Summary
Based at Localsearch on the Gold Coast, I maintain client websites at scale — handling everything from DNS configuration and go-live deployment through to responsive fixes, SEO redirects, and cross-browser QA.
What sets me apart is a willingness to go beyond the brief: I've contributed to creative redesigns, built a GSAP animation prototype that showcased animation possibilities which made it into production, and regularly act as a technical escalation point across design and development.
Backed by an 800-hour full-stack bootcamp, and proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Next.js, Tailwind, Figma, and the full Duda CMS workflow.
What people from Localsearch have said.
He proactively took on an out-of-the-box challenge and turned it into a valuable deep dive into website animations and transitions. By exploring simple yet effective enhancements, collaborating with the Design team, and seeking CX feedback, he demonstrated strong initiative and a genuine drive to improve our product. A great example of challenging complacency."
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchMatt has been an absolute superstar, helping out with a retention project for Superior Access Hire, He has been huge in helping getting our vision to life and just rolling with every change / idea and executing it and rolling with the changes as they come, always jumps in and lends a hand, couldnt have done it without him! Legend"
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchThis person jumps onto anything and everything and is super helpful with all things in their space. Approachable, kind, and explains everything properly — making sure you have what you need to solve an issue or explain something to a client."
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchMatt consistently embodies true teamwork. Always willing to jump in and help, shares thoughtful ideas for improving how we work, and brings a genuinely positive, easy-to-work-with attitude. He makes collaboration effortless."
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchMatt proactively supports our pod's queues while keeping his own well under control. Always quick to step in whenever I get stuck with dev reworks — great skills and I'm constantly learning something new from him."
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchNever one to stick with the old way when there's a smarter option. Always exploring solutions and sharing his thinking with the team. Coupled with his strong work ethic, this extra effort makes him an outstanding team member."
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchMy new favourite dev, thanks for all your work on these reworks mate, these sites are looking beautiful, the work doesn't go unnoticed!"
— Anonymous colleague, LocalsearchMatthew Ranford.
Experience
Web Producer
March 2025 - Present
Localsearch - Gold Coast
Managing ongoing website maintenance and delivery for client sites at scale across Duda CMS. Handling dev reworks, layout fixes, responsive updates, and cross-browser QA under tight agency deadlines.
Responsible for the full go-live process including DNS configuration, domain connections, and deployment across Synergy and AWS. Acting as a key technical escalation point across the team, contributing to redesigns beyond the brief, including a GSAP animation prototype that made it into production. Integrated GA4 and Google Tag Manager across client sites, collaborating daily with CX, designers, and developers to align on client outcomes.
Freelance Web Development
Dec 2023 - March 2025
Self-employed - Wellington, New Zealand
Took on multiple client web projects alongside full-time work, building and redesigning sites for local businesses. Projects included a full React build for a painting company later redesigned in Figma, a live wallpapering business site built with Next.JS, and a near-complete electrician site built in Webflow.
Painter & Decorator
Feb 2024 - March 2025
Attention to Detail Decorators - Wellington, New Zealand
Full-time painting and decorating role. Working directly with the client that became my first freelance web project — built a relationship that led to redesigning their website.
Selected
projects.
GSAP Animation Prototype
Built a GSAP animation concept site to demonstrate advanced interaction possibilities to the CX team — the concept was approved and later implemented on a live client site.
Superior Access Hire
Redesign and frontend dev work on a new client website build — reworking the layout and design based on client feedback while working within the Duda CMS framework. Delivered as a one page landing page.
Smart Metal Roofing
Redesign and frontend dev work on a new client website build — reworking layout and design based on client feedback while working within the Duda CMS framework. Collaborated with the development team to get it across the line.
Bombs Away Pools
Redesign and frontend dev work on a new client website build — reworking layout and design based on client feedback while working within the Duda CMS framework.
Mad Pool
Redesign and frontend dev work on a specific module within an existing client website — reworking the finishes and colours section based on client feedback while working within the Duda CMS framework.
PK Kitchen Design
Redesign and frontend dev work on the dynamic collections gallery within an existing client website — reworking both the functionality and visual design of the gallery module based on client feedback.
ATD Decorators
Freelance project — originally built the site in React and Tailwind, then returned after completing a Figma design course to fully redesign and rebuild it with a cleaner, more polished result.
Salty Electrical
Freelance Webflow build for a local electrician — designed and developed to near-completion. Clean layout with strong imagery and clear service structure. Client didn't supply final images to take it live.
Skills & Tools
Applied Software Development (level 6)
Aug 2023 - Dec 2023
Dev Academy Aotearoa - Wellington, New Zealand
Completed an 800-hour, full-time immersive bootcamp focused on full-stack development and human skills. Gained proficiency in HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, Knex, SQLite3 and more. Engaged in pair programming, Agile methodologies, and group projects to simulate real-world development environments.
Web Design: From Figma to Webflow
Feb 2025
Online
Completed an online course covering UI/UX design principles, Figma workflows, and translating designs into Webflow — directly applied to freelance client work.
