Upsticks Directory
A comprehensive property services directory connecting homebuyers and sellers with trusted local professionals across Hampshire and West Sussex.
Client
Upsticks Directory Ltd
Role
Full Stack Developer & Technical Architect
Tech Stack
The Challenge
Moving house is one of life's most stressful experiences, and finding reliable local professionals, estate agents, solicitors, mortgage brokers, surveyors, and removal companies, adds unnecessary friction to an already overwhelming process.
The challenge was to build a scalable, performant platform that could handle complex geospatial queries across hundreds of businesses whilst maintaining sub second response times and delivering an exceptional user experience.
The Solution
I architected and developed a full stack directory platform from the ground up, implementing sophisticated location based search using PostgreSQL with PostGIS extension for precise geographic filtering.
The platform combines Next.js server side rendering for optimal SEO with a headless Strapi CMS, creating 300+ SEO optimised pages covering 60 towns across Hampshire and West Sussex. Stripe integration handles subscription billing, whilst custom algorithms ensure consistent performance under load.
Technical Implementation
Complex Geographic Search: Built a sophisticated proximity based search system using PostGIS spatial indexing, calculating distance based results with configurable radius parameters. Implemented intelligent result limiting and query optimisation to achieve sub second performance even with large datasets spanning multiple postcodes.
SEO & Performance Architecture: Leveraged Next.js static site generation and server side rendering to create hundreds of SEO optimised landing pages. Implemented dynamic routing patterns for scalable page generation across business types and locations, with comprehensive metadata and structured data for search engine visibility.
Payment Integration: Integrated Stripe with sophisticated subscription management including promotional pricing, grace periods, and automated billing cycles. Built custom webhook handlers for payment lifecycle management and automated customer communication flows.
Headless CMS Architecture: Extended Strapi with custom API endpoints, complex relationship modelling between businesses, branches, and users. Implemented role based access control, automated content moderation, and seamless integration between React components and backend services.
Outcome
Upsticks Directory successfully launched with a robust technical foundation capable of scaling across multiple regions. The platform demonstrates expertise in modern React development, complex backend architecture, geospatial systems, and production deployment—showcasing the full spectrum of full stack development capabilities.