The Uplift UK
Freelance Web Developer
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The Uplift UK Web Developer Opportunity
The Uplift UK is a funded, independent, solutions-focused digital news platform launching in Gloucestershire before scaling across the South West.
We are building a modern, fast, mobile-first alternative to local press. We need an experienced web developer to customise a premium Ghost theme, configure regional news routing (splitting news between Cheltenham and Gloucester, with scope to expand across Gloucestershire and the broader South West in future years), and set up integrated sponsor ad slots and voluntary membership workflows.
Location Requirement
- Gloucestershire-Based Applicants Only Because The Uplift is a community-focused, independent news site built on local trust, we are strictly seeking a developer based in Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, Gloucester, or surrounding areas). Please do not apply if you are located outside the county.
Scope of Work
Theme Customisation & Setup
- Customise a premium Ghost news/magazine theme using our brand guidelines (colours, typography, responsive headers, and logo assets).
Regional Routing (routes.yaml)
- Configure dynamic collections and custom landing pages for geographical sections (e.g., /cheltenham/, /gloucester/) alongside core topic categories, styled like mini-BBC regional hubs.
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Ad Banner Architecture
- Build responsive, fast-loading direct sponsor ad slots (Leaderboard, In-Article, Sidebar) with light JavaScript logic for banner rotation/cycling.
Contextual Ad Logic
- Enable basic tag-based ad matching (e.g., displaying local green business ads automatically on Environment articles).
Voluntary Memberships
- Configure Ghost’s native Stripe integration for "pay-what-you-want" or tiered voluntary subscriptions—with 100% open access and zero paywalls.
SEO & Analytics
- Configure custom domain, SSL, site performance optimisation (Core Web Vitals), and privacy-friendly analytics integration (e.g., Plausible or GA4).
Infrastructure & Hosting Setup
- Assist with setting up the hosting environment (e.g., Magic Pages or Ghost Pro), connecting our custom domain/DNS, and setting up the chosen Ghost theme.
Skills and Requirements
Essential
- Demonstrated, hands-on experience building and customising Ghost CMS websites (Handlebars.js, CSS/HTML, custom routes.yaml).
- Deep understanding of mobile-first performance, page speed, and editorial layouts.
- Strong communication skills and ability to deliver within an agreed timeframe.
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Desirable
- Prior experience building digital publishing, media, or magazine sites.
- Knowledge of light JavaScript for lightweight ad rotation scripts.
Salary
- Fixed Fee: £1,200 (Website Development)
- Payment Structure: Paid via milestone instalments (e.g., 30% upfront on project start, 30% upon initial theme/routing setup, 40% upon final sign-off and site launch).
- Invoicing: Invoices to be submitted directly to editor@theupliftnews.co.uk. 📩
How to Apply
To apply, please email editor@theupliftnews.co.uk with the subject line "Web Developer Application - [Your Name]".
Please include:
- A brief introduction highlighting your Gloucestershire location/connection.
- A link to your portfolio or 2–3 live links to Ghost CMS sites you have built/customised.
- Your estimated timeline to complete the project.
Why Work with Us?
The Uplift is dedicated to high-quality, community-first journalism. Working on this launch gives you complete creative ownership over a high-visibility local tech build, direct collaboration with the founder, prompt milestone payments, and the chance to shape a brand-new media outlet right on your doorstep.
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