00:00:11.632 --> 00:00:21.733
Ultimately, once people reach out, they understand that I am the one that's going to help them versus them coming and saying like, this is what I need, and I need you to do it.
00:00:21.733 --> 00:00:24.166
They're looking for me and my creative expertise.
00:00:24.166 --> 00:00:27.065
So it begins before you even do that.
00:00:27.065 --> 00:00:30.100
The square spread, a lot of upfront work.
00:00:30.932 --> 00:00:33.165
It starts there.
00:00:33.165 --> 00:00:33.899
Hello.
00:00:33.899 --> 00:00:38.799
Entrepreneurs, designers, digital nomads and business gurus.
00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:48.000
Welcome to Circle Live, our internet talk show just for Squarespace circle members, I am Sam Z, your senior community events manager.
00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:51.265
And I'm Sarah G, team lead for the Circle Program team.
00:00:51.566 --> 00:01:01.600
Last month we had Fiona Humberstone, the brand stylist, joining us to talk about using colors and shapes and design principles to create brands that connect on an emotional level.
00:01:02.100 --> 00:01:07.099
You can watch the replay video anytime on the new Squarespace Circle YouTube channel.
00:01:07.099 --> 00:01:14.365
Like and if you want, subscribe today! We're joined by Hayley Fetters of Studio Seaside.
00:01:14.365 --> 00:01:19.599
She's going to be talking to us about the process she uses to level up her design business.
00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:21.665
Coming up will share our interview with Hayley.
00:01:21.665 --> 00:01:24.665
We'll also have her joining us live for an audience Q&A.
00:01:25.066 --> 00:01:29.599
But to start us off strong, let's go into another edition of Release Notes live.
00:01:38.700 --> 00:01:44.132
Each week, our Release Notes email goes out to circle members containing information about all the product and community updates.
00:01:44.132 --> 00:01:47.233
You need to run successful Squarespace businesses.
00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:53.033
And in every episode of Circle Live, we dig deep into one of the items from a recent release. Notes.
00:01:53.033 --> 00:01:57.299
Today's product, Deep Dive is an exciting update that's been a long time coming.
00:01:57.632 --> 00:02:03.266
This rollout has been so exciting to be a part of, and we are absolutely thrilled to bring it to you.
00:02:03.266 --> 00:02:06.266
We'll let our colleague Emily Tenenbaum explain more.
00:02:07.233 --> 00:02:07.933
Hi. Circle.
00:02:07.933 --> 00:02:15.332
My name is Emily Tenenbaum, pro user product engagement lead, and I'm here today to walk you through the new circle dashboard.
00:02:15.866 --> 00:02:20.000
We've heard your feedback between things like project points and new releases.
00:02:20.300 --> 00:02:23.099
It can be tough to stay on top of all things circle.
00:02:23.099 --> 00:02:35.432
That's why we created the new Circle Dashboard, which you can access alongside projects and domains by clicking circle in the new extended Navigation from the top of your circle dashboard, you can see your current status as well as the benefits that come with it.
00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:42.599
If you're a silver partner, you'll also see some of the benefits you can get by earning gold status, and same thing for platinum status.
00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:50.099
If you're a gold partner here, you can also check the number of points you have, as well as how many more you'll need to earn your next status.
00:02:50.466 --> 00:02:55.000
Plus, you can sign up for referral payments to earn commissions for new projects.
00:02:55.000 --> 00:03:03.599
Scrolling down, you'll find the latest on all things Squarespace, including new platform features, community updates, and circle exclusive betas.
00:03:04.432 --> 00:03:11.032
There's also a section containing handy resources tailor to creative professionals such as blog posts and upcoming circle events.
00:03:11.032 --> 00:03:12.599
You can register for.
00:03:12.599 --> 00:03:17.500
Finally, at the bottom, you'll see a breakdown of all the benefits of Circle Membership by status.
00:03:17.500 --> 00:03:18.699
With this new dashboard.
00:03:18.699 --> 00:03:23.432
Your circle benefits are more integrated with your work on Squarespace than ever before.
00:03:23.432 --> 00:03:26.366
Over time, we'll continue to iterate on this space.
00:03:26.366 --> 00:03:31.265
Just check in regularly to see the latest news and updates, and we hope you love it as much as we do.
00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:48.832
For more product updates, circle members can check out the news and announcements on the forum at the link Taylor is sharing in the chat or in the show notes of course, many of these updates will appear in your circle dashboard, and make sure to watch your email for more release notes.
00:03:48.832 --> 00:03:53.265
Now, Sarah, I'll hand it over to you for.
00:03:53.265 --> 00:03:56.500
A segment we call Circle Member Moments.
00:04:02.966 --> 00:04:10.300
We love hearing about your business wins, and every month we ask circle of yours what their proudest moment was from the last month.
00:04:10.599 --> 00:04:13.432
Here are some of their favorite responses.
00:04:13.432 --> 00:04:16.432
Asia are expanding their business to Puerto Rico.
00:04:16.966 --> 00:04:28.833
Vamos Milan de Virginia B was invited to join circle and has already connected with some other businesses to help each other with learning and tweaking.
00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:31.033
Welcome to circle Virginia.
00:04:31.033 --> 00:04:34.033
Marianne El helped a neighbor with their first website.
00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:42.500
Good websites make good neighbors, she Jeet em helped a local wellness coach launch her first ever website.
00:04:42.500 --> 00:04:45.632
She booked her first three clients within the first week of launching. She.
00:04:45.632 --> 00:04:50.333
Bridgett says moments like these remind me why I am doing what I do.
00:04:50.966 --> 00:04:59.699
It makes us love what we do to Collin and was able to build and launch a website in a matter of hours rather than months, Colin says.
00:04:59.699 --> 00:05:05.199
Without needing a developer, we were able to save over $20,000 and get exactly what we needed.
00:05:05.466 --> 00:05:11.565
Now, if you can't always get what you want, Mary Vee is working on a tutorial showing people how to use Squarespace.
00:05:11.565 --> 00:05:13.466
Mary says it's not done yet.
00:05:13.466 --> 00:05:15.565
Might be done by the 30th, though.
00:05:15.565 --> 00:05:18.565
Mary, we love that you are celebrating the process.
00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:25.665
Mirror M land in an ongoing digital marketing program for a new luxury real estate company.
00:05:25.932 --> 00:05:27.065
Mara.
00:05:27.065 --> 00:05:28.766
I hope that comes with access to a pool.
00:05:29.766 --> 00:05:31.766
I just love the way that this one is written.
00:05:31.766 --> 00:05:36.432
Toni F says, quote, did my first two hour support session.
00:05:36.432 --> 00:05:48.500
She didn't have much of a budget, but after talking with her a little bit, I found out she had already created a Squarespace Squarespace site, but was stumped and did want to do did not want to do it.
00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:50.600
Enter me.
00:05:50.600 --> 00:05:53.500
What an entrance! Toni.
00:05:53.500 --> 00:05:56.500
Natalie also has a really fun one.
00:05:56.565 --> 00:05:59.966
She says I found my first non friend client.
00:06:00.165 --> 00:06:07.466
This is only my second paying client and so it feels like proof that I'm doing a good job and chose the right thing to quit my corporate job.
00:06:08.233 --> 00:06:08.966
Careful, Natalie.
00:06:08.966 --> 00:06:12.766
Sometimes non-French clients can become friend clients.
00:06:14.199 --> 00:06:16.432
One more. Just because I really love it.
00:06:16.432 --> 00:06:19.065
Her sway says they built a website.
00:06:19.065 --> 00:06:22.065
Also, I purchased a new drone, and I love it.
00:06:22.399 --> 00:06:26.365
We should all be celebrating the recent purchases we're proud of, I think.
00:06:26.500 --> 00:06:30.966
Sarah, just for fun, what's a recent purchase that you're just so proud of?
00:06:30.966 --> 00:06:31.800
You need to tell the world.
00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:34.500
Recurring circle Live.
00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:40.399
Yours will know that my New Year's resolution this year was to host a party every month.
00:06:40.733 --> 00:06:43.733
I'm here to report back that that has become a very expensive hobby of mine.
00:06:43.932 --> 00:06:49.600
And, every month I find myself spending low hundreds of dollars, to execute.
00:06:49.600 --> 00:06:58.300
These themes that I have concocted most recently was a Princess Diaries two themed, sleepover party, which obviously needed sashes.
00:06:58.300 --> 00:07:03.733
I'm going to decorate the sashes, glasses, tiaras, streamers.
00:07:03.733 --> 00:07:06.065
There was a lot of party decor needed.
00:07:06.065 --> 00:07:08.699
Not a want need.
00:07:08.699 --> 00:07:10.865
But every dollar was worth it.
00:07:10.865 --> 00:07:13.333
Sam, what about you?
00:07:13.333 --> 00:07:16.632
So I have a lot of insomnia.
00:07:16.632 --> 00:07:28.432
The other night, when I couldn't sleep, I saw that Jurassic Park evolution was $11 in the Tendo store, so I just went for it, and, I proceeded to lose three nights of sleep since then.
00:07:29.033 --> 00:07:30.865
Got to take care of those dinos.
00:07:30.865 --> 00:07:32.565
That's fatherhood.
00:07:32.565 --> 00:07:34.966
It's certainly. It certainly is.
00:07:34.966 --> 00:07:36.033
Fatherhood finds a way.
00:07:37.733 --> 00:07:46.199
Normally we go into an ad break right now, but I want to actually spend this time talking about Circle Day.
00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:49.199
The annual conference for professional Squarespace sign.
00:07:49.233 --> 00:07:57.300
Designers, Circle Day is coming up on September 17th in New York City and live streaming around the world through September 18th.
00:07:57.565 --> 00:08:00.899
If you haven't gotten your ticket yet to join us online, now is your chance.
00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:02.365
It's online. It's free.
00:08:02.365 --> 00:08:05.300
It's business, education.
00:08:02.365 --> 00:08:05.300
You have no excuse.
00:08:05.300 --> 00:08:08.065
So, I think Taylor is going to share the link in the chat.
00:08:08.065 --> 00:08:11.033
We just announced programing, which is great.
00:08:11.033 --> 00:08:13.100
There's so much happening.
00:08:13.100 --> 00:08:22.466
So, Sarah, since we've both been involved intimately with the programing of Circle Day, I just want to take a minute to talk about what we're most excited to see.
00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:24.600
You wanna go first? Yeah.
00:08:24.600 --> 00:08:26.899
Some feedback that we got last year.
00:08:26.899 --> 00:08:34.732
Is that as much as folks, like, learning from one another, they also want more opportunities to talk.
00:08:34.732 --> 00:08:37.200
And so, to fellow circle members.
00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:50.265
So this year, in person, we're, hosting Breakout conversations, roundtable style chats, where we have nine circle members hosting, kind of these, like, intimate conversations about a topic that they are passionate and knowledgeable about.
00:08:50.432 --> 00:08:54.966
And folks will be able to, yeah, gather in conversation about it and learn from one another.
00:08:54.966 --> 00:08:56.932
And, we're hosting them twice during the day.
00:08:56.932 --> 00:08:59.566
So, we have, yeah, so many good topics.
00:08:59.566 --> 00:09:01.200
We knew only one would feel limiting.
00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:06.232
So super excited to be offering that multiple times for our in-person attendees.
00:09:03.332 --> 00:09:06.232
What about you, Sam?
00:09:06.232 --> 00:09:15.765
I'll mention online attendees will also be getting unique and designed content for online, so you'll feel like you're part of the experience as well.
00:09:15.966 --> 00:09:21.799
One thing that's special about circle Day is that it's really a day for all of circle.
00:09:22.932 --> 00:09:29.100
We know that there are many, many circle members around the world who don't want to tune into a conference at 11 p.m.
00:09:29.100 --> 00:09:33.566
00 m, their time as dedicated to Squarespace as they may be.
00:09:34.232 --> 00:09:42.633
That's why last year we introduced World Loop, a double bill for, extra programing time specifically for circle members who live in different time zones.
00:09:42.633 --> 00:09:55.500
Not only does World Loop feature encores of the same content you'll get to see in the live stream, but there's also new location specific sessions presented by Squarespace designers in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific region.
00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:59.166
One of my favorite parts of Circle Day is seeing everyone connect in real time.
00:09:59.166 --> 00:10:03.500
In the chat world, loop gives more chances to chat and meet one another around the world.
00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:08.100
There will even be one session in French, as I mentioned before, and one in German.
00:10:08.332 --> 00:10:15.432
On the world loop stage, you'll see familiar names like Rachel Luna, Florence Nicole and Marina Dahlberg, Sarah Stark, Henry Purchas just to name a few.
00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:25.200
We want everyone around the world to experience Circle Day together, so if you live outside the US, we hope you'll join us this year for Circle Day World Loop.
00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:28.466
There's actually going to be one presentation given in French.
00:10:28.466 --> 00:10:31.033
It's in English it's called design with buddies.
00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:32.332
French.
00:10:32.332 --> 00:10:41.000
I guess that's design avec buddies, I don't know, but, but, it's going to be given by Florence Pickle and Marina Dahlberg.
00:10:41.332 --> 00:10:42.399
They are both buddies.
00:10:42.399 --> 00:10:44.633
They are both going to be speaking in French.
00:10:44.633 --> 00:10:53.500
I just love that we're able to offer some some cool stuff in different languages, on Circle Day and then different time zones as well.
00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:55.600
So that's all very, very cool. It's gonna be awesome.
00:10:55.600 --> 00:10:57.066
It's going to be such a great time.
00:10:57.066 --> 00:10:59.000
Sign up now. Get involved.
00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:01.265
Ask anybody about it.
00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:01.265
It's the greatest time.
00:11:01.265 --> 00:11:07.600
If you've never, never been, attending online is super, super fun and attending in person.
00:11:07.966 --> 00:11:09.033
You already know.
00:11:09.033 --> 00:11:15.265
So let's get to our main interview.
00:11:19.732 --> 00:11:24.200
Today on Circle Live, we are thrilled to welcome Haley Fetters.
00:11:24.466 --> 00:11:38.332
Haley is a fantastic web design educator and the brilliant mind design, the brilliant mind behind Studio Seaside, an agency that truly shines with health, wellness and lifestyle brands.
00:11:38.932 --> 00:11:42.000
And speaking of Circle Day, Haley spoke at Circle Day last year.
00:11:43.265 --> 00:11:43.899
We loved it.
00:11:43.899 --> 00:11:46.466
I don't I don't know, there's anything else to say. We just loved it.
00:11:46.466 --> 00:11:47.399
I love hearing her speak.
00:11:47.399 --> 00:11:48.566
She's got so much knowledge.
00:11:48.566 --> 00:11:56.700
This month, we sat down with Haley so she could share her insights on how you can elevate your design process with her tried and true Squarespace process.
00:11:57.265 --> 00:12:00.432
Here is our interview with Haley Fetters.
00:12:01.432 --> 00:12:04.432
So I want to start with some numbers.
00:12:04.432 --> 00:12:14.033
I've heard somewhere that Squarespace sites start around $3,000, but you told us that you can charge much more than that.
00:12:14.033 --> 00:12:22.799
And a lot of the reason why is because of the processes that you've set up to make things easy and fast and professional for your clients.
00:12:22.966 --> 00:12:30.033
Can you tell us what is the square sprint and how does that offering deliver on its value?
00:12:30.033 --> 00:12:36.600
Yeah, so essentially a square sprint is, completed Squarespace website, in one week.
00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:44.200
So starting on Monday, finishing on Friday, and a more simplified Squarespace site.
00:12:44.200 --> 00:13:00.133
So nothing e-com or setting up scheduling more of like a portfolio or services based site. And, I'm able to do that so quickly because I've refined my process, so well, and I have really great communication and onboarding with my clients.
00:13:00.666 --> 00:13:08.200
And I think that there's a lot of value and that clients really want, quick turnaround.
00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:09.865
You know, the world moves fast these days.
00:13:09.865 --> 00:13:11.500
People want it yesterday.
00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:18.000
And by being able to deliver quality work quickly, people are willing to pay for that.
00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:24.832
And, just with my experience and, and pricing that starts around 5000.
00:13:25.533 --> 00:13:31.966
I know from your earlier conversation that you like to be a control.
00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:34.700
Me too.
00:13:34.700 --> 00:13:41.399
But we also know that a lot of times with, designers, it can feel like the customer is the one in control.
00:13:41.633 --> 00:13:42.966
How do. You.
00:13:42.966 --> 00:13:46.500
Kind of, like, stay in control of this process with such a tight turnaround time?
00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:46.865
Yeah.
00:13:46.865 --> 00:13:51.000
So that starts way before we're even diving into the process.
00:13:51.932 --> 00:13:59.033
A lot of it comes from my own personal branding and the content that I put out and the way that I attract clients.
00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:03.832
So they see me as a creative expert rather than just a designer for hire.
00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:08.799
And so that's translated on my website and my social media.
00:14:09.865 --> 00:14:25.200
The discovery call that I'm having with the clients where I'm guiding them through my process, ultimately, once people reach out, they understand that I am the one that's going to help them versus them coming and saying like, this is what I need, and I need you to do it.
00:14:25.200 --> 00:14:27.932
They're they're looking for me and my creative expertise.
00:14:27.932 --> 00:14:31.700
So it begins before you even do that, the square sprint.
00:14:32.466 --> 00:14:34.765
A lot of upfront work.
00:14:34.765 --> 00:14:37.100
It starts there.
00:14:34.765 --> 00:14:37.100
I think increasingly more.
00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:41.865
We're seeing circle members offer a website, end a day website in a week.
00:14:42.533 --> 00:14:47.865
How did you know that this was something that would be a good fit for you and your business?
00:14:48.133 --> 00:14:53.200
Yeah, I just started getting really burnt out on long, drawn out projects.
00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:58.799
You know, a custom super custom site, which I still do like.
00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:01.732
I'll do bigger websites that need more time.
00:15:01.732 --> 00:15:06.799
They need more customization or, features that cannot be done in a week.
00:15:06.799 --> 00:15:08.100
And I still do that.
00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:13.633
But, I found that for these smaller projects, like even these portfolio sites, I would leave for weeks. Right.
00:15:13.633 --> 00:15:15.399
That was kind of like the standard.
00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:18.600
And then all of a sudden it would bleed into six weeks, eight weeks.
00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:21.500
And I'm just like waiting to get paid, waiting for content.
00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:32.299
Once I realized I needed to be more clear and communicate with clients, that I needed content, in a timely manner in order to move forward with the project.
00:15:32.299 --> 00:15:39.000
I was able to tighten up that timeline, and then refine my process even further.
00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:44.500
Community communication is so key, so continuing to communicate with clients expectations and boundaries.
00:15:45.533 --> 00:15:48.932
And then once I really refined that for me process, I was like, you know what?
00:15:48.932 --> 00:15:51.533
I can make this even faster.
00:15:51.533 --> 00:15:55.033
And I was able to get it down to a week.
00:15:56.166 --> 00:16:02.000
And the way that I think about it also is that the clients are happier because they're getting it sooner.
00:16:03.265 --> 00:16:10.399
But it's also more profitable for me because if I'm charging $5,000 for a four week project, but I can actually do it in one week.
00:16:10.865 --> 00:16:15.332
I get my time back, I get, the opportunity to take on even more clients.
00:16:15.332 --> 00:16:17.200
So it's ultimately more profitable for me.
00:16:17.200 --> 00:16:23.033
And clients love it because they're like, oh, wow, I have a whole website in a week and I'm ready to go.
00:16:23.033 --> 00:16:30.365
I'm curious, with only having five days and, yeah, I would love to get into kind of the breakdown of each of them.
00:16:30.365 --> 00:16:32.466
But how do you prevent scope creep?
00:16:32.466 --> 00:16:42.000
I imagine, you know, in some of those discovery calls, you're understanding what the client's looking for and whether it's, like, actually doable in five days that what does that what does that process look like?
00:16:42.066 --> 00:16:44.033
Communication is just so key with clients.
00:16:44.033 --> 00:16:46.033
You have to be really upfront.
00:16:46.033 --> 00:16:55.666
And so prior to them deciding like after that initial discovery call where we're seeing offer a good fit for each other, I send a project proposal that outlines the scope.
00:16:56.265 --> 00:16:58.633
And so that's very specific.
00:16:58.633 --> 00:17:02.600
And then the contract that they sign also outlines that scope also.
00:17:02.899 --> 00:17:13.232
And then there's a line in the, contract that sounds like if you want anything outside of this scope, then we can negotiate it, whether it's hourly or for an additional fee.
00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:15.865
And then making sure that I stick to that.
00:17:15.865 --> 00:17:19.799
Right. Because I tend to be, I want to make people happy.
00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:20.965
I want my clients to be happy.
00:17:20.965 --> 00:17:29.165
Right. So, like, depending on the client, I might, be like, oh, sure, a lot that extra page on or, you know, or but then it like snowballs.
00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:38.700
So making sure to be really clear and upfront and sticking to your boundaries and then, outlining you know, everything in writing.
00:17:38.833 --> 00:17:39.865
Cool.
00:17:39.865 --> 00:17:40.165
Yeah.
00:17:40.165 --> 00:17:44.766
I'd love to get into the breakdown of the five days and, and kind of how you landed on structuring it this way.
00:17:45.365 --> 00:17:53.432
So there is the pre-work, like the onboarding that we talked about, contract invoice questionnaire that's before day one.
00:17:53.432 --> 00:17:55.566
Then they're given a link to schedule their meeting.
00:17:57.732 --> 00:18:02.400
Day one, we have a kickoff call where we're talking about the creative direction for the site.
00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:11.932
The goal for the site, obviously, we still want the site to be designed strategically so that we are, having it achieve the goal that they want.
00:18:11.932 --> 00:18:24.133
So whether it's their portfolio, whether it's a sales page, or, mom and pop restaurant, whatever it is, we want to make sure that we're targeting that website to the correct audience.
00:18:24.965 --> 00:18:33.133
And then talking about any like, features that they have or any examples of sites that they like, the overall kind of tone and vision for the site.
00:18:33.799 --> 00:18:37.799
After that call, I put together a creative direction and site map.
00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:45.365
So the site map is basically just kind of like outlines each page and where that page will flow to, as well as the goal for each site.
00:18:45.365 --> 00:18:46.700
So or each page.
00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:53.932
So you know, do we have a call to action on this on this page like where is what's the point of this page on the website.
00:18:55.266 --> 00:19:04.133
So a site map and then a creative direction, which if they have brand guidelines, I'll pull in those brand guidelines, any sort of imagery.
00:19:04.365 --> 00:19:15.200
At that point I'll kind of hop in Squarespace and start to like build out sections that I think might work on that site, and then I'll screenshot and put it on that creative direction.
00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:19.500
And then that way and then I send that to them on day one.
00:19:20.165 --> 00:19:21.799
So that's Monday.
00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:27.400
That evening, they are they need to go through that creative direction and leave me any feedback.
00:19:27.932 --> 00:19:31.432
The point of that creative direction is just make sure that we're on the same page.
00:19:31.432 --> 00:19:34.432
So in my branding process, I use the one contact method.
00:19:34.432 --> 00:19:39.232
And I also use it with my web design process where essentially I'm only delivering one concept.
00:19:39.232 --> 00:19:42.200
I'm not giving them three ideas and letting them choose from it.
00:19:43.165 --> 00:19:54.000
And the reason that that is successful is because we do that creative direction before so that they can approve the colors and the typography and, all of those site features before we actually jump into doing the design.
00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:55.799
So that's day one.
00:19:55.799 --> 00:20:03.266
They've given me feedback beginning of day two, if I, need to make any changes to that creative direction, I'll go ahead and make it.
00:20:03.266 --> 00:20:06.266
And then I build out the home page.
00:20:06.333 --> 00:20:14.266
And depending on how detailed that homepage is, I sometimes will have time for like a second page on day two also.
00:20:14.266 --> 00:20:20.465
And then I get that over to them to review, get their feedback, make any changes if needed.
00:20:20.465 --> 00:20:29.599
And then day three and four I'm hopping into Squarespace and building out the whole site. So, you know, starting I always start with a blank template.
00:20:30.133 --> 00:20:47.099
So adding colors, typography, site styles, I like to do like the footer and the header before I begin anything that's like how I get myself set, and then I'll build out the, the main nav, and just kind of like work my way through there.
00:20:47.165 --> 00:21:00.665
So that's three and four, typically around like midday day four, I'll be able to send them a link to a site to review, they'll review it, send me any changes.
00:21:00.665 --> 00:21:06.566
And then day five, we're making any final changes, any backend needs.
00:21:06.566 --> 00:21:09.566
So, you know, just like configuring our SEO settings.
00:21:10.766 --> 00:21:18.266
Any, like, those little tweaks that you need to do on the backend that the client probably isn't even aware of that is happening, but is really important for a successful site.
00:21:19.232 --> 00:21:25.799
And then we'll hop on a final, call and we'll, we'll transfer their domain or connect it if needed.
00:21:26.200 --> 00:21:29.200
And then the site is launched and that's the end.
00:21:31.665 --> 00:21:39.299
I. I, I just, I love that we got to join you on this journey and it only took five minutes.
00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:43.700
So cool to hear about your process and have you break it down like that.
00:21:43.932 --> 00:21:57.299
I'm curious if you've taken advantage at all of being able to save, save sections and now use them across sites, to help speed up some of that, like initial design work on days like 2 or 3.
00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:58.633
Yes, absolutely.
00:21:58.633 --> 00:22:04.799
So that is one of my favorite features, even being able to save it through the same site or other site.
00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:23.532
I haven't used it a ton through other sites, but I think like what I might do since I have like next time I have downtime is yeah, like build out a bunch of footers and save that like across other sites, or build out a bunch of, just like, you know, different sections that can translate well to other sites.
00:22:23.532 --> 00:22:28.000
And then once you can, once you update it with colors and everything, then it looks unique.
00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:36.833
But yeah, I definitely use that a lot within the, it's a single site, but then across multiple sites, it's going to be a game changer for sure. Oh.
00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:42.500
What do you think is the biggest pitfall that you'd want to avoid?
00:22:42.833 --> 00:22:49.633
And something that typically doesn't go well and how to handle it during the sprint process.
00:22:49.732 --> 00:23:05.099
So I would say if you if you're not comfortable in Squarespace or if you're fairly new to it, and to working with clients and being able to set boundaries and communicate with clients that it's probably not going to go as smoothly.
00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:18.266
And then if you are not clear and upfront about the scope and the process to start, then there are going to be things that are added on or the client is not going to get you feedback in a timely manner.
00:23:18.266 --> 00:23:21.865
And it's going to drag on or bleed into the next week.
00:23:23.032 --> 00:23:28.932
So experience and then process needs to be nailed down.
00:23:28.932 --> 00:23:31.333
Otherwise you're not going to have success.
00:23:31.333 --> 00:23:34.500
By nailed down you mean not just for yourself but for the client.
00:23:35.032 --> 00:23:35.732
Yes. Yeah.
00:23:35.732 --> 00:23:42.599
Well, your own process, you know, knowing that your what your web design process is like this, this is what works for me, right?
00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:47.633
Like and I'm not I always say this to like my core students and my coaching clients.
00:23:47.633 --> 00:23:49.266
Like, just because this works for me.
00:23:49.266 --> 00:23:50.865
I'm not saying that you have to do it this way.
00:23:50.865 --> 00:23:53.066
I want you to test and change as needed.
00:23:54.099 --> 00:24:07.066
But knowing what your own process is so that you can guide the client through, and then communication with the client being super upfront, about expectations, boundaries, all that stuff.
00:24:08.165 --> 00:24:15.066
Are there things that you're strategically not communicating to your clients?
00:24:15.066 --> 00:24:20.400
Yeah, I would say like a lot of the back end stuff that they don't even know is happening.
00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:33.732
So like setting up the, you know, description of each page, social image thumbnail, favicon, just like all those little things that, yeah, I don't need to ask them for.
00:24:33.732 --> 00:24:38.165
I know that they need it, and I know that they have no idea what that is.
00:24:38.165 --> 00:24:42.165
I'm just going to do it because ultimately, like, I'm not giving them a website, right?
00:24:42.165 --> 00:24:44.200
Like I'm giving them a tool for their business.
00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:59.532
I'm giving them, I'm helping them achieve their goal, like whatever that is, whether it's attracting more clients, whether it's getting people in the door, whether it's selling, you know, portfolio item, that's what they want.
00:24:59.532 --> 00:25:02.732
They don't want the website, like the website is a means to that goal.
00:25:03.432 --> 00:25:12.532
And so that's what I try to focus on too, when, when building the site and when talking to them initially in that discovery calls like, what's the ultimate goal here?
00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:12.532
What do you actually want to achieve?
00:25:12.532 --> 00:25:14.000
You don't actually just need a website.
00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:16.500
You need like something to help you achieve this goal.
00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:17.165
What is that?
00:25:17.165 --> 00:25:21.066
And that's kind of the root of, the whole project. Right?
00:25:21.066 --> 00:25:23.400
So they don't need to know all the nitty gritty stuff.
00:25:23.400 --> 00:25:24.965
I already know that I'll do it for them.
00:25:24.965 --> 00:25:27.932
That's why they're coming to me.
00:25:24.965 --> 00:25:27.932
Because I'm the creative expert.
00:25:27.932 --> 00:25:34.932
That's why they are paying what they are instead of just like hiring somebody off Craigslist.
00:25:34.932 --> 00:25:36.599
You know?
00:25:36.599 --> 00:25:40.633
Wow. I've never heard of somebody hiring a website designer off of Craigslist.
00:25:40.665 --> 00:25:47.066
I'm sure it happens first, I guess I a long time ago I heard about it, but I thought that no longer happening.
00:25:47.365 --> 00:25:56.900
If designers wanted to start their own sprint process, what are some of the foundational skills in Squarespace, or even soft skills that you think they would need?
00:25:56.900 --> 00:26:00.200
Before setting up that first client call?
00:26:00.365 --> 00:26:10.732
I would say, definitely have like a handful of sites under your belt, so that you know how it all works, right?
00:26:10.732 --> 00:26:24.799
And each section's, quickly being able to, connect or transfer domains like understanding, like there are some hiccups that can, happen, especially if there's a third party registrar.
00:26:25.465 --> 00:26:30.665
Squarespace makes it easy now because the domains are in-house and, you know, all you it's like so easy to connect.
00:26:30.665 --> 00:26:35.500
But if there is a third party registrar and if they're males over there, that can be a little bit tricky.
00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:40.333
So, you know, understanding that is helpful.
00:26:42.266 --> 00:26:44.432
And then like, we're designers, right.
00:26:44.432 --> 00:26:56.299
So understanding composition and and colors and typography and being able to convey that brand story is really important also in that.
00:26:56.299 --> 00:27:10.799
Discovery call, what are the signs that a client is going to be more appropriate for a premium experience as opposed to the the one week design?
00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.066
Yeah.
00:27:12.066 --> 00:27:13.633
So a couple things.
00:27:13.633 --> 00:27:16.500
Initially it can be scope based too.
00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:26.932
So if they need any sort of e-com scheduling set up, any sort of third party integrations, any extensive just build out.
00:27:26.932 --> 00:27:41.799
So like if they have a huge blog that they want to add or if they're migrating content over from another platform, if they have courses that they're wanting, set up content uploaded scope alone, that's not what we're going to do for a right.
00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:44.400
Like that's going to be a longer process.
00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:49.133
And then and then it would come to like design or features.
00:27:49.133 --> 00:28:05.066
So if they, you know, want any super customized sections or they're showing me an example of a site that maybe it's not on Squarespace, but they're like, I want to make this happen, and I have to, custom code or use third party plugins to like, make that happen for them.
00:28:05.732 --> 00:28:09.333
That would be, something beyond a spring scope.
00:28:09.532 --> 00:28:10.465
I'm curious.
00:28:10.465 --> 00:28:13.500
You seem to have such a lock on the square sprints model.
00:28:13.932 --> 00:28:16.000
What are your other revenue streams today?
00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:19.400
And and what's exciting you that maybe you'd want to explore in the future?
00:28:19.865 --> 00:28:24.599
Yeah. So I have a few different, revenue streams in my ecosystem.
00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:27.833
I have my studio, CCI, which is client based only.
00:28:27.833 --> 00:28:29.365
So that's branding and web design.
00:28:29.365 --> 00:28:35.700
And then on my personal brand side for Kelly Fetters, I do, one on one coaching with designers.
00:28:35.700 --> 00:28:44.400
And then I have two kind of signature courses where I have for sprints, and then brand process copy, where I'm teaching them my branding process.
00:28:44.532 --> 00:28:47.432
Which is also very methodical.
00:28:47.432 --> 00:28:49.299
If you couldn't get that.
00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:54.900
And then I think moving forward, I'd love to do more like in person.
00:28:55.532 --> 00:28:58.232
Speaking engagements or conferences.
00:28:58.232 --> 00:29:00.965
I'm super excited to come Circle Day this year.
00:29:00.965 --> 00:29:01.799
Can I say that?
00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:04.799
You sure can. We're excited to have you.
00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:06.900
You can be excited about Circle Day.
00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:09.232
Stop anywhere from being excited.
00:29:09.232 --> 00:29:12.400
I'm like pretty stoked right now with where I'm at.
00:29:12.400 --> 00:29:18.566
So I think that's okay to not have like, huge ambitions beyond like what's already happening.
00:29:18.566 --> 00:29:22.266
Because I feel like I've made what I've always wanted to happen, happen.
00:29:22.732 --> 00:29:37.799
And now I have more time back to where I'm on, like a couple nonprofit boards here in town. My kids are, growing, and I get to be like at their sports games and all that stuff, and, and I am at a point where I'm like, I'm good, right?
00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:40.799
And I'm sure down the road I'll have higher aspirations.
00:29:40.799 --> 00:29:43.599
But at this point I'm like, hey, I made it.
00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:48.133
I made it to where I wanted to be, and I'm here and it's okay to just like sit in that for a little bit.
00:29:48.365 --> 00:29:53.400
I just want to ask the question that I think that a beginning designer might ask you.
00:29:54.000 --> 00:29:58.865
What got you on the right path to getting to the place where you are today?
00:29:59.099 --> 00:30:02.266
I've been doing this for like over ten years.
00:30:03.099 --> 00:30:04.766
And I struggled a lot in the beginning.
00:30:04.766 --> 00:30:14.365
I started my business when my kids were little, and a lot of late night working or working during nap time.
00:30:15.432 --> 00:30:16.932
And that was really hard.
00:30:16.932 --> 00:30:19.932
And that felt like I wasn't getting anywhere.
00:30:20.633 --> 00:30:25.500
And, you know, you're constantly comparing yourself to people that seem like they've made it overnight.
00:30:26.833 --> 00:30:37.365
And then also realizing that I struggled a lot with how much to charge and talking about pricing and, feeling confident in my pricing.
00:30:38.066 --> 00:30:49.500
And so working with a coach to help me figure out, like, what I should be charging, how to have those conversations with clients, and then really working on my personal brand.
00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:54.566
So figuring out my personal brand, being like city was a seaside at that point.
00:30:55.133 --> 00:31:00.732
Figuring out, like, the clients who I wanted to work with and attract and really narrow that in.
00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:12.965
And once those like the pricing and the branding aligned, my, the way that I talked about my own business felt more clear and I was able to market myself easier.
00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:20.865
And so my voice became more clear, online and my marketing that I was sending and then clients started to come in.
00:31:21.532 --> 00:31:27.833
So I would say, like the breaking point was feeling like I'm working nonstop and like I have no money.
00:31:28.900 --> 00:31:32.965
And then like, I don't have enough time to be with my kids, right?
00:31:32.965 --> 00:31:34.833
Because I'm, like, working all the time.
00:31:34.833 --> 00:31:37.833
And I'm at that point I knew something had to change.
00:31:38.400 --> 00:31:43.500
And something I always tell, like, new designers is like, it's okay to go slow.
00:31:43.965 --> 00:31:45.799
Especially people who are parents.
00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:53.400
You feel like there's just never enough time, to be able to get your goals achieved.
00:31:53.400 --> 00:31:59.599
But if you just do a little bit every day, like, eventually you'll get there and it's okay to have that road be longer.
00:31:59.865 --> 00:32:01.566
Because you will get there.
00:32:01.566 --> 00:32:05.200
I had so many people asking me, like, how do you do this?
00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:08.700
Like, how do people, agree to this? Like, what?
00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:10.700
Do you have templates for this?
00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:15.865
And I was like, well, I can't answer all these questions individually.
00:32:15.865 --> 00:32:18.532
I might as well just like, put it in, of course.
00:32:18.532 --> 00:32:21.532
And, so that I can teach it to other people.
00:32:21.833 --> 00:32:25.766
So that kind of happened organically, but I found that I really enjoy it.
00:32:25.766 --> 00:32:32.465
I love connecting with other designers and, especially in the online world, like, you can feel so isolating.
00:32:32.633 --> 00:32:40.500
And I think it's so important to have a community, of people who are going through the same thing that you are and, and learning from each other.
00:32:41.365 --> 00:32:42.932
I'll never gatekeeping formation.
00:32:42.932 --> 00:32:46.799
Like, I just think that it's so important for us to teach each other.
00:32:47.599 --> 00:32:50.333
And so, yeah, of course, was the number, the goal.
00:32:50.333 --> 00:32:52.200
But that's kind of where I ended up.
00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:56.032
And I'm, I'm grateful for the community that it's that it's brought me.
00:32:56.232 --> 00:33:03.465
Haley, thank you for talking to us and being so efficient with your answers.
00:33:04.465 --> 00:33:07.000
I'm glad it didn't take a week because we don't have time for that.
00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:08.133
You don't have the time for that.
00:33:08.133 --> 00:33:11.299
But if I do need a website in a week, I know where to go.
00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:14.766
I'm here and thank you so much for having me.
00:33:14.766 --> 00:33:17.700
It's a lot of fun and I'm excited to see you guys in person.
00:33:17.700 --> 00:33:20.633
Oh, so excited to see you in person next.
00:33:20.633 --> 00:33:22.500
I just trust everything she says.
00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:27.865
100%. She's obviously an expert, Expert, expert expert.
00:33:27.865 --> 00:33:32.066
And, we have to join the conversation.
00:33:32.066 --> 00:33:35.066
A special guest with us here live.
00:33:35.665 --> 00:33:37.232
Hi, Haley.
00:33:37.232 --> 00:33:38.665
Hi, guys.
00:33:38.665 --> 00:33:39.532
All right. Yeah.
00:33:39.532 --> 00:33:40.799
So great, so great.
00:33:40.799 --> 00:33:44.766
And so inspired by your interview just now.
00:33:44.766 --> 00:33:48.566
As you can see, there's many others in the chat who are also inspired.
00:33:48.865 --> 00:33:52.066
Viewers, keep those questions coming for Haley.
00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:54.299
Sarah, let's get right into them.
00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:55.900
What are some of the questions that we're seeing in the chat?
00:33:55.900 --> 00:34:04.965
Yeah, we have a ton of questions for you, Haley. So, some of them we may have, you know, touched on a little bit so we can hopefully get to as many as possible.
00:34:04.965 --> 00:34:07.799
So first question from Lynn.
00:34:07.799 --> 00:34:15.365
Who is curious what specifically you ask of clients, during pre before kind of onboarding them to the process.
00:34:15.965 --> 00:34:16.333
Yeah.
00:34:16.333 --> 00:34:19.266
So I always make sure to have a discovery call.
00:34:19.266 --> 00:34:24.333
So before they've even signed on, it's just kind of like a gut check for both of us to make sure we're a good fit.
00:34:24.333 --> 00:34:27.333
And a sprint or custom project is a good fit for them.
00:34:28.365 --> 00:34:39.233
And if they decide to move forward from there, then I'm sending them like a whole full on questionnaire about, their brand, about their ideal clients.
00:34:40.333 --> 00:34:42.900
It's like it's almost too much to even list here.
00:34:42.900 --> 00:34:45.900
I'm sending them a lot of questions because again, like, communication is key.
00:34:46.465 --> 00:34:52.032
And I need to get all that information, from them, before we start any of the design process.
00:34:52.032 --> 00:35:02.099
So like, for example, it's like I said, branding stuff, but then it's also the more technical stuff, like what, is your login for your site or like where is your domain hosted?
00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:04.000
All that kind of stuff too.
00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:06.565
And then again, we're going to go over all that in a call.
00:35:06.565 --> 00:35:10.666
So they answer the questionnaire and then we go over it together in a one on one call in that first day.
00:35:12.065 --> 00:35:16.233
So I hope it's like not as specific as maybe she wanted, but it's a lot of questions.
00:35:16.699 --> 00:35:17.333
No, that was great.
00:35:17.333 --> 00:35:23.099
I think it's helpful to understand, like some of them are about the brand and what they're like, what you're creating and what they've already done.
00:35:23.099 --> 00:35:24.432
And then some of it's like very tactical.
00:35:24.432 --> 00:35:27.132
And I think that's super helpful. Yeah.
00:35:27.132 --> 00:35:27.500
All right.
00:35:27.500 --> 00:35:31.733
Question from Riley, who says do you start with a particular template?
00:35:31.733 --> 00:35:32.666
Are there a few that you like?
00:35:32.666 --> 00:35:34.766
I think you mentioned using the blank template.
00:35:34.766 --> 00:35:36.699
Yeah, I always start with a blank template.
00:35:36.699 --> 00:35:39.166
That's just my preference.
00:35:39.166 --> 00:35:42.632
Because I have been doing it so long and I know Squarespace well enough.
00:35:42.632 --> 00:35:45.132
Like, I know like what I can do.
00:35:45.132 --> 00:35:50.300
I know what the limitations are, especially if I'm not doing anything super custom. So I prefer to just start with a blank template.
00:35:52.766 --> 00:35:56.565
I think there are like some really great base templates to use.
00:35:56.565 --> 00:36:03.099
Also, if maybe even if a client says, I really like this site, can we like customize this template for, mine?
00:36:04.065 --> 00:36:07.532
So yeah, always a blank for me, but I don't think that that's like a right or wrong answer or anything.
00:36:07.532 --> 00:36:09.365
It's just a preference for the designer.
00:36:09.365 --> 00:36:11.099
Cool.
00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:11.632
All right.
00:36:11.632 --> 00:36:16.300
Christine says when you agree to work with a client, do you schedule their week?
00:36:16.333 --> 00:36:17.932
I guess kind of like, what's the process? Like?
00:36:17.932 --> 00:36:19.365
Okay, you have the discovery goal.
00:36:19.365 --> 00:36:21.266
You agree that you're a good fit.
00:36:21.266 --> 00:36:22.932
How do you get them on the calendar?
00:36:22.932 --> 00:36:23.199
Yeah.
00:36:23.199 --> 00:36:28.432
So I use, like a calendar scheduling to block out my own availability.
00:36:28.432 --> 00:36:30.900
So I'll kind of look into the future. Like, all right.
00:36:30.900 --> 00:36:33.000
This week would be a good week for sprint week.
00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:34.666
And I'm not doing like four in a month.
00:36:34.666 --> 00:36:39.166
Typically I'll do like 202A month like max because I want those three weeks.
00:36:39.900 --> 00:36:47.532
So I'll just make sure I block out my calendar and then I'll send them that link and they can choose a start date that, is good for them.
00:36:47.800 --> 00:36:50.800
And I'm also kind of flexible to like, and I work with clients all over the world.
00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:54.099
So, you know, my Monday might be someone else's Tuesday.
00:36:54.099 --> 00:36:56.699
So I'm flexible in that way as well.
00:36:56.699 --> 00:36:57.733
Okay. It's like a no.
00:36:59.000 --> 00:37:07.099
I question from Karla, what systems do you use Hayley communication for feedback, project management, etc..
00:37:07.766 --> 00:37:17.365
Yeah, I've tried a few over the years like Asana or Notion, and I think those work really well for big projects that have a lot of moving parts.
00:37:18.166 --> 00:37:30.733
But I have found for the sprint weeks and clients who are like smaller businesses with not a lot of decision making decision makers, like just good old email kind of works best for me and my client.
00:37:30.733 --> 00:37:31.833
They're comfortable with that.
00:37:31.833 --> 00:37:36.432
They don't have to learn like a whole new system just for this short, week long process.
00:37:36.432 --> 00:37:39.432
So we just kind of email back and forth.
00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:41.400
I will do zoom meetings a lot.
00:37:41.400 --> 00:38:01.000
I will record loom videos often if I'm trying to explain something that needs, a visual, explanation, I'll use that and then, for onboarding and like client relationship management, I use, a CRM for that to, like, send the contract an invoice.
00:38:02.166 --> 00:38:03.965
The questionnaire, all that stuff.
00:38:03.965 --> 00:38:05.699
Great.
00:38:05.699 --> 00:38:08.699
Question from Sarah, but not me.
00:38:09.032 --> 00:38:13.400
Do you collect all assets upfront images, copywriting, logo, etc.
00:38:13.400 --> 00:38:15.032
before starting any design?
00:38:15.032 --> 00:38:17.099
Yes, 100% like that.
00:38:17.099 --> 00:38:24.099
That's part of the communication that I'm telling them upfront is like this all needs to be ready before we start on day one.
00:38:25.333 --> 00:38:32.965
So that's in the inside of the questionnaire too, is like they're sending me all of those assets, content and stuff like that.
00:38:32.965 --> 00:38:38.132
Sometimes if they don't have content ready, I'll use AI to like write the content as a placeholder for them.
00:38:38.432 --> 00:38:40.733
But I'm letting them know, like, hey, this isn't ready.
00:38:40.733 --> 00:38:44.099
You can go in and edit it, as needed afterwards.
00:38:44.099 --> 00:38:47.099
But yeah, all that stuff has to be delivered before.
00:38:47.199 --> 00:38:49.032
I love it.
00:38:47.199 --> 00:38:49.032
That probably streamlines it a lot.
00:38:53.099 --> 00:39:02.065
Interesting question from Denise, who says, do you allow a buffer week between projects to manage any potential overflow beyond the five day build?
00:39:02.865 --> 00:39:11.132
Yes. Yeah, I wouldn't I if I could avoid it, I wouldn't do back to back sprint weeks just because it's it is kind of draining for me.
00:39:11.132 --> 00:39:14.000
Also like I want to be able to have that that time.
00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:22.333
And that's kind of one of the reasons I like to do sprints is because I can just do two of them in a month and get more of my free time back.
00:39:23.065 --> 00:39:25.000
So yeah, buffer weeks for sure.
00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:28.532
And then I have other client projects going on sometimes too, right.
00:39:28.532 --> 00:39:31.865
So I'll need that week to be able to check in with my other clients.
00:39:32.733 --> 00:39:34.766
And all that stuff. Yeah.
00:39:34.766 --> 00:39:42.865
Just to kind of double click into niece's, question how often is a five day sprint actually overflowing beyond five days?
00:39:43.666 --> 00:39:44.699
Not very often.
00:39:44.699 --> 00:40:01.465
Like, it kind of depends sometimes if they are, delayed with like the last little bit of feedback or occasionally if, there's technical stuff with like the domain or transferring, sometimes people will have a domain hosted elsewhere, and I always recommend transferring it into Squarespace.
00:40:01.465 --> 00:40:04.166
It's just so everything's under one house.
00:40:04.166 --> 00:40:06.132
So sometimes there's kind of little delays with that.
00:40:06.132 --> 00:40:13.500
But part of the agreement for Squarespace, for square sprints is that I'm moving forward.
00:40:13.500 --> 00:40:15.365
Whether you get back to me or not.
00:40:15.365 --> 00:40:17.766
I'm launching the site on Friday.
00:40:17.766 --> 00:40:21.400
So for the most part, like it's launched on Friday.
00:40:21.400 --> 00:40:23.599
And if they want to go in and make edits afterwards, they can.
00:40:23.599 --> 00:40:25.099
Or sometimes it does bleed over.
00:40:25.099 --> 00:40:30.266
If, they're not available on that Friday for me to do a tutorial kind of like hand off walk through.
00:40:31.465 --> 00:40:32.500
Yeah.
00:40:32.500 --> 00:40:39.365
Related question from Manny who says, Haley, do you ever have clients who request to have edit access to the site as you're actively designing?
00:40:39.500 --> 00:40:42.666
If so, how do you manage changes that they may make to your design?
00:40:44.900 --> 00:40:57.333
I typically don't hand over access until after sometimes if they have already started the website and we're building in their account, then they will have access.
00:40:57.333 --> 00:41:04.099
I if they were to do that, I would just kind of ask them to not hop in and kind of like undo anything that we've done until after.
00:41:05.800 --> 00:41:07.032
But it will depend on the client.
00:41:07.032 --> 00:41:14.565
Like people, anybody who works with clients knows that sometimes people like to, jump in and do it themselves, even though they're paying you to.
00:41:15.099 --> 00:41:16.800
So it kind of a case by case basis.
00:41:16.800 --> 00:41:20.733
But I try not to have them in there until after I hand it over.
00:41:21.000 --> 00:41:21.400
Yeah.
00:41:21.400 --> 00:41:28.432
And something that we hear on our side sometimes is, folks handing over a site before they've been paid.
00:41:28.432 --> 00:41:40.333
And our recommendation is to not do that, so that you don't need to fight with over, ownership of the site with your client, ensure that they've, paid their final invoice, and then you can hand over the reins.
00:41:40.333 --> 00:41:45.233
You can always give them billing, access if you need them to literally pay for the site.
00:41:45.233 --> 00:41:48.233
But, we recommend not handing it over until they've paid for it.
00:41:48.532 --> 00:41:52.333
Yes, I agree, All right.
00:41:52.333 --> 00:41:55.199
Hannah says, how do you manage who to outsource help to?
00:41:55.199 --> 00:41:58.199
It's hard to let go of control and trust other people.
00:41:58.666 --> 00:42:04.166
Yeah, I, I found that when I was first, looking for outside help.
00:42:04.166 --> 00:42:08.800
And I think if you haven't guessed already, I'm such a process nerd.
00:42:08.932 --> 00:42:19.099
I think that if you have all of your processes, in place and streamlined, that it makes it really easy for you to hand that off to someone else.
00:42:19.733 --> 00:42:31.699
So whether it's, you know, creating, a page in Squarespace or on the branding side, if you're having someone do the brand guidelines, just like knowing what that process is.
00:42:31.699 --> 00:42:34.400
So it's really easy to hand off to them.
00:42:34.400 --> 00:42:42.833
And then, once you do find someone that you that you enjoy working with, like doing your best to kind of keep them happy and make sure that they're wanting to continue to work with them.
00:42:42.833 --> 00:42:45.833
So you're not having to train someone new every time.
00:42:46.065 --> 00:42:48.065
I love that, that's fine.
00:42:48.065 --> 00:42:49.800
We have a question from Virginia.
00:42:49.800 --> 00:42:50.800
We have a lot of questions to get this.
00:42:50.800 --> 00:42:59.900
I'm just going to answer this one because kind of the answer to this really quickly for Virginia is, is do we have a test area where we can test design ideas how they look and be able to optionally adopt the block?
00:43:00.800 --> 00:43:15.000
I guess I can say what we recommend and then maybe Haley, if you have a different way that you do it. But, typically folks will, kind of like orient the site and get it set up first with like look, feel, colors, fonts before they start building is typically what we see.
00:43:15.000 --> 00:43:23.365
So, I know some folks will make a page on a website which has like all of the headings, all of the paragraph, text buttons, that kind of thing.
00:43:23.365 --> 00:43:28.833
And then they'll, you know, adjust the colors in the site styles panel and see how they reflect before they go start designing.
00:43:28.833 --> 00:43:31.833
Haley, is that how you do it or do you do it somehow?
00:43:32.300 --> 00:43:50.599
Before I answer that question, that would be a really good idea to use to build a page like that and save it across sites so that when you're, you are first starting a site, you can just go to that page and then adapt it all from there, because I don't do that and that actually, I think I might start doing that.
00:43:51.266 --> 00:43:52.365
That would make it really easy.
00:43:52.365 --> 00:43:57.432
And yeah, kind of what I do is, I always start with that blank template.
00:43:57.432 --> 00:43:58.833
So I'll just go in and adjust from there.
00:43:58.833 --> 00:44:01.833
But I think I'm going to start doing that.
00:44:01.833 --> 00:44:02.699
Yeah. Okay.
00:44:02.699 --> 00:44:05.699
I'm really glad that I can help today.
00:44:07.099 --> 00:44:09.500
I think we have time for two more questions.
00:44:09.500 --> 00:44:11.632
My gosh, we have like 50 more questions.
00:44:11.632 --> 00:44:16.766
It's okay, because if you don't get your questions answered, we're going to have a little online after party.
00:44:17.099 --> 00:44:18.300
We'll send out the link for that.
00:44:18.300 --> 00:44:20.766
But you can join the after party.
00:44:18.300 --> 00:44:20.766
You can ask your question as well. Yeah.
00:44:20.766 --> 00:44:26.599
And if I didn't get to anyone's question, like, you can hunt down my email and shoot me an email or DM me on Instagram.
00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:29.199
I'm here to answer that.
00:44:29.199 --> 00:44:31.000
Yeah.
00:44:31.000 --> 00:44:36.532
I like liked this comes from Amani, which says, how do you handle clients who agree to the direction for the brand and the website?
00:44:36.532 --> 00:44:40.865
And then after you design it, they they don't end up liking it.
00:44:42.233 --> 00:44:42.500
Yeah.
00:44:42.500 --> 00:44:48.065
So, this comes down to again, clear communication.
00:44:48.065 --> 00:44:53.666
So with that creative direction, you want to be really intentional about that creative direction.
00:44:53.666 --> 00:45:09.099
So you're including colors, tone, stock images, site features that you might be putting in the, in the site and having them review that before, design begins.
00:45:09.099 --> 00:45:24.766
And then that way, if it does come to the point where you create a design that they're not necessarily happy with, you can go back to that creative direction and kind of say, well, you know, like we we made this choice because you liked these colors and you liked this typography.
00:45:25.333 --> 00:45:30.532
And if someone's not familiar with the one concept method, that's essentially what it is.
00:45:30.532 --> 00:45:50.099
You can look up the one concept method, and it's really all about front loading the, the strategy and design ideas so that when it comes to presenting that concept, oftentimes, like there are no surprises and they're happy with it. That being said, changes or design ideas, maybe not, don't always translate.
00:45:50.099 --> 00:45:51.833
And sometimes people want to see changes.
00:45:51.833 --> 00:45:56.965
And if it's within, the scope which I offer three rounds of revisions, I'm happy to make that.
00:45:57.766 --> 00:46:15.300
And with, sprints weeks, I've again like told them with community like communication in the front end, like you won't have a ton of time for changes and, and switching things up so they are aware of that, like when they're giving me their feedback.
00:46:15.300 --> 00:46:16.699
Awesome.
00:46:16.699 --> 00:46:17.000
All right.
00:46:17.000 --> 00:46:23.333
And last question that I think we have time for right now, Mark said, how much time do you spend training your client on the back end?
00:46:23.333 --> 00:46:26.333
What areas do you cover and how do you fit that into the process?
00:46:26.365 --> 00:46:38.632
Yeah, so, we do on that final day, I'll do just like a final, tutorial call and usually like book out about 30 minutes because it is a more simple site, like there's not a lot to go over.
00:46:38.632 --> 00:46:45.333
There's not a lot of custom features. I'm walking them through, the pages and settings, billing settings.
00:46:45.432 --> 00:46:51.032
If there's, you know, like a lot of images on their site or galleries, I'll teach them how to upload images.
00:46:51.032 --> 00:46:57.865
And then I always point them to the help section on Squarespace, because honestly, it's more, in-depth than I could ever give them.
00:46:59.099 --> 00:47:02.099
And then I let them know, like, that's there if you need help.
00:47:02.099 --> 00:47:03.900
And then, of course, I'm always here if you have questions.
00:47:03.900 --> 00:47:08.365
I really try to be, available to my clients, obviously within reason.
00:47:09.000 --> 00:47:10.099
Because I want them to come back.
00:47:10.099 --> 00:47:13.699
I want them to refer me and, and and I do get invested in them in their business.
00:47:13.699 --> 00:47:15.965
And I want them to be happy and succeed.
00:47:15.965 --> 00:47:18.166
So, depends on the client.
00:47:18.166 --> 00:47:19.500
I usually book about 30 minutes.
00:47:19.500 --> 00:47:21.699
Sometimes it's less, sometimes it's more.
00:47:21.699 --> 00:47:22.300
Love it.
00:47:22.300 --> 00:47:26.565
Haley, thank you for making yourself available to us.
00:47:27.099 --> 00:47:28.865
Yeah. Thank you for having me.
00:47:28.865 --> 00:47:31.166
This has been wonderful talking to you.
00:47:31.166 --> 00:47:32.333
You're such a pro.
00:47:33.599 --> 00:47:37.733
I, I want to I mean, just listening to you answer all those questions.
00:47:37.733 --> 00:47:40.733
You, you lined up and you knocked him down.
00:47:40.833 --> 00:47:43.065
It's so it's so impressive.
00:47:43.065 --> 00:47:45.900
Such a such an impressive, impressive designer.
00:47:45.900 --> 00:47:48.900
We're going to have to have you back on the show sometime.
00:47:49.000 --> 00:47:50.333
I would love that.
00:47:50.333 --> 00:47:50.800
Right.
00:47:50.800 --> 00:47:53.800
Well, looking forward to seeing you at Circle Day.
00:47:55.032 --> 00:47:56.400
That's all for today's show.
00:47:56.400 --> 00:47:58.666
Thanks for joining us live.
00:47:58.666 --> 00:48:12.300
We will be back with Circle Live next month, where we will be joined by another Squarespace pro, Becca Payne of Inside the Square, to talk about optimizing your websites for AI overview search results.
00:48:12.300 --> 00:48:15.465
I've been searching for something just like that.
00:48:15.833 --> 00:48:17.032
You sure have.
00:48:17.032 --> 00:48:20.032
You sure have. Until next Circle Live.
00:48:20.333 --> 00:48:21.032
I'm Sam.
00:48:21.032 --> 00:48:22.000
And I'm Sarah G.
00:48:22.000 --> 00:48:26.865
Reminding you nothing travels better in mobile design.
00:48:26.865 --> 00:48:27.599
Bye everybody.