Challenge
Absence of Suitable Plugin:
Initially, there was no existing plugin available that fully met the requirements outlined in the project brief. The specific functionalities, such as custom point allocation and story submission with vetting, were not readily available in any off-the-shelf solution.
Limitations of Yith Points & Rewards Plugin:
While the Yith Points & Rewards plugin provided a foundation, it lacked certain essential features and flexibility needed to implement the custom rewards program as per the client's specifications.
Solution
Custom Development Approach:
To overcome the absence of a suitable plugin, a decision was made to proceed with a custom development approach. This involved leveraging the Yith Points & Rewards plugin as a base and extending its functionalities through custom coding to meet the project requirements.
Customisation of Yith Plugin:
Extensive customisation was performed on the Yith Points & Rewards plugin to address its limitations and tailor it to the specific needs of the project. This included modifying existing functionalities and adding new features to align with the client's requirements.
Outcome
Successful Implementation of Custom Rewards Program:
Despite the initial challenges, the project culminated in the successful implementation of a custom rewards program for the client's WooCommerce store. The custom-built functionalities, including point allocation, story submission, and vetting process, were seamlessly integrated into the existing website infrastructure.
Enhanced User Experience and Engagement:
The introduction of the custom rewards program significantly enhanced the user experience and engagement on the website. Customers now have the opportunity to earn points through various activities and redeem them for rewards, fostering loyalty and retention.
Improved Administrative Capabilities:
Additionally, the implementation of custom reporting tools provided the client with enhanced administrative capabilities, allowing them to track points usage, customer status, and other relevant metrics more effectively.