WordPress Shell & Membership Paywall - 04/06/2026 10:07 EDT

I already have a fully-built, static HTML site that publishes weekly commentaries. I now want that site wrapped in WordPress so I can add three key capabilities without disturbing the existing look, URLs, or content flow.

First, I need an automated “new issue is live” email that goes out every week through Constant Contact. Readers should be able to join or leave that list from prominent opt-in forms you place on the site, and their data must flow straight into our Constant Contact account—no manual exports.

Second, I want a Stripe-powered paywall that lets visitors buy renewing memberships. At minimum we’ll offer Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly plans; include a hook so I can add a short-term (e.g., Daily) plan later if I choose. The system must handle recurring billing, account creation, and automatic downgrades when payments fail. Additionally, we need to be able to add members with free access (writers, staff, etc.)

Third, each commentary page should gain a discussion thread. Logged-in members can post, reply, and receive notifications; non-members can read only and are shown a gentle prompt to subscribe whenever they try to comment.

Please also wire up lightweight, privacy-friendly analytics so I can see page views, unique visitors, top referrers, and similar high-level stats—no personal tracking.

Deliverables
• WordPress theme or child-theme that mirrors the existing HTML design
• Constant Contact integration with weekly-issue automation
• Stripe membership system with the plans above (renewing)
• Member-only commenting plus public read-only view, styled to match the site
• Basic analytics dashboard visible in WordPress admin
• Migration checklist and short loom/video walkthrough showing me how to publish future commentaries

I’m ready to supply the current site files and hosting access as soon as we agree on the approach.
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