Despite it’s name, the 2012 theme for WordPress remains a fully responsive HTML5 theme that looks great on any device. It is an excellent starter foundation for child themes, based on _Underscores.
My latest WordPress child theme project for Cascadia Search Dogs – a nonprofit dedicated to the development of high quality detection and search dogs through training and education. This membership-based site supports the organization’s K9 Search & Rescue mission in the Pacific Northwest.
With a total page size of 585 Kb and only 24 server requests, this site ranks in the 90th percentile of Google PageSpeed Insights:
Mobile Speed Optimization: 93/100 Desktop Speed Optimization: 97/100
I offer WordPress training classes, site consultations, and ongoing support and consulting. If you are interested in learning more about WordPress, please contact me.
Scope of Work: Front-end web development, Performance optimization, Rebranding, Security hardening, Visual redesign
Team: Penniless Projects, Scott Marlow
The Challenge
To rebrand the existing nonprofit’s WordPress website affordably.
The Results
To keep costs affordable, we built the new site design using the same HTML5 mobile responsive 2012 child theme (based on _Underscores). New full browser-bleed headers featuring custom photography help modernize the look and feel. While readability was optimized with an 1,100 pixel wide 2-column grid layout. Bold custom fonts and colors help distinguish the youthful brand.
Performance
WordPress Site
Benchmark
Google Mobile Speed:
72
Google Desktop Speed
87
Pingdom
89
faster than 77% of tested sites
WebPageTest Speed Index
2,211
median = ~4,493 top 10% = <1,388
YSlow
80
average score = 70
Web Page Size
1 Mb
In 2017, average page size = ~2.4 Mb median page size = ~1.9 Mb
Scope of Work Branding Content management Front-End web development Performance optimization Security hardening Visual design
Team: Gravity Communications, Scott Marlow
Solmark International needed an online solution to promote its tire sealants and other products for the automobile, bicycle and agricultural industries.
Working with WordPress MultiSite, a Content Management System was configured to allow them to update multiple domains thru one web-based dashboard.
The co-branded sites – wurksglobal.com, veluworks.com, autoworks.com and agriwurks.com – were built around a modern, dark theme to highlight rich photography. An online dealer map helps VeloWurks customers find retailers. A co-branded sitewide footer helps cross-promote products across distinct domains.
Performance Metrics
Performance
WordPress Site
Benchmark
Google Mobile Speed:
60
Google Desktop Speed
98
Pingdom
83
faster than 87% of tested sites
WebPageTest Speed Index
1,878
median = ~4,493 top 10% = <1,388
YSlow
77
average score = 70
Web Page Size
1.2 Mb
In 2017, average page size = ~2.4 Mb median page size = ~1.9 Mb
Web Server Requests
40
< 40 – 60 recommended
We have worked with Scott on WordPress based websites for our clients as well as our own projects for years. His knowledge of the platform, solid communication skills and personal support (and more) make him a trusted and valued asset for us. I would highly recommend Scott to anyone wanting to create and launch a website on the WordPress platform. Matt Karaus, owner, Gravity Communications
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