My Step-by-Step Process for Designing Websites for Local Businesses

If you’re a locally owned small business, you know how important it is to have a website that reflects the heart of your brand — professional, inviting, and easy to navigate. Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. But creating a new site (or giving an old one a much-needed refresh) can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already focused on the day-to-day tasks of running your business.

Thoughtfully Designed Websites for Local Businesses

That’s why I use a personalized, collaborative process that keeps things clear, manageable, and is designed to make you feel supported every step of the way. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Start with a Free 30-Minute Consultation

Every successful project begins with a conversation. During our complimentary 30-minute phone consultation, we’ll talk about your goals for your website, your current site if you have one, and determine which package will work best for you.

2. Complete a Comprehensive Questionnaire

Once you're ready to move forward, you'll receive a detailed questionnaire. This helps you clarify your vision — and helps me understand exactly what you're looking for. From the kind of clients you want to attract to the style that reflects your brand, this step ensures we’re aligned before we get started.

3. Share Your Branding, Content, and Account Access

Now it's time to gather your materials. You’ll send over any branding assets such as your logo, color palette, copy (if you’ve written it), images, and any applicable account logins (like Squarespace, your domain provider, etc.).

Don’t have everything yet? No problem — I'm here to guide you through it and can even help with content if needed.

4. Schedule the Strategy Call

Next we’ll dive deeper during a one-hour strategy call. This is where we’ll get clear on your website’s structure, content, functionality needs (like scheduling or contact forms), and user flow. This conversation lays the foundation for a website that actually converts visitors into clients.

I’ll also confirm receipt of your assets and account access, and we’ll schedule our next call.

5. Collaborate Through Daily Email and Weekly Check-Ins

Once we start building, we stay in touch often. I’ll keep us on track as we communicate via email as needed, and hold weekly check-in calls to make sure we’re always on the same page.

This collaborative approach keeps the process flowing and gives you plenty of opportunities for feedback and refinement.

6. Launch With Confidence

Once your website is ready to go live, we’ll do a final walk-through before launching and double-check that everything is working seamlessly.

7. Learn How to Make Your Own Updates — Then Get An Additional Week of Support

I’ll provide personalized video tutorials so you can make your own updates, plus you’ll continue to receive email support from me for one week post-launch. But if you ever need help in the future, you can always book support time with me for as little as one hour.

Why This Process Works

What makes my process unique is that it's rooted in mindfulness, collaboration, and clarity. Unlike one-size-fits-all web design firms, I take the time to understand your business, your target audience, and your purpose — so your website becomes a true extension of your work.

Ready to Elevate Your Online Presence?

Whether you’re launching a brand new website or revamping your current site, I’m here to make the process easy, thoughtful, and effective. Book your free 30-minute consultation and take the first step toward a beautiful new website today.

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