What's it like to work with me on your author website?
It occurred to me the other day that I haven’t really shared much on my blog about what it’s like for my clients when they pick me to build their author website, so I thought perhaps it would be of interest if I shared my process in a little more detail!
It’s been five and a half years since I set up my web design business and I honestly can’t believe it. It’s really flown by.
Disclaimer: I do not sit like this to build websites 😂
It was 100% the right decision to retrain as a web designer (at 38 years old!), and I absolutely love my work. I feel so lucky to have a really creative, fulfilling job that I can do alongside my own writing too.
For the purposes of this post, I just counted and since I started, I have worked on more than 70 websites, which is absolutely nuts!
I’ve also spent a lot of time over the past five years refining my offerings and the way I work.
I’ve experimented with different packages at different price points, and different service times.
But this year I decided to consolidate my offering and just offer one core service for authors in need of a new website: the Author Website in a Day.
The clue is in the name - this service involves me building a brand new author website for you, in just one day.
By the end of your design day, you’ll have an all-singing, all-dancing author website that you can share with the world.
My aims with this service is to:
Simplify the whole process so you don’t feel overwhelmed at any stage
Provide you with all the guidelines and information you need to help you prepare all the content for your website
Create a 100% bespoke design that will work for your readers and do your book proud - with absolutely no compromises on any front
Minimise the amount of time, effort and work you need to put in to end up with a seriously classy author website!
“The process that Charlotte has for building your website from scratch is so complete and so designed to make you take a very close look at what exactly you want your website to do, and Charlotte is so skilled, professional and insightful, that you really can’t fail to end up with the perfect website. It’s also an incredibly enjoyable experience, not only because Charlotte is such a pleasure to work with, but because it really took me back to the basics of what I wanted not just from the website but also from my writing in general.”
So, let’s break down how the process usually works if you think you might want to work with me:
Step 1: Check out my existing work
First of all, it’s really important to make sure that you like my design style!
Design is hugely subjective and different designers will appeal to different authors.
So the first stage really is to take a look at my portfolio and also read some of my past project spotlights to make sure that you think we’re a good fit design-wise.
Step 2: Take a look at my packages
If you like what you see in my portfolio, then the next thing to do is head over to my Author Website in a Day page to explore which package is right for you.
I offer three different packages, at different price points, but they can all be customised to meet your exact requirements.
So for example, if you’re a debut author and you want a blog on your new author website, you can simply add this to the Debut package when you book in with me.
I have designed my packages really carefully to meet different authors’ needs, but I am also open to creating a bespoke package if necessary - the standard packages are just there to make things simple for you.
On this page I talk a bit more about my process. The reason that it’s called the Author Website in a Day is because I really do build your website in just one day!
However, I actually start working on your website a week before your design day - more on that later… 😉
Step 3: Fill out my contact form
Once you’ve got a good idea of the scope of your author website project, then the next step is to get in touch with me through my contact form.
It’s really helpful here to answer the questions on the form with as much detail as you can, as this helps me build a picture of what you’re looking for and how I can help you.
I’ll get back to you asap - but within two business days (usually much more quickly!).
One thing to note is that the earlier you get in touch with me the better. I am usually booked up around two-three months in advance.
I only work with two new web design clients each month, so that I am not overlapping projects. This allows me to really concentrate on you and your design, but it does mean that my slots get filled pretty quickly, so the sooner you enquire the better.
“Charlotte’s approach combines friendliness with a high level of professionalism which is ideal for anyone nervous about committing to a new website. She has an eye for design and a genuine desire to meet her clients needs which results in truly stunning work. She feeds back regularly through the process and she really did go over and above to make my website everything I’d hoped for - and more. It’s been a wonderful experience. I cannot recommend Charlotte highly enough.”
Step 4: An informal discussion over email
Many website designers insist on having a consultation call with prospective clients and I completely understand why - it can be really helpful for both designer and client to chat before working together.
However, one of the core tenets of my service is to take up as little of your time as possible. I am always happy to chat to prospective clients on the phone or over Zoom if they would like to, but this is not a requirement to work with me!
Most clients are happy to chat over email - and you are more than welcome to ask me any questions you like and pick my brain about author websites.
I will be happy to advise, and will always be honest with you about what I think you need. Absolutely no pressure or heavy-handed sales tactics!
Step 5: Book your design day
If you decide you’d like to go ahead, then first of all, I’ll do a little happy dance at my desk (this is honestly true, my other half has witnessed this many times 😂)!
I’ll then send you a contract to sign and an invoice for the deposit.
I take a 50% deposit to secure the design date in my calendar. The balance is due after the website is finished.
Without the deposit payment and contract signing, your design date is not confirmed. I am very strict about this! As a one-woman business, I have to keep on top of this kind of thing in order to be able to run things efficiently.
Once all the paperwork is done and dusted, I’ll set you up with your very own Google Drive (don’t worry, full instructions on how to use this are provided!).
Inside your Google Drive you’ll find a link to some questionnaires, as well as folders and documents for all your content.
I also provide some handy guides to help you get your content ready.
Another benefit of booking in early is that the sooner you book in, the longer you’ll have to complete all your ‘homework’.
(PS I promise most of my clients find doing this homework fun!)
Step 6: Upload your completed documents at least one week before
Once you’ve completed all the content for your website, you’ll upload it to the Google Drive.
It’s really helpful if you can email me to let me know that everything’s ready too.
One week before your design date, your Google Drive is locked meaning no more changes can be made.
This is when I begin my pre-build work. I spend the days leading up to your build date looking at your inspiration sites, brainstorming ideas, resizing images and structuring your website.
I will also come back to you in this week if I have any questions about any of your content.
“Firstly, Charlotte’s an author so she gets it. That’s important. As a debut author, there can be a lot of fear of the unknown, not being sure in the space and it’s reassuring to know that you don’t have to explain that to Charlotte and that she is going to get what you are trying to achieve and even provide a bit of a guide as to what can be achieved. I’d say as an author looking to create a website, what Charlotte offers is so unique. The process can form part of your publication journey. The process also enables you to engage with really important questions - who are you as an author, what do you want your audience to see and know about you and how will you engage with them.”
Step 7: Relax while your website is built!
On the day itself, I build the site and optimise it for SEO, taking care of all the back end stuff as well.
And yes, I really do build the website in a day!
Having the week before to prepare mentally means that when it comes to the build part of the process, I’m able to complete things really quickly.
There’s no need for you to be around on your design day.
At the end of the day, I send you a very long email with a link to your new website (it will be behind a password, so no one else can see it) along with instructions for setting it live.
You have six months to set it live, so there’s no rush!
Step 8: Set the website live
Once you’re ready, you create an account with Squarespace and upgrade to a paid plan. I explain how to do all of this - holding your hand throughout the process - and I promise that even my most tech-phobic clients have managed it.
You are legal owner of the website, meaning that your contract is with Squarespace. I’m not a middleman and you don’t have to pay me a monthly fee to keep your website live.
Once that’s done, you can hit the big publish button and your new site will go live!
I’ll also set you up with free access to both my newsletter and website courses so that you can learn how to use the site and make updates in the future (although I am always here if you need me too).
Step 9: Celebrate your new site by announcing it to world
The best bit!
Once your site is live, you can share it with the world!
I’ll create a little mock up of your new website that you can share, and if you share on social media and tag me in your post, I’ll be sure to reshare it.
When your author website is shiny and new it’s a good idea to get as much traffic going to it as possible, to help build up your SEO (search engine optimization).
Step 10: You become one of my VIP clients
I like to stay in touch with my clients, and hear all their latest news.
And I’m always here for them if they’d like me to make changes to their websites in the future - for example, adding information about new books!
I reserve Fridays solely for working with my past clients, and once you join this very VIP list, I’ll send you a private link so you can directly book some time in my calendar in the future.
And that’s it, my process from start to finish!
“Working with Charlotte was a dream. From the moment we engaged I could see she was an organised, meticulous detail person with a sound process complemented by a generous approach. Working with her was simplicity itself. Everything well thought out and very clear. And - on top of that - she’s just a pleasure to spend time with.”
My ethos
Without wanting to sound really salesy - my aim with my service is to simplify the process of creating your author website, guide you with my expertise and help you get it launched, without loading you with a ton of extra work to do on top of your writing.
I try really hard not to overcomplicate things, or bombard you with information that you really don’t need to know.
I’m all about efficiency, hand-holding and simplifying to make the process of creating your website enjoyable and fun, and not at all stressful!
I am also always here to answer any of your (no-such-thing-as-stupid) questions. And generally talk about life as a published author (if you’ve followed me for a while, then you’ll know I like to overshare in that regard!)
I am also a Gold member of Squarespace’s professional designer program, Circle, which means I have insider knowledge (mwahaha) of the platform, as well as priority support and also a lovely 20% discount that I can offer all my clients.
So if all that sounds good to you, and you think I might be the author web designer you’ve been looking for, then please do drop me a line - I’d love to hear from you and help you make your author website dreams come true!
Want me to build you a website?
My streamlined yet personal approach, perfected over the past 6 years of building websites for ambitious authors just like you, means I can create your dream author website without overwhelming you with tech jargon or confusing decisions, supporting you throughout the whole process and gently guiding you with my expertise.
Find out more, then get in touch. I would love to hear from you!
Save 10% off your first year’s Squarespace subscription using code CHARLOTTE10
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