Behind the scenes: July 2022
July 🗽
Finally! In July we were allowed to talk about Squarespace’s new editor after keeping it under wraps - Fluid Engine. This has been the biggest change to the platform since Squarespace rolled out version 7.1 at the end of 2019. Right now, Squarespace is in rapid, iterative development mode with the new editor, so every time I log in something has changed. And, as we saw in late 2019 and early 2020, the platform has more instability in general when these updates are pushed out. So if you are experiencing lags, the white screen of death, or other annoyances, I’m right there with you. Growing pains are tough, but with 7.1 they were definitely worth it. I plan on sticking around to see what Fluid Engine will become.
Income Streams
This month had three income streams: 1:1 work, course and template sales, and affiliate income.
1:1 Work
This month I didn’t take on a custom build… I’m seeing fewer inquiries in general for these right now… maybe the (looming or current, depending on who you ask) recession in the US? I’m getting more day and hour bookings instead at the moment.
In July, I took off 6 work days (2 for the 4th, and 4 for my NYC trip). I did 10 Squarespace Help calls and 2 Designer for a Days® - one for a health coach and one for an author.
Course & Template Sales
I sold 1 Squarespace templates ( SWAY) and had 2 enrollments in the Make Money with your Blog course this month. I also launched a new template for interior designers and architects (SWOON) at the end of the month.
Affiliate Income
$1800 this month and I realized that one company hasn’t paid out the >$500 they owe me, so it will be great when that comes through.
This month I’m highlighting low-cost but high-value affiliates:
1. Liz Wilcox email marketing membership
$9/month gets you access to: One newsletter template a week. Complete w/ video breakdown on the WHY + HOW behind it so you can take it and make it work for your audience; Monthly 4-pack of "themed" emails. Past themes have been Clicks, Replies, 5 Day Sales, Flash Sales, and more!; Once-a-month LIVE Q&As with Liz to answer any of your email marketing questions; and access to all past content. I'm in this and it's worth its weight in gold.
2. Loom
I use Loom to record my template courses, make asynchronous video chats, create client walkthroughs, and a whole lot more. Their paid plan is $8/month paid annually and worth way more. They just rolled out the ability to stitch videos together which is amazing!
3. Canva
$10/month paid annually and I use Canva every single day. Blog post thumbnails, social posts, YouTube intro/outro and thumbnails... I could keep going here.
This Month’s Income Percentages
1:1 work made up almost 70% of my income this month. Hooray for 30% passive income!!!
Expenses
This month I spent money on:
domain renewals and website hosting ($250)
software renewals ($185)
plugins: Universal Filter ($70)
client gift ($60)
office supplies: chargers and nothing exciting ($65)
professional fees: another course (I know, I know) ($320)
travel ($1200)
The best part was the travel! I got to go to NYC and visit the mothership… Squarespace HQ. Did a little interview, hung out with some of the amazing Circle team (shout out to Sarah, Rachel, Sam, Emily, and Will!), and met two of the most lovely Squarespace designers in real life, even though we’ve been friends online for years.
Content Creation
Blog
A little less client work meant more time for blogging in July:
Instagram @christypricewebdesign
Email Newsletter
My monthly email went out to subscribers in early July. If you missed it, you can read it here.
Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn
I use MissingLettr to schedule my blog posts to automatically share on each of these platforms on a set schedule. Save 50% off the first three months with any new plan.
Tools & Tech
Here are the tools and tech I relied on this month:
- Loom for recording quick screenshares for clients & course videos
- HoneyBook for proposals, invocing, and all the CRM for my full website design service
- Canva for blog thumbnails, website mockups, and Instagram posts
- MailerLite for my monthly email newsletter
- Wave for accounting and one-off invoicing
- Zapier for adding transactions to Wave automatically
- Teachable for hosting courses and templates for sale
- Zoom for client calls and screenshares
- Squarespace for my site and client builds
- SquarespaceWebsites Tools Extension PRO for porting over blogs from Squarespace 7.0 sites to new 7.1 sites
- SQSP Themes plugin bundle for related posts and blog sidebar for client sites
- Heather Tovey's Squarespace Block ID Finder Chrome extension to easily target blocks with CSS code
The Numbers (compared to June)
Website Visitors: ~12,600 (+400). A little upward movement.
Email List Subscribers: 1,994 (+62). Most new subscribers sign up for my lead magnet.
Instagram Followers: 1,388 (+22). I did a couple of reels.
YouTube Subscribers: 839 (+42). I posted some new videos to go along with blog posts and reworked my colors and fonts videos.
The Wrap-Up
July was a much-needed reset. Visiting NYC (and Squarespace) was definitely a highlight and I’m looking forward to heading back in August for the Circle Day conference.
