What’s it ‘really’ like to work with a website designer as a small business?

Maybe you’ve got a website that you’ve DIY’d or outgrown.

Or maybe your business is still pretty new but now it’s time for your first ever website.

So you’re googling away and asking chat gpt for info on how to find a small business web designer but the info is overwhelming and you’re not really sure where to turn or if you are ready, or what you need from a designer.

And you don’t want to get it wrong cos budgets are tight when you run a small business and spending money with the wrong web designer would be a big blow.

Something like that anyway? Am I close?

I totally get it. You are speaking to someone who has hovered over that ‘book a call’ button for many different things over the years. Cos it’s a bit scary right? To reach out to someone you don’t know for help.

So I want to try and ease any worries, answer any questions you might have about what it is really like to work with a web designer as small business owner.

My approach: you’re getting a partner, not just a web designer

If you choose to work with me, you’re not just hiring someone to ‘do a website’ for you.  You are getting someone who is totally committed to your business and making the best darn website possible.

Like I am totally, completely and utterly in. 

I’m a web designer who properly understands small business (hey, I am a small business!!).  I know exactly what it means to you and how big a deal it is that you’ve trusted me and spent your hard earned cash with me. I don't take that lightly. 

I've been in this game for quite a long time. Before I was a web designer, I was an independent jewellery designer and maker for 17 years. I’ve also opened and run my own shop and taught jewellery workshops. 

So when I say I get small business - I mean I actually get it.

I like to work collaboratively with my clients because ultimately you are the expert on your business.  I’ll come armed with loads of ideas about strategy, structure, what to include, and how it’s going to look but the true heart of the business is all you.

And if you’re not sure exactly what you need or how to move your website forward don’t worry about it - that is literally my job to help you figure out. Working with me is a bit like getting a temporary business partner. 

What happens when you book a call? (really, it’s just a chat)

OK. you’ve done the scary thing and emailed or booked in for a call with me.

You don’t need to prep anything and it’s not some big formal thing. It’s just a good chat so I can find out more about your business and to see if we get on, if we like each other and if we want to work together.

Because it's a two-way street. Yes, I'm thinking: can I help you? Do I think this is a good fit? But you should be thinking the same thing. Do you like me? Do you want to work with me?

I had a client tell me once on our first call that she wanted someone she could work with who she didn't feel stupid asking 'silly' questions to, someone she felt comfortable with. She'd previously been working with a guy who hadn't finished her site and she'd been stuck in limbo for a couple of years.

I am totally that person.
There aint no stupid questions round here.

And that’s it - zero pressure. And definitely no hard sell from me - that is not my vibe at all (honestly I’m not even sure HOW to do that hard sell)

When we work together - I’m all yours

For the duration of our project, you've got me. Like, you've really got me. I'm yours. 

I purposely only take on one to two custom website projects a month.  I do this intentionally so that I'm not overwhelmed and you have my full attention.

Because taking on too much work means you're not going to get the best of me, and that is absolutely not what I want. It's important to me that working with me is a good experience for you, and that you get the most amazingly awesome website that you love and feel super proud to show off to the world (and of course that brings you in lots of new business and money!!)

Awesome - what happens next…

After our call, I’ll send you over a proposal outlining everything we’ve discussed and my action plan for your custom website build.

If you are happy with this and want to go ahead -  then we move forward.  You’ll sign the contract and pay a 50% deposit - with the remaining balance due on completion of our project. 

Then we get to the exciting part.

Week 0: Getting Everything Ready

First we’ll both look at our diaries and agree on a start date.  This is the date when I’ll begin actually building your website - we’ll make sure it’s a realistic date for you to get all your content over to me (copy, photos, logos and all that good stuff)

Don't worry, you're not starting from a blank page wondering what I need. I'll send you my copy guidance documents to help you know exactly what to prepare. 

If you don't have a logo, brand colours, or fonts sorted yet, that's ok too - we'll have talked about this on the call, and it's something I can help you with if you need.

The timeline for getting content ready varies. It might be a week, it might be two or three weeks. It just depends on how ready you are. But we'll always have a clear timeline agreed from the start and this is something we will have talked about beforehand.

Weeks 1-2: The Homepage

Once you've got everything over to me, the most labour-intensive part for you is done.

Now it's time for me to work my magic.

I always build the homepage first because it sets the aesthetic and style for your entire website. Everything else will flow from this, so it's important we get it right.

I'll send the homepage design over to you for feedback. We can spend a bit of time going back and forth if it's not quite right- I want you to be happy with it.  Once you love the homepage, I'll crack on with the rest.

This phase usually takes about a week to 10 days.

Weeks 3-4: Building Out Your Full Website

Once you’ve approved the homepage, I'll build out all the other pages. The timeline depends on the scope of your site and how many pages we're creating, but this usually takes two to three weeks.

I'll keep you updated throughout. If I have any questions, I'll come to you. I'll let you know how things are progressing. You're not in the dark wondering what's happening.

Week 5: Review & Refinement

When the full site is built, I'll send it over to you in draft form - password protected so you can have a proper look around and see how the site works.

Then you give me your feedback. You get up to two full rounds of revisions if they're needed.

Week 6: Going Live & Handover

Once you're happy and everything looks exactly how you want it, it is time to make your website live. 🎉

At this point, the final 50% payment is due on your invoice. Then I'll transfer the website over to you. You'll need to set up your Squarespace subscription (I'll guide you through this), and once that's done, I'll connect your domain and get everything properly set up.

I'll also index your website on Google for you, so you're starting off on the right foot.

The Handover Call & What Comes After

We'll schedule a one-hour handover call where I'll walk you through the back end of your website. I'll show you how to use everything, explain anything that's specific and unique to your setup, and answer any questions you have.

And then - the website is all yours.

But I don't just disappear. You get 30 days of free email support for any lil hiccups, questions, or things you're not sure about.

Honestly, even if it's outside those 30 days and you've got a problem, get in touch with me. If something's a quick 10-minute task, I'll just do it for you. It's fine. Anything more substantial than that and I can advise on what’s the best solution.

The point is: you can reach out. Even after the project's finished. I'm still here. 

So, That's What It's Like to Work With Me

If this sounds good and anything resonated with you, if it feels like the kind of working relationship you'd enjoy, then let's have that chat.

Book a call or drop me an email anytime.

No pressure, no commitment. Just two people talking about your business and whether we'd be a good fit to work together.

Written by a human, not a robot.
All my blogs are ai free and written by me, Ishbel, a real life human living in Glasgow.
So please excuse any typos or bad grammar!!