Build Journal
GIGI Avatar Updates & Footer Overhaul for Agentic Web — July 20, 2026
I overhauled the GIGI avatar and footer on my agentic web platform, fixing bugs and enhancing user experience. Here's what I learned during this 21-hour sprint.
What shipped
- GIGI Avatar Update — Removed badge from GIGI avatar for a cleaner look.
- Footer Overhaul — Implemented a full-deck footer with improved layout and content.
- Marketing Funnel Redirect — Redirected '/only-fans' to '/creators' for better user flow.
- Cache-Busting Fix — Resolved caching issues for immediate avatar display.
- Enhanced User Experience — Streamlined footer and navigation for easier access.
Today, I set out to enhance the GIGI avatar and completely overhaul the footer on my agentic web platform. After a long 21-hour day, I successfully shipped several features and fixes aimed at improving user experience and streamlining navigation. The most significant changes included updating the GIGI avatar to a badge-free version and implementing a full-deck footer that consolidates various site elements, ensuring they are both visually appealing and functionally efficient.
The day kicked off with a focus on the GIGI avatar. I noticed that the existing avatar had a chest emblem that cluttered its appearance, which detracted from the overall aesthetic I wanted to achieve. I made the decision to remove this emblem and created a badge-free version of the avatar. However, I quickly ran into a caching issue that prevented the new avatar from displaying immediately. This led me to implement a cache-busting solution by appending a version query parameter to the image URL. After a couple of attempts, I finally resolved the issue, allowing the new avatar to show up correctly without the badge.
Next, I turned my attention to the footer. I wanted to create a more cohesive and informative experience for users. My plan involved moving the 'More-about' onboarding dropdown into the homepage footer, which required meticulous adjustments to ensure it was visually aligned and functional. I spent a considerable amount of time tweaking the layout so that the elements would sit comfortably without overcrowding the space. I also implemented a sitewide tagline above the router and included the business address on the map card, further enhancing the footer's utility.
The footer overhaul wasn’t without its challenges. I faced alignment issues that required multiple iterations to achieve a clean look. Additionally, I decided to retire the homepage h1 element to tighten the hero gap by about 2 inches, making the overall design more streamlined. There were moments of frustration when elements didn’t align as expected, but through persistence and a bit of trial and error, I managed to refine everything to fit just right.
In parallel, I worked on marketing-related features. I permanently redirected the '/only-fans' funnel to '/creators' and updated the homepage pill to reflect this change. This was crucial for maintaining a consistent user journey as I aim to position the platform more effectively within the creator economy. The 301 redirect was a simple fix in theory, but making sure everything functioned properly took more time than anticipated. I had to double-check that all links were working and that users would not encounter any broken paths.
As I tackled these updates, I was reminded of the unique position I find myself in as a solo developer. Relying on AI tools like Claude Code in VS Code instead of traditional collaborative platforms has allowed me to maintain a focused workflow. The ability to swiftly iterate and troubleshoot has been a game-changer, but it also means I bear the weight of every decision and bug fix. The satisfaction of overcoming obstacles alone is rewarding, but the long hours can wear on me. Today’s 21-hour sprint was a testament to that balance.
By the end of the day, I had completed 52 commits, including 22 feature improvements and 30 bug fixes. Each commit represents a small step towards my goal of building a one-man-show company with a billion-dollar valuation. While I know there are more challenges ahead, the progress made today feels like a significant leap forward. The updates to the GIGI avatar and the footer not only enhance the user experience but also reflect my commitment to creating a superior product in the agentic web space. As I continue to refine and expand my platform, I’m excited to see how these changes will resonate with users and contribute to the overall mission of hashtag.org.