WordPress/WooCommerce Developer Required – Virtual Running Platform

WordPress/WooCommerce Developer Required – Virtual Running Platform (Long-Term Project) Project Overview Hello, I'm looking for an experienced WordPress/WooCommerce developer to help transform my existing website into a feature-rich virtual running platform. Website: https://www.the-running-bug.com This is not a new website build. The website is already live and trading, and I want to improve and expand its functionality in carefully planned stages. I'm looking for someone who can become a long-term development partner rather than simply completing one small job. --- About The Running Bug The Running Bug is a UK-based virtual running challenge website where customers can enter virtual races, complete their challenge anywhere in the world, and receive a high-quality finisher's medal. I have lots of ideas to improve customer engagement, encourage repeat purchases, build a community and automate as much of the customer journey as possible. --- My Budget I run a small business, so my budget is limited. Rather than trying to build everything at once, I'd like to complete the project in phases over time. I'm happy to start with a smaller project and continue working together as the website grows. I'm looking for someone who understands this approach and can recommend the most cost-effective solutions without compromising future scalability. --- Current Website The site currently uses: - WordPress - WooCommerce - Elementor Pro - Shoptimizer Theme - GamiPress - MailPoet - WPForms - Product Input Fields - Advanced Shipment Tracking - TablePress - SEOPress Pro - Perfmatters - All-in-One Security - Stripe - PayPal If you have experience integrating additional plugins that would improve the platform, I'm happy to hear your recommendations. --- What I'd Like To Build The overall aim is to create a seamless runner journey. Phase 1 – Runner Dashboard I'd like customers to have their own dashboard within WooCommerce My Account where they can: - View all entered races - Track progress - Submit activity/evidence - View completed challenges - Download certificates - View earned medals - Access rewards - See challenge history --- Phase 2 – Gamification I'd like to make the website far more engaging by configuring GamiPress, including: - Achievement badges - Milestones - Runner levels - Points - Unlockable rewards - Repeat customer incentives --- Phase 3 – Certificates I'd like to automate digital finisher certificates so they're generated after successful completion of a challenge. --- Phase 4 – Strava Integration This is one of the most important future developments. I'd like runners to be able to connect their Strava account so activities are automatically imported and matched against the challenges they've entered. This should remove the need for manual evidence submissions wherever possible. --- Future Features As the website grows, I'd also like to add features such as: - Live leaderboards - Team challenges - Corporate wellness challenges - Charity fundraising integration - Tree planting and environmental rewards - Community profiles - Activity feeds - GPS integrations - Digital medals - Progress notifications - Automated emails - Merchandise integration - Additional fitness platform integrations --- Experience I'm Looking For Ideally I'd like someone who has experience with: - WordPress - WooCommerce - Elementor - PHP - Custom plugin development - API integrations - GamiPress - Strava API - Gamification - WooCommerce My Account customisation It would be a huge advantage if you've worked on: - Running websites - Virtual race websites - Fitness platforms - Sports communities - Membership websites - Event management systems If you're a runner yourself, or have experience working with running events or virtual races, that's an even bigger bonus as you'll better understand the user journey I'm trying to create. --- What I'm Looking For I'd like somebody who: - Communicates well - Offers ideas and suggestions - Builds scalable solutions - Writes clean, well-documented code - Understands WooCommerce best practices - Can work within a tight budget - Is interested in building a long-term working relationship --- Please Include In Your Proposal When replying, I'd appreciate it if you could include: - Examples of similar projects you've completed - Experience with WooCommerce custom development - Experience with GamiPress (if any) - Experience with the Strava API (if any) - Experience with running, fitness or sports websites - Your suggested approach for Phase 1 - An estimated cost and timescale for Phase 1 - Whether you think any of my existing plugins should be replaced or upgraded If you've built anything similar before, I'd love to see links to live websites. Thank you for taking the time to read my project. I look forward to hearing your ideas and hopefully building a long-term partnership with the right developer.