Building a pretty website is nice but it’s not enough. Having a strategic web design plan for your site will in the long run help you convert visitors into customers. My friend Katie is sharing today her heart for creating websites that are both aesthetically pleasant and functional. Katie is the web strategist and designer behind Katie Williamsen Web & Social Media, LLC.

‘A DAY IN THE BUSINESS OF KATIE WILLIAMSEN’
SIMPLIFIED STRATEGIC WEB DESIGN

• Could you briefly tell us about who you are and why you’re passionate about entrepreneurship?

Hi! I’m Katie Williamsen a web strategist and designer. I can’t get enough paper goods, planners and pens. I love a beautiful craft cocktail and sour gummies. Taking long walks with my pup and husband is where it’s at, and if I could travel anywhere right now, I would go to my favorite city, Florence, Italy. I’m the owner of Katie Williamsen Web & Social Media, LLC. I’m super passionate about helping creatives have functional + pretty websites that don’t break the bank.

When I was in college, I dreamed of owning my own business but after graduation, I started down a traditional 9 to 5 path. And then, just over three years ago, my life changed seemingly overnight. I was diagnosed with a sleep disorder, narcolepsy with cataplexy. My sleep cycle is irregular and I often get very tired during the day. This makes it challenging to work a “normal” job. With a desire to own my own business and the need for flexibility, I dove head first into the crazy world of entrepreneurship. I must say, I couldn’t be happier despite how difficult owning your own business can be.

Katie is the web strategist and designer.

• What is your business specialty and what audience do you serve?

My combined background in graphic design and interactive media has made me passionate about creating user-friendly websites. I want to help the creative community flourish and grow by supporting them and their business ambitions.

• What drew you to this niche and what inspired you to offer the services you provide?

I’ve seen so many websites that are confusing and hard to use, and they are doing a disservice to the business they represent. I want to turn this around and let people know they can have a website that works for them.

I offer services at a variety of different price points so lady bosses can start to improve and optimize their website, wherever they are in their business journey.

• What is your favorite part of what you do and why?

I love teaching and supporting others. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a fellow lady boss create her first blog post or understand the importance of Google Analytics.

• Could you give us an overview of what it’s like to work with you on particular project? Walk us through how you assess your client’s needs and deliver your service?

Knowing a client is a good match is extremely important to me. So, before beginning a project, I like to hop on a phone call and learn about the creative, her business and what problems she is experiencing. If we are a good fit, I recommend services to best serve her needs, and off to work I go.
I work very collaboratively with my clients so they understand what is happening at each point of the process. I’m there to answer questions or hop on a quick call.

Katie helps fellow boss ladies create functional and beautiful websites that don’t break the bank.

• What do you think are the most important things business owners need to consider when they are creating or redoing their website?

Everyone wants to have a beautifully designed website, but before you go and make your site pretty, you must think about the strategy behind it. How will site visitors navigate around your website? How will you get them from the homepage to your services or shop page? When you think about function first and then design, you will get a website that works for you.

• What is your decision process for creating content for your audience? Is it through personal experience or from requests of your audience?

When it comes to my blog, I typically share my web, tech and business knowledge. I get these ideas from questions I see in Facebook groups or issues I see my clients facing. I share more personal reflections about life and entrepreneurship on Instagram and in my newsletter.

• What ways have you found to keep being inspired while running a creative business?

When I’m feeling down and uninspired, I have some amazing biz besties I can turn to to help reinvigorate me. There’s nothing better than hopping on a video call or meeting up in person.
I’m also a huge fan of podcasts. I listen to a variety of podcasts, so I’m always getting new ideas and learning different ways to look at things.
And when all else fails, I take the evening or the day off. Taking a step back for a bit can be exactly what I need. Plus, everything will still be there tomorrow.

Katie’s and her husband’s Chad pups Hobbes (right) and Sonny (right).

• How do you deal with feedback and rejection?

Because I went through art school, I used to think I took feedback just fine, but I’ve come to find out I often take it too personally. When I receive negative feedback about my work or process, I try to remind myself they are not talking about me. Instead, I look at it as a way to improve my client experience and offerings.

• Give one tip or advice for creative business owners as it relates to their website?

First, make sure you have Google Analytics installed. Then, spend some time exploring the platform. I think you will be amazed at the amount of information you can learn about your audience and how they use your website.

Katie’s Social Links:

INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST