Before & After: How My Author Clients Feel About Their Website Journey
Building your author website yourself can be overwhelming, especially if you’re an author who wants to show up professionally online, but you’re not technically nimble or confident with design.
Equally, hiring a website designer can be a bit daunting. What should you expect? What will the process be like? Will you see eye-to-eye? Will you love the results? Will the investment feel worth it?
Below, here are some reflections from clients who decided to collaborate with me on their author websites. They’re sharing initial doubts, how they felt during the process, and the confidence they've gained from the results.
(By the way, I have a free download that lists the questions a good author website designer should ask you. Get your copy here.)
Lisa Ramelow — Custom Author Website
Before working together:
“I had tried Squarespace on my own, and I knew whatever I did would not look professional enough. I just did not have the skills or the time to learn them. I was a little concerned at first since no one had directly recommended Pauline, but after checking out her work, I decided to move forward.”
Impactful features:
“All the features of my website have added to my confidence moving forward. Every single thing. I am especially happy that you emphasized getting professional photographs — what a HUGE difference that made!”
After the project:
“After the first Zoom meeting, I felt so relieved I had chosen Pauline. She listened, understood, and was a champion for me — it was clear she wanted me to succeed. Having this gorgeous, professional website has given me a much greater chance of success in marketing my book. It’s 1000% worth the investment of my time and funds.”
Julie Murdock — Express Author Website
Before working together:
“I was concerned about cost and thought I should build my own site since I’m tech-savvy. However, I knew the professionalism I wanted wasn’t feasible given my other responsibilities. I was impressed by the free resources and professionalism before we even met.”
Impactful features:
“My Writing page, which brings all my efforts together — fiction, portfolio, Substack — has had the biggest impact. I finally feel like a fiction author with a professional site backing me.”
After the project:
“I’m bursting with confidence, more than before we started. The personalized services made me feel I had a valued friend. The experience was positive and uplifting. I highly recommend working with Pauline.”
Samuel Bentil — Custom Author Website
Before working together:
“My previous web designers couldn’t understand my needs as an author. After two failed attempts, I wasn’t sure if getting help was the right move. Your website was the first to come up on Google, and although I thought it might be unaffordable, I decided to take the chance.”
Impactful features:
“Just having a professionally designed website alone gives me peace of mind, knowing I’ve checked the most important box about how I’m presented to potential clients.”
After the project:
“I feel more confident and I’ve learned a lot about the business and marketing aspects of my book. The process has opened my eyes to the potential my book has.”
Valerie Saul — Express Author Website
Before working together:
“I feared I wouldn’t communicate well with a designer and that our visions wouldn’t align. After meeting Pauline, those worries stopped because I felt understood.”
Impactful features:
“The blog posts I resisted doing actually gave me a lot of confidence!”
After the project:
“I feel like a real writer now with such a great website. The process wasn’t as painful as I feared, and I’m ecstatic with the results.”
Chuck Shelton — Custom Author Website
Before working together:
“I knew I needed help but was unsure how to find someone who worked with my style and learning needs.”
Impactful features:
“Clarifying priorities for the book launch was a huge ‘Aha’ moment that helped me focus my efforts.”
After the project:
“I felt well taken care of with Pauline’s calm, incisive care for my writing and goals. Her editorial and technical help was instrumental for the fine website I’m now sharing. Much gratitude for her methodology.”
Hally Wells — Website Refresh
Before hiring:
“I don’t enjoy technology or design and needed a quality online presence to complement my professional branding.”
Impactful features:
“I love the entire website, especially the lead magnet and the art/photographs. It will serve me very well.”
After the project:
“I feel motivated and inspired to share my website, pitch podcasts, and complete my book. Pauline was amazing — knowledgeable and supportive through every step.”
Did this help you get a sense of what working with me is like, and the confidence you can gain from this process?
My clients often begin with uncertainty—whether about cost, their own technical skills, or fears their vision won’t be understood. But through personalized collaboration, professional design, and a sprinkling of friendly cheerleading from me, their confidence grows.
I make sure we launch a website that’s tailored to your unique author needs, so you can feel proud of a site that truly represents you, with features you’ll actually use.
And as the comments above describe, partnering with a skilled and strategic web designer like me can transform not just your website, but how you feel about your author business.
A great next step is to schedule a complimentary chat with me!
Popular resources for a powerful author website
50 step author website checklist (aka, 50 reasons to hire me to do it for you!)
Save 10% off your first subscription for a Squarespace website by using the code PAULINE10
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