How to Become a Website Designer

I was interested in this course because I have been training on designing in Showit for several months and have decided to offer template customization to start. I am just getting all the pieces of my new business put together and this sounded like the perfect way to either validate my ideas/processes and/or take them to the next level ... the latter being the case. I also thought I may be able to contribute (hopefully) valuable feedback to you since I will be walking through it step-by-step and implementing as I go.

Wow ... do I have to pick just one? lol

I have found there are many nuggets of gold sprinkled throughout this course. The lessons that impacted me the greatest thus far are:

the tips around the discovery call

the 2 lessons around contracts & set up in Dubsado

the tips in the template survey questionnaire lesson

the ENTIRE collecting content lesson

the time tracking (which I never thought of but is brilliant even tho it's just me)

There have been loads of other amazing things I've learned so far as well.

The incredible detail around the discovery call, especially the tip about recording yourself right after the call to capture everything while it's still fresh. ALSO the template survey questionnaire, this is soooooo good and something I never thought of!!!!

If a friend were on the fence about taking this course, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to jump in with both feet, they will NOT regret it! It's everything you expect and more!

Is there anything else we should know?

For someone like me, brand new to all of this, this course is SOLID GOLD! Everything I've purchased from D&K has been first class and this course is no different!

It’s rare to find people in the industry that provide value-packed and easy to follow courses, but it’s even more rare to find those who are also incredibly kind and genuinely want others to succeed. That’s Davey and Krista.

I’ve been a brand and website designer for 10 years but I still learnt so much from this course. So whether you’re just getting started in the web industry or you’ve got a lot of experience, you’ll find so much value in this course.

The support they give is second to none and inspires me to do even better in my own business. Thank you, team DK!

This course came at the perfect time, when I was trying to decide how to make changes to the way I do business as a web designer. With plans to open a Showit template shop in the near future, I knew that there was a need to offer an additional service where people could choose their favorite template from the shop and let me work my web design magic with their content to turn it into a "semi-custom" website for their business. Customers/clients still get a done-for-you website from a professional but at a fraction of the price (and time) of a fully custom website.

In addition to learning about Davey and Krista's tried and true processes for gathering content from clients and customizing templates for each client, you get almost everything you could possibly need to succeed! I love that they shared email templates, client questionnaires, guides, and even a sample discovery call. The most helpful part to me was seeing the exact resources that Dave and Krista use in their own business for inspiration.

The most surprising thing to me was learning about how many ways you can offer this type of service. If you're still new and don't have a lot of templates of your own just yet, you can actually start with a couple of your own templates and then offer to customize other people's templates, as long as you're comfortable and confident in the way they've built them. Your template customization service really can grow right along with you and your business.

If a friend were on the fence about taking this course, what would you tell them?

This course can be your next step no matter where you're coming from. Selling templates in a shop already? Offer to actually create the website from your template so your customers don't have to do it themselves. Used to selling custom websites but tired of projects that drag on while waiting for clients to get you content? Or maybe you're frustrated going through multiple revisions to get the website to look the way your client imagined, even though their vision wasn't clearly communicated? Let them choose the template that brings their vision to life, and then follow the content collection and template customization processes from the course to get your projects back on track!

Is there anything else we should know?

(Here's feedback from the course lessons so far. I'll provide more feedback as I work through everything.)

Things I loved:

The explanation of the thought process behind putting "Custom Design" in the navigation but educating clients on "Semi-Custom Design" and the benefits once they're on the page

Your pricing transparency

<3 <3 <3 The Showit template for your Design Collection Guide so we can go through everything behind the scenes to learn how to create one for our own business

Also, what a great idea having this on a subdomain rather than just a PDF guide as more proof of your work in action

Discovery Call script and walkthrough- haven't yet listened to the additional audio file in that lesson, but hearing the excitement in Krista's voice made it clear how important that part of the process is

Answered the biggest question I had!! And in the way I was hoping it would be answered yay :-D Since taking your original Showit template course, I also picked up the Brand Me Gorgeous Site Canvas Studio license to use her site canvases as a base to help me fill out my shop. I was curious how much I could lean into using these for a template customization service, especially in the beginning, so I'm glad you discussed that as an option and mentioned that you also started by customizing others' templates as well as your own. (Have made a note to only work with templates I feel good about working with, from trusted Showit Designers.)

But for what I've gone through so far - I LOVE this course. Incredibly helpful! Great work, Krista!

I’ve always struggled with convincing new clients to take a chance on working with me. I’m good at what I do, but I’m not a great salesperson when it comes to my own business. And if I want my business to grow, I know I need tools to help me overcome this hurdle. Davey & Krista have built an amazing successful business. And getting a peek behind the curtains of how they’re able to attract and close new clients was what drew me to this course. If these tactics work for them, maybe they’d work for me too.

Modules 1 and 2 - Booking Clients and Content Gathering - were the most helpful parts of this course. My biggest struggle is attracting and closing new clients, beyond that it’s the struggle of how to easy gather all of the content needed to build out website without overwhelming my client with too much homework all at once. The process Krista presented - from initial contact to content collection - helped me see a more streamlined and effective approach to both of these hurdles. I’m anxious to try them out.

I was surprised by how in-depth the course was. Not that I should’ve have been. Davey & Krista’s courses are always packed full of tips, tricks, and helpful information - and this course was no exception. I think what surprised me the most though, was the inclusion of contracts and how Davey & Krista include specific language in their contracts for customization projects. I always use my standard contract, but moving forward I will definitely use a customization-specific contract.

If a friend were on the fence about taking this course, what would you tell them?

If you’re serious about growing your business, having a system in place to guide a prospect from stranger to new client is vital, and this course can give you a step-by-step process to not only help you land the client but create an experience clients will love to talk about.

Is there anything else we should know?

I’ve often wondered if having my pricing on my website was preventing people from reaching out. I know I’m not the most expensive option out there. But I do wonder if gating this information might help spur more people to make contact versus them self-qualifying themself right out of the gate. It’s a catch-22 - more work if I have to pre-qualify them but less leads coming into my system. I’m anxious to try the collection guide method to see if that helps improve new leads.

I am starting to take clients and was feeling lost with how to prepare. Krista does not leave anything out! With over ten years of experience she has systems refined and a lot of helpful advice with things I never even considered.

I love that you have the video plus the text summary. Makes it super easy to refer back to a section without rewatching the entire video

So helpful to watch you make mood boards and fill in the templates with images and explain how you select them (close up vs far away, how to place neutral with color)

Love the lessons on getting inspiration and real examples of a piece you liked on Pinterest and how you incorporated it into the website you were designing. When you went over your Pinterest board, it was really interesting to see what pieces inspired you and hear why

I’m not surprised by this because I am already a student of yours but another course with just an insane amount of value and no stone left unturned

If a friend were on the fence about taking this course, what would you tell them?

If you want guidance and advice from a true pro with an undeniable amount of experience, this is a no brainer. For the price you’re getting access into an entire successful business model and insight into Krista’s brain as a designer.

Is there anything else we should know?

No! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your beta group! I hope you have the most successful launch ever!!

I really wanted to do this course as it is my dream to have a shop where I can sell

templates that make it easy and beneficial for my ideal clients.

I am so amazed at the amount of helpful content this course contains. Krista’s

knowledge and experience with customizing templates is second-to-none. I

especially love the tutorials on how to create all the beautiful types of galleries.

There are so many things that I would have done wrongly if it had not been for

Krista’s video tutorials. She makes sure to leave nothing out that you may need,

including any red flags you may encounter, or legal information that you need to

know.

I am enjoying this course so much as it is giving me so much more confidence to be

able to successfully customize website templates without the worry of messing

things up or leaving any important things out.

I can’t recommend this course highly enough to anyone considering selling and

customizing Showit templates. It will definitely add a ton of value to your business

and give you more confidence while building several valuable design skills.

Davey & Krista’s course gave me everything I need to start confidently customizing website templates and managing client projects with ease. Before taking this course, I was hesitant about offering this service because I didn't know what the process should look like or how to create the best client experience. Krista broke it down, and now I feel like I have a clear (and proven) plan from start to finish. I loved learning about how Krista handles discovery calls and contracts, and her brand questionnaire process. Krista doesn’t hold back—she shares her exact process and tools while providing actionable steps that are easy to follow. I especially appreciated her walkthrough of how she customizes a template—it made everything feel achievable.

I’ve purchased many courses that overpromise and underdeliver, but Davey & Krista’s courses have truly set a new standard. Every lesson feels valuable and it will provide you with everything you need to know to get started. I walked away feeling confident and fully prepared to start customizing templates for clients. If you’re looking to level up your skills and create an amazing client experience, this course is a no-brainer.

Here are my responses to your questions:

I’m launching a website template business this year and I’ll be offering customization services, so this course couldn’t have come at a better time! It was exactly what I needed to feel confident and prepared for this next step.

Having the process broken down by one of the best in the industry was invaluable. I love how Krista showed her exact process and what is working for her business. Examples are super helpful to me, so seeing her process as a solid example helped me visualize how I can make it work for my business.

I was surprised by how much Krista shared! I expected helpful tips, but she gave us her entire process. She made everything feel achievable, even things I tend to overthink, like contracts and choosing fonts. I especially loved the client onboarding process breakdown. Hearing her reasoning behind each step was incredibly helpful.

If a friend were on the fence about taking this course, what would you tell them?

I’d tell them, if you’re thinking about offering template customization services, you need to take this course! It has everything you need to confidently customize templates and create a great experience for your clients. Beyond that, it will make running your business smoother and more professional.

Is there anything else we should know?

Thank you for creating such an incredible course and community! As I start this new venture, the support and resources you’ve provided have been a huge help, and I’m so grateful for it.

"Krista doesn’t just teach the 'how'—she explains the 'why' behind every step, making it so much easier to apply what you’ve learned."

As a designer new to Showit, I was searching for a resource to help me better understand the client process—and this course delivered. It’s incredibly comprehensive, covering everything from booking your first client to launching their website.

Krista doesn’t just teach the 'how'—she explains the 'why' behind every step, making it so much easier to apply what you’ve learned. The Content Gathering and Prepping for Launch/Launching sections were especially helpful. While these topics aren’t the most glamorous, they’re absolutely essential, and getting an inside look at how a successful business handles them is invaluable.

The templates, questionnaires, and checklists are game-changers. They will help streamline my own process, keep projects organized, and save time by taking the guesswork out of the client journey.

If you’re looking for a course that’s practical, actionable, and packed with strategies to elevate your business, this is it!

Although I’ve migrated one of my own sites from WordPress to Showit, I’m looking forward to the 'Making Site Live' section when it becomes available. It’s such an important part of the client experience, and I can’t wait to see how Krista breaks it down to ensure every site launch goes smoothly and successfully.

Thank you again for asking me to beta-test your new course! It's fantastic!

I'm truly grateful that you put this course together... and excited about building out my template shop and marketing template customization this year!

Below is my testimonial. Of course, please feel free to adjust it as needed.

Testimonial:

The “Get Paid to Customize Showit Templates” course is exactly what I needed to level up my web design business!

As a new Showit designer, I was looking for an experienced designer who could break down the process - and wow, this course is filled with insider knowledge!

What I loved most is how Krista doesn't just teach the technical aspects – she shares real-world examples from her own business. She's transparent about what works, what doesn't, and all the little details that make a difference. From pricing to client onboarding and communication to workflow and website delivery and launching, every step is explained.

There are so many resources, email swipe files, check-off lists, and client questionnaires included that are golden, but honestly, the best part is having Krista in your corner. She's incredibly responsive when you have questions and genuinely wants to help you succeed. No gatekeeping - just practical advice from someone who's been there.

If you're serious about template customization, learning from someone who's actually done it successfully is priceless. And if you're like I was – spending hours wondering if my process is solid, and secretly hoping I’m doing it right – this is the course you've been looking for. Learning from Krista's experience, behind-the-scene processes and foundations is going to be a game-changer for my business!

Thanks for the opportunity to beta test this course! Below are my answers to your questions/testimonial. Please let me know if you have any questions.

A deeper dive into both the client-facing and behind-the-scenes best practices from an exceptional designer for getting a website from template, to customized, to launch.

Outlining your process from start to finish in detail, and including sample emails, questionnaire templates, and process checklists, was incredibly helpful to inspire my own client process.

I would say I was surprised at how thorough the course was, but having taken the How to Create & Sell Showit Templates course already, I'm not surprised at all. This is another detailed and very helpful course. Thank you!

If a friend were on the fence about taking this course, what would you tell them?

Krista teaches in a way that is thorough, but not overwhelming. Her energy is encouraging, and she does a super job of translating her experience into step by step lessons.

Is there anything else we should know?:

This course was incredibly helpful for dialing in the details of both the design aspect and the communication process of guiding a client through their website design project. This was the perfect companion course to the D&K How to Create & Sell Showit Templates course.

Other feedback:

This course was truly very helpful. Thank you for being so generous with your experience and expertise!

Thanks for your quick answers to my questions in the course so far. I have a few more that I'll add in the course as well.

I’m a motherhood photographer based just outside of Charlotte, NC. I have dabbled with website design for many years. After discovering Showit and creating my own photography website, I was hooked by how user-friendly and flexible the platform is. In late 2023, I customized a Showit template for a dear friend and absolutely fell in love with the creative process. That experience inspired me to start a side business called Nordic Light Co. In 2024, I gradually built my design website and began working with clients.

Why did you decide to purchase the Customize Template course?

I wanted to establish a clear and efficient process for working with clients while customizing templates. There are so many steps involved, and this course breaks them all down beautifully. Krista guides you through every detail, from finding and booking clients, gathering the necessary content, and designing the site to delivering the final product. It’s thorough and she makes sure nothing gets overlooked!

Which is your favorite module and why?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the sections on booking clients and launching sites were especially helpful. The behind-the-scenes tech details can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Krista makes them easy to follow and understand.

If someone was on the fence about joining the course, what would you tell them?

Go for it! The course is incredibly detailed and walks you through every step of the process. Whether you're a newer designer looking for guidance or someone seeking a refresher, this course is a fantastic resource. It’s designed to help you create a smooth and seamless experience for both you and your clients.

I might need to revisit this after the remaining launch modules are added, but I think the technical back end of launching a site is a common hurdle for many people. While Showit has simplified the process of handling DNS changes, there’s often a lingering fear that something might go wrong. Addressing this in greater detail could be really helpful.