Muhammad Javad Arshad
Verified Expert in Engineering
WordPress and Shopify Developer
Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Toptal member since March 18, 2021
Muhammad has built clean, responsive, and scalable web applications for companies worldwide since 2013. Always focusing on accessibility, progressive enhancement, and performance, Jawad is an expert in WordPress and eCommerce, using WooCommerce and Shopify. He has developed hundreds of WordPress themes and customized plugins and loves working with APIs and web services.
Portfolio
Experience
- PHP - 8 years
- WordPress - 8 years
- Site Speed Optimization - 7 years
- jQuery - 7 years
- WooCommerce - 7 years
- WordPress API - 6 years
- Shopify API - 5 years
- Shopify Plus - 3 years
Availability
Preferred Environment
Git, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Sublime Text, Terminal, MacOS, WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, Shopify API, Shopify Plus
The most amazing...
...thing I've customized is Gutenberg, adding more modules so that it's easier for users to work with.
Work Experience
Senior Shopify Developer (via Toptal)
GRWS CORP.
- Developed a Shopify store from the ground up, utilizing custom design and development to meet the client's specific needs. From selecting the right theme to customizing the store layout, I ensured it was visually appealing and functional.
- Integrated several payment gateways, allowing the store to process transactions seamlessly. This included setting up secure checkout processes and ensuring compliance with industry standards for security and performance.
- Implemented shipping APIs, enabling dynamic shipping rates and options based on real-time carrier information. The store also features integration with market-related APIs for product listings and inventory management.
Web Core Vitals Optimization Specialist (via Toptal)
Asset Panda LLC - Main
- Used tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and Chrome DevTools to analyze a website's performance. Reviewed the Core Web Vitals metrics for mobile and desktop site versions.
- Compressed and used next-gen formats (like WebP) for images. Implemented lazy loading for off-screen images and deferred CSS/JavaScript that delays rendering. Moved critical CSS in-line and non-critical resources asynchronously.
- Used content delivery networks (CDNs), optimized server response times, implemented caching strategies, and minified and optimized HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to reduce payload size and improve rendering times.
- Added explicit width and height for images, videos, and iframes to avoid layout shifts and used font-display swap to reduce layout shifts caused by loading web fonts.
Senior Shopify Developer (via Toptal)
Ruby Hung Ltd
- Designed and developed the Ruby Hung website from scratch, ensuring smooth integration of secure payment gateways and multiple shipping profiles tailored to meet customer needs across various regions.
- Configured and optimized essential Shopify apps to enhance the site's functionality, providing a seamless user experience while improving store management and operational efficiency.
- Launched the website successfully, ensuring all back-end settings were fully optimized for smooth handling of orders, payments, and shipping logistics, offering customers an effortless shopping experience from start to finish.
- Implemented comprehensive SEO strategies, optimizing content, meta tags, and site structure to improve search engine visibility and drive organic traffic, ensuring the website ranks higher in relevant search results.
- Set up and optimized Google Conversion tracking, allowing detailed insights into user behavior and campaign performance. This enabled the business to make data-driven decisions, improving conversion rates and achieving better ROI on marketing efforts.
WordPress Developer
EBM Consulting Inc.
- Handled page speed optimization using locally hosted scripts, fonts, and integrated CDN for blistering fast page load times.
- Integrated Mailchimp API for sign-up forms using Ajax to make the sign-up process more integrated and seamless.
- Contributed to the Ajax quiz integration using ACF to customize an unlimited number of questions. The quiz result returned a list of recommended products that could then be added to their cart.
- Oversaw performance audits and improvements related to the usability and accessibility of websites and Improved content editing experience, making it efficient and enjoyable to manage content.
- Collaborated closely with the back-end developers to ensure successful integration and delivery.
PHP and WordPress Developer (via Toptal)
Moving Relocation Group Inc.
- Converted a static HTML eCommerce site into a dynamic, WooCommerce-powered platform that sells physical, virtual, and subscription items.
- Created personalized PDF terms and conditions upon the purchase of electronically distributed teaching materials.
- Performed regular testing and scheduling of WordPress plugins and core updates.
- Developed a custom shipping plugin to meet the client's business requirements and improved the content editing experience, making it efficient and enjoyable to manage content.
- Implemented a booking system to allow the selling of ticketed educational events around the country.
- Performed a seamless integration of additional customer demographic details into the customer's account page.
- Followed the newest trends and tools in the industry to keep products up to date and in line with the current guidelines and philosophy of the WordPress community.
Shopify Developer (via Toptal)
Sparksmith, LLC
- Built the site from scratch using Shopify 2.0. Customized product templates, ensuring each product page met the store's unique requirements. This involved seamless theme integration and enhancements to Shopify's native features.
- Created tailored shipping profiles to optimize delivery options, making it easier to manage logistics. Custom scripts were also implemented within Shopify's Script Editor to automate processes, improving overall user experience and functionality.
- Boosted performance by optimizing images, HTML, and JavaScript across the site. This reduced load times and improved site responsiveness, resulting in a smoother, faster browsing experience, which is critical for conversion optimization and SEO.
- Integrated reviews, subscription services, and other essential 3rd-party apps into the site. These integrations helped enhance customer engagement and support subscription-based selling, adding additional value and functionality to the store.
Shopify Plus Developer (via Toptal)
Inventa APP LTDA
- Customized checkout.liquid multiple times to add different form fields and discount coupons that can be applied automatically. Developed new product templates and dynamic sections on different pages and homepages. Converted to Shopify 2.0.
- Customized the product templates and checkout.liquid for inventa.shop, a Shopify Plus store, tailoring the checkout process to enhance user experience. Revamped the homepage based on the client's new design requirements.
- Integrated a new payment API for local Brazilian clients with local banking connections. Wrote a script that bypasses some vendors so shipping charges would not be applied.
- Optimized the layout, ensuring compatibility with Shopify Plus features and improving the overall functionality. Streamlined the checkout flow, enhancing the customer journey and increasing conversion potential.
- Ensured the site adhered to the latest design trends and user experience standards, making the store more visually appealing and user-friendly for customers.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including designers, project managers, and other developers, to ensure effective communication and coordination throughout the development process.
- Optimized site performance by configuring and fine-tuning mechanisms, leveraging content delivery network (CDN) solutions, and implementing code optimizations.
Shopify and WordPress Developer (via Toptal)
BILDIT
- Served as a senior WordPress and Shopify developer at The Vice Solution, managing a team of one to ten people.andled client calls and ensured clear communication, aligning project goals with client expectations and keeping everything on track.
- Utilized Asana to manage project workflows, assigning tickets and tracking progress. My focus was on prioritizing tasks effectively, ensuring timely delivery of each project while keeping the team organized and motivated.
- Was responsible, in WordPress, for developing custom plugins tailored to specific client requirements. Worked on creating unique functionalities, optimizing performance, and ensuring plugins were scalable and easy to maintain.
- Handled app integration and configuration in Shopify, making sure 3rd-party apps functioned seamlessly with the platform. My goal was to enhance the client's online store with added functionality and smooth operational flow.
- Worked on project management, which was key to my role, ensuring that timelines were met and projects stayed within scope. Monitored tasks closely, addressed issues, and supported the team in overcoming roadblocks.
- Focused on client communication and ensured regular updates through calls and reports. Built trust by being transparent and proactive in addressing concerns and fostering strong client relationships.
- Balanced technical responsibilities with team management and ensured every project was successful. From troubleshooting complex issues to overseeing productivity, remained hands-on, ensuring each project met its goals on time.
WordPress and Shopify Developer
The Vice Solution
- Contributed to multiple Shopify and WordPress projects, integrated different APIs, and configured various apps and plugins as per requirements. Worked directly with the clients and within the team as well.
- Used Trello and Basecamp extensively for project management and Slack for communications while working with The Vice Solution. Managed a team of five to ten persons, assigned tasks to each team member, and ensured they were delivered on time.
- Worked with multiple hosting providers and version controls, like WP Engine, Bluehost, GoDaddy, A2 Hosting, AWS, Git, a Git repo, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.
- Led a software development team and implemented effective processes to deliver high-quality software products.
- Played a key role in building and growing the Shopify design and development department by participating in hiring, onboarding, and implementing effective processes.
- Crafted high-performance WordPress themes with a strong focus on SEO and user experience.
WordPress and Shopify Developer
Hrvst
- Developed robust, responsive, and customizable WordPress and Shopify themes and themes from scratch using Sketch, XD, and Invision.
- Worked as part of a small team working on popular WordPress products: Make (WP theme) and Happyforms (WP contact form plugin).
- Planned, developed, tested, and released products. Collaborated closely with the product owner on the technical shaping of features.
- Followed the newest trends and tools in the industry to keep products up to date and in line with the current guidelines and philosophy of the WordPress community.
- Worked with various clients from multiple industries. Planned, delivered, and managed custom solutions powered by WordPress.
- Connected WordPress with the HubSpot API and set an auto-login to the platform demo via API tokens.
- Maintained Shopify sites, implemented custom features, and designed multiple templates for clients using Sketch.
- Collaborated across various platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, Jekyll, and Hugo.
- Used HTML5, CSS3, Sass, Grunt, Bower, Node.js, React, Object-oriented JavaScript (OOJS), PHP, and MySQL.
Senior WordPress Developer
ApricotLaw
- Developed 20+ websites for different lawyers, using HTML, Bootstrap, and WordPress.
- Used Asana and Basecamp for project management, Google Hangouts for meetings, and Slack for personal chats.
- Launched more than 20 sites developed using the Advanced Custom Field plugin and ensured that site performance was good in Google and GTmetrix.
- Led weekly scrum meetings and used Asana and Basecamp to orchestrate project completion.
- Created and managed project timelines from HTML to WordPress development and site optimization, using Asana.
- Integrated advanced custom fields (ACF), WooCommerce, and multiple other plugins for WordPress themes.
- Implemented Node.js in many projects to ensure minification and site speed.
- Worked with multiple WordPress themes to debug issues, implement new features, and develop new templates.
Lead Developer
iPlex
- Developed hundreds of websites for clients with 100% satisfaction.
- Built 70+ advanced WordPress themes, using Advanced Custom Fields.
- Maintained numerous websites for security and feature updates.
- Tracked and fixed bugs for multiple projects in Basecamp; tracked and reported on tasks, using Asana with the Harvest app; and provided daily updates, using Trello.
- Cultivated the WordPress team to develop advanced websites and web apps and mentored incoming WordPress and JavaScript talent.
Experience
Smartypantsvitamins
https://www.smartypantsvitamins.com/August
https://august.com/Legend Boats
https://www.legendboats.com/eCommerce Platform
https://inventa.shop/CO: Collective
https://cocollective.com/47Brand
https://www.47brand.com/Slate
https://slatemilk.com/Sipswigg
https://sipswigg.com/WordPress Developer
https://thenationalpulse.com/It has a cache plugin, and its hosting is managed on WP Engine.
Education
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Foundation University - Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
University of the Punjab - Gujranwala, Pakisan
Skills
Libraries/APIs
jQuery, Liquid, WooCommerce API, Mailchimp API, Google API, jQuery UI, Stripe, Stripe API, Vue, Shopify API, React, REST APIs, WordPress API, Stripe Connect, Node.js, Typeform.io, PayPal API
Tools
Git, Terminal, Asana, Gulp, InVision, WPML, Stripe Checkout, Jira, LearnDash, SendGrid, Shopify Plus, Sketch, Amazon WorkSpaces, GitHub, Google Analytics, WP-CLI, Bitbucket, Zapier, Gutenberg Editor, Sublime Text, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Mailchimp, Figma, Animatron, Composer, Wix, ACF PRO
Languages
HTML5, JavaScript, PHP, CSS, HTML, Liquid Template, Sass, SCSS, HubL, CSS3, Shopify Liquid
Frameworks
Bootstrap, Divi, Tailwind CSS, Vanilla JS, Bootstrap 3
Paradigms
Responsive Web Design (RWD), Unit Testing, REST, Web UI Design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Automation, Scrum, Responsive
Platforms
WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Klaviyo, Contentful, MacOS, osCommerce, Bluehost, Amazon Web Services (AWS), HubSpot, Docker, Webflow, DigitalOcean
Storage
WP Engine, Databases, MySQL, Caché
Industry Expertise
Web Design
Other
PHP Web Services, PSD to Shopify, Shopify Theme, Web UI, WordPress Plugins, WordPress Themes, eCommerce, WordPress Optimization, GTmetrix, Optimization, Content Delivery Networks (CDN), Avada, Custom Post Types, PSD to WordPress, Shopify Customizations, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Subscriptions, Web Hosting, Git Repo, Front-end Development, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Communication, Leadership, Beaver Builder, APIs, Semrush, WP Super Cache, Website Optimization, Google Tag Manager, Headless Commerce, SEO Tools, Custom Themes, Responsive UI, Cross-functional Collaboration, Animation, CSS3 Animation, Web Development, Prototyping, Technical Leadership, WordPress Customization, PSD to HTML, Elementor, Page Speed Optimization, Site Speed Optimization, Security, Gravity Forms, Ajax, Shopify Payments, GoDaddy, SaaS, Google SEO, Custom Shopify Apps, CSV Import, Excel Expert, API Integration, Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, Shopify Design, eCommerce UX, eCommerce UI, WordPress SEO, Plugins, Themes, Stripe Subscriptions, Finance, Squarespace, Performance, PayPal, Yoast SEO, Analytics, App Integration, Checkout, Scripting, Web UX, Apps, Subscription Processing, HTML to WordPress, Membership Sites, MemberPress, News, Core Web Vitals, First Contentful Paint (FCP), HubSpot CRM, Upselling, Cross-selling, Extensibility, Multi-vendor eCommerce
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