FAQ
Maybe I can save us both an email. 😉
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Booking
What’s the booking process?
If you are interested in booking, fill out the Inquire to Book Form. If I think we will be a good fit, I’ll send you a link to book a Discovery Call where we will dig a little deeper into your website needs and goals. If we agree to move forward, I’ll send you a Design Proposal which includes a contract and invoice. Once you make your deposit and send over the signed contract, I will send you the Welcome Packet + Workbooks!
Your spot is not secured until I’ve received the deposit and contract.
How long is the Design Session?
For most clients it’s only 2 weeks! We begin on a Monday, and your website will be completed the following Friday.
Depending on your Add-Ons we might be working together a little longer. But the core site gets built in 2 weeks.
What’s a “focus”?
It’s what you do! An artist with one focus is someone who labels themselves as one thing. (Actor. Painter. Writer. Photographer.)
An artist with more than one focus is someone who labels themselves as more than one thing. (Actor & Writer. Painter & Poet.)
These artists are sometimes labeled as “multi-hyphenates” — Actor-Writer-Director.
How does payment work?
To secure your spot, you must make a deposit and sign a contract.
If you are not on a payment plan:
Your deposit is 50% of your package fee. The final payment of the remaining 50% is due on the last day of our 2-Week Design Session, before I transfer the site to you.
If you are on a payment plan:
The first 25% is required as the deposit to book, the remaining payments are made monthly and you must set up automatic payments. You will get a full payment schedule upon booking.
Can I hire you again for updates?
If you are a former client, yes you can absolutely hire me for updates or edits! Reach out to hello@mckennadubose.com for info.
Website Design
Do you only design websites on Squarespace?
Yep! I design exclusively on Squarespace — specifically, the newest version, Squarespace 7.1.
Version 7.1 was released in early 2020. If you are familiar with Squarespace or have already had a site for a while, you probably have Version 7.0. You’ll hear a lot of varying opinions about 7.0 vs 7.1, but the fact is, 7.1 is the future.
Just when I finished learning and building this biz around 7.0, they released 7.1. — I switched immediately and adapted. I personally love it, and may write a blog post about it in the future.
Either way, if you are working with me, you’re someone that wants a done-for-you website. I’ll build your whole site and teach you everything you need to know to self-edit, and you’ll never know the difference!
Do you do website re-designs?
I do not offer website re-designs. I prefer to start from scratch and go through my whole process to make sure everything is aligned and cohesive.
I will consider a website re-design or retainer work on a case-by-case basis. Reach out to hello@mckennadubose.com.
I have a site already on 7.0, but I want a brand new one! Will you design on 7.0 since I already know it?
No — sorry! If you want to stick with 7.0, I’m not the designer for you. I think 7.1 is more intuitive and user-friendly, and it’s constantly being updated and improved. If you are scared about learning a new version, I hear you. But remember: I’ll teach you the things you need to know to self-edit your site!
Are my Squarespace subscription and domain name included?
No. Your annual Squarespace subscription and domain name subscription are not included in your design package. Those are separate costs that you will be responsible for. However, you do get 20% off your first year of Squarespace by working with me!
I design for the Business Plan which is $216 a year, but for you it's only $172.80 or the Commerce Plan which is $312, but $249.60 for you.
I don’t need that many pages. Can I get a discount?
No — sorry! The average website needs 6-8 pages. If you are looking for fewer pages, you’re probably envisioning a design choice that crams the same amount of content into fewer pages. The strategy and work are the same, no matter the number of pages. Basically, it evens out.
What if I need more pages than the package allows?
Let’s talk about that! We’ll discuss your site goals to see if this is the case, and move forward accordingly. If you do need extra pages, there will be an Add-On cost for that.
Will my site be customized?
Yes! I do not use a Squarespace template. I start completely from scratch and make all my own manual adjustments. Each site is unique.
Do you use code?
I use some basic code on all sites, and will utilize more code depending on desired features or design choices. You will not have to learn to code!
What will I be able to self-edit on my site?
You will be able to edit text and photos under certain guidelines, add galleries and make blog posts if applicable, and maintain any other fluid elements on your site we have agreed upon.
You will not be able to change anything that alters the design or site structure. You not only run the risk of breaking your site, but doing this goes against your contract.
Pre-Design Homework
How many workbooks are there?
Every client gets 2 or 3 workbooks (depending on the package purchased), and instructions on creating a Pinterest board.
The Brand + Design Workbook helps me learn a bit more about you and your work, as well as your style and design preferences. I use a lot of info provided in this workbook to develop your Site Branding. This workbook is also where you will provide a link to your Pinterest board. This board is a collection of inspiration images that will help with several design choices like color palette, imagery, and the overall vibe.
The Content Collection Workbook is the step-by-step guide to gathering all your photo content and text content (a.k.a. site copy).
Ideal Client Workbook is typically only sent to creative businesses. Or if I feel you would benefit from getting to know your audience based on your site goals or services, I will provide this workbook as well.
How long will the workbooks take to complete?
It varies based on how organized you have been in the past, and how much work you have already done to understand your work or business.
You have to complete the workbooks in their entirety, create your Pinterest board, and upload all your photo content to our shared Google Drive folder by the Thursday before your Design Session date. (If you have photos all over the place, this may take longer for ya!) Clients have completed the homework in 3 days, others take a few weeks.
Keep in mind, you’ll likely book with me 1-3 months in advance. As soon as you book, I send you the workbooks. So, you have all that time to complete them!
Tip: If you know you want a website, but you think it might take you a while to complete the homework, book a couple months out!
When is the homework due?
All workbooks, content collection, and photos must be completed and uploaded to your Google Drive folder by the Thursday before your Design Session begins.
How do we stay on track?
I communicate with you through email and provide you with a shared Google Drive folder containing the Pre-Design workbooks. The Google Drive folder is also where you will upload all of your site content. I will send payment and meeting reminders accordingly.
What is Site Branding?
The Site Branding that I offer is different from brand design (which I do not offer). When an individual or a company undergoes “branding” or “brand design,” they go through an extensive process to create an image that is easily identifiable to their customers, clients, or community. It’s a whole big thing.
Site Branding is just what’s going on your site. When we are creating your website, I want to help create your digital corner of the internet in an identifiable and authentic-to-you way. Through the Brand + Design Workbook, your Pinterest board, your website goals, and samples of your work/art/photos, I am able to establish design themes, a color palette, fonts, and a wordmark logo.
A lot of artists I work with don’t have branding, and some don’t even think that they need it. I aim to help them find cohesiveness with simple tools they can use for years to come, and build a foundation for new ideas and growth.
What if I already have branding?
If you have already gone through a branding process with a brand designer and have a logo, color palette, fonts, or other assets, provide this information in your inquiry form. We will forgo my usual Site Branding process and I will make decisions based off of your materials. And since I will not be doing this work, you will also get a discounted price.
Can I just send you colors and a logo I created for a price reduction?
No. We are aiming for consistency and intention with our design. There is a process.
Exception: If you are a professional brand designer hiring me to build your website, then, yes, you can provide your own branding materials.
What is a wordmark logo?
It is a logo created of your name or business name using a special font. I create a single-color logo from the text. Your logo will be a PNG file with a transparent background that you may use on anything pertaining to your art or business.
Policies
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
You have 48 hours to cancel and receive a full refund of your deposit. After 48 hours, your deposit is non-refundable.
Can I reschedule?
If you change your Design Session date within 5 business days of booking, your deposit will be used to hold your new date in the Design Calendar. If you change your Design Session date 6 business days or later after booking, your deposit cannot be used towards another design date and will not be refunded.
What if I can’t get my Pre-Design Homework done in time?
To be fair to you, and every other client in the Design Calendar, I stick firmly to my design schedule. All my clients would be upset if I pushed back their design date because a client earlier in the schedule wasn’t ready. If you’re worried you won’t be able to meet the content deadlines, send me an email and I’ll let you know the next available date in my design calendar. Please note, 6 business days or later after booking, you’ll lose your initial deposit. Your deposit holds your place in the design calendar, and that spot is no longer available to be booked by anyone else. If you are on a payment plan, contact me for details.
Don’t see your question?
Pop into my inbox! ➡️ hello@mckennadubose.com