Author website design in Squarespace: what to expect

I want you to be thrilled with your new Squarespace website, and to enjoy the process

I build only one website at a time. As your strategic marketing partner, my focus is on your vision and your goals.

This enables me to deliver exceptional work, on time, with a smile.

Every done-for-you author website includes

  • Thoughtful, collaborative preparation, to identify your author priorities and tactics appropriate for you

  • Premium website design and development in Squarespace

  • Mobile responsiveness, to make sure every visitor gets a high-end experience

  • My highly efficient project timeline: between 2 days and 3 weeks, depending on the package that you choose

  • Support for the business decisions behind writing and gathering your content

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics that allow your website to be discovered

  • My personalized attention throughout our collaboration (I do not currently outsource or employ subcontractors, nor do I use AI in my designs)

  • No retainer or costly maintenance package

  • 20% off your first year of Squarespace, by working with me

Your investment for a strategic and powerful website

After our strategy phase, I’ll provide options at different investment levels, so you can decide which combination of expertise, deliverables, and customization is appropriate for you.

Your investment reflects the level of partnership and bespoke design that you require.

If your book and website are intended to support your additional services like coaching, consulting, or speaking, my goal is for you to make your investment back within a matter of months.

How does this happen?

Here’s how the chapters of our website story usually go:

  • Step 1 of custom web design

    Introductory Chat

    We’ll meet for a complimentary Zoom consultation to discuss your author goals.

    Our aim is to find out if we’re a good match, and to get your key questions answered.

    If we’re a fit, you’ll pay an initial invoice and we’ll move forward with either your Website Strategy project, or website preparation.

  • Step 2 of custom web design

    Strategy & Preparation

    This is the preparation phase for everything that your website needs to achieve, and a plan for the tools we’ll use.

    Most (although not all) of my author website projects start with a short, paid, strategy project. This gives both of us exceptional clarity about the tools that will best serve your book goals.

    Then, depending on the package that you choose, you'll work either with me or independently to prepare your website content.

    Your content must be ready before our agreed Design Period.

  • Step 3 of custom web design

    Design & Build

    I now bring the perfect combination of my design, marketing savvy, and technical skills, to create your professional and powerful author website.

    You'll be closely involved during this phase, which lasts from 2 days to 3 weeks, depending on the package that you choose.

    You’ll make an additional invoice payment during this phase.

  • Step 4 of custom web design

    Launch

    Get ready to celebrate!

    At the end of our Design Period, I’ll launch your new website.

    Depending on the package that you choose, I'll either train you in making simple edits, or offer self-guided training resources.

    Your final payment is due right before your website launches.

    Then, it’s over to you to start using your website to create business results.

Start Your Project
close-up of desk items, representing a Squarespace website project

Our teamwork

Your new author website comes together smoothly and efficiently, due to careful preparation and organization:

What I will do

  • Support you and cheerlead throughout the project.

  • Design and build your professional author website using the Squarespace platform.

  • Take care of all technical details like connecting your domain, and configuring SEO settings according to the package you choose.

  • Explain everything clearly and simply, using as little jargon as possible.

  • Launch your website on your behalf.

  • Provide initial training in how to make simple edits, if you choose to include this in your package.

What you must do

  • Prioritize your time to collaborate with me on your strategic new author website.

  • Give me information about your style preferences and business needs.

  • Arrange a professional photoshoot, if you don’t already have high quality photos for your website.

  • Submit all of your content (words, images, inspiration examples…) before our Design Period. (Your package may include full copywriting, to take this off your plate.)

  • Be available and responsive during our Design Period.

  • Set time aside to review your website and give me feedback.

  • Provide me with account access details, so I can configure your domain settings and other integrations.

  • Strongly recommended: put your new website to work with intentional, ongoing action to drive traffic to it.

You can expect on-time results, an enjoyable process, and a few new skills

Past clients share the impact of their new website, how they’re getting on with Squarespace, and their experience of working with me:

Beth Ann Mathews, Author: see Beth’s website

Nell Wulfhart, Decision Coach: see Nell’s website

Lisa Manterfield, Author: see Lisa’s website

Frequently Asked

  • I build almost all websites using the latest version of Squarespace, 7.1. I’m happy to answer your questions about this platform.

  • Your Squarespace subscription includes the necessary updates, security monitoring, and maintenance for your website. (This is what usually requires a retainer contract on other platforms.)

    For your edits and updates, you can choose whether to make these yourself, or hire me to do them for you, on an ad hoc basis.

    Depending on the package you choose, I include 1:1 training so you feel confident in making simple edits to your website, and/or publishing new content on your blog.

  • Most of my clients tell me they find Squarespace much more straightforward than WordPress. However, there is still a learning curve, which is why you're hiring me. Realistically, you shouldn't expect to understand everything about Squarespace in a weekend. (If your website is currently on WordPress, we'll talk more about this when we meet.)

  • Almost always, yes. You'll provide me with access details and I'll take care of connecting your domain name so that your new website displays, instead of your old one.

  • Often, yes, but with caveats. There is considerable extra effort involved in migrating your blog posts, so we'll need to discuss this. Most of my clients use the migration as the perfect opportunity to declutter old content and get strategic about what your website visitor sees.

  • I am typically booked 2-3 months ahead. My ideal clients appreciate the vital role a website plays, and plan accordingly. This gives us time to firm up your strategy, and for you to gather your content. Occasionally, I have openings sooner.

  • It's never too early to establish a professional online presence to show your work and your expertise. This is the perfect time to work together on your Author Website Blueprint.

  • This is a vital part of the process and your content must be 100% ready before our Design Period begins. For this reason, I suggest you allow 3-4 weeks to prepare, or more if you need to arrange photography, videography, or copywriting.

  • I strongly recommend you either bring your professionally designed brand to me, or we can discuss adding on branding essentials. If you're a first-time author, not selling related services, your visual brand elements can start off very simple.

  • You'll pay a deposit to reserve your Design Period. This guarantees your slot in my calendar as the only website I’ll build, during the time I've set aside for you.

    You'll then make two or three additional payments, depending on the duration of your project. These are spaced to reflect deliverables.

    I use a secure online invoicing system and you’ll pay by credit or debit card.

    Payment plans are available; please ask.

  • You will pay directly for your Squarespace subscription, website domain name, and for tools like your email list and/or appointment scheduler.

    You might also need a brand photoshoot, videographer, or professional copywriting.

close-up of author desk items
decorative stars

Your embarrassingly outdated (or non-existent) author website is costing you money, time, and confidence

Every month that you wait, you’re:

  • Not showing up online as credible and professional

  • Missing out on readers, search engine traffic, media inquiries, and collaboration opportunities

  • Spending time and energy struggling with tech, instead of working in your zone of genius

  • Getting more frustrated, and less creative

Frankly, you’re missing out on the opportunity for your book to dramatically improve someone’s life

 

Questions not covered here? Contact me.