Virgin Courtesans (backup mirror) is a sophisticated WordPress website created for a model agency. This project highlights the importance of a clean, minimalistic design that emphasizes user engagement and visual appeal. In this guide, I'll walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right theme to adding the final touches.
Installing and Customizing the Astra Theme
I chose the Astra theme due to its lightweight nature and extensive customization options. Once the theme was installed, I designed the homepage with a bold banner image, an attention-grabbing headline, and a compelling call-to-action button.
To remove the default header, navigate to Appearance > Customize > Header Builder and delete all the blocks from the three header rows.
Editing and Personalizing the Footer
The footer can be customized or removed entirely based on your preferences. Go to Appearance > Customize > Footer Builder to either remove all elements or select one of three layout options and add text, links, images, or widgets.
Creating a Dynamic Gallery
The client required a dynamic gallery where hovering over images reveals the model’s category, tags, and a brief description. To fulfill this, I utilized The Post Grid plugin.
In the Layout Settings, I selected the ✅ Grid Hover and ✅ Grid Hover 2 options.
Implementing a Customizable Contact Form
To create a user-friendly contact form, I used the Contact Form 7 plugin. Simply go to Contact > Add New and configure the form according to your requirements.
Testing and Optimization
After building the website, it’s essential to test its performance. I used Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze and optimize the site's speed and overall performance.
Must-Have Plugins
- WPvivid: Comprehensive site backups.
- Flamingo: Secure storage of CF7 submissions.
- 404 to 301: SEO-friendly redirects.
- Google Site Kit: Integrates Google tools.