Kate Scott
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a strategic Squarespace designer. ”
I build websites and Squarespace templates with the primary goal of converting more visitors into paying clients. ‘Cause it doesn’t matter how pretty your website is if it’s not helping you pay the bills! I specialize in working with online course creators and woman-owned service-based businesses.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started blogging waaay back in 2010. Specifically, I created a book blog because I thought it might stop me from waving random hardcovers in people’s faces and shouting, “YOU NEED TO READ THIS!” I ran with it for 7 years and acquired a variety of skills along the way—copywriting, SEO, web design, coding, social media, online marketing. I soaked up every bit of information I could find, tested it, and figured out what worked.
In 2018, I decided it was time to move on and started an online marketing company. I’d always been a Wordpress devotee but shiny object syndrome got the better of me and I built my new website on Squarespace. Shortly thereafter, a client asked me to build her a website. I enjoyed that experience so much that I quit my marketing business less than 6 months after launching, took some time off to polish my design skills, and relaunched myself as a Squarespace designer in 2019.
How do you stand out in your field?
Clients and customers appreciate my emphasis on strategy, attention to detail, and comprehensiveness. I always try to pack as much value as possible into everything I do—from the free guides on my blog to my premium Squarespace templates.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently in pre-launch mode for my new Squarespace template. (I am SO excited about this one!)
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style is on the softer side, fairly minimalist, and inspired by nature. I grew up in Massachusetts and have always loved New England’s timeless elegance. It definitely influences my design.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and it would be fun to incorporate more of that into my business. Maybe in the future, I’ll create an online course or start a mentorship program.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Coronavirus. Climate change. Systemic injustice. Anyone else feeling like a disembodied orb of existential angst these days? Anyone?
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would LOVE to outsource my email marketing. I can churn out blog posts in my sleep but have a huge block when it comes to writing emails.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Take better care of yourself. Pay attention to how you feel. I still struggle with those things but at least I’m aware of it now. I’d time travel all the way back to my teenage self to deliver that message.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to an entrepreneur who has scaled her business to six or seven figures and only works 20-30 hours a week. That is the kind of magic I need in my life!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
1. Squarespace templates: for service providers and course creators. Installation and customization packages are available.
2. One-hour strategy sessions: for DIYers who need a little professional help.
3. Custom Squarespace design: from small hourly projects to full website redesigns.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal clients are passionate creative women with service or course-based businesses. I particularly love working with self-starters who are eager to learn and invested in their own personal growth.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
- $100/hr base rate for code tweaks and small projects. I also create custom flat-rate packages for some projects.
- $150 for one-hour strategy sessions.
- $297 - $497 for Squarespace templates. They come pre-installed on a new website. Installation on an existing website is an additional $200
.- $1,200 - $1,700 for Squarespace template customization.
-Full custom web design projects start at $3,500 for a 5-page website
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Fill out the contact form on my website and include as much info as possible about your project and what you’re looking for. You can also purchase a template or schedule a strategy session.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
By creating everyday!
This member profile was originally published in July 2020.