Custom React Blog Platform

I need a React-based web app that serves as a clean, fast, and scalable blog or content platform. The core requirement is a custom-built content management system—no WordPress, no headless service—so I can publish, edit, and organize posts directly inside the application.

Scope
• Build the main public-facing site in React with routing, SEO-friendly meta handling, and lazy-loaded assets for performance.
• Develop an integrated CMS dashboard where I can create, update, delete, and schedule posts, manage categories/tags, and upload images.
• Set up role-based authentication so only authorized users reach the dashboard.
• Connect the front end to a lightweight API (your choice of Node/Express, Next.js API routes, or similar) and include clear instructions for local deployment.
• Provide responsive styling that looks good on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Nice-to-have (not mandatory but appreciated): foundations for a future comment section or social-share buttons, provided they don’t slow delivery of the core CMS.

Deliverables
1. Source code (React app + API) in a Git repository.
2. README with setup, build, and deployment steps.
3. Brief hand-off call or video walkthrough to ensure I can add my first post and manage content confidently.

The project is ideal for someone comfortable crafting custom React admin panels, authentication flows, and clean component architecture.