Exciting Plans for 2019!
Hi All!
It’s been a while since my last proper blog post - I’ve already noted down that one of my New Year resolutions is to ensure I have regular updates across my website and social media channels!
I have been busy with work behind the scenes, along with relocation and travel plans, but all that means that 2019 is shaping up to be very exciting…..
New Squarespace Features
Squarespace has been working on new features to further improve what can be done on the platform. From integrated animations for image blocks, to e-commerce payment plans and client logins, there are now even more reasons to choose Squarespace as your website platform.
I’m currently learning all about these new features, and will be producing short articles and guides on ones that I think would be the most useful (and interesting!) in the new year.
I’ll also be looking at other online marketing resources that could be useful and cost-effective for the small business owner, such as online chat, and design software for use across multiple platforms that doesn’t require you to master complex coding or systems.
Relocating to Perth, Australia
After spending an amazing 2 years in New Zealand, I have decided to return to Perth. Apart from the incredible scenery, it has been wonderful to work with small business clients across the Otago region (and up in the North Island!) and deliver great looking websites that meet their needs. For all of my NZ clients I will still be available via email and Skype for initial consultations, design feedback, and support.
I’m really looking forward to offering the same services to small business owners in Perth - so if you know anyone who may be interested, please feel free to pass on my details. I’ll be moving back at the end of January 2019, and have already got a couple of client consultations booked for February!
Hot Lizard Designs - Website Design Checklist & Guidance
A lot of my clients have been going through similar issues when it comes to defining what they would like on their site. Getting their content together so everything is ready before the project starts is another hurdle, as some are waiting from other suppliers or partners to provide information. This can slow down the website design process, and as a result, the website is completed after the original timeframe.
Over the next few weeks I will be working on small checklists / guidelines to help organise thoughts and ideas about website design, and getting clients to look at what they need from their site (e.g. visitors to contact them, buy from them, sign up to a newsletter, etc.), and what they need to produce so everything is in place when the project starts. These will be downloadable from the Hot Lizard Designs website, and I will be posting an update when they are ready to access, so stay tuned!
And finally…
European Trip
In May I will be heading over to Europe for a couple of months. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends and family, travelling to Scotland and the South of France (so far!), meeting up with a couple of clients, and of course, shopping!
I am very lucky to work as a freelance web designer, so I can take my work with me wherever there is a good WiFi connection. It also gives me an opportunity to recharge, soak up new experiences, and draw inspiration from my surroundings.