An Interview with Sandra Gardner of ReadyMade Web Design.

Please take a moment to read this before hiring Sandra.

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a WordPress Internet Marketing Expert?

Before I answer that question, let’s back up a minute. I’d like to share with you a defining moment of my life that brought me to where I am today, building online businesses for people like you.

The year 1999 was a defining moment in my life.  After seven years of living in New York City, my husband and I decided we wanted to move somewhere that had more, well… trees. We had been to Europe twice in the past two years and getting out of the city for weeks at a time, traveling the European countryside on a train, reminded us what we love about wide-open spaces. We found a house on the side of a mountain 45 miles north of the city. It was a converted old summer home and it needed tons of work, but it was romantic, unique, and beautiful, and it had an actual dining room! Such a novelty after city living. We fell in love with it.

The only problem was finding work. We were on the wrong side of the Hudson (i.e., not in Westchester) and there was nothing that paid a living wage. We started commuting on a bus to the city: Two hours bumper-to-bumper on a good day. I felt like a part of me was slowly dying. What good were trees when you were too tired to enjoy them? When you got home after dark every night anyway?

And the truth was, I hated my job anyway. I was an administrative assistant, but I had fallen in love with the web. I wanted to be a web designer. I had taught myself a bit but I didn’t feel ready. I knew that if I didn’t make a move, however, I’d be stuck commuting on that bus for a long time to come.

So, after a year of commuting, I bought myself a laptop and devoted myself to learning everything I could about web design. I stayed up late designing sites for friends and acquaintances—anyone who would let me. About six months later, I quit my corporate job and started my freelance business. That was nine years ago, and I’ve never gone back.  I had found my life’s work.

Four years after leaving New York City, my husband and I had a son. Being able to work from home was such an incredible gift and enabled me to raise my son in a way that working in corporate would never have. I was there for all the milestones – sitting up, speaking first words, walking, talking – and not only that, but I have the freedom to, say, take off and spend a gorgeous spring afternoon in the park having a picnic with my son.

I wouldn’t trade these memories for the world, and I’ve discovered it’s my life’s purpose to support other mothers who have made this same decision. And that’s how ReadyMade was born: to support other mothers, help them shine their light in the world, and teach them how to build online businesses, so they can live their dream of working from the kitchen table – or the park bench – just like I did.

Who are your clients exactly?

I work with people just like you – heart-centered, spiritually-inspired solopreneurs in the helping industries – who are either just starting out or have been in business for a while and want to build a really successful online business, implement quickly, and keep their online media up to date.  I especially love working with mompreneurs, but I’m thrilled to work with non-moms too! That said, the professions I’ve worked with run the whole gamut, including (but not limited to):

• Life/Personal Coaches
• Authors
• Designers
• Real Estate Investors
• Virtual assistants
• Engineers
• Pastry Chefs/Restauranteurs
• Therapists
• Event Planners

How are you different from other “web designers?”

Although I’m an award-winning web designer and have worked with many national clients, my focus is on working with heart-centered, spiritually-inspired solopreneurs in the helping industries to reflect their brilliance and promote their mission using professionally designed, tried-and-true templates on the WordPress platform. I have a unique understanding of internet marketing and what it takes to get clients and do business online, because I am trained in internet marketing myself! So, not only will I know exactly what you’re talking about when you ask me for a “squeeze page,” but I’m totally familiar with Search Engine Optimization, setting up opt-ins, and anything else you’ll need for your online business.

If you aren’t sure yet what you need to get more clients online, talk to me about setting up a strategy session. We’ll work together on an easy-to-implement marketing package and integrate it with your website.

What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?

The ReadyMade packages and programs were created for people who want to create an outstanding website that reflects their inner brilliance. They know what they want, and can communicate their wants and needs in a website. They are somewhat tech-savvy and are not afraid to learn new technologies (I’ll train you, but you have to be willing to meet me halfway!). Additionally, since I’m very upbeat, solutions-based (read: no whining!), and spiritual, I work best with other solopreneurs who uphold those same values. My passion is helping mompreneurs grow their business so they can be at home with their children and be there as they hit their milestones.

You’ll be expected to be able to choose a design you like; do your marketing and copywriting homework (or hire someone to do it for you – I can give referrals); provide web-ready copy and content; provide a logo (or hire me to make one for you); and work with me to determine site architecture (that’s geek-speak for the technical layout of the site – what page leads to what, etc.). The speed that your site will be finished has a lot to do with the timeliness with which you provide content and feedback, and the quality of that feedback — don’t hold back! Get your concerns out in the open early on so they can be worked through early in the process. We’ll work best together if we develop a relationship early on that is based on mutual respect and trust.

For what type of professional is this program NOT going to work?

ReadyMade is designed for solopreneurs who are looking to do business online and become internet marketers. They are comfortable enough with technology that they won’t be overwhelmed by a little geek-speak. (My specialty is demystifying technology; all I ask is that you be willing to learn.)

So, with that said, if you’re technology-phobic and need a lot of hand-holding, ReadyMade probably isn’t for you. Additionally, if you’re a whiner or a skeptic, or you’re completely lost with where to go in your business, your best bet may be to hire a business coach to help you get focused, and then come back to me when you’re clear on what you want.

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it’s like to work with you?

Yes, please do! Please feel free to contact me for a list of happy clients that you may email or call to ask what they got from working with me.

How quickly can I expect to get online?

Obviously, this depends on several factors: How ready you are with your materials, how long it takes you to get back to me with feedback and answers to design questions, how many changes you request, etc. If you come to ReadyMade with all of your content web-ready and respond to requests for feedback in a timely matter, working together we can usually launch your site in under three months.

ReadyMade. That name seems to imply that you can get me online instantly. Is that true?

ReadyMade is my brand, and it refers to my process: Without boring you with technicalities, let’s just say that I have a way of making websites that will get you online faster and make you look more professional. Depending on which package you choose, you’ll either have me there to make you a custom site that reflects your own personal brand; or you’ll have me set you up with a professional site off of a premade template; or if you’re more of the DIY type, I’ll set everything up for you to get started doing your thing.

The ReadyMade process does significantly cut down on the time it takes to launch; however, it’s not exactly totally instant! The advantage to working with me is that you get the human touch: I’ve been there and done this hundreds of times, so I know what to expect and that makes the process smoother, faster, and less expensive (your time is valuable!) than if you did this yourself.

A good metaphor to remember in web design is that it’s like you are actually having software built for your personal brand. Software that serves up your website files and images to your audience. Think how long it takes companies to develop software, going through alpha and beta testing versions before finally releasing the final product. Additionally, there are lots of variables in web design, such as a viewer’s monitor size, the type of computer they are using, and the browser they are using to view your site. This means that there are often glitches that arise and these things must be dealt with. Your best bet in moving things along on a timely basis is to be involved, get feedback, and get your materials to your designer on a timely basis.

I have to admit, also, that the name ReadyMade is a nod to Marcel Duchamp, one of my favorite artists, and his famous ReadyMade sculptures.

Can’t you do it faster? I am really in a rush to launch this product.

Rush jobs are sometimes possible, but remember that good things take time… and to rush your job through would mean that other things would get put on the back burner, and other projects would have to be turned down. Therefore, if rush jobs can be accommodated, they will incur a 50% additional rush fee.

Will I recover the investment I put into this website?

Absolutely! Many clients are able to recover their investment with only one new client. Imagine what just one new client is worth to you. Ask yourself, What is the average revenue I make from the lifetime of that one client? Now imagine that tenfold. If you do your part – giving good feedback, providing good content, doing your “homework” –  then together we’ll create not just a website, but an internet marketing brand for your business. A hub that will attract visitors and convert them into clients – over and over again, for years to come.

Because what you’re really investing in is results: More revenue, more profit, more clients – not just a website.

Sandra, based on everything I have read and heard about you, I know I want ReadyMade to build my website. What are my options for getting started with you?

That’s awesome! Congratulations on making that decision. I’m so excited to work with you to achieve your goals!

For nearly 10 years, I offered custom web design solutions that were extremely successful, and worked with dozen and dozens of clients to create custom websites. While these projects were well-received, I’d often find that the project would get held up – often for months at a time – in the back-and-forth of the design phase, not to mention the smoothing-out-the-kinks phase (aka testing). This was frustrating for me, as a designer, and I knew it was frustrating for the client as well.

This is how the idea for ReadyMade Web Design was born. There are so many incredible templates available out there, and I’ve found that my talents are much more effective in taking a premade template and tweaking it a bit to suit my clients needs. They get a professional design that’s finished in 1/2 the time it would take for a custom site, with a lot less frustration, and for a lot less money! I get to spend more time coding and teaching (my passions) and less time tracking down design revisions. Better results, FASTER. Everyone is happy.

To get started with building a website that attracts and keeps more clients, helps you make more money and save time, here are the different programs and products I’ve created for you:

Artisan (Diamond Level): A Custom Website

The Artisan Package was designed for the elite solopreneur looking for a fully-custom, fully-branded website that reflects your soul’s purpose and makes your brilliance visible.

You’re a solopreneur rockstar, and you’re ready to shine! You’re taking your business to the next level – and you want a website and branding that will reflect the high level of service that you provide.

Learn more about how Artisan can propel you into solopreneur stardom.

Fast Track Platinum: A Semi-Custom Website

The Platinum Package was designed for the up-and-coming solopreneur looking for a professionally designed website that will make your brilliance visible.

You’re a brand new (or “newer”) solopreneur and you’re ready to finally get some support in your business, so you can focus on doing what you do your best: Shining your light in the world!

Learn more about ReadyMade Web Design’s Fast Track Platinum Package.

Basic Gold: An Out-of-the-Box Website

The Basic Package was designed for the startup solopreneur looking to get online fast with a website you can grow as your business grows.

You’re a start-up solopreneur and you need to get online fast, at a start-up friendly price. ReadyMade will help you get started online, with a website that grows as your business grows.

Learn more about ReadyMade’s Basic Gold Web Package.

Ready to get started? Great! >

Book a free get-acquainted session now!

OK, I know which program I want. How do we get started?

Great! Taking inspired, decisive action with quick implementation is the key to success! If this feels right for you, then go for it. Here’s what you do: set up a get acquainted session to get started and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. I can’t wait to meet you to get you started on your path to a website that reflects your brilliance, promotes your mission, and makes you a rockstar in your field!

If I am not sure I am ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it is the right solution for me?

A great way to sample what ReadyMade is all about is by subscribing to the weekly email newsletter, “Designed to Impress.” This eZine provides you with proven tips, the latest tools, and powerful techniques from the ReadyMade Blueprint for Building a Better Website. It is a must for anyone who wants to build an online business that attracts high quality clients on a consistent basis. Subscribe here.

OK, I am ready to do this, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?

Great – I love that word, “ready!” Yes, if you have a couple of questions, just set up a get-acquainted session and I’ll be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one will be the very best for you. I can’t wait to see you succeed and am honored to be the one to help you. Let’s get going!