SoSydney.au: a custom magazine website | Australia
- responsive and modern design with custom graphics built on Gutenberg (Kadence)
- custom functions / plugins (strong focus on not using 3rd party plugins, but our own, efficient + lightweight solutions):
- turning specific homepage announcements or ads on/off easily
- other homepage custom post grids and call-outs
- different post thumbnail design based on its tag – for easy control for the editors
- custom thumbnail icon overlays for video or podcast posts
- custom “trending posts” widget
- custom pop-out full-screen menu and a category cloud
- custom post title pre-fix
- custom post author + contributor + sponsor fields and layout
- various custom fields using ACF
- various custom forms
- speed optimisation
- regular website management
- Adsense setup
Problem
The client had a clear idea for a content-heavy website, but needed a build that was fast, manageable, and flexible enough for different types of posts, announcements, ads, contributors, and editorial layouts.
The main challenge was avoiding a bloated plugin stack. Instead of relying on multiple third-party plugins for every small feature, the site needed lightweight, purpose-built functionality that editors could control easily from the WordPress admin. Various layout elements coded to measure based on the client’s mock ups.
Solution
We designed and built a responsive, modern website using Gutenberg and Kadence, enhanced with custom graphics and a strong focus on speed, usability, and long-term maintainability.
A large part of the project was handled through custom functions, small custom plugins, and ACF-powered fields instead of heavy third-party plugins.
The work included:
- Easy on/off controls for homepage announcements and ads
- Custom homepage post grids and call-outs
- Different post thumbnail designs based on tags
- Custom thumbnail overlays for video and podcast posts
- Custom trending posts widget
- Pop-out full-screen menu and category cloud
- Custom post title prefixes
- Custom author, contributor, and sponsor fields
- Custom editorial layouts powered by ACF
- Various custom forms
- Speed optimisation
- AdSense setup
- Regular website management
Results
The final website is fast, flexible, and easy to manage, even for a non-technical editor.
By using lightweight custom functionality instead of unnecessary third-party plugins, the site stays cleaner, faster, and easier to maintain. Editors can control homepage content, featured posts, post styling, contributor information, and promotional areas without needing developer help for every update.
sosydney.au
Could not be happier! Amazing work!! Bravo!!!
“Many years ago I had an idea for a website which I was starting to think would never happen until Lukas came along. From the outset Lukas made the task of building the site easy, he quickly understood the design and features I wanted and provided ideas, direction and solutions to exceed my requirements. He built and delivered an incredible website using the latest coding so the site absolutely flies and he delivered on time! It’s so good even a low tech guy like me is able to work the back end. Lukas is particularly systematic during the development stage using excellent project management tools such that it’s easy to see where you are up to with all the tasks. Dealing with Lukas is an absolute pleasure in every respect. He is an absolute Maestro! Five stars is not a high enough rating. Thanks Lukas!! Could not be happier! Amazing work!! Bravo!!!”
