Before and After: Author Website Glow Up for Maureen Buick
Here’s another peek behind the scenes of my popular Author Website Glow Up service.
Maureen Buick is a nonfiction writer focused on uncovering and preserving untold stories from World War II. Her work explores leadership, resilience, and moral courage through meticulous archival research and narrative storytelling, with particular attention to airmen and prisoners of war.
In preparation for her upcoming book release (and second title), Man of Confidence, Maureen decided it was time for a professional makeover of her author site.
Before working with me, Maureen said:
“My website needed an update in content and design. I wanted it to look more professional and to showcase my new book while still acknowledging my first one.”
What is the one day Author Website “Glow Up” service?
Authors like Maureen hire me so that a professional Squarespace designer creates something both attractive and functional, while they get on with the work they love.
It’s perfect if you have a made-it-yourself or outdated Squarespace website. If you have neither the time nor the skill to make your site look truly professional, I can make a huge difference, fast.
In one focused day, I’ll take your existing Squarespace site and turn it into a polished, compelling platform that helps you connect with readers, the media, and (if applicable), potential clients.
Let’s take a look at how Maureen’s Glow Up turned out!
AFTER: a professional, beautiful design for Maureen and her WWII nonfiction titles
AFTER: More screenshots, showing these author website pages after our Glow Up day (click to enlarge):
What “before” problems did we solve?
Maureen had made a solid effort in creating her initial website to support her first book, Finding Bomb Boogie, but she felt lost in showcasing her new book, and revamping all of her content.
In addition, the colors felt heavy, the header didn’t make a visual connection with her topics, and there were places where the original website template was holding her back. Maureen was also struggling with image proportions and design decisions.
What I did:
Updated fonts and font sizes
Created and implemented a brand new color scheme, keeping things light while tying in to both book covers
Improved image placement, and spacing of elements
Reorganized pages, including a new page for Man of Confidence, updated Media page, and streamlined page for Book Clubs
Added pre-order links for both USA and UK buyer
Created a new website header, with lighter feel and appropriately themed image, and also updated the footer
Made sure best-practice SEO settings were all in place
Published a new blog post, announcing the new book
Tested the website for mobile responsiveness and different screen sizes
Checked for broken links and other mistakes that Google tends to penalize
Created a simple newsletter template, to echo the website’s design
And here’s what Maureen said about her refreshed author website, afterward:
“I don’t think it could have gone any better. A website update completed in one day!
Pauline is very easy to work with—she listens and is willing to make changes. I felt that she genuinely wanted me to be happy at the end of the day and focused on making that happen.
I would recommend Pauline to anyone looking to update their current website or build one from the ground up. Her preparatory work, scheduled check-ins, and follow-up materials helped me succeed and achieve the results I wanted.”
BEFORE: heavy colors, and no room to showcase the new book.
Ready for your own website “Glow Up”?
If your website needs professional rescue, it’s straightforward to book me for a day to work some magic like this:
Make sure your website uses Squarespace (for now, that’s the only platform where I offer this service)
I’ll take a look at your site, and let you know whether I can help
If we’re a match, you’ll pick your date from my online calendar, pay a deposit to reserve that time, and prepare your wishlist for me to work on
We’ll meet and make a plan, about a week before your Glow Up day
Other popular resources to improve your author website:
Save 10% off your first subscription for a Squarespace website by using the code PAULINE10
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