The client & summary
Unhold is a German-language cultural blog with selected premium content available through a paid membership. The core objective was a content-driven website whose homepage surfaces the latest articles and topic areas, with a seamless paywall for premium posts.
The challenge
The client had to be able to create, rename and extend categories and publish new articles without developer support. Premium posts needed their own layout behind the paywall, and readers wanted a way to search by topics such as place or venue.
Our solution
Our team built the blog in under three weeks, from 14 August to 1 September 2026.
Discovery and scope
The brief set out the requirements: latest content on the homepage, multiple categories managed by the client, a cookie banner plugin and a paid membership model.
Design
The first draft was ready on 24 August 2026, with topic-based navigation, category archives and separate layouts for free and premium posts.
Build and launch
The site runs on WordPress with Elementor. Our team integrated the Steady paywall, added a membership page linked to the membership packages created in Steady and connected the PayPal account for payments. In the revision round we clarified how readers navigate categories such as place or venue.
Challenges we solved
Monetisation without friction: premium posts are clearly marked, and joining happens through a dedicated membership page.
Maintained without a developer
The site was delivered on WordPress so that posts, categories and pages stay fully editable after handover. The category taxonomy can be extended by the client at any time, and new categories appear in the navigation and archives without layout work.
Navigating by topic and place
During the revisions the client asked how readers would browse by location and venue, as there was no dedicated menu for these categories. Our team clarified how the categories are surfaced in the topic navigation and archives so readers can find articles by place as well as by theme.
Technology stack
- WordPress
- Elementor Pro
- Steady (paywall and memberships)
- PayPal
Results
- Membership blog delivered in under three weeks.
- Topic navigation, category archives and free and premium post layouts.
- Steady paywall and membership page integrated.
- Categories and posts managed by the client without developer support.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Unhold paywall work?
Premium posts are protected by the Steady paywall, and readers join through a membership page linked to the Steady packages.
Can the client add categories and posts?
Yes. Categories can be created, renamed and extended, and posts published without developer support.
How long did the project take?
Under three weeks, from 14 August to 1 September 2026.
Which platform is it built on?
WordPress with Elementor and Steady.
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