key information

Unnecessary or confusing features were removed, helping users focus on what matters most.

Performance, Accessibility & SEO Foundations

The rebuild addressed a wide range of technical and content issues:

Improved page speed and overall performance

• Correct heading structures (H1 / H2 / H3)

• Image alt descriptions for accessibility

• Clear metadata and SEO-friendly page structure

• Cookie consent implementation

This ensured the site meets modern expectations for accessibility, usability, and search visibility.

Data & Integrations

Data management was a key focus of the project. The website integrates with external systems and live data sources to support day-to-day operations and decision-making.

Key integrations include:

• Beacon CRM for forms, enquiries, and supporter data

• Live lake temperature data from on-site sensors

• Booking and event workflows

• Donation handling for one-off and recurring supporters

• Foundations for future online shop revenue

These integrations allow the charity to manage data more efficiently while reducing manual administration.

Training & Handover

Given the volunteer-led nature of the organisation, the site was built with simplicity and resilience in mind.

Support included:

• Guidance on safe content updates

• Advice on avoiding common accessibility and SEO pitfalls

• Clear processes to reduce the risk of future issues

• Training Overview Videos on how to update the website

Hosting, Support & Maintenance

Following launch, I continue to provide:

• Secure, UK-based hosting

• Ongoing WordPress updates and monitoring

• Performance and security oversight

• Technical support for new features and changes

• A reliable point of contact for troubleshooting and advice

This ongoing relationship ensures the website remains stable, secure, and adaptable without adding pressure to volunteers.

Results

• A modern, reliable WordPress website with full ownership and control

• Clearer navigation and improved user journeys

• Better data management and system integration

• Reduced technical risk and improved governance

• A scalable platform that can grow with the charity

• Long-term peace of mind through ongoing support

Client Feedback

“You and the team have helped us to not only think through some of our digital challenges, but have also been instrumental in giving us a newly designed, modern website. This is a platform that helps us to manage our data better and improve our communications to lake users and supporters. The new website is a significant step forward for our organisation.” – Sarah Swash, Chair of Marlens,