The Pointer
Custom platform design and development for a local Canadian news website, using the Laravel PHP framework
The Pointer Brampton is the first iteration of a group of subscription based online news websites that will have a focus on smaller cities in Ontario that the Toronto based publications tend to glaze over.
The Pointer is a publication that has a strong commitment to share news stories for a small fee, without advertisements. The idea is for a clean platform with no bias, influence and a strong focus on just the facts.
They approached us with a multi-phased plan to expand The Pointer into local news marketplace cities within Ontario. The result is a simple, yet dynamic custom Laravel solution with a focus on expansion, custom features and data integration.
With a simple administration area, editors are able to easily add stories, categories, bylines, excerpts and cropped photos that are accessible in all platforms across mobile, tablet and desktop devices.
Subscription news system
We incorporated a subscription management platform into the Pointer website, that collects monthly subscription fees from users and keeps the website content clean and advertisement free.
This system restricts the news behind a traditional “paywall” platform that allows full access to all articles after paying a small fee. The subscription system also includes an email notification for all new articles that are posted to notify users when new content is available.
Web Development
Each project we encounter, large or small, typically will have custom requirements. Through analysis, due diligence and research we will formulate a concise development strategy where the appropriate technology, CMS or framework will be chosen that best suits the unique requirements from timeline to budget to integration and functionality.
We will work with you to develop a concise development plan. We can custom develop on top of an existing CMS or roll out a web framework from scratch.
Design
Shift8 provides high quality Web Design services to businesses in and around Toronto. We strive to provide a complete end-to-end design service to satisfy your unique web design needs and requirements.
We will be there every step of the way from the initial planning phase, to wireframe and mockups, to the project deployment and management until the completion and launch of your project including post launch maintenance and revisions.
Branding
At Shift8 we are passionate about crafting compelling logos and brand identities for businesses of all sizes.
We work closely with you to create a brand package that accurately reflects your unique identity and resonates with your target audience. Using timeless design principles, we ensure your brand’s message is consistent and impactful across all media and marketing strategies.
Let us help you establish a strong and memorable brand identity that sets you apart in the competitive Toronto market.
E-commerce
In today’s online economy, e-commerce is essential for businesses to succeed. At Shift8, we specialize in building custom e-commerce sites tailored to your unique needs.
Whether you’re looking to integrate an inventory system with shipping integration or need a completely customized solution using a CMS or web frameworks, we’ve got you covered.
Let us help you drive sales and grow your business with a powerful and seamless e-commerce site.
Responsive
Developing a website that is responsive is no longer a new requirement, its mandatory. We use industry standard tools and best practices to incorporate framework and scaffolding to ensure your website responds on the many different screen widths across many different mobile and tablet devices.
Gone are the days of a “mobile only” website. We will design your site for desktop, mobile, tablet, portrait and landscape viewing. And it will be beautiful!
Strategy
We offer strategic planning and consultation services for everything from developing a project roadmap to establishing milestones through collaborative continuous improvement. We will work with you to identify all the needs, requirements, deadlines and expectations, to ensure the path to project completion is prudent and predictable.
We use industry standard techniques and best practices to manage our projects from start to finish.
Technology
Using modern technologies to build robust web stacks with a unique case-by-case approach allows us to have the freedom to tailor make every solution from the ground up.
We utilize full stack frameworks and technologies that complement the collective experience among development teams. From the latest JS frameworks to PHP and Python based frameworks and everything in between, everything is considered and carefully evaluated from an full end-to-end perspective.
