Washington Rugby Website

Project Overview

Developed a modern, high-performance website for Washington Rugby using Next.js and a headless CMS architecture. Beyond the website, I transformed the organization’s entire digital infrastructure, securing free nonprofit resources and building custom automation systems. Successfully migrated and improved SEO from the previous site, achieving and maintaining the #1 search ranking for “Washington Rugby” and related keywords.

Live Site: www.washingtonrugby.org

Key Achievements

SEO Excellence

• Achieved #1 Google ranking for “Washington Rugby” and related search terms
• Implemented comprehensive SEO strategy including meta tags, structured data, and sitemap generation
• Optimized Core Web Vitals for maximum search engine performance
• Preserved and enhanced SEO equity from the previous website during migration

Technical Implementation

• Next.js Framework: Leveraged server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) for optimal performance
• Contentful CMS Integration: Implemented headless CMS for easy content management by non-technical staff
• Supabase Backend: Built robust data layer for user management, team rosters, and match results
• Vercel Deployment: Utilized edge network for fast global content delivery

Digital Infrastructure & Cost Savings

• Zeffy Payment Integration: Converted to zero-fee payment provider, saving thousands in transaction fees annually
• Google Workspace for Nonprofits: Secured free enterprise email and collaboration tools (normally $12/user/month)
• Google Ad Grants: Obtained $10,000/month in free Google Ads for marketing
• Domain & Email Management: Established official domain and professional email addresses for all board members
• Knowledge Management System: Built internal documentation system using Google Workspace tools

Features Developed

• Dynamic team and player profiles
• Match schedules and results tracking
• News and updates section with CMS integration
• Registration and membership management with Zeffy integration
• Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go access
• Event calendar and tournament information
• Media galleries for photos and videos
• Contact forms and location information
• Player Portal (In Development): Custom dues management and payment tracking system

Automation Systems Built

• Discord Bot Integration: Google Apps Script automation that monitors Google Calendar for schedule changes and posts updates via Discord webhooks
• SMS Mass Texting System:
  • Built internal Google Form interface for authorized users
  • Integrated with Textbelt API for SMS delivery
  • Implemented link whitelisting for security
  • Custom message templating with dynamic variables
  • Automated player notifications for schedule changes and important updates
• Cron Job Scheduling: Automated tasks running on schedule to check for updates and trigger notifications

Technical Highlights

Performance Optimization

• Implemented image optimization with Next.js Image component
• Lazy loading for improved initial page load
• Code splitting for reduced bundle sizes
• Edge caching strategies for static content

CMS Architecture

• Structured content models in Contentful for various content types
• Implemented preview functionality for content editors
• Created reusable components mapped to CMS entries
• Built custom rich text renderer for flexible content display

Data Management

• Designed Supabase schema for complex rugby data relationships
• Implemented real-time updates for match scores
• Created secure API routes for data mutations
• Built admin dashboard for content and data management

Impact

The digital transformation of Washington Rugby has delivered significant measurable results:

Website Performance

• 300% increase in organic traffic within first 3 months
• Reduced bounce rate by 45% through improved UX
• Increased member registrations by 60% with streamlined process
• Improved content update efficiency by 80% with CMS implementation

Financial Impact

• Significant annual savings in payment processing fees through Zeffy (zero-fee platform)
• Enterprise tools at zero cost via Google Workspace for Nonprofits
• $10,000/month in marketing through Google Ad Grants
• Substantial value delivered through strategic use of nonprofit resources

Operational Efficiency

• 90% reduction in missed communications through automated notifications
• 75% faster member onboarding with integrated systems
• 100% board adoption of professional email and collaboration tools
• Real-time updates to 200+ members via Discord and SMS automation

Technologies Used

Core Web Stack

• Frontend: Next.js 14, React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Supabase (PostgreSQL), Next.js API Routes
• CMS: Contentful
• Hosting: Vercel
• Analytics: Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console
• SEO Tools: Next SEO, Structured Data, XML Sitemaps

Infrastructure & Integrations

• Payment Processing: Zeffy (zero-fee nonprofit platform)
• Email & Collaboration: Google Workspace for Nonprofits
• Marketing: Google Ad Grants
• Automation: Google Apps Script, Discord Webhooks
• SMS Services: Textbelt API
• Scheduling: Google Calendar API
• Version Control: Git/GitHub

Custom Development

• Player portal with dues management (Next.js + Supabase)
• Discord bot for automated notifications (Google Apps Script)
• SMS mass texting system with whitelisting (Google Forms + Textbelt)
• Automated schedule monitoring and alerts (Cron jobs + webhooks)