Want to build your own website, or are you looking to become a Pro Designer?
Using a London Underground map analogy, Elwyn discusses how you can identify Your Starting Point in Web Design.
Hop on and off at your own chosen point…
Just over two years ago, I started coaching people to build their own websites online. This was after creating courses through university, and even further back, I’ve built over 3,000 websites across my own platforms, agencies I ran, and, more recently, Squarespace.
When I first started coaching, I didn’t realise how much I’d get wrong!
My background was coaching web designers. Even though those designers didn’t always start from the same place, they usually had a solid foundation. They understood design principles and had a good eye for layout, so my job was to take them to the next level. My focus was always to make them better than me, and thankfully, most of them have ended up that way.
But when I switched to helping people build their first website or transition into web design from marketing backgrounds, it was a new challenge. I didn’t expect the starting points to be so diverse. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been gathering information, and today I’ve put together a diagram based on that – a tribute to the London Underground. Every person I’ve coached has hopped on at a different point, and not everyone stays on the same track.
Some people just want to build a decent Squarespace site; others want to become top-tier web designers, designing websites for their customers.
Whatever option you select from below, make sure you join our FREE Pixelhaze Academy membership, there are so many ways we can support you without charging a penny!
The Career-Change Colin Example
Pixelhaze Personas: Career Change Colin
Take Career-Change Colin, for example. He’s from the corporate world and is looking for a lifestyle change, maybe to work from home and do something more creative.
Colin joins us on day one with varying levels of tech know-how, so the challenge is finding the right pace for him. Most novices, like Colin, can navigate a computer and start building websites without needing a high-end Mac or gaming PC. The main thing is having a reliable computer and an up-to-date browser. Once Colin gets his first few websites live, he can explore more advanced features like joining the Squarespace Circle for extra perks and support.
Best solution: Pixelhaze Coaching Community (Skool)
The DIY Web Designer
Then there’s the DIY crowd. These folks, like DIY Colin six months down the line, have started to dabble with website builders. They’ve got a feel for how platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Hostinger work but still make those early design mistakes. They’re keen to improve, and that’s where I step in – to help them iron out the wrinkles and get their projects running smoother, whether building their own website or designing for a client.
Best solution: Pixelhaze DIY Community (Skool)
Digital Marketers Taking the Plunge
Next, we’ve got the digital marketers. They’re pros regarding content and strategy but might need a hand with the design side of things. For them, it’s about learning how to apply their marketing skills to web design and using the right tools to offer more value to their clients or employers. Whether freelance or in-house, learning how to future-proof a site by keeping it updated and functional can make it a more valuable asset.
Best solution: Pixelhaze DIY Community (Skool)
The Graphic Designer Transition
The Freelance Fiona Archetype - Pixelhaze Personas
Then there’s Freelance Fiona. She’s an accomplished graphic designer but hasn’t dived into web design, mainly because the technical side puts her off.
But with tools like Squarespace, web design isn’t as much of a leap from her current role – it’s just a matter of taking a few baby steps. And that’s where we come in, helping Fiona add another string to her bow without overwhelming her.
Best solution: Pixelhaze Coaching Community (Skool)
Developers and Web Designers
Developers tend to have the tech side down—they’re comfortable handling domains and writing custom code. Their challenge is usually design. They’ll often lean on WordPress and tweak pre-existing templates, but many clients need great web design as a priority, often with just a bit of custom code to make it look and feel unique.
Then, at the other end of the scale, you’ve got web designers who have built 10 to 75 websites. They’re comfortable with most of the work but might hit a roadblock when things get complicated. That’s where the experience comes in – having seen problems before, they can fix them quickly without panicking.
For the more advanced designers – those who’ve built 75 websites or more – it’s about staying sharp and avoiding getting stuck in a creative rut. That’s why being part of a community is so valuable. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, challenging you to try new things without blowing the budget.
Best solution: Pixelhaze Coaching Community (Skool)
The Old G.O.A.T
And then there’s the old G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time - I don’t mean it literally, but in the bracket of having been at the coal face for so long) – someone like me, who’s built thousands of websites and has been around long enough to see just about everything.
New tools, features, and trends don’t scare me because I’ve already seen patterns emerge over time. I’m not saying I’m the greatest designer ever – most of my time is spent coaching now, and I’m happy to let those who I train to become better than me over time.
But after years of doing this, not much can stump me.
Best solution: Get in touch so we can discuss how we can collaborate!
Key Takeaways:
Your starting point is unique: whether you’re transitioning from another career or already have design experience, everyone’s journey in web design is different.
Build at your own pace: don’t rush the process. Focus on gradual improvements, especially when tackling unfamiliar tools or design principles.
Leverage the right tools: platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and Hostinger simplify the technical side, letting you focus on the creative aspects.
Community is key: Surround yourself with like-minded people who can offer support, feedback, and advice. Collaboration helps you grow faster.
Learn from mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make them! Each one is a step forward in your journey.
Keep expanding your skills: Whether you’re a novice or seasoned designer, stay open to learning new things and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Wrapping Things Up
I’ve mapped this journey out to help you figure out where you’re starting from, and where you want to go. The idea is to take baby steps towards your goal, whether it’s building your first website or your hundredth. We’re here at Pixelhaze to help smooth out the bumps along the way and make the process as straightforward as possible.
If this resonates with you, we’ve got two communities running: one focused on website builders and making you more technically proficient, and another for weekly coaching sessions, where I help guide you through your challenges live on Zoom. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already deep into web design, we’ve got something to help you along the way.
I’m not promising a straight line from start to finish – that’s not how it works. But if you stick with us, we’ll get you moving forward. Now it’s over to you – does the diagram make sense? Where do you see yourself starting? Drop us a message, and I’ll catch you soon. Cheers!
