When is it time to hire a designer for your website? Chantelle Davis-Gray?
Susan Finn 00:10
Hi there, welcome to this week's rise above noise where each week I have the honor of shining a spotlight on someone in our rise above noise community who's making a real difference, who's helping others with their business growth. So if we haven't met yet, let me introduce myself.
My name is Susan Finn, I'm a digital marketing strategist, and have been with my company rise above noise for the past 15 years, where I work with transformation creators, right? So that's energy healers, lightworkers. coaches, teachers, I'm guiding them in their own personal roadmap for their digital marketing journey. And together, we get to create a system for showing up because marketing is basically showing up. And when you can show up in a way that feels generous. And in service, you're going to show up with more consistency. And that way, people who are already looking for you can find you that and that means that your business gets to grow with ease and flow. S
o this week, I'm talking with my good friend Chantelle Davis-Gray, who is a super talented Squarespace, website, designer, and graphic designer as well. I asked Chantelle to talk to our community about how we, as business owners will know that it's time to hire a designer for our websites. Now I know so many people are struggling with trying to figure out what they can do on their own. When do they hire professional? When do they try to figure it out on their own? Which professionals should they even hire?
And one of my best takeaways from the chat you're going to hear was the realization that when we're super clear on who we serve, and we want to attract, and when our website makes that really easy to understand, then we get to protect our time and our energy. Because we're only going to get on Discovery calls or spend time talking to aligned prospects, we're not going to spend extra time on people who really are not, not our ideal clients, right?
We want people to get us and get what we do. I really think you're going to enjoy Chantelle has insights, and her wisdom and watch for those freebies that she offers as well. Alright, let's get right to it. Do the Wednesday morning rise above noise thing, which is now it's every every other week or so I will have experts in but it's all in the spirit of answering questions. I've been listening to Brendon Burchard, Burchard, if I'm saying his name correctly, high performance guy. There's something about him he's so compelling. And it's not about his habits. And it's not necessarily about his marketing. And maybe it's about his motivation. But his philosophy of giving and giving and giving and being a resource for the people who need to hear you. I mean, if you guys aren't following him, he just gives out so much great free content that eventually I won't be surprised if someday I say to you, I'm being coached by Brendon Burchard, because he's just so compelling that way, and rise above noise. I know that in the Facebook group. People are so generous, like if you haven't gone in there recently go in and look at the, the threads. And in particular, if you look at what they call guides, now, they used to be called Units. If you look at the guides, every once in a while a question comes up and we get such gold for resources for people how to decrease your stress and anxiety how to stay focused. And so the question that so now every Wednesday, I want to answer a question.
So if you have questions, I'll have the link I'll send I'll share the link in the group. I'll share it on this video, so that you can go in and pop your questions into that sheet into the Google Sheet. And I'll make sure that we find an answer for you. So So today we're answering the question, when is it time to hire a designer and let's say in particular for your website. Now my friend Chantelle is here I'm going to read her official bio, but I do want to tell you that I took her impact on deck course which is different than what we're talking about today, but I couldn't let our time pass and I was afraid I'd miss it. If I waited to get her impact on deck course is fantastic. I know So many people who are creative, on the verge of creative but like need that little help to express their creativity, which is what Chantelle did for me and have an idea in their head for a deck of cards, is it affirmation cards? Is it inspiration cards? Is it motivation cards? And so when I said to Chantelle Well, I don't really know she's like, Oh my god, Susan, you do those? You do those accountability prompts every week, why not make a deck of cards out of them, and her course helped me figure out exactly like it is so step by step if you know Chantelle at all you know that she is so detail oriented, you are never going to miss anything, right? So exactly like how to make it how to leave the edges how, who to hire, who to order from what it's going to like all the things so check that out if you even have a little bit of an idea of of a deck of cards. So that's my little commercial.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 05:55
Thank you. Thank you.
Susan Finn 05:57
Alright, let me read you as soon as I find it. Let me read you have official bio, had it open a second ago. Too many tabs here it is. Pulled up somewhere else. There it is you guys. Thanks for being patient. It's been a morning. My friend Chantelle Davis-Gray is an expert when it comes to designing with purpose. She specializes in helping changemakers with brand design, website design and custom card decks as I mentioned, so that you right so they can skyrocket your confidence and proudly share your work. Right sharing is marketing. I'm just gonna say that in here, right, like sharing is marketing. Share your work, grow your business and create real change. Chantelleand I are the same. We work with transformation creators and who we work with. We're not the same, but we're who we work with. Yes, fantails here to do more than just design. She's also here to serve as your go to guy, a trusted collaborator and biggest cheerleader. When Chantelle is not designing something gorgeous and action inspiring. You can find her heading out on a nature walk with her love Trish, and her adorable puppy Leo. And when I asked, Chantelle What is your superpower? This is really good. I think this was not surprising, but interesting to me. She said that her superpower is compassion and reducing overwhelm. And before we go into the question, when's the right time to hire a designer for your business? I'd love to have you answer that. That like how did you decide that that was your superpower? Chantelle?
Chantelle Davis-Gray 07:57
Yeah, I don't like that question. I have like so many answers. And then ultimately, I went back with my gut. So for me, I think that's what underneath it all, like, that's what it's about, like, Yes, I absolutely love designing. And I'm, you know, to toot my own horn, I'm great at it. But underneath design, when it comes to actually like working with the humans, I have so much compassion, like I have, this is not my first business. So like I've done businesses before, I never forget all the feelings that come up in the beginning. And then in the middle, like at every stage of business. There's mindset stuff. And it's not easy, and I never lose memory of that. And so I always have compassion for whatever stage of business, someone who's working in, and just really like the humanity of what we're all doing. So compassion on every level, and then the reducing overwhelm is that comes from it breaks my heart when I talk to someone that wants to be doing amazing work in the world. But all the things are getting in their way. And so they're not taking any action. Yes. And so it's like, well, no, because like my brain just like organizes things innately like I'm a Virgo, I just I that's what I do. I organize and just simplify. And not everybody has that skill. And so when I see someone that is stuck, I'm like, no, no, let me help you. We it's not going to be that hard. We're just going to do one thing at a time. And we're gonna go step by step. And then by the end, you're gonna have an amazing website to sell your cards to sell your service to do whatever the thing is. So it's like it gets the good work out in the world. So that's, that's where those two things come into
Susan Finn 09:57
my life. That I see that and so Any ways for you to like I follow you on Instagram and your stories? Like that would be the word I would look for is compassion like that I would choose for you as. Right.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 10:09
That's, like, amazing.
Susan Finn 10:11
It's amazing. And, and but I think is another way that we might be similar as we understand the energy we understand holding people in a container of support. But we also have that analytical. Let's follow the processes, like do the things so that you can move forward, we understand it's hard, we'll hold you will hug you, we'll do all the things nice and nice cozy blanket with some chamomile tea, but on the other hand gets shut down. Yes, right. Here's how exactly, I guess I've known Chantelle, gosh, I think probably five years or so we've been in a month that's even longer, maybe longer. And this is what I love about when we have our sessions. And we're talking about, you know, all the business things. But she always has like, oh, well, I'm working on a new onboarding, I'm working on a new system of and I know that that's because a lot of times, we'll get into the design thing, but this is just like me talking about one conversation, a conversation. So I know that many of the people that I talked to will, when we talk about what to send for emails, or what they're going to share on their posts, they're like, Well, I don't want to schedule out ahead of time, because I might want to be in the moment. And those are great, like organic in the moment posts are great, but you've got to have, it'll be to your benefit to have those scheduled posts out there. So that you can have clear out that worry space so that you can be more creative. And so to your point, when you give a schedule for your website, and you need to have this to me, and you need to have that to me, right, that lets that kind of like sweep that part of your brain out. So then the creative part can come in when they have the conversations with you.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 12:03
Totally, and it holds them accountable.
Susan Finn 12:06
Right. Well, that's what a lot of creatives are missing. Yes.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 12:09
Yeah. and myself included, like that's why I have coaches. That's why I hire people, because I need that external accountability.
Susan Finn 12:16
Yeah, totally. Okay, so I've been in business for a little while. I maybe did my own website, made a nice little Wix site or Weebly site or something. And I'm like, okay, ready to go bigger? There are lots of options, first of all, on where to spend your next level, right? So you've worked with somebody, maybe you have accountability buddies, maybe you have a coach, and what is coming to you is, I need to uplevel my website, or I need a website. And you might just throw in that go in there and throw some stuff up there we can, I can usually tell when someone's done their own website. And that's okay, up to a point. But when you're ready to uplevel How do I know Chantelle? That it's, I'm ready to hire designer to make that investment in a designer?
Chantelle Davis-Gray 13:07
Absolutely. So I think before I even answer that, I just want to remind everybody for why having a well designed website even matters. And what it boils down to is that you want your website to be doing some work for you. So again, to your point, sometimes when you're first starting out, maybe you don't need it to do all the things because you're still figuring out all the things. But after that point, you want your website to be explaining your services, you want your website to be able to be scheduling calls for you. You want people to be able to sign up for your email list without you literally manually like writing their email address down and your website is open 24/7. So as you're growing, you don't necessarily want to always be spending your time doing all those things. And once you're at a certain I would say even like months into your business, you don't have to be too far into your business for this. You want to be getting aligned. Leads, right like yes, of course, we love to talk to everybody, but our time is a limited resource. And so when you have a really great website that's working for you, your dream clients are coming in because the non dream clients are realizing that they're not dream clients, like they're self selecting out. So you can spend more time watching Great British Bake Off or taking a walk in the woods or whatever fun thing you'd like to do. Because you don't have to be spending as much time talking to the people that aren't your dream people. So, yes, the common times that people should think about getting a professionally new well done website is when you're going through some kind of big pivot or change in either your services or in who your clients are. Um, if you lead an upgrade and functionality, sometimes you're doing a new website for the look. But also you are adding some new functionality, you're adding acuity, you're Calendly integration, you're adding store capability to take, you know, money for your package. And if you're feeling like your website just is not actually doing work for you, then that's the time if you're ashamed of your website. Like if you're the person that is not telling people about your website, because you don't want them to look at it, that is like the big red screaming neon flag to get help. But all those other things are maybe more subtle signs that you need one. And then a caveat to think about is there are some kinds of businesses that I do think need a better designed website earlier on. And those are like the visual, creative businesses. So things like photographers, interior designers, florists, designers, because they're all visual industries. And there's something kind of subconscious that happens, where we associate How the website is done with how that visual work will be done. Like, because it's part of the package, right? Like those industries, all of them have portfolios on their website, because you need to show the work you're doing. And that matters, like from day one, more so than maybe a coach. So like, I've worked with quite a few florists and like one of one recent one has a very young clientele. So like their entire website is like white and airy, and spacious. And it goes with the kinds of florals that they design. On the other hand, I've worked with this, another florist who works with quite a lot older, wealthier, prep your clients, and her website does not feel airy, white Lala, it has like some heft, it has deeper tones it has is more grounded. And those two are very different clients. And that takes intention to design those things differently. So for those kinds of clients, I think it's more important way, way, way early on to get like a really well designed website for people like coaches, therapists, healers, that kind of stuff, you need a website, but the visuals don't quite communicate that same. subconscious. Can't even find the right word. But I think you know what I mean. So for those businesses, I think that's more about what is your website actually doing for you? Are you meeting with the right kind of clients? Are you getting people signing up for your emails, all that kind of stuff. And, or new offerings. So like, I worked with a client years ago, who had was a doctor, like an, like an MD, like Doctor like PCP. And then she actually pivoted to becoming a health coach and a speaker. So like, she really needed a new website, you know, like, those are different, totally different things. So like, maybe your pivot isn't as dramatic, maybe it's more like, I'm going from group to one on one or vice versa, or something else. But when you are going through a change, that's a good time to get an up leveled website, because it's like, it helps your it helps you feel confident, and what you've decided to make this change. And it helps you step out there and like, shout it to the world. I'm going to pause because I feel like I just talked a lot, so I'm gonna have a step.
Susan Finn 18:55
That was well, it was so good. And I think those two examples are really good. The visuals, the florist, the photographer, the designers, of course, are going to need to have a lot more and different than the other people that you talked about more like more like the certain Well, I guess it was a service oriented, but more like we're just talking, right? We're not providing
Chantelle Davis-Gray 19:18
no thing.
Susan Finn 19:19
There's no thing. So if I can ask you a question, I bet you have talked about this. But the question is, how do you figure that out? Like how did you figure out those tools? I'm fascinated with the story of the two florists one is very spacious open the other one much more like it sounded like rich and filled. Yes, that's why did you decide that that would be the case for those two florists?
Chantelle Davis-Gray 19:43
That is such a good question. And this is honestly to get vulnerable. This is one of the things that made me not create impact on deck for so long because I thought how can I explain this to people like this is just what I do. Like but Just eventually I did figure out a little bit that doesn't get, I can't explain everything. But I think this is a good place to start. And I mentioned this in impact on deck. But this is also how I start when I'm working with a client is to think about what is how do you want someone to feel when they're on your website. And so I asked my clients that because like, they know their clients better than I do. And so if airy light client says, I want my clients to feel like how they're going to feel on their wedding day, I want them to feel like a light floating, you know, princess, I want them to feel. Light is the only word I can think of right now, but almost like floaty and like buoyant. And you're just like, Ah, I'm in love. And these are my flowers. My clients sadly don't usually sing to me, but I
Susan Finn 21:09
think I appreciate that.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 21:12
And then the other clients, you know, would say something like, well, I want my clients to feel like, I'm trustworthy. Like there is professionalism. Like they a good investment, like there's more. Yeah, depth and richness. And it's more about the feel like the light fluffy feeling and more about what they need in order to be able to make this investment and that kind of thing. And so those are two very different feelings. And so I start there. So let's start with like floaty, the floaty people, I think to myself, Okay, well, if I think about feeling, you know, light and princessy and in love, what kinds of things come up for me. So then, like, I'll do like a brain dump. Okay, well, I think of like clouds and sparkles and tulle and I don't know, whatever else. On the other hand, I might think of, for this particular client who has a very preppy herb clients are very preppy, like I think of like boats, and, you know, pop collars, and marinas and mantle's, and you know, like that kind of stuff. And so like, even as I'm talking, I'm sure in your mind, you can start to think, and imagine like, what, how those two things would feel different. Like, I'm not going to put anything dark colors on that light, airy, I'm in love website. On the other hand, if I make the needs to feel trustworthy and solid, if that was all light and airy, that wouldn't feel that way. It needs some like wood and like deep green, and groundedness. So that's kind of how it starts. And I think those are just two very good, like, it's a fun way to contrast how same industry can be so different.
Susan Finn 23:22
And it's interesting how you can serve as people in the different industries. But here's what I was picking up. And also from knowing you, is that a you're very intuitive. Okay. Right. And I know
Chantelle Davis-Gray 23:36
that's the claim. Yes.
Susan Finn 23:39
And that you have first You of course, you're gonna have a discovery call with somebody and discuss it. And then they have to fill out a good amount of homework. And so you're going to get like, there's something about talking to somebody versus when they have their quiet time and you're like, go to find a quiet space and answer these questions truthfully, for me. Correct. You're going to have vision into more than if you were just talking and let's get it.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 24:04
Yes. Absolutely. And like in that questionnaire, yeah. Like I asked, like, for me, if someone says like, I'm not good at thinking of words, which is why I'm not a writer. Um, so if someone said, how do you want your website to feel? How do you want people to feel? I just freeze like, I'm like, I don't know, what are words what? I have no clue where to begin. So I give people like a list of words either to choose from, or then they can add from add to it. But I think it like helps to just start thinking about the options so they can pick from this list, or they usually add a couple of their own. And then I also ask like about their actual clients before we even get to that. So it like puts them into their client's headspace. Like what am I thinking about? Why am I actually coming to this website? Because what am I looking for? How am I feeling right now? So that's all part of the process. That's awesome.
Susan Finn 25:03
And clearly it works because your websites are beautiful. What else do we need to know? So and also, here's another thing I just picked up about you is that when you were talking, first you got stuck on the words. And then you started talking a little bit about colors and fabrics. And they were able to flow like, I can see that you think in colors and textures.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 25:25
Yes, totally. But I don't always have the words for them. Which is why I'm like it feels Yes. Like this. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Yeah, that's such a good. That's such an interesting, thank you for that observation.
Susan Finn 25:40
We should know. Because it is an investment. Right? And yes, I know that you do. VIP intensives for the most part and on one day websites, and and what else would people need to know? Like, okay, I'm thinking about it. Now. She's got me thinking about it. Yes. I don't want to have any tire kickers anymore. I only want Dr. clients coming to my site. I only want really aligned people on my discovery calls.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 26:07
Yeah, yeah. So I would say, once you even have that seed planted, I would start reaching out to a couple designers. And here's why. Because designers do more than design. Well, I guess I should speak only for myself. I can't speak for everybody. But at least I some of the other designers I know are also in this group. We don't just design, right, like I even put in my bio, like, I'm your cheerleader, I'm your guide, I'm going to help with tech like, so a we're not just designers. So we help with that planning process. Like if you need a photographer, who I have a list for you, if you need a copywriter, I have another awesome list for you. So like we can be your almost event planner, but for your website, like we can help you connect to all the people. So if you start talking to us early on, you're again to reduce overwhelm, you're not going to feel rushed, because you'll have time to get photos done. If you want to, to maybe do an intensive day with a copywriter like, we're going to take you through the entire process. And if you don't want to hire out those things, then I give you suggestions for how you're going to DIY, like I give you copy prompts, I give you suggestions on how to take some photos, that kind of stuff like a headshot or something. So I would say start earlier, start talking to a designer earlier than you think you need to because you don't necessarily need to like sign on the dotted line. And give me all your money. But like a strategy session is gonna plant lots of seeds and things for you to think about. And plan. So that's one big thing is start talking to a designer earlier than you think you need to. And the other is Get clear on your business goals. Because that is one thing. I mean, yes, I do end up doing some like business coaching a little bit. But that's not my official hat. And you know, your business best. And my goal as a designer is to help you grow your business. So if you don't know what you're going to or how you're growing, then I can't help as well as I would like to. So I would say that's really important is to take that time and space and work with a business coach if you have one or do whatever helps you but get clear on your business goals.
Susan Finn 28:35
I love that. I know that that's been a challenge for some of the people who come to me as well. Because I'll say where's, you know, where does it describe your services on on your website? Or how you know, when you're on a call with somebody? What are you offering them? Right, like it's right. Again, Donald Miller, you confuse you lose? Yeah. And if you if you don't know what you're offering, exactly. They're not going to know what you're offering. And that's why I love what the what you do, because the process is right. It's all about the processes, so you can be free to be creative. Yes. So good.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 29:12
And I think along those lines, it's okay, if you have multiple services, I can help because that's something that people come to me a lot like, Well, I do this and I do this, and I do this and I don't know what to do and little and like I'm again very good at being like, Okay, that's great. Like, I can see how all the pieces can come together. But you have to know what those pieces are. So,
Susan Finn 29:34
yeah, right. Right. And that's sometimes the hardest part is to enter your point, right? I all of us, you know, we I often say this, right? And this is a little bit different in the business world or entrepreneurship. But you've got to have someone who's going to give you advice who's not emotionally tied to you. So coaching is helpful and having an expert like you help through a website thing is so helpful and oftentimes Talk about it with like, let's say my coach clients is that, you know, in the olden days, the olden days, we would go to the village square, and we would get advice from the Auntie's and the Nanos and the bobbies, right and or we would go to dinner and all the aunties and nannies, none of them buddies would just give us advice. Right? What's that? I said, whether we wanted it or not, whether we wanted it or not, but we were getting some advice. And now we kind of have to go out and search for it sometimes.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 30:31
True. Very, very true. And I love that point about the, like, non attached person, because it's different when it's your spouse or your best friend. Yeah. Because, and I also think people that aren't also running their own business, sometimes put their projections of like their fears, like, oh, but how are you going to do that? That would be scary and real, you know? And it's like, no, but all these other people are figuring it out. It's not as scary as you're making it seem. So yeah, so I think that that bit about the non attached person
Susan Finn 31:04
is key. I think so too. Yeah. And somebody who's helped other people like you in the past? Yeah, totally. Well, as I knew it, would our time is going by so quickly, but let's let people know how you work with P, how you work with people and how they can learn more about you.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 31:21
Sure, awesome. So I know, I could like just chat with you for hours. Um, so I work with people one on one for website design. And I offer de intensives. And I also offer essentially, about 10 days, because I only work with one client at a time. So I am focused, it is wonderful to just get in the zone, have one client fully dedicate my my time and energy for them for that 10 days or so. And so that starts with a strategy ship Strategy Session. Where again, you know, I encourage you to schedule that way out, even as you're starting to think because it ends up serving as a good planning time. And then, yeah, I take it from there proposal and then laying out all the homework very clearly. And then that 10 days is just like we're in it together. And then you've got your awesome website ready to go.
Susan Finn 32:20
So yeah, so if you mean after this other experience that I just had with another. Yes. Designer, that is a dream. 10 days and done.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 32:30
Yeah, it is very, very great. I will say my clients have really seemed to enjoy. Not wondering like, when's the next round coming? What do I owe you? Do you owe me something like there's none of that confusion anymore? You just know exactly what's happening every single day, which is there's just something very it's like an exhale, like there's just it's just nice. I like that like an exhale. Yeah. And yeah, so if you want to stay in touch, I'm on Instagram and Facebook. And if you would like more information about things to think about before you're hiring a designer, I have a freebie for you, of course. So go to ChantelleDavis grey.com/rise Above all one word, right. That link
Susan Finn 33:18
we'll put that link Yes. Writing it down. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. There was something else I was going to ask you. I think that I have it all how to get in touch with you. We'll put the links in the show notes and in the chat here. Throw your questions into the rise above noise group. Here. I'm Chantelle, I know checks in there occasionally. I do in particular for the next day or so to see if you have any questions I totally recommend. Oh, you know, I know what it was. We I don't think once during our conversation we said Squarespace. You're right. Oops.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 33:59
Yeah, I specialize in Squarespace. Squarespace is my jam. I have been working on it for many, many years. So that is I love Squarespace. And that is what I design
Susan Finn 34:10
on. Okay, good. I'm glad. Thank you. Um, that up top funding my thing? Yes, so good. Alright, Chantel, I will see you another time. And again, anybody listening if you have any questions, hit me up hit Chantelle up, and I'm just really grateful for the community that we have and how we all support each other.
Chantelle Davis-Gray 34:27
Me too. Thank you so much. This was wonderful.
Susan Finn 34:32
Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this week's rise above noise spotlight. Did you grab some takeaways from our talk? I did. I did. I mean I always do when I'm talking to Chantelle. But today I learned that it's important to start talking to a designer earlier than you even think you need to like way earlier so that you get to put the pieces into place in a thoughtful way. And you need to be thinking about What you want someone to feel when they're on your website. In taking those things into consideration and working with a talented web designer such as Chantel, you can spend less time talking to people who are not your aligned clients. And you're going to write, you're going to filter out those non dream clients. And you get to really shine in front of the people you are here to serve. As you're growing. You want your website to do more for you, you want it to collect aligned leads. So you can see, our rise above noise community is revolutionizing how service professionals show up in our marketing so that we can make a real difference in the world. I truly believe that our only our only true currency in this life is our time and our energy. As we're working at building our businesses, we really need to practice efficiency, and slow to set up systems that allow us to shine in our own zone of genius without sucking up our precious time and energy. Now more than ever, our world needs more transformation creators. We need our transformation creators to be successful in our ventures, right to show up and service and make a real difference in our world. Thank you for being in my community. Thank you for joining me today and I look forward to seeing you within the rise above noise community and I also look forward to sharing another rise above noise spotlight with you
