collaboration and co-creation

this is a relationship
not a transaction

I always start a project with this intent in mind - I want you to love it. When we are done I want you to feel good about sharing it with family, friends, customers, colleagues. And, I really want it to Feel Like You.

Yes, yes, in the end the website is really for your customers, but I have witnessed more than once someone seeing their website for the first time and being truly stunned by what we have created. All of a sudden, they sit up a little straighter, walk a little taller. This is what a website (a well-organized set of visuals and messages) that really reflects who you are can do. 

But I can't make a great reflection of you all by myself. It is, after all, about you, your project or business, your audience and customers. So over the years I've developed a very collaborative process that includes you and I creating together.

The Meet & Greet ::  this is always the place to start :: 

We do a call, on the phone or on zoom. These usually last about 60 minutes. This is enough time to talk and see what you need and what I can do to help. This business is personal and it is important we have a strong connection.

Once we meet and talk, I will have an idea of what you are looking for and different ways I can help. We will wrap up the call with some next steps which will likely include me writing up a proposal for your project. 

The Proposal  ::  how we can work together :: 

I write custom proposals for all of my work. I have tried building templates or standard packages but I can’t help myself. Once I meet someone and learn about their particular project and situation, I start seeing possibilities. I have learned over time that writing a custom proposal is the best way to meet the demands of your project.

The Project  ::  let’s build something awesome together :: 

Once we align on dates and cost, we can begin. What the process looks like will vary across projects but often we will start with a Discovery/Kick-off call. We will discuss visuals, structure, content and we will put together a working plan for next steps.

I really want collaboration and so expect frequent check-ins and reviews. I won’t be going off on my own and bringing back something you need to accept. It helps us be efficient if we stay very connected.

The final step is often polish, launch, celebrate!!

The Future  ::  after the website :: 

I don’t lock anyone into maintenance contracts but once you know me, you know me. I’m happy to help do things or train you to do them yourself. But I’m always here to help make it easier for you as you go.

Is this right for you?

In the end, only you can answer that question. I do encourage you to reach out if you even have a sense that it might be, I love meeting new people and am always happy to chat. That said, here are some of my thoughts about who is the best fit.

This is for you if...

... you are an individual, not a big business

... you are just starting (or just starting over)

... you are tired of trying to do this alone

... you value creativity and taking new approaches

... you really want to make your project or your business a unique expression of who you are in the world

... your already have a website but it doesn't really fit anymore

...you are small non-profit

More Questions, Answered

  • Project costs can range from $1200 to $4500. Once we do our meet & greet I will propose a project that works for your needs and your budget.

  • No, not at all. I will help you do what needs doing or use what you already have if it is working.

    I can help you write your copy. This can be a huge barrier for people but it doesn’t have to be anymore.

  • Yes, for sure! If you already have a look and feel you love we can talk about how we can take that and build it into a website you love just as much.

  • I do both. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago, so if you are local (around the Chicago area) it would be great to meet in person. But I also have clients throughout the US, Europe and Canada and while it would be fun to meet in person, doing everything by video chat is quite a bit more cost effective.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out to kim@eastwillow.com or use the contact form and I will be in touch.

  • All of our key dates will be in the proposal. I believe in deadlines, especially for work like this. Otherwise, it can just drag on. And dragging on doesn't really help you to move forward. And that is, in the end, what we are looking for - good solid forward momentum.

  • Squarespace. It's easy to update on your own, no developers needed. And you don’t have to worry about technical maintenance at all.

  • AI is here, whether you like it or not. And I have to be honest, I like it. I have found Claude to be an amazing thinking partner, truly. But Claude is only a partner, I still have to be thinking right along side. I've also tested some AI builders and those solutions are not living up to the marketing hype at all.

    I see AI as a powerful new tool in the toolkit. Knowing when to use it — and when not to — is part of what I bring to every project now.

And the final question is…are you ready to begin?

There is a line from one of my favorite movies Shawshank Redemption that seems apt here:

“…if you’ve come this far, maybe you’re willing to come a little further.” — Andy Dufresne

I can help. I really can.

I have visited many websites and have gotten as far as you have now, have seen little bits of myself and wondered if the person could really help, but then I’ve stopped short of getting in touch. I’m hoping you will come a little further and reach out.

Let’s build something awesome together!

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