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.

Custom WordPress Development

Shift8 specializes in lightweight, enterprise WordPress engineering. We build handcrafted themes and custom Gutenberg blocks with zero bloated page builders (no Elementor or Divi).

Our code follows modern PHP standards, strict security hardening, and clean API integrations with platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and custom REST endpoints.

Custom Web Design

We design bespoke, responsive user interfaces from scratch in Figma—never relying on off-the-shelf templates or generic themes.

Our team develops scalable design systems, typography hierarchies, and mobile-first layouts tested across modern devices to deliver seamless user experiences for Toronto consumers and B2B buyers.

Branding & Visual Identity

For Toronto businesses expanding into new markets or refreshing an outdated image, we create complete corporate brand identities.

Deliverables include digital logo suites, color palettes tuned for web accessibility, typography guidelines, and digital brand collateral that establish authority across all channels.

E-Commerce Solutions (WooCommerce & Shopify)

We engineer secure, scalable online stores built on WooCommerce and Shopify tailored for Canadian and international commerce.

From custom checkout UX and payment gateway integrations (Stripe, Moneris) to automated ERP, CRM, and inventory synchronization, we optimize every touchpoint for mobile conversion and speed.

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 & UX Planning

Every high-performing project starts with structured discovery. We run stakeholder workshops, competitor audits, user persona mapping, and conversion architecture before designing.

We build low-fidelity Figma wireframes and conversion pathways tailored to Toronto buyer journeys, ensuring your sitemap and content structure align with organic search and lead generation goals.

Enterprise Web Development & Technology

When organizations require complex web applications, client portals, or custom software, we develop scalable architectures using Laravel, React, Next.js, and Python.

Backed by SOC 2 Type II controls and secure CI/CD deployment pipelines, we collaborate seamlessly with in-house IT and enterprise procurement teams.