What To Expect from the Website Design Process
If you’ve never worked with a designer before, the website process can feel a little mysterious. My goal is to make things simple, collaborative, and (dare I say) fun. Here’s exactly what it looks like to work with me from start to finish:
Initial Consultation & Client Profile
We’ll start with a casual consultation where I get to know you and your business. I’ll ask about your goals, audience, and marketing priorities so I can understand what really matters to you. From there, I’ll put together your client profile so we have a roadmap for the project.
Contract & Payments
To keep everything clear and fair, I use a straightforward contract that protects both of us equally. I collect a 50% deposit upfront to secure your project, with the remaining balance due at launch.
Brainstorming & Inspiration
This is where the fun begins. I’ll set up a shared Google Drive folder for us to keep everything organized—photos in one spot, text content in another. Think of it as our project hub. You can drop in inspiration, reference materials, or anything that feels important to the look and feel of your site.
Drafts & Production
Here’s where things start taking shape:
Domains: I’ll help you purchase or transfer your domain, and if you’re moving from another platform (like WordPress), I’ll guide you through what needs to happen.
Brand Assets: We’ll gather your logos, brand photography, and anything else that helps build a cohesive look.
Colors & Fonts: Together, we’ll create a color palette and confirm fonts that fit your brand style.
Text Content: I’ll collect and organize your copy so everything’s ready to be placed into the design.
Once I begin designing, I’ll give you access to the site in real time so you can pop in and see how things are coming together.
Design & Review
This is the back-and-forth part of the process. I’ll build out your site, then send it over for you to review. You’ll be able to share feedback, request changes, and let me know what’s working. Standard turnaround time for revisions is 7–10 business days—but most of the time, I’m able to get back to you even faster.
We’ll keep this cycle going until everything feels just right.
Post-Production & Publishing
Before we hit publish, we’ll each take a step back and view the site with fresh eyes. Sometimes we’ll even share a private preview link with trusted colleagues so you can gather a little extra feedback before the big launch.
Final Consult & Squarespace Lesson
When everything is ready, we’ll officially launch your site! After that, I’ll walk you through a quick tutorial tailored to your strengths and comfort level. Whether that means showing you how to update your blog, swap out photos, or manage your store, you’ll leave feeling confident. We’ll wrap up with any final questions and settle the last payment.
Follow-Up & SEO Support
My job doesn’t stop once your site goes live. I monitor your SEO performance for several months and make small adjustments to help your site gain traction. I’m also always an email away if new questions pop up.
The Bottom Line:
The process is collaborative and flexible—I’ll guide you step by step, keep things organized, and make sure your website feels true to your brand. My clients often tell me they’re surprised by how smooth (and even enjoyable!) the whole process is, and that’s exactly what I aim for.
