I’ve been building WordPress sites for a while now but have never run into this scenario a client is asking for. Budget is an obvious concern which is why he wants to attempt to build this in WP rather than paying a development company for a full blown web app and expensive maintenance costs associated with that. I feel like it’s plausible with the right plugins and maybe a webhook or two.
The client is looking to build a directory of local businesses that seems to be a blend of Locals, Substack and Angies List, but more basic. They want it set up so that the Business can purchase a template page. This page would be purchased on a subscription basis(monthly or annual with auto-renewal, using Woocommerce. Once the page is purchased, the page would auto-generate and send the Business Owner a link/directions on how to login and update their page. The Business would then be able to add and modify content on this page and even advertise coupons/sales/products (although this is less of a priority). Anyone can visit any page and leave comments, but only the business owner can update their own page.
What ideas do you have? Is there already a theme or plugin that can do this?
Thank you for taking the time to respond and providing any insight you might have. Much appreciated.
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Substack or Thumbtack?
Run away.
Your client is asking you to build a platform bigger than two giant platforms for a fraction of the cost.
What you put out will not make your client happy, and you’ll have a hell of a time getting your money.
I’ve built sites like this w the plugins i use, but first and foremost, the budget.
Let me tell you what my company does and I’ll help you add a valuable skill.
When a startup comes to us, we start them off on a consulting plan. I’m an expert consultant among other things and I’ve saved clients millions by helping them avoid the wrong path. They easily make back whatever I charge them from the consulting along. I’ve seen a lot of developers give away free info they should have charged for.
The main reasons foe the consulting phase are:
1. Getting paid for your valuable advice.
2. Getting a better scope of the project for an accurate quote. A startup NEVER ends up the way it starts.
3. The client gets a better quote. Everyone wins.
4. Discover opportunities to upsell or add services during the discovery/planning process.
5. The Big One: you avoid possible disaster from unforeseen events because you didn’t properly plan the Project with a consulting phase..
Hope this helps.