Building Golden River from Concept to Launch

When I was approached to create Golden River Wellness, the client wanted a website for their side business but did not yet have a clearly defined vision for what that business would look like. They knew they wanted to focus on acudetox, which uses acupuncture techniques on the ear, but much of the branding, messaging, and structure still needed to be developed. My role quickly became more than just a web developer. I collaborated with the client to establish a business identity, design a logo, write the website copy, and create a visual style that reflected their values and services.

I chose WordPress and Elementor as the foundation because they provided the flexibility to design a professional site without requiring extensive custom code. With these tools, I built out the essential sections of the site, including an about page to introduce the practitioner, a services page to explain acudetox, and a contact form so potential clients could reach out directly.

One of the biggest challenges was managing the evolving scope of the project. Since the client’s business concept was still forming, I needed to present ideas, adjust based on feedback, and refine the site iteratively. I also implemented a client-designer/developer contract for the first time, which was invaluable in setting expectations and protecting the scope of the work, though deadlines still shifted due to the client’s availability.

Despite these challenges, the project was a success. The client now has a professional and functional website that represents their services, while I gained firsthand experience navigating the complexities of client communication, branding, and project timelines.