Working with A Client - 3 Steps to A Successful Project

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As a new Squarespace designer, you likely have many questions about working with clients, from dealing with permissions to navigating complicated client interactions.  

In this guide, you’ll learn three essential steps every Squarespace user should follow. These tips will help you establish clear boundaries, get the most out of the platform, and work with client motivations effectively. 

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Step 1: Squarespace Site Permissions 

The first step to working with a client successfully is to consider the permissions on the website.  

If you’re new to the Squarespace design world, embed this rule in your memory: Only the client pays for the site. You should never input your own credit card information.  

Establish this as a rule right from the start. Make it clear at the beginning, and you’ll never have to think about it again.  

Build During the Trial Period 

Some designers wonder how they can avoid using their credit card information while working on sites for their clients. 

The easiest way to do this is to build the site during the free trial period. When the site is finished, you’ll pass it on to your client. Then, they’ll make the payment, and you can go live. 

What if the Site’s Already Built? 

If you’re working with a client whose site has already been built, you have two options:  

• Get permissions to their site and start editing 

• Build on a demo website 

If the client requires a few minor tweaks, you can likely make them on the live website (be sure to request Admin permissions rather than the client’s username and password).  

Remember that it’s critical to maintain clear communication and boundaries between you and your client. 

When you create and follow specific protocols (such as never using your credit card information, never using the client’s permissions, etc.), you avoid a lot of headaches and provide a better experience for the client and yourself as a designer. 

Step 2. Become a Squarespace Circle Member 

If you haven’t already, become a Squarespace Circle member. 

Joining the Circle program eliminates the issue of creating a site in two weeks before the trial goes away. Instead, you’ll get a six-month trial. 

To apply for membership, you must first have three active paid sites. One of the easiest ways to meet this requirement is to create three websites and pay the lowest monthly fee for each of them.  

Once you have the six-month trial, it’s much easier to control the flow of the project and ensure you deliver impressive results.   

Additional Perks 

As a Squarespace Circle member, you’ll also access other benefits that can help you level up your business, including these: 

• Weekly release notes and educational content so you can continually improve your design skills and knowledge 

• Exclusive access to product betas and early access to new releases 

• Access to a global network of design professionals, including an active, members-only forum 

All this, plus a 6-month trial period? It’s definitely worth the minimal fees required to get your three active sites up and running. 

3. Work with the Client's Motivation 

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The final step is to work with the client’s motivation throughout the duration of the project, from the first draft to the official launch date.  

First Draft 

First, when you work with the client’s motivation, it means you don’t get started on the first draft of the website until you’ve received your first payment. 

If the client wants their website quickly, they need to submit payment quickly. Doing so shows that they’re motivated to get a great product (which also boosts your motivation to do efficient, quality work). 

Going Live 

Remember, too, that you should only go live with the website once the client has delivered their final payment. Reach out and let them know that the site is ready and that once you’ve received the funds, you’ll transfer ownership to them.   

Prioritize Transparency 

Keep in mind that it’s easier to communicate all this information at the beginning. 

In your proposal, discuss how you manage permissions, payments, etc. Then, if they have questions or concerns about delivering payments before you get started, you can remind them that you discussed the guidelines initially. 

Ideally, you’ll have built enough trust with the client at this point that they don’t question you or your trustworthiness. 

Learn More from a Squarespace SEO Expert 

Working with clients can be tricky, especially as a new Squarespace designer. However, if you establish clear boundaries with website permissions, join the Squarespace Circle Program to access an extended trial period, and work with the client's motivations, it’s much easier to have a smooth and successful experience. 

At Launch Happy, we offer many other resources to help business owners like you speed things up and get the most out of the Squarespace platform. Here are a few other guides and tools to check out:  

• Free monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox!

• Robust SEO audit tool that evaluates your Squarespace site and provides actionable tips.

• Squarespace Designer Starter Kit to teach you everything you need to know to launch a successful design career.

Need more advice? Sign up for one of our Squarespace SEO packages!