Custom Web Design Process

There are a lot of web designers out there. There are even a lot of good ones. And now there are AI tools that can produce something that looks like a website in minutes. So the real question isn't what sets me apart from other designers — it's what sets me apart from the direction the whole industry is heading.

The answer is that I understand people. Every website I design is fully custom, shaped around the personality, priorities, and voice of the business behind it. With a background in both writing and visual communication, I think carefully about how people move through a site: what they notice first, how the story unfolds, and how clearly the work lands. Design and language work together so the site feels cohesive, intuitive, and unmistakably yours.

And the differentiator clients mention most? Every project closes with a live, one-on-one training session — because a website should feel like yours to own and operate, not something you hand back to a designer every time something needs to change.

A custom website is a strategic, built-to-purpose business asset — designed not just to look good, but to build credibility, support growth, and guide people to take action. The investment reflects the time, strategy, and expertise required to get that right.

Custom website projects are scoped and quoted individually based on what the site needs to do. Projects start at $2,100, with most falling in the $2,500–$10,000 range depending on scope, complexity, and level of support. Larger or more complex engagements — expanded page counts, advanced functionality, enterprise-level work, or multi-site strategy — are quoted accordingly.

For those just starting out or working within a tighter budget, these options offer professional guidance without the full custom investment:

• Design Session: A one-hour, hands-on working session on Zoom where we review and refine your existing site together in real time.

• Template Library:Custom Squarespace templates designed for efficiency and strong foundations — DIY or add a designer's touch later.

Story and structure are always part of my design process, but original copywriting is not automatically included in every project. I work closely with clients to shape messaging, clarify hierarchy, and ensure the content supports the overall narrative and goals of the site.

For many clients, writing is the most challenging part of building a website — and it's available as an add-on. Original, web-ready copy for up to 10 pages, written to sound like you and speak directly to the people you want to reach. Writing is completed as part of the site build process with no extra back-and-forth or delay, and once your site goes live, the copy is fully yours to edit and evolve over time.

A strong visual foundation is essential to great web design, and I work closely with clients to ensure the overall aesthetic feels cohesive and intentional. That said, logo design and full brand board development are separate services, available as an add-on or as a standalone engagement.

If you're coming to the project without established branding, I'd recommend starting there — a clear visual identity makes everything that follows stronger and faster. We can discuss what makes sense for your stage and budget during our initial conversation.

Timelines depend on project size and complexity. Brand and web design projects are typically booked about 3-4 weeks after final content and branding are received. From there, websites typically take 3–7 weeks to design and build, including feedback and refinement.

It’s recommended that you reach out sooner rather than later, even if your project's timeline is several months out, to remove the stress of time restraints. Rush projects are accommodated for a fee on a case by case basis.

A “Coming Soon” page can go live immediately to establish your online presence while the full site is underway.

Working through a design with AI is a smart way to think about your messaging and the look that feels right. That kind of thinking is exactly where every one of my projects begins.

AI design tools generate mockups without knowledge of how the final web platform functions, so they routinely produce layouts, graphic elements, and spacing that don't translate. Squarespace, like every web platform, has its own architecture; sections, columns, and blocks follow specific rules. Certain effects aren't achievable, while others can be approximated with custom code, which may add cost and complexity. So, turning a mockup into a working website means building it from scratch in Squarespace, page by page.

I'll use your AI design as a reference for the feeling and overall look you want and find the best Squarespace-native way to achieve it. You’ll end up with a fully functional, beautiful website designed around your business and your goals, built to perform, and one you can update with confidence long after launch.

I'll take a fresh look at the colors, fonts, and other design choices. AI picks these from general patterns, so some may be a great fit and others could be stronger. Building from scratch also helps your site stand apart, since AI tools tend to produce designs that look a lot alike.

The process begins with the homepage, which establishes the visual direction, layout, messaging, and flow for the entire site. Once that's approved, the remaining pages are built on that foundation — which keeps things efficient and ensures a cohesive result.

Each phase includes two consolidated rounds of revisions, and feedback is submitted all at once rather than in pieces. This structure keeps the project moving, respects everyone's time, and produces a cleaner result than an open-ended back-and-forth process.

Full revision terms are outlined in the project agreement, so everything is clear before we begin.

Yes — I ask for all final copy before I begin building, as this drives the layout, spacing, and the structure of each section. A page built around placeholder text typically has to be reworked once the real copy arrives, which adds time and cost to the project. Also, having the full copy upfront lets me see the whole story and if something buried on a later page might need to be surfaced earlier. Starting with complete copy means we get it right the first time.

If writing isn't your thing, I offer copywriting as a service, so you can hand that part to me.

As part of the build, I set up search-friendly page titles, heading structure, URLs, and page settings, plus descriptive alt text for up to 20 key images. Your site launches with properly sized images and full desktop and mobile optimization.

During your training session, we write your page descriptions together and set up Google Search Console and Google Analytics, including your sitemap, while you're signed into your own Google account. You'll see how everything works, and both accounts belong to you from day one.

Optional add-ons: Pre-Launch Keyword Research and Post-Launch SEO Reporting, which tracks your keywords and up to three competitors.

I work primarily in Squarespace because it offers a powerful balance of flexibility, stability, and ease of use. It allows clients to manage their own sites confidently while Squarespace continually monitors performance and security. You also have the option to customize with code, if desired.

If another platform is a better fit, I’m happy to recommend trusted colleagues who specialize in Webflow, Shopify, Wix, and other systems.

Yes. Enterprise and professional firm projects are some of the most rewarding work I do. These engagements often involve multiple stakeholders, established brand guidelines, complex functionality requirements, and a higher level of strategic thinking from the outset — all of which I'm well equipped to navigate.

With thirteen years of experience across virtually every industry, I bring a structured, collaborative process that keeps complex projects aligned, clear, and on track from strategy through launch. If you're working with a larger organization and want to discuss scope, I'm happy to start with a conversation.

I bring a structured process designed to keep projects aligned, clear, and on track — from strategy and content planning through design and launch.

Choosing a web designer is one of the more important decisions you'll make for your business. Look for someone who asks good questions before talking about design, who has experience in your industry or adjacent ones, and who can clearly explain their process from start to finish. Portfolio consistency matters — not just beautiful screenshots, but evidence that the work functions well across different types of businesses.

And ask about what happens after launch. A good designer leaves you confident and capable, not dependent. Read the full guide →

My work suits people who want their digital footprint to feel personal, who like color, pattern, and texture.

It's less suited to anyone looking for the fastest, cheapest path. I take on a limited number of projects at a time because full-service genuinely means full service.

I don't have a signature look I apply to every project, and I'd be suspicious of anyone who did. What my projects share is a method: plan for the function first, layer in texture, and leave room for the things that make it personal.

Usually, no. Whether we're starting from scratch or building on what you've already created, the process and investment are similar. Every project begins with a thorough review to ensure the final result feels cohesive, strategic, and professional, regardless of what exists at the outset. In many cases, reworking an existing site requires as much time as starting fresh.

A few — and they're paid directly to the providers, in your own accounts and your own name. Nothing recurring is owed to me.

Every site has an annual Squarespace subscription and an annual domain renewal. The domain is usually free the first year, and if you sign up at a promotional rate, your second-year subscription will be higher than your first. Most business owners also want professional email through Google Workspace, billed per user per month.

After that it depends on what your site does. Scheduling, extra video storage, email marketing, member areas, and certain font or stock image licenses all carry their own fees. If you're selling, payment processors take a percentage of every sale, and Squarespace takes its own transaction fee that varies by plan. Third-party plugins vary widely.

Once your site launches, you own and manage it. If you'd like help later, individual support sessions are available — but there's no retainer and no ongoing fee.

Yes. Every EngageTaste website is designed and tested for mobile, tablet and desktop before launch. Mobile layouts are adjusted individually rather than left to resize automatically, so the site looks right on a phone, not just smaller.