Have you struggled to create a successful web design business?
Or maybe you're totally burned out and can't face the idea of designing one more site?
I've been a web designer since 1999, and I've run my own business since 2006. I've made multiple six figures the last 8 years - but it wasn't always that way.
When I first started out, I was always worried about where the next client was going to come from. I never wanted to build a giant agency or manage a ton of people, so I wasn't sure how I could get beyond a certain income potential.
But then I figured out the system to get me tons of referrals and work with my ideal clients - clients I adore and spend time with even when we're not working...
- I changed (and expanded) my offerings
- I doubled my rates - and started a year long wait list
- I started working with my ideal clients who respected my work AND my advice
- I started creating my own products
- I've implemented strategies that have raised my gross income
- I'm never worried about finding more clients
- I've got multiple streams of active and passive revenue
- …And most importantly, my business actually makes me happy!
Now word of mouth and network referrals is so strong that I say NO to a lot more projects that I say yes - instead of always saying YES to the wrong types of jobs ... and clients!
Now I have a business that serves the people I want and I'm doing work that matters.
Now I want to see you become more successful ... and I'll share with you the exact steps I've taken to book myself solid and increase revenue without compromising my values or my lifestyle.
GET MY TOP TIPS FOR BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL DESIGNER
(You'll also receive exclusive emails of my best resources, web design and online business tips)
the minima sessions
NOT SURE WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP WITH YOUR WEB DESIGN BUSINESS?
Talk to someone who's been there.
You know who you are and have an idea about what you want to offer - but you're not sure what to do next.
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
- You're struggling to get clients.
- You're tired of chasing invoices.
- Projects never seem to end.
- You're tired of the feast-or-famine cash flow.
- You're tired of designing late at night and on weekends.
- You have no idea how to break through an income ceiling without taking on more work.
- You're not sure how to communicate with other designers or developers.
- You're not sure where all the money goes - or how to generate more without going crazy.
- You don't want to endlessly blog or be on social media.
- You know there's got to be a better way.
The Minima Sessions are custom-tailored for your unique situation!
You'll get recommendations and actionable strategies to implement on your site and in your business.
Your Minima Session Includes:
Custom video review of your site
I cut to the chase and tell it to you straight – what you need to change today on your website to attract (and convert!) prospective clients.
75 minute live session
Got an inkling of what you want to do with your online business, but not sure what to do next? We’ll reverse engineer where you want to be to get you started today.
How it works
Sessions are held via phone or Zoom video. Prior to our session, you'll be sent a comprehensive questionnaire. Your video review will be posted to a private page where you can review it before our call. During our session you'll receive strategic recommendations and actionable plans.
Investment: $750 initial session (includes website review).
Session packages available for ongoing support after initial session is completed.
You always give me direct and honest feedback to help me get out of analysis paralysis.
Things are moving again behind the scenes in my business! Before the call I had like 5 projects that I kept kind of sort of working on but now I have 2 exciting ones to really focus on so progress is happening. I love the high level perspective you give me on my business and offerings. I feel really good now about where to spend my time and where not to. You help simplify things and helped me focus. Feels so good to have direction and focus and to take some ideas off my plate.
Connie Holen
(Web Designer)
After reading some of Michelle’s blogs and watching some of her videos I had very little hesitation about signing up for a consult session. It was clear that I could learn from her and I was ready to make some changes to my business.
Getting a solid plan for moving forward. I got a lot of good information from the phone call and the website review and got a solid plan for moving forward. Michelle helped me prioritize the most important action items.
I got clarity on how to find the kind of clients that I wanted to work with. I had been rolling a lot of ideas around in my head but I did not know where to start. Michelle pointed me to “Start Here” page. I feel inspired again.
I would recommend your service to other designers that are ready to take their businesses to the next level because your prices are reasonable and your advice is motivating. When I grow up I want to be like Michelle!
Katie Rosebraugh
(web designer)
I’d been eyeing [the consult] up for a while and felt finally ready (enough) to give it a go.
Everything was put at ease after I received the website review. It gave me the jumping off point for what I wanted to discuss during our call.
The website review alongside the free-for-all agenda [was the best]. Being able to jump from topic to topic was great and covering SO much in just one call.
My head is still spinning… but in a really great way. I have SO many things to implement now. It’s really given me an actionable list for what needs to happen to really up my game and take my business to the next level.
You’re very personable and kind. But you’re not afraid to be honest to help me grow.
I appreciate your time and look forward to staying connected!!
Katie O’Brien
(Web Designer)
I'll admit I was nervous because I'm a DIAY person: Do It *All* Yourself. It was a bit daunting to bring someone in to deconstruct my business so I could rebuild it to make it stronger and shinier. But I'd seen Michelle speak and knew she was an absolute genius at both design and business, so I was confident I'd get a lot out of our session. Spoiler alert: I was right!
I was completely blown away by how thoroughly prepared Michelle was when we did the consult. She had obviously spent a lot of time with my site and my intake form, and she came in to the consult guns blazing (in the best way possible). I also loved that she had gathered some competitor sites to walk through with me so we could see what was working for them. So helpful.
I've completely updated my site and am working on new products and packages. Our consult gave me both the big-picture insights as well as the real-world action items to tick off my list to make my business more profitable and, just as importantly, more fun.
Look, it's tough to look at your own business the way you do with your clients. After working with Michelle, it was like someone cleaned my glasses and I could suddenly see all the things that needed fixing. It's like business therapy! (There's no higher praise in my book)
Laura Scholes
(Web Designer + Copywriter)
Michelle is just so real and has the experience to give you solid and reliable advice. It is the best money I have spent in a long time. I wish I'd come to you sooner!
I know that investing in myself and my business is always worth the money so in the end I was happy to hand over the money and every cent was worth it! I loved that we could chat about anything and EVERYTHING, nothing was off limits. I loved that Michelle was so open and honest with her experience and she made me feel so comfortable from the moment we said hello! I really didn't want the call to end! My head is spinning with ideas. The call opened me up to new possibilites and has made me believe that the goal I have is achievable and that I am almost there. I feel like I have so much to go on and that tiny little tweaks in my business are what is going to make the biggest difference.
Nicola Tweed
(Web Designer)
Honestly, once I decided I was ready to make some changes in my website/business, there really wasn't a lot of hesitation. I had been receiving your emails for long enough and stalking your website frequently enough, that I had no doubt that you know your stuff and that the price would be 100% worth it.
As simple as it might sound, I really appreciated the recorded copy of our conversation. I feel like we talked through so many different things, it's hugely helpful to be able to go back through question by question and really listen/think through all of the details.
I feel like I've already benefitted in SO many ways, and we just talked a few days ago! I think the biggest benefit so far has just been the new sense of excitement I started feeling immediately after our call. The other huge thing is your help in realizing that I really am not charging enough.
I would recommend it to any fellow designers — even if they think their current website is in tip-top shape. I think there's always such a huge value in having an outsider's perspective (whose opinions you value and know that they're coming from a place of experience).
I really can't say thank you enough times for the insight you provided. I can't wait to put everything we talked about into practice, and I know I'll be contacting you for future sessions once I start changing things up!
Shannon Blaz
(Web Designer)
I was a little nervous about opening myself up to critique, but because I’ve followed Michelle for some time and know she walks her talk, I knew she was the right person to trust.
I loved the fact it was recorded, and that I could jump around from topic to topic. I had a lot of areas of my business I wanted Michelle to speak into, and I didn’t feel rushed or pressured to only ask about a couple of things. I also liked how follow ups were mentioned (with a special rate) because I really like the idea of checking in in a few weeks to stay accountable to what we spoke of on our call.
While it’s only been a couple of days, I can already tell this is one of the best things I’ve done for my business this year- a game changer! I got permission to make some hard decisions and strategies to up level in the way I want to. Michelle identified several opportunities for my business and really encouraged me in my personal potential. I could tell she could see my strengths as a person, and not just as a business.
I’ve looked at coaching for designers before, and none were as individual, for people like me who aren’t just starting out, or run by people who seemed like they still actually enjoyed what they were doing! You were kind, honest, direct, specific. I was nervous going into it and you made me immediately feel at ease and like you were my ally.
I’m just so confident coming away from this. I’ve never been coached in a way that made me feel like 1) I’m not “behind” at my current stage, but I have permission to pivot 2) I don’t have to give up other things I’m passionate about for my business 3) Just such specific, actionable feedback in general. The fact that you KNOW this business and are aware of how much it’s changed and its pain points was helpful. I think a lot about the future of the internet and the way you helped me think about my skillset and role as the face of my business was huge.
Kristen Estes
(Web Designer / Agency Owner)
I followed you for a couple of years and you always gave me the impression of being a honest and helpful person.
I think the website review was fantastic. You went into specific details with practical advice. [I’ve benefitted most from] direction, which was my main concern to start with. I now see a path I can follow to take my business up to the next level. I think is totally worth the money. You are very easy to talk to and most importantly you gave my very valuable advice. Thank you so much!
Veronica Dunovits
(Web & Graphic Designer, Australia)
[I loved] how relaxed, real and genuine you are. (And encouraging and supportive!)
I also appreciated how focused your advice was, with concrete actions, and that you took the time afterward to help guide me through the execution of what we discussed. I took action immediately and the result was positive.
You’re kind, but honest and direct. You’re positive, but you don’t sugarcoat. You have a wealth of knowledge and experience and you’re great at what you do. We all need guidance sometimes, whether we’re just starting out or have been at it for a decade. I would refer old and new designers or other business owners to you.
Emily French
(web designer)
[I hesitated because] generally I don’t like other designers. And don’t ever open myself to criticism from other designers.
We covered a lot of ground and Michelle didn’t hold back her information just because we are “competitors.” She was extremely generous with her knowledge. I have a confidence about how to move forward and upgrade my designs for myself and my clients so we can all be more effective. I’ve already started streamlining my design. Michelle’s ideas are simple and quick to implement, yet powerful. This is a great value and I would suggest other website designers use Michelle’s unique service. Michelle is open and non-judgemental. Her offering is unique because usually successful marketers don’t like to reveal their insider secrets. Michelle is not like those other marketers. She’s forthcoming and generous.
Julia S.
(web designer)
Michelle is structured, organized, and brings so much experience to the table.
We know Michelle does great work and could totally justify the cost by asking ourselves “if this saves us or earns us x amount down the road, it will be worth it!” All of the tools [she suggested] were implemented immediately and we are definitely seeing the payout. I have a running list of items from the consultation I would also like to implement in phase 2. I also appreciated the way she was able to keep the conversation free-flowing so nothing got stagnant or felt stiff, the whole process felt very organic.
Elizabeth Sobka
(design agency)
There really wasn’t any hesitation about purchasing the session since we recognized the value of your offerings.
I really appreciated the interactive exercises you guided us through. It helps to have hands on the material. We have put some initiatives into play and feel really good about where we're going.
You are a great inspiration and we are happy to spread the word about your services. From the moment we sat down with you it didn’t feel like a one sided interaction. There was communication and flow throughout the whole experience. I was engaged from start to finish. One of the mayor things I took from our session is that it helps to really get clear of what your offerings are but also realize that what you offer can evolve as your clients evolve.
Angela Prado
(design agency)
I wasn’t sure if this would be another instance of money spent on empty promises. I loved the video and how you pointed out why the changes needed to be made. This is the most honest someone has been about my website.
I have clarity on what to focus on the next 6 weeks and it’s good to know that I can come back to have my work reviewed and make progress on personal development to better serve my clients. I highly recommend this service to anyone who wants to save themselves time and money. The honest feedback helped me take a look at my website on a client’s perspective and it helped me realized how much money I was losing because It wasn’t clear what my services were or what my website was about. Michelle honesty saved me a lot of money and help me redirect my effort on what will help me bring more clients to the door.
Webly A.
(web designer)
At first I was very hesitant to pay another web designer for consulting services about how I run my business. I thought perhaps she would tell me things I already know. I also thought that I must not be a real professional designer if I have to pay another web designer for advice.
I loved the interactive video. It was a real eye opener. Michelle walked me thru page for page on my own website detailing everything that was not working for my site and gave me a direction on how to make my content and design better for conversions.
The phone consultation is awesome as well. I have the opportunity to write down any questions I have and she answered all of them very professionally.
I have a direction on how to redesign my site for better conversion. I have also been given great advice as to why I should raise my prices and how to convince people that I am worth the amount I charge.
I have already recommend her service to another freelance web designer friend of mine. I was amazed by the video and all the useful information I got from it. I know he could use the same advice for his own site he has struggled with for years as well.
I am incredibly grateful to Michelle for convincing me to make that jump in pricing and all the helpful advice she gave me that has pushed me to want to redesign my content. Making the decision to pay for the consultation was well worth it and I will for sure be a future client again. Thank you so much!
Heather W.
(web designer)
I think what I appreciated most was that you provided actual steps to take and avenues to pursue that was specified for my exact situation. For example, it wasn’t just ‘get yourself featured somewhere’, I very much appreciated that you gave real world suggestions rather than just vague options of what to do.
It was absolutely worth the fee, especially with the added Vimeo video that I can now check back on at anytime.
I believe I have more focus on where to take things next. Especially from having a fellow web designer critique my site in an honest way. I think I fell into the category of ‘designing for other designers’ when I initially came up with my concept for my site, rather than thinking about what would speak best to my potential clients.
It was quite clear to me as we spoke that you’re very knowledgeable in this field and know what works and what doesn’t. I feel like the information you gave wasn’t just run of the mill info that you can find on any number of blogs, but that it was very personalized to my specific situation.
Just a huge thank you again Michelle, I really appreciate the advice and information you provided me. I will be sure to touch base with you for a follow up, to keep you in the loop of how things have progressed.
Mike Watterson
(web designer)
The structure [of the consult] really worked. I love the fact that I can keep the video and review it whenever I want. And the call was essential, as well. The combination of the two is perfect.
I just booked a client using the tactics you suggested. So that’s a huge win right away!
My other big takeaway is getting my new service offering realized and thought out. It’s kind of brilliant and I can’t wait to develop it and launch it.
And finally, my new pricing structure just makes sense and solves a problem I had with booked clients flaking out.
I also received a nice boost because I was feeling a bit “am I even any good?” and having your cheerleading helped.
My biggest benefit was I was feeling really heavy and uncertain about my business. I was feeling depression and a lack of clarity and focus about it all. Now I have clear steps to take to improve it, and that makes me feel 1,000 times better. I feel energized and happy about it again!
I will absolutely recommend your service. You over-delivered big time, booked me in quickly and without fuss, and gave me valuable, useful advice. You were prompt, professional, and fun to talk to. Best part of all, the part that’s invaluable to me, is that you totally GET IT. You know my industry inside and out, and with your track record I know I can trust you 100%. And that is really the invaluable part for me.
Everything about it was a big win for me, and I’ve done nothing but rave about you. I’m deeply appreciative!
Zsofi Koller
(web designer)
[I had no hesitation on purchasing a session] because you are so generous with information in your newsletters.
The video and follow-up report really made it for me. I was having QUITE a day before our phone consult, was really flustered and had a hard time absorbing all of the information during the call. So to watch the video later…amazing. It all fell into place at that point. I sat down later that day and made the really fast changes to my site. That [one change you recommended] made my site feel about 75 times more authentic. I am grateful to have that matter settled and it feels so much better this way. And I’m looking forward to making the other changes to the site.
Nicole H.
(web designer)