So, the tables are turned. I am my own client now, writing new copy for my website refresh. The design work, for the first time, is in the hands of a professional – the esteemed Emily Tarrant of Webfooted Designs.
Why now?
I realised earlier this year that my website hasn’t really changed fundamentally in the last 8 years, and it’s become quite scrappy, with new pages bolted on here and there, and a lack of internal coherence.
This is exactly the point at which I tell potential clients to consider refreshing their website, and to contact me, so I decided it was time to take my own advice.
Plus, it’s 10 years since I started HD Words, and that seemed like a good time to do something exciting like spend money on a new website for the first time!
Choosing a web designer
As ever, when embarking on a project like this, trust in the person you’re working with is key. I know many web designers, and none of them should feel aggrieved that I’ve not chosen them. With apologies to everyone else, I went with Emily because I’ve known her for ages, and she ‘gets’ me. I like her style, and method of working, and she uses WordPress, which is something that I am familiar with. I will be able to add extra pages (carefully, once I’ve had training) and edit text, without having to learn a whole new system.
Making a start
I began by looking at my whole website, and actually itemising what was there. I made notes on what I liked, and what I didn’t; what worked, what needed a refresh, and what needed totally scrapping and starting again. There were also a few bits that could be quietly lost, and some things I needed to add.
Then I met with Emily, and had an initial discussion around what she could offer, and how that might work. We discussed timescales, cost, and my brand colours, fonts and imagery, which I was able to send her by email afterwards. I didn’t need to send her a style guide regarding tone or content, as I’m in charge of that myself!
Throwing ideas around
At this point, Emily had a look for themes and templates that she felt might suit me and my business. I don’t need e-commerce, or a course booking system. I don’t need any fancy bells and whistles, or an extensive portfolio section for glossy pictures.
I do need a crisp, professional looking layout, that’s friendly and approachable, without being too fluffy.
Using a selection of example pages, we both found we were drawn to blue ones, which we tried to fight against, as ‘blue = HD Words’ was firmly fixed in our heads by that point. However, the ones we liked best were, all, blue.
We had a second meeting, where she introduced me to her choices, and explained the differences, as well as discussing the shape that the site could take. The way websites are looking these days is a few long pages rather than lots of small ones, so my site can be considerably streamlined, which will be nice.
What’s next?
We’ve reached the current moment, where Emily is going to apply my colours and branding to the template we’ve marked as our favourite (at the moment) and I’m going to start updating and reconfiguring my content to fit the new shape.
I’ll keep you posted!
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