Cultivating Fresh

Charlies Produce

Delighted to collaborate with a client deeply invested in organic produce and sustainable practices, my journey with Charlie’s Produce was both inspiring and professionally fulfilling. By engaging directly with farmers and stakeholders, including the owners, alignment with their vision and values was ensured. This project became a testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship, nourishing food, and community well-being. Working with individuals dedicated to cultivating the very food we consume made this endeavor highly rewarding.

About Charlies Produce

Charlie’s Produce is a leading distributor specializing in high-quality produce and tailored services for a diverse clientele including restaurants, grocery stores, and wholesalers. With a strong focus on organic and conventional farm-to-table offerings, Charlie’s emphasizes personalized customer partnerships and innovative ordering solutions. Their efficient distribution system ensures rapid delivery, while their state-of-the-art processing plant reflects their commitment to meeting evolving demands.

The Challenge

The owners of a multi-faceted company, overseeing several smaller entities, were in need of an integrated solution to streamline their online marketing efforts. Their primary requirement was a versatile content management system, one that could be quickly adapted and deployed for each subsidiary within their enterprise. To enhance operational efficiency, they needed a system where multiple staff members could be trained to easily manage and update content on their WordPress websites.

The website design was centered around two principal calls to action: ‘Become a Customer’ and ‘Become a Partner’. It was crucial for the site to effectively showcase the journey of their produce – from the growing locations, through the shipping routes, to its final retail destinations. Additionally, connecting to an online catalog was essential to facilitate direct produce purchases by clients. To simplify their recruitment process, the integration of a careers portal was a key feature. Furthermore, as part of their business expansion strategy, whenever a new brand was acquired, they offered a customized template of their system, ensuring a seamless and consistent brand experience across all entities. This comprehensive approach not only streamlined their internal processes but also enhanced their customer and partner engagement.

Project Roles

Client Acquisition

Met with the potential client to discuss project requirements and win the project.
Conducted a thorough needs assessment to understand the client's specific requirements and goals.
Conducted a comprehensive analysis of competitors in the client's industry to identify opportunities and unique selling points.
Collaborated with the owner and marketing leads to establish a timeline for deliverables.

UX/UI Design

Designed the information architecture or site map, determining the necessary pages for the website.
Created several wireframes for both mobile and desktop devices to visualize the website layout and structure.
Facilitated design reviews and made necessary tweaks to ensure the optimal user experience.

Website Development

Developed a custom theme for WordPress to tailor the website to the specific needs of the project.
Collaborated with a copywriter to add all copy to the website and strategically plan its placement.
Worked with SEO manager to add Title tags and meta throughout site.
Managed a team of front end and backend developers to complete the project

Deployment and Testing

Deployed and rigorously tested the website to ensure functionality and performance meet the project requirements.
Conducted training sessions with the client to familiarize them with the website and its functionalities.
Added Firewall and monitoring to all sites
Utilized Cross Browser testing to make sure it looks great on all devices and browsers.

Tools Used

Project Management

Basecamp
WebEx

UX/UI Design & Wireframing

Gliffy
Slickplan
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator

Web Development

Adobe Dreamweaver
HTML5
CSS3
PHP
JavaScript
MySQL
WordPress

WordPress Customization

Custom Theme
Advanced Custom Fields
Custom Post Types & Taxonomies
Dynamic Grids & Sliders
Google Map Integration
Sales Catalogue Integration
Customized Gravity Forms

Accessibility & Testing

WAVE Accessibility Tools
Firefox Developer Tools
Google Chrome Developer
Cross-Browser Testing
UserWay Integration

Analytics & SEO

Google Analytics
Google Webmaster Tools
Google Tag Manager
Yoast SEO

Solutions

Developed a website that is easily maintainable by in-house managers, ensuring seamless content updates and management.
Designed a flexible template that can be effortlessly replicated for various brands within the Charlie's umbrella, providing a consistent online presence.
Ensured ADA compliance through updates, making the website accessible to a diverse audience and aligning with inclusive digital standards.
Implemented a straightforward process for visitors to become customers, promoting user interaction and conversion.
Established a clear call to action for potential partners, simplifying the process of becoming a partner within the Charlie's network.
Implemented an integrated careers portal across all websites, featuring intake forms and comprehensive information to streamline the hiring process.
Developed a dynamic blog section highlighting the latest news, fresh produce, and floral groupings, engaging visitors with relevant and timely content.
Integrated a comprehensive catalog of products and an efficient order portal, providing a seamless purchasing experience for clients.
Implemented a store locator feature to help customers easily find Charlie's produce in various retail locations.
Established a user-friendly mechanism to connect seamlessly to the online ordering portal, enhancing convenience for clients.
Incorporated a testimonial feed on all pages, showcasing positive experiences and building trust among visitors.
Included a newsletter sign-up option for visitors interested in receiving updates, promotions, and news.
Organized the blog into several categories, allowing for a structured presentation of content catering to different interests.
Provided location listings for the main company, offering visitors clear information on Charlie's presence across different areas.

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Family of Charlies Produce websites