A semi-custom website, professionally designed & developed, complete with branding & copy:
Northstar Site Solution Website Design and Branding
Take your site from standing still to leading the way.
While your brilliant business keeps forging ahead, your online home has stayed stubbornly off course. Let's change that.
In just a few weeks, we'll create new website design and branding that captures your true magic. An online presence that lights the way – and brings your audience from first glimpse to 'hell yes.'
After our focused journey together, you'll have a refreshed brand, stellar SEO-driven copy, and a hard-working website that knows exactly where it's going (and how to bring your right-fit clients along on the ride), without any tech stress dimming your shine.
Here's the thing about website design and branding...
It doesn't have to be this hard.
Look, I get it – investing in a new website feels like a BFD.
But you know what’s actually costing you?
Every hour you spend wrestling with nonsense tech issues.
Every right-fit client who bounces because your website isn’t speaking to them directly.
Every moment in your inbox spent explaining things that your site can handle on it’s own.
Let’s follow a different path:
An online presence that matches your current level of expertise, so you’re thrilled when prospective clients ask for your URL.
Systems that just...work (while you sleep)
A sandbox page where you can test updates without breaking anything (seriously, play around all you want)
Custom video tutorials made in YOUR site (not those generic platform guides that make you go "what the eff does that even mean?")
30 days of post-launch support…because questions don't always pop up on day one.
You don't need to become a web expert.
You’re already an expert. You just need the right design & dev expert in your corner. Someone who's walked in your shoes and knows how to how to light the best way forward.
Your website should work for you – not the other way around.
Here's what can happen when website design and branding click
Want to see what's possible when you've got the right guide in your corner?
Watch Bunmi Adeeko Collins from StickyNote Creative go from website stress to "holy moly, this is exactly what I wanted":
Kind Words
···
Kind Words ···
Section Styles quote
“Carolyn brings an extra layer of strategy and knowledge to her solutions.
She really listened to me, & created such a beautiful site that is engaging for my visitors.”
— Bunmi Adeeko Collins / StickyNote Creative
Ok, here are the DETAILS:
-
Squarespace Website
Your website launch can be done in just two weeks because it is based on one of my clean, vibrant, custom-coded site kits from the Maypop Studio Template Shop.
Each template comes with 6 pages and is designed with specific industries or biz needs in mind: whether you need an Events page, a Portfolio, a Team page, etc.
You can select your site template on your own or take a quiz to help you decide!
-
Brand Design
Your brand dictates everything about your message: from the design to the method to the tone.
Once you determine the framework for your ‘why’, design and decision-making for your site and copy will fall into place.
The Two-Week Site Solution includes the same Brand Strategy Blueprint we use in our custom client work.
This self-guided workshop & quiz helps you nail down your specific brand messaging and visual style.
-
SEO Copyediting
You have key information that you need to convey – and have only seconds to make an impression. That's where an experienced copywriter comes in.
Every word needs to be intentional and designed for conversion. Why draw in visitors if they don’t become clients – or at least sign up for your email list?
I provide website copy prompts to help you jot basic bullet points. Then I magic them into copy-to-convert, guaranteed to create long-term customers and clients.
-
More (lots more)
All builds come standard with:
Essential On-Page SEO
Responsive Mobile Design
Custom 404 Error Page
Dynamic Social Media Integrations
6-hour image & graphics search and customization
Custom Cookie Bar and Privacy Pages help
Offboarding video embeds and 1-hr Q&A
30-day unlimited tech support
Flat Rate Investment
The Northstar Site Solution package is offered at a flat-rate price: copy, brand, website, and more for $4500.
For half the cost of a custom website design and branding package, you’ll have a high-converting, quick-turnaround website.
VIP Tier
Section Styles quote
The VIP Tier offers four bonus upgrade options for the entrepreneur who needs additional functionality to grow their business & keep it operating as smooth as pie.
$2450 per add-on package:
Attract
1 / SEO Boost: Supercharge Your Squarespace Site
Reclaim your time from social media by turning your Squarespace site into a hands-off lead-generator.
With done-for-you Keyword Discovery and an ultra-profesh Google Business page, let your site do the heavy lifting. From sitemap submissions to voice search optimization, watch your website drive traffic like Vin Diesel.
Plus, with my easy-to-follow SEO Keyword Brief, video walkthrough, and a post-set-up Q&A session: you'll understand the essentials without the overwhelm.
Streamline
2 / Upstream Shift
Stop drowning in back-and-forth emails and messy calendars. This one-week automation buildout gives you an intelligent booking system that works for you – letting you focus on the parts of your business that actually need your sharp brain.
Keep your clients happy, your calendar full – and finally get to tuck your phone away.
Convert
3 / Interactive Video Lead Gen
Step into the future of lead generation where 'choose-your-own-adventure' meets cutting-edge. Turn your website into an interactive hub, sparking conversations with every click. It's basically a virtual coffee chat with each visitor – but each on her own time. You're not just grabbing attention; you're crafting a personalized journey.
Guide visitors with ease, from interactive sales pages to dynamic FAQs, all the way to a pre-discovery call as comfortable as their favorite winter jammies.
Grow
4 / Email Marketing Launch
Been a little hesitant about email marketing? Does 36-42% ROI help? Start capturing and engaging with your audience on your terms, not at the whim of the algorithm.
With the Mailchimp or ConvertKit Start-Up package, your messages land right in inboxes, not lost in spam.
I'll tailor an opt-in just for your biz, then we roll out the red carpet. You’ll greet every new signup with a personalized, automatic hello (or maybe a “helloooo” or “hi y’all”?).
Then, with smart segmentation and easy-to-copy templates, turning one-time visitors into repeat clients is as simple as clicking 'send'.
“Our website, and to be honest, our traffic has increased beyond imagination.”
– jill abbey-clark / CBI Forest School
“Work before working with Carolyn was extremely stressful. I was constantly worried that the work would never get done – every other person I tried to work with just let me down over and over again. Carolyn took the stress and worry off my shoulders & made my life much easier.”
– Dr. Jessica Ahoubim / Pure Health Integrative Medicine
“What stood out over an over again was Carolyn’s expertise in her craft. I was amazed at the processes she used to gather information, examples, and ideas from me. Then seeing how she crafted it into the final product was incredible. Even at the wrap-up stage the way she explains all the details and creates customized tutorials is astounding.”
– allyn miller / Child Connection
“The personal attention of Carolyn was key as someone who has been a small business owner. She understands the needs clients have, and possesses the skills to move their sites to a more visible, functional, and profitable place.”
– Neil Runyon / Carnegie Hill Massage
“We are blown away by the site! You've done an incredible job. It's better than we imagined it could be. We really appreciate the time and care you took to get to know our business values. We are so grateful for the work you put into it.”
– marion & susan bayker / althea bread
“Carolyn listened well to ‘get’ my vision. She did a great job and it did feel like we were a team!”
– jeannine woods / Jeannine Woods KonMari Certified Organizing Consultant
“If you're thinking of hiring Carolyn, stop thinking and just do it. She's awesome and you won't regret it.”
– Dr. Tomi Bryan / ei Guides
HOW it Works
Section Styles fill-video
It’s time to get a partner-in-tech
Hey hey! It’s Carolyn, your friendly tech-decoding website designer.
I turn frustrating starter websites into smooth-running systems that work better for everyone. I’m a former cheese shop & wine bar owner that believes your brand, design + tech should work for you—not the other way around.
When not constructing seamless automations or copy-driven web design, you can find me playing Himalayan Sound Bowls for a meditation shortcut, or splashing and whooping down the Rivanna River in an inner tube with my husband and two young sons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section Styles mobile-FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
-
Absolutely! This package is perfect if you already have the bones of a basic site and just need a visual update and some copy magic.
It’s still important to work through the onboarding process so that I can get a sense of your brand and can design for your unique business, but the process will go super smoothly once we do.
-
Definitely. The semi-custom site process is designed to take you from zero to fully-finished site in two weeks.
When you are truly starting out with a clean slate, opportunity for creation abounds — & I’m here for that!
It does mean that the onboarding process will require a lot of attention from you, however. You’ll need to give some vital brain space to the questionnaires that I send. Hopefully, it will be fun to spend that time on your brand 😍
It’s a quick turnaround project, so you’ll also have to be ready to make some quick decisions. Make sure you know your audience, your offers, and your business inside and out.
-
Great! Let me know on our initial call.
Rather than work through the Brand Roots Blueprint, I’ll collect your brand identity files through the onboarding process.
It will make the build process super smooth!
-
Included in the Northstar Site Solution is the option to connect certain existing email marketing software (like Mailchimp or Squarespace Email Campaigns) as well as your social media integrations (Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc).
Additionally, I offer a VIP Tier that gives a TON of flexibility to add 1-4 integrations that will boost your business and site performance.
If you have additional integration needs, I recommend checking out custom project options.
-
I do post-logo branding — which means all of the brand work after the logo work. The Northstar Site Solution includes color palette, typography, & image and graphic source & edit).
Maypop Creative Studio is not a graphic design studio, so I cannot create graphics from scratch — though I do have partnerships with graphic designers and would love to make a recommendation!
Need a full-blown graphic design artist for that logo? I know just the people to recommend!
-
In the past, I have built in other content management systems (my first website was in Wordpress, which is how I know how challenging it is for upkeep!), but these days I stick to Squarespace.
It is the most user-friendly, and since most of my clients don’t have webmasters that will be running the show once the bulk of my work is done, it is by far the easiest for you to make changes and keep up to date with your business.
Squarespace also makes it easy to keep me on at the Contributor level if you choose to stay on as a VIP Client Member.
And, as a Squarespace Circle Member, I can offer you 20% off your first year of Squarespace!
-
No worries, your current website will stay up and running while I work my magic on the new one.
I'll build your shiny new site separately, and only switch over the domain when it's all set to debut.
But hey, if you're into a bit of suspense, we can definitely put up a sweet-looking "Coming Soon" page.
-
Yup!
I have other sprints available, plus I do custom work.
→ If you’re looking for something simpler, see Sprints.
→ If you have more complex needs, you might need a custom project.
Custom work offers the opportunity for:
multiple integrations;
systems strategy;
fully custom design and coding;
email marketing;
quiz design;
course builds;
membership builds;
and more.
If your needs are more complex than what this package entails, check out custom options.
-
My calendar's usually booked about 2-3 months ahead for custom projects, and a 1-2 months for Sprints.
So let’s jump on a Vibe Check call tout suite and I’ll have my people (scheduler) get in touch with your people (email inbox).
-
I understand, life happens!
You can reschedule and select a new start date from my availability calendar with two caveats:
it might create a longer timeline for your project, and
there is a 15% rebooking fee.
If I have to reschedule, I give you a 15% refund!
-
Sure thing!
Firstly, all payments are handled through my online invoicing software. Very easy.
For the Northstar Site Solution, it's super simple with a 40/60 payment plan – 40% to secure your spot and 60% the day before we kick off the project.
-
Most definitely.
This package comes with:
customized walkthrough videos of your site, and a “sandbox” page for you to play around in and make edits without screwing up your site
a post-launch Q&A session
30-days unlimited tech support
and forever-access to my password-protected online trove of resources.
You also have the option to sign up for the VIP Client Membership. The VIP Client Membership is only available for projects completed via Maypop Creative Studio. For $175/month it includes:
monthly updates to your site;
tracking analytics & Google Search Console for your site and making appropriate monthly adjustments;
annual site reviews and recommendations;
monthly Zoom office hours and training workshops;
a half Design Day per year;
plus a 10% discount on all additional services.
It is a completely optional service that is provided to Maypop Creative Studio clients to take the load off their plates, and you can decide after your project if you’d like to sign up!
-
Definitely.
Some small business owners relish the ability to manage their own sites and tech. Some want to hand it off, with the ability to ask for updates as-needed.
If you would prefer to hand off site & tech management, check out the VIP Client Membership:
The VIP Client Membership is only available for projects completed via Maypop Creative Studio. For $175/month it includes:
monthly updates;
tracking analytics & Google Search Console for your website and making appropriate monthly adjustments;
annual review and recommendations;
monthly Zoom office hours and training workshops;
a half Design Day per year;
plus a 15% discount on all additional services.
It is a completely optional service that is provided to Maypop Creative Studio clients, and you can decide after your project if you’d like to sign up!
-
Working with me is like having a part-time partner.
I come armed with an Inbound Marketing certification, Typeform and Mailchimp partnerships, and Squarespace Circle membership. That means top-notch expertise and sweet discounts for you.
When we team up, it's all-in. I dive deep into your business, taking a holistic approach to understand every nook and cranny.
This means you won't juggle multiple contacts across different firms. Instead, you get a hassle-free, one-stop experience, saving you from the headache of fragmented communication.
My broad experience across small business operations allows me to spot opportunities and dodge pitfalls that others might miss. We're not just solving today's problems; we're building long-term value.
-
It's like having a part-time partner who brings both the brains and the banter.
Expect a systems-driven, super organized experience, where you get all the info you need well in advance.
With a certification in Inbound Marketing, partnerships with Typeform and Mailchimp, and being a proud Squarespace Circle Member, I bring the A-game in expertise and exclusive discounts.
When we team up, it's all-in. I dive deep into your business, taking a holistic approach to understand every nook and cranny.
Ultimately, we’re both humans. I like working with humans, I like supporting humans – I especially like laughing with humans. Let’s make this fun.
Will we be a good fit?
Will I be the right web designer and strategist for you? I hope so!
I love working with solopreneurs, small business service providers, coaches, and health & wellness professionals that are aligned with what I offer. If not, I’m happy to make a recommendation for someone else.
Take a look and see if I’m the right choice for you:
-
• You are excited and passionate about your project, and partnering with a creative pro who can translate your brand feel into a beautiful functional site.
• You have a vision of your biz, your audience, and your offers defined.
• You know Squarespace is a good fit, or are ready to learn more.
• You are ready to delve into what it takes to show up as as your authentic brand – rather than what you think it should be.
• You are willing to dive into the pre-work process: spending time on your content for a few weeks to have it ready to go 1 week before your start date, ensuring the best final result for launch.
• You are systems- and process-oriented. You can make the time commitment to ensure the project keeps moving and deadlines are met.
• You understand the investment that a professionally built, accessible, user experience & search engine optimized site can have on your business.
• You are ready to trust a professional with design, rather than try to dictate each element.
• You are a single-decision making team or are prepared to make quick decisions. In our quick turnaround project, is a 2-day window for refinements.
-
• You are not sure where you want your business to go or what content you need to start.
• Don’t have a strong starting knowledge of your brand identity. This service doesn’t include full brand strategy, but it does give you building blocks if you are struggling with putting your brand feel into words.
• You don't find value in brand or marketing strategy, or why it is a key starting point.
• You prefer a pressured marketing technique rather than building long-term trust with clients.
• You don’t have 5 weeks to commit wholeheartedly to the process (3 weeks onboarding then 2 weeks to publish).
• You need a completely custom site build rather than building based from one of my custom-coded Squarespace templates.
• You have a product based business or need an e-commerce site.
• You have a large team or need a while to sit with decisions. Nothing wrong with that! But in a quick turnaround project, there is a 2-day window for refinements.
• You want a website on Wix, Wordpress, Webflow, Kajabi, or Showit.
• Don’t think web accessibility or SEO/user experience are necessary pieces of your website build.
If Northstar Site Solution isn’t the best fit, you might be better suited for a custom build or I can introduce you to another designer!
