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Behind the Scenes: My Website Redesign

- June 22, 2016 | by April -

My Website Redesign

Website redesign.

Normally that's a phrase that makes my stomach contract with nausea.

I've been putting it off for well over a year. Mainly because I hadn't connected with the right person for the job. Thankfully, I found her. (YAY Amanda Creek!)

Another reason I've been putting it waaaaaay back on the furthest burner of them all is because I despise technical stuff.

Really and truly it's the part I hate the most (well, second to accounting...ack!) about running an online business.

When I first launched Blacksburg Belle, I did everything myself--the design, setting up the hosting and domain, figuring out the backend of WordPress. That included 23 meltdowns, 19 shots of tequila, and 7 sleepless nights.

After about a year, a website designer contacted me. She was building her portfolio and wanted the chance to redesign Blacksburg Belle. We hit it off and she created my current design.

While I loved it for years, I've outgrown it.

Not only that, but website design has changed a ton since 2011. I need a reboot--an updated look.

I've known this for about a year and a half, but it's terrifying to hand over the design reigns to someone you don't know. There isn't any trust. Like many of you running your own businesses, trust is huge to me.

I've already found myself working with the wrong people in the past. I've hired a photographer that wasn't quite right. I've hired a website designer that turned out to be a nightmare. I've worked with a makeup artist and hairstylist that did not understand my look at all which ended up with me sobbing for over an hour (ruining the horrid makeup) and having to put off a video team that we were paying thousands of dollars to for a couple of hours and losing that time completely. (Thank you Mayi for hanging in with me during those couple of awful hours. Love you to bits!)

I didn't want to find myself in that same situation, so even though I've wanted to update my website for a while, I've waited patiently (most of the time) to find the right person.

I'm sharing this with you, because I want you to know that it's not always rainbows and big red balloons here at the Blacksburg Belle headquarters.

I struggle just like you--to find the right person to work with, through moments of doubt, to make everything appear as if it comes naturally.

We often blog about the magical moments (and I love those reading about those!) and skip over the rainstorms.

These behind-the-scenes posts give me a chance to talk about all of it: the good, the bad and the nightmares.

When I hired Amanda Creek to redesign my site, I was literally like a five-year-old giddy with excitement. And, don't get me wrong, I still am!

But, for the past few weeks, I've been slogging through the mud to make this redesign the BEST it can possibly be.

I've spent waaaaaaay too much time on photo shoots. They took over my life for two weeks. I spent at least 60 hours getting ready, picking out the perfect outfits, taking the photos, figuring out that one of the outfits didn't flatter me at all, retaking photos, editing the photos, uploading them for Amanda to access, and picking out my favorites. And, I've probably spent just as much time on watercolors for my upcoming website--brainstorming, sketching, painting, scanning, and editing.

We started in a direction that didn't feel quite right so I had to redo all the watercolors I'd already done. (This one was totally on me--not Amanda. And, she's been great to roll with it.)

Throughout the past month, I've also been battling my insurance company. To make a long story short, they don't want to pay for the only treatment plan any of my doctors have been able to come up with in over five years because it's very expensive. They're coming up with every excuse they can think of (short of having me killed) to not pay for it. That's been really draining. But don't you worry about me, I'm married to one of the top 100 trial attorneys in the United States (yes...he really did win an award as one of the top 100 trial attorneys in the United States--I'm not just making up crap as a proud wifie even though I'm very much the proud wifie--go hubby go!) and they won't get away that easy. They better be prepared for war, because we are.

Okay...let's get back to the happy parts.

Now that I've leaped over a bunch of hurdles, I've got photos that I'm thrilled with and watercolors that I can't wait to show you.

The best lesson I can share with you so far is that when something doesn't feel exactly right, stop right then and adjust. If I said to myself, "Hey self. You've already spent hours and hours on these watercolors and editing them in Illustrator and turning them into your new logo. Don't throw all that away because it doesn't feel on brand," then I wouldn't be happy with the outcome. I know myself too well to know that just because I've put in tons of time into something doesn't mean it gets published.

You would probably be shocked to know how many things I've done that have never made it in front of you--blog posts I've fired, watercolors I've thrown in the trash, photos I've deleted, courses I've stopped mid-way through production.

When you're in charge, you can't get romantic about your projects.

You've got learn to be lethal--canning everything that you know in your gut shouldn't make it in the final edit.

It's not easy. But, it makes you one heck of a girl boss (yes, I love this term and will continue to use it so #hatersgetlost) when you learn this lesson. It means that the world only sees your best and that is something to be proud of.

Alright...alright...I'll come down off my inspirational soapbox and show you some behind-the-scenes moments from my website redesign:

First, here are some photos that I adore and am so excited about using:

Website Redesign Photo Shoot

Website Redesign Photo Shoot

Website Redesign Photo Shoot

Website Redesign Photo Shoot

It is taking every ounce of willpower I have not to share more photos. I've gotta save something for the website launch but oh my goodness, it's hard to hold back.

And, this unfortunately, is what happens when you get a little carried away with photo ideas. This will never make it to the final project but I thought you might need a giggle today:

Website Redesign Photo Shoot Fail

Yes, that is silver glitter all over my lips. I must've ingested at least a teaspoon of glitter for this shot. Face palm!

But, hey...you never know until you give it a go, right?

Next, here's one of the watercolors I've created specifically for the redesign:

This is it mid-project:

image2

And, here it is almost finished (I haven't scanned it in and taken off the background yet):

Watercolor for Website Redesign

I hope you love it! I do.

Now, I've got to get back to my watercolors if Amanda and I hope to get the website launched anytime soon.

Thanks for all the support you've given to me as I've shared bits and pieces on Instagram. You have no idea how much motivation it's given me to get this right. Virtual hugs and kisses!

41 Comments · Filed Under: Behind the Scenes

Comments

  1. Marian says

    June 22, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    You look lovely as always, and your watercolor is enchanting. I spent yesterday on Creative Live watching Make Your Creative Business Uniquely Irresistible, and I loved it.
    I am 76 years old and recovering from a bad fall, but I have been a huge fan of both Mayi and you for a good number of years now. I was so inspired yesterday that I wanted to be young again and just starting out so I could follow your advice and implement action. You are a true professional who likes having fun, and you bring joy to each class you teach.

    I am sorry about your health issues but feel certain you will stick to your guns with your husband’s help. Wishing you much continued success and great happiness in all of your pursuits.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:03 pm

      Thanks Marian! You’re so sweet. Your kind words made my day and I’m so glad you were inspired by my CreativeLive course.

      I’m so sorry that you’ve had a bad fall. I hope you’re feeling better soon.

      Reply
  2. Amanda Creek says

    June 22, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    **Blushing over here**

    It’s been a joy to work with you so far! 🙂 You’re the best!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      YAY! I like being a good client. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Mysty says

    June 22, 2016 at 5:27 pm

    The third photo down is amazing and you should use it on all your social media.
    The ones above seem like fashion shots.
    Just my opinion.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thanks Mysty…that’s one of my favorites, too.

      Reply
  4. Angela says

    June 22, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    April, so far, so good! The photos are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thanks Angela!

      Reply
  5. Carole Carlson says

    June 22, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    I love the photos you’ve shared so far. I can’t wait to see the new website.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks! I can’t wait, either.

      Reply
  6. Jillian says

    June 22, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    Love it! Your personality is shining through! 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks Jillian!

      Reply
  7. Nalana Lillie says

    June 22, 2016 at 6:02 pm

    Thanks for sharing this behind the scenes moment.It’s comforting to know I’m not alone. I feel this same way with techy and accounting stuff. 🙂 Amanda helped me with my website and she was amazing, so I know you are in good hands!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:06 pm

      Amanda is sooooooooooo awesome to work with. The more we work on this project, the happier I am that I hired her. 🙂

      And, oh yes…accounting and technology…blech!

      Reply
  8. Emily F. says

    June 22, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    I’m really looking forward to seeing your new site! The photos are lovely and so are your watercolors. 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:06 pm

      YAY! Thanks Emily!

      Reply
  9. Bonnie Lecat says

    June 22, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    Thanks, April! I love hearing about your journey:) Your shots are beautiful and I look forward to seeing your new site.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:06 pm

      Thanks Bonnie!

      Reply
  10. Patty says

    June 22, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    OOOOOO I love all of this!!!! So much to be excited about!!! My favorite portrait of you is the white blouse and fishtail braid, because that is YOU. So you. The leopard is just enough! The maxi dress is gorgeous on you and the color is perfect. All of them are so cool. I think if you had gone with red glitter, you might have liked that one better. The silver is too cool toned. It’s funny because I’ve been thinking about doing candy lips or glitter on models for a photo shoot coming up.

    You are so right about the vast archives of stuff that never makes it off the hard drive! I have 1000s and 1000s of photos and page after page of story ideas that never go anywhere. Like you say, you gotta put your best out there or don’t do it at all. I just reshot some stuff where the focus wasn’t quite right and it really bothered me. I edited the new pictures tonight and I LOVE them. It’s important to always, always put your best foot forward.

    Having just completed a website redesign, I know what this is like. I was so stressed and exhausted going through all of it, but I love my new site. Amanda is amazing and I hope to work with her someday, myself!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:08 pm

      The silver glitter is definitely too cool toned. I agree. I wanted to go with pink glitter, but Kris talked me out of it. He suggested the silver. But, you don’t know until you try sometimes. 🙂

      THANKS for sharing and commenting! I always appreciate your comments because you take the time to really share your experiences in detail. It’s fun to read.

      Your new site was totally worth it. Now, you get to enjoy it. YAY!

      Reply
  11. Brenda says

    June 23, 2016 at 1:49 am

    This is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO incredibly YOU. Love that you’ll be sharing your true, beautiful self… inside and out with your site design. Can’t wait to see what you have in store! I also that you proclaim the #girlboss title. It’s so much easier to say than “solopreneur”… hahaha!

    Thank you for sharing your free spirit and your excitement with all of us who feel like we know you so well. It gives so much perspective to my daily battle with myself, and means a lot that you “shine by example”.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Thanks, Brenda! I feel like it’s so me, too. I’m glad others feel the same way.

      I love sharing this kind of stuff with you–it’s the type of stuff I love hearing about from other entrepreneurs.

      #girlbossisbetterthansolopreneur

      Reply
  12. Katrina Davy says

    June 23, 2016 at 4:58 am

    Loved reading this and how inspiring! Thanks for sharing the good, bad but not ugly… except maybe the silver lipstick wasn’t the greatest idea. 🙂 We all have moments! Mine was a perm of my bangs when I was a teen! And I’m sure there will be more moments to come. Enjoy them all and best wishes with your health! xxx

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      Hahahahaha…yeah…not the greatest idea ever. 🙂

      Oh my gosh…I also got a terrible perm when I was in sixth grade. My classmates called me poodle because of it. So embarrassing.

      Reply
  13. Shona says

    June 23, 2016 at 6:21 am

    The photos and watercolours look great. Thank you for such an honest and real post! Really hope you get your health treatment sorted soon and look forward to seeing your your new website. Thanks April and all the best, Shona

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this post. I hope to get my health stuff sorted out, too. Insurance companies can be so unhelpful when they should be the opposite.

      Reply
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        May 8, 2017 at 11:58 am

        Like with the same account and same cashier, same money I play casino games and poker games like cash games and stuff.. but I share the same money. ha??

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  14. Kathleen says

    June 23, 2016 at 10:47 am

    I am so excited to see your redesign! The photographs have turned out incredible and your style evolved nicely! Your watercolors too! Hugs to you as you battle the big dogs and get what you need.

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      Thanks Kathleen! I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  15. Angela says

    June 23, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    Love to see what you are coming up with on the redesign! Love the photos and the watercolors so far 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      Thanks Angela! I can’t wait to share it all.

      Reply
  16. Tricia says

    June 23, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    Love!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      YAY!

      Reply
  17. Allison Dey Malacaria says

    June 23, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    Your new site is going to be lovely! I am waiting for a new site switch from Blogger to WordPress and not without goof-ups and clashes in vision. Today I just found this message up on the web:

    “Sweater Doll is undergoing a transformation and we are currently creating a fresh new look.

    While we are waiting for the pain to dry, please head over to our blog at (and then my old blog URL).”

    Yes, indeed, I am waiting for the “pain to dry”. Nail biting. Fingers crossed. And a Xanax. (JK on that one.)

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      Thanks Allison!

      Technical issues give me the biggest headaches. I hope you get yours all sorted out as soon as possible. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Heather says

    June 24, 2016 at 11:51 am

    It is so much fun to read the behind the scenes. It’s also a good reminder that it takes a lot of hard work to create a professional product and that it isn’t as effortless as you make it look! The watercolor is beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing how everything will come together in the finished site!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:14 pm

      I love reading that kind of stuff from other entrepreneurs. Glad you like it, too.

      Definitely not effortless. Thanks!

      Reply
  19. Bev says

    June 28, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    I really enjoy reading the real sides of business — the highs & lows, successes & struggles. It makes it so much more relatable.
    Can’t wait to see your new website!

    Reply
    • April says

      July 6, 2016 at 6:14 pm

      There are definitely highs and lows. That’s for sure. Glad you enjoyed this post, Bev!

      Reply
    • Lesa says

      July 18, 2016 at 2:02 am

      Regula- Thanks so very much for the lovely comments about my work! If my painting can conjure up such fine memories (of pain au chocolat, no less!) then I feel that I’ve really accomplished soeighmnt!:-)

      Reply
  20. (Ms.) Michael says

    October 11, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Absolutely stunning! What a beautiful showcase of the magic that is YOU — and AMANDA!!!! So happy for you both!!!

    Reply

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