Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQs

Do I need to have my content and images ready before a project starts?

You must have all content necessary for the project ready to go by our agreed upon start date unless discussed prior. Failure to do so could result in rescheduling the project to a later date and/or a restart fee.

Do you offer payment plans?

Payments are broken into two parts. There is a 50% non-refundable deopsit that needs to be paid up front in order to secure your booking, and the 50% remainder that can be paid on the end date OR when the project is complete (whichever comes first).

Is my initial deposit refundable?

No. All deposits are nonrefundable as it is my way of securing your spot in the queue. I book projects several months ahead of time, and scheduling ensures that I give all of my clients the proper amount of time that a project deserves. As a result, I turn away clients for your reserved time slot. If you back out of the project, you may leave an empty spot that could have been given to another project. The deposits ensure that clients are serious about moving forward with the project.

What happens if I am still not happy with my design after 2 refinements rounds?

If for some reason you are still not happy after two rounds of refinement, we will continue the refinement process at my current hourly rate.

We go through an in-depth questionnaire and briefing process in the beginning to make sure we are on the same page, so 99% of the time 2 refinement rounds are plenty!

Can you create my design faster? Do you have a rush fee?

Short answer - possibly. Each project timeline has be thoughtuflly created to give us enough time to do our research, for me to draft your design, and for us to go through the refinement rounds. However, there are some circumstances in which your project may be able to be turned around quicker if the situation allows. If you need a rush project, please let me know well in advance so I can create a custom quote based on your requirements and a rush fee may be added depending on the deadline and complexity of the project.

Do I need to book in advance?

I usually book about four weeks in advance, so I would recommend getting in touch with me as soon as you start thinking you need a designer and well before your deadline.

What is the difference between a branding, submark, icon, alternate logo?

  • An icon is usually a simple symbol that is immediately recognizable as part of your brand. Essentially, it’s a straightforward and bold representation of your business (think Nike swoosh).

  • A submark is a similar but usually simplified variation of the logo, used in situations when the main logo is not the best fit. It's paired back style makes it easier to use on things like social media, as a sticker or stamp and any other applications your specific industry might require.

  • An alternate logo is another version of the main logo, with a slight difference - usually either horizontal, or centred depending on what the primary is. Just so you have all bases covered!

  • Your branding is never just your logo, it is the total presence that makes up your business (and isn't even entirely visual!). From your logo, website, colour palette, right through to your tone of voice, marketing, messaging, copywrting and photography.

What is a moodboard?

Moodboard - Includes colors, image inspiration and brand 'mood', created from a Pinterest board and based off your questionnaire answers. This is a springboard for your project, but please note all images, fonts, colours, textures etc in the moodboard will not be part of your final design, we will build upon this 'mood' and direction to make sure your design is unique and authentic to your business.

What is included in the Brand Guidelines?

Your Brand Guidelines will include your logo variations, colour palette, buzzwords, visual inspiration, font selection and heirarchy, logo and file usage as well as using your brand in context. This is useful for you as the owner to utilise your new brand suite, as well as passing on to a future designer/web developer/anyone using your brand.

What do I need to have ready before the project start dates?

Before branding projects can begin, I will need your design questionnaire returned with your business details. You must have a solid idea of your target audience, business mission, products and services, a general idea of styles you like/appeal to your target audience (or exactly what you dislike) and of course, your business name!

What happens if I am still not happy with my branding after 2 rounds of refinements?

If for some reason you are still not happy after two rounds of refinement (which happens very rarely!), we will continue the refinement process at my current hourly rate.

We go through an in-depth questionnaire and briefing process in the beginning to make sure we are on the same page, so 99% of the time 2 refinement rounds are plenty!

Do you print any marketing materials for me?

No. January Made Design does not provide a printing service at this time. I can however work with you and recommend print companies that I have worked with before, depending on your card needs.

Is my initial deposit refundable?

No. All deposits are nonrefundable as it is my way of securing your spot in the queue. I book projects several months ahead of time, and scheduling ensures that I give all of my clients the proper amount of time that a project deserves. As a result, I turn away clients for your reserved time slot. If you back out of the project, you may leave an empty spot that could have been given to another project. The deposits ensure that clients are serious about moving forward with the project.

BRANDING FAQs

Website FAQS

Why Squarespace?

I whole heartedly believe Squarespace is the best platform for most modern small to medium sizded businesses. It is both beautiful and functional and has the flexibility, mobile responsiveness and ease of editing needed for those with any level of website content editing.

Do you design websites on other platforms?

At this time, I design solely on the Squarespace platform.

Do I need to have my content and images ready before the project starts?

You must have all website content (imagery and text) ready to go by our agreed upon start date. Failure to do so could result in rescheduling the project to a later date and/or a restart fee.

The best projects are well thought out and prepared before any designs are conceptualized. When the project goals are finalised before the project, you and I are working with a clear direction, purpose, and mission.

What happens if I pay the deposit to book my spot but then do not have my content ready to go?

If you pay your deposit to book your spot but then do not complete your project homeowork or do not commit to having your content ready to go, you will be bumped to the next available spot and required to pay an additional 50% rescheduling fee to re-book your project back in.

What is website hosting/why do I need it/who is my host?

Website hosting is a service that allows you to post your website onto the Internet - think of it like the “land” or space where your website live. In this case, Squarespace is your website host (a platform that provides the services needed for your website to be viewed in the Internet) and you will need to puchase a hosting plan in order to launch your site (like puchasing 'land'). A Business Plan can be puchased seperately by you (see Squarespace Hosting Fees), but this is something we go over before your website goes live :)

Do you purchase the hosting plan/domain name for me?

No. For hosting, you will need to purchase a Squarespace hosting plan (I always recommend the Business Plan) seperately and we go through this process when you are ready to launch your site.

For domains,you will need to puchase your own domain name and provide me with the permissions to access the accoount (if you do not purchase your domain through Squarespace). I recommend GoDaddy as the one of the most affordable and reliable providers who also integrate well with Squarespace.

With that said, January Made Design is not responsible for server downtime, software issues or any other compatibility issue that may arise after the launch of the site from your hosting or domain provider.

What happens if I need blog posts or products added?

For every site package, I can upload up to 5 blog posts and 15 products if included in the site design and discussed earlier. If you need more formatted, the work will be quoted on an hourly basis.

Do you offer payment plans?

Payments are broken into two parts. There is a 50% non-refundable deopsit that needs to be paid up front in order to secure your booking, and the 50% remainder that can be paid on the end date OR when the project is complete (whichever comes first).

Is my initial deposit refundable?

No. All deposits are nonrefundable as it is my way of securing your spot in the queue. I book projects several months ahead of time, and scheduling ensures that I give all of my clients the proper amount of time that a project deserves. As a result, I turn away clients for your reserved time slot. If you back out of the project, you may leave an empty spot that could have been given to another project. The deposits ensure that clients are serious about moving forward with the project.

What happens if I am still not happy with my website after 2 refinements rounds?

If for some reason you are still not happy after two rounds of refinement, we will continue the refinement process at my current hourly rate.

We go through an in-depth questionnaire and briefing process in the beginning to make sure we are on the same page, so 99% of the time 2 refinement rounds are plenty!

Will you write my website copy?

No. I am in charge of the design of your website and the look and feel of the visuals. I collaborate with a fab business called Wordfetti who I work with closely if you need help. They will write your entire website copy! They have their own process and will work with you to strategize your content around your unique message. Let me know if you want to work this into your package.

Can you take my website photos for me?

No. I am in charge of the design of your website and the look and feel of the visuals. I collaborate with multiple photographers that take beautiful and professional photos, so please get in touch if your business needs hi-res photographs to do your new website justice!

Can you design my site faster? Do you have a rush fee?

Each website package timeline has been thoughtuflly created to give us enough time to do our research, for me to draft your design, and for us to go through the testing stage. However, there are some circumstances in which your site may be able to be turned around quicker if the situation allows. If you need a rush project, please let me know well in advance so I can create a custom quote based on your requirements and a rush fee may be added depending on the deadline and complexity of the site.

Will you maintain my site after launch?

Currently I do not offer ongoing maitenance services but included in every large website package is 1.5 hours of training (via Zoom) and/or 1 additional hour of in-person training (if living locally) to go over every part of your site and how to edit it. A Help Guide PDF is also included in your website package.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes in most cases this is advisable. I usually book about four weeks in advance, so I would recommend getting in touch with me as soon as you are starting the branding process (if going with another designer for the branding) or at least eight weeks before your deadline (the sooner the better!).

Do you provide SEO for my site?

Included in all my website packages is basic SEO set up to optimize your website to the best of my ability. Writing for SEO is not included and is best done by your copywriting professional. If you require additional, specific or on going SEO services I would recommend getting in touch with an SEO expert who can give you specialist help.

Do you provide wireframes before we begin the site process?

In the traditional web design process, there are sometimes wire-frames involved, but for Squaerspace and within my process, they aren’t needed so we go straight to on-platform design wth the full page content. This just gives you a full idea of the site with working buttons, images and a responsive layout (instead of flat wireframe).

Is there anything Squarespace doesn’t do?

While Squarespace is robust and powerful, there are times that it isn’t the best fit for your needs. Squarespace isn’t currently built to support:

  • Super heavy/full on ecommerce shops (I recommend Shopify for this)
  • Inventory management software or point of sale systems
  • Afterpay – this is coming but not available in all regions