Dark Alpha Capital

This is the story of my first ever Upwork project - building a website for Dark Alpha, a US-based independent sponsor. After countless proposals and a successful interview, I landed this exciting opportunity! You can visit the website here.

Gathering Inspiration

Before diving into development, I knew the design needed approval. So, I researched around 100 independent sponsor websites. Together with my client, we meticulously reviewed each site, taking inspiration from elements like design, color schemes, fonts, and even the language used. Since many independent sponsors share similar goals, this collaborative approach ensured a website that resonated with the target audience.

Building the Website for Performance

With a solid design plan in place, it was time to build the website. While a platform like WordPress could've offered faster development, I prioritized performance and SEO. This led me to choose Next.js, a powerful React framework for building web applications, and Prismic, a user-friendly content management system (CMS) with drag-and-drop functionality. This combination allowed for a high-performing website with easy content management for my client.

Development with Continuous Feedback

The entire website build took about two weeks. During this time, I maintained close communication with my client. Daily meetings, albeit limited to 30 minutes each, were crucial for gathering continuous feedback on both the development process and the website's language. This collaborative approach ensured the website aligned perfectly with my client's vision.

Learning and User Growth

This project wasn't just about delivering a website; it was a fantastic learning experience. It was also my first project to gain actual users, a significant milestone for any developer.

Optimizing the App

To further enhance the website's user experience, I integrated several tools:

• Vercel: This platform streamlines deployment and hosting, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• Google Analytics: This powerful tool provides valuable insights into website traffic and user behavior, allowing me to continuously optimize the site.
• Contact Form: A user-friendly contact form allows visitors to easily connect with my client.
• Resend: This service ensures emails sent through the contact form reach my client reliably.
• React Email & Tailwind: These tools enabled me to create beautifully styled emails for any contact form submissions.

A Website with Impact

The website is now live and thriving, boasting a healthy user base. This project was not only a learning experience but also a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of prioritizing user experience.

Visit the Site