STUDENT SUCCESS
STORIES
SQUARE SECRETS™ & SQUARE SECRETS BUSINESS™
Thinking about joining one of my courses but want some proof they really work?
This page is dedicated solely to my amazing past students and their success stories!
SHAYAH REED
I THINK THIS YEAR, WE WILL MAKE AROUND $200,000 AS AN AGENCY WITH THE TEAM.
Hey, I’m shayah reed, the founder of virtuwell balance!
Now I have a way bigger business, team and more revenue.
Previous job
My background is actually in health and wellness. My first business was being an online health and wellness coach, as a nutritionist and yoga teacher. I also worked full-time in a hospital in health care administration.
That full-time job was killing me. I really wanted to work online, travel, and do my health and wellness business.
I was running my health and wellness business and was focusing on social media, email marketing, starting a blog, did my own branding, and building my website. So I took Square Secrets™ in order to learn how to design my own website but in the process noticed I actually loved web design.
Now earning
So first year I made around 10K, then in my second year, I made about $50K. At this point it was still just me, like solopreneur doing website design, mostly still figuring things out as I went along. Then in 2021, I started hiring. So that was when I brought on my copywriter, and then later my brand designer. I was basically hiring for things that I didn't do or I wasn't good at.
In 2023, I also brought on an SEO specialist, a virtual assistant and a website designer. That year the business made around $150,000.
I THINK THIS YEAR, WE WILL MAKE AROUND $200,000 AS AN AGENCY WITH THE TEAM.
Now, even though my business makes $150 to $200,000 a year, my profit is still probably about $50-60,000 a year. I have a lot of expenses with my team, but that’s fine because I'm still doing the work that I enjoy. Plus I'm working less hours. Now I have a way bigger business, team and more revenue. I'm still making the same amount of money, the difference is that I’m working less hours.
SHAYAH’s advice
Niching is important and it’s going to make your life a whole lot easier just in terms of talking about your services and creating and selling content.
Also people will still come to you. Don't be nervous that people outside of your niche won't work with you. They'll work with somebody else and you're going to have the people who want to work with you pay more to work with you because you're a specialist in that industry or niche that they want to work with.
Our favorite words
In 2023, there’s 5.4 million new businesses registered in the USA alone. So in my opinion, probably 95% of those businesses, if not more, are going to need websites. That’s 5.4 million businesses in one year in the USA alone. So I do not think that website design is oversaturated cause like I can't serve that many people. So if you're a website designer wanting to get started, there's so many businesses out there who are going to need your help and support.
KELLY PORTELLI
I'm earning an average of £600/Day - that’s $760/Day.
Hey, I’m Kelly Portelli, the founder of potting shed online!
Now I’m working 2 days a week, which is my choice, and earning twice than I was at my advertising day rate.
Previous job
Before I was a website designer I was in advertising - I used to be an account director for creative agencies so we were doing big campaigns like TV websites and I was handling the client liaison and selling the ideas not actually being the creative person. I used to work very very long hours - I had dinner in my office all the time and I used to commute in so I'd get up at six to get to the office for nine and then some days I wouldn't be home until 10 at night, it was like that for months and months and months you know projects and weekends.
Then at 38 I had a little girl and I was working in an agency in London Bridge and I thought I don't know how I'm going to do these hours with this thing growing inside me! So I need to either go back to it part-time but that doesn't really exist in that world or come up with an alternative side hustle or something and that's when it all started.
Now earning
Every school holiday I take off so I just book the projects in where it suits me and I’m quite strict with people booking in. I tell them “this is the window, if you miss it I'm not working that month so you're gonna miss your spot” but if people want to work with you then they’ll respect that.
I’ve tracked my time & worked out that that I'm earning an average of 600 pounds a day [that’s $760/Day]!!
I think with web design as well, it’s very scalable. Once I’ve got both children in school I can just scale it up you know, instead of working with one person across five weeks I could easily be two people across those five weeks because I'll just up a day or two.
KELLY’s advice
I think it takes you a long time to realize that you can have a niche because at the beginning you just want to take everything because you’re still not that confident so you just take on whatever gets thrown at you. But once you've got your confidence in building a website and how to talk to the people that you want to get through the door I think at that point is where you realize that these are the people that you need to attract.
Our favorite words
I've now managed to build a process where I only work two days a week. So every project that I do is spread across five weeks and I only work with one client at the time. I go to all of the assemblies, all the school trips and I can be around for essentially anything that the kids need. I don't need to send them to after school clubs or anything like that. For me the most important thing is the flexibility and earning more money in less time.
LINDSAY DELONG
“There's days where I'm like, holy crap, I just got paid like $16,000 in a day.”
Hey, I’m Lindsay DeLong, the founder of City Living Network!
"My first year being a flight attendant I probably made $19,000 my first year. And now I send out proposals for this much and 24 year old Lindsay worked for a year for that."
Previous job
I’ve never had a nine to five job. Like I’m not the type of person that can do it. When I graduated college, I became a flight attendant because I was like, I need something to pay my bills because writing doesn’t because I was writing for every publication in Southern California for free, just to get my name out there.
And so I’ve never had a nine to five job. I need to be able to fly somewhere on a whim or, you know, go do something in the middle of the day. I need that kind of freedom. And so I’ve just really loved that Laguna Beach Living and web design and City Living Network have provided me this opportunity to work as much or as little as I want.
Now earning
So for my general web design packages I have one that will take me less than a week, and that’s starts at $3,200, but it’s just for the most basic website. But if you want any add-ons like a shop page it will be this much more. So it ends up being around $5,000, depending what you want, if you want blog articles or whatever. Then I have whole kit and caboodle package and that starts at $6,000. That one comes with a bit more stuff.
And then I have created a business called The City Living Network [...] which is way more than just a web design.
That package, is $11,5k. It’s a 30 day process. So in 30 days it’s launched and ready to go. [Update: Lindsay is now charging $14,5k for this project!!]
Lindsey’s advice
Someone that’s looking to get into a career where they can be their own boss, where they can easily get to $10,000 a month if they want, and spend the same amount of time that they’re spending at college, they can get there by buying an online course! I learned so much from yours. I’ve taken some other courses before, but I feel like I’ve learned the most from Square Secrets ™️ and Square Secrets Business™️.
I loved your teaching style. I loved how classy you are and how, the modules, the videos, the PDFs and the documents that you give are so streamlined and professional. And I became a huge fan.
Our favorite words
I like to wake up pretty early because I’m so excited. Yesterday I got invited to a press trip up in Santa Inez valley, which is for three days and I get to go horseback riding. And I got invited on an Alaska cruise.
Every day is so different and you never know who’s going to pop in your inbox and be like, I need a website about this. Or I want to highlight my city here in London or wherever, you know? So it’s just exciting to be able to wake up and not know what kind of thing is going to happen.
EMILY PELIAN
“I finished my second year as a web designer in 2021 surpassing 6 figures!”
Hey, I’m Emily Pelian, the founder of Aroha Visuals!
"In the same year of 2020 in December I booked in and finished a project for 5.6K and that was my first 10K month ever. And that was also the end of my first year as a designer."
Previous job
I studied accounting and business and I actually had a corporate job as a tax consultant. And at some point I decided that wasn't giving me joy, so I left it, booked a one way ticket to Europe.
I had also fallen in love with a German boy somewhere around this time. And so I sort of moved to Germany for him and I was a freelance photographer and I was a travel blogger. Because I wanted to do something creative, but also online. And that was my thought of how I could pair the two together.
And basically I would say my website design started when I created my own travel blog website, and I loved creating it so much.
Now earning
I was proud of the $2000 websites and I slowly creeped that up and I think my first milestone that I hit was when I had a project booked in for 5.6K and that was that very year.
So in the same year of 2020 in December I booked in and finished a prohect for 5.6K and that was my first 10K month ever. And that was also the end of my first year as a designer.
And there wasn't even a full year and I was just beyond stoked. The second year I had a couple more 10K months and I booked in a project for branding, a website, email marketing things and SEO as well and that was 10K.
And then a couple weeks ago I booked in a project again, a full one, and that was a 12K project.
And this is an e-commerce one, so super stoked about that. If you told me this like even three years ago, I wouldn't believe you, you know that this is possible. And I just feel really grateful that clients trust me with this amount of money and trust that they're gonna make it back or more obviously.
EMILY’s advice
I'll preface this by saying trust is the currency of business. If you don't have trust, people aren't going to invest high amounts in you. And trust often comes from somebody else's referral or recommendation as well. So when you're starting out, you're probably not gonna get these clients because you haven't built up that rapport.
You haven't built up a line, a network of people who trust you. But I would say, when you are starting out, keep in mind if you do want those kinds of clients to start networking and building trust through communication and then through good work as well.
Our favorite words
I finished my second year as a web designer in 2021 surpassing 6 figures in New Zealand dollars! I think it was like a hundred thousand something. So a little bit over.
It was the most amazing feeling, and also like a middle finger to my corporate salary
and also just to everybody who, including some people in my family who just didn't believe that you could do this and make this creative job, digitally online while travelling with no degree within your second year.
P.s. I chatted with Emily again and if you’re interested in learning her take on the difference between $2k vs $10k Web Design Projects, check out this video too!
KATELYN DEKLE
“I charge $1,5K per day as a web designer offering VIP days!”
Hi, I’m Katelyn Dekle, the founder of Launch the damn thing!
“I’ve made more this year than I ever had at my 9-5, and I’ve had time-freedom, and location-freedom while I did it. ”
Previous job
I was actually a receptionist at my (now) Father-In-Law's medical practice at the time. I was going to school but I had no idea what that was going to look like! Then I went off to interior design school and that's been the last 14-15 years, but then my day job needed a website! I decided to try my hand at that and I’ve been all about websites ever since!
Now earning
By June, I'd already matched what I would have made if I was still working my 9-5. Now I’m booked out for the next 3 months solid, and I’m still getting inquiries!
I’ve made more this year than I ever had at my 9-5, and I’ve had time-freedom, and location-freedom while I did it.
And I charge $1,000 a day for it. [Update: 1,5k!]
KATELYn’s advice
If you don’t know what you’re doing, the Square Secrets™️ & Square Secrets Business™️ are gonna dive into all the things that you didn't even know that you needed to know!
Paige interviews all these guests experts…and you haven't started yet so you can kind of like live through their experiences and how they answered questions that you didn’t even know to be asking!
Our favorite words
The biggest thing is just to do it!
The thing I come across most frequently is [business owners] who are like, “I've been sitting on this idea. I'm too afraid to take action. I don't know what to do. Who am I to do this?” I get it! But none of that matters! You'll never know unless you try!
MICHELLE PONTVERT
“These days fully custom projects can be anywhere up to €15,000!” [That’s $16k!]
Hi, I’m Michelle Pontvert, the founder of Michelle Pontvert branding & websites
“I needed to figure something out that fit around having a newborn at home and have a really flexible schedule…”
Previous job
My original field of expertise is actually in set decoration for film and TV! I have a master's degree in film production.
So design has always been part of my world and I love design and I love film. So it was kind of a weird thing that got me out of that, but basically the lifestyle wasn't going to work with kids.
Now earning
"But these days fully custom projects can be anywhere up to €15,000!"*THAT’S ALMOST $16,000 USD!
*Michelle’s one-week-website (A.K.A Her productized service) currently sells for €2497 (approx. $2,665 USD) and to purchase that same product with custom branding included is €3997 (approx. $4,265 USD!)
MICHELLE’s advice
If you are on the fence, I think what was really helpful for me was to look at Paige’s approach.
If you resonate with how she talks in her videos and posts—if she kind of speaks to you in the way she approaches her business—then likely you're going to really like these courses!
If you feel like you're looking for pretty straightforward approach and guidelines and ways to shape and think about business, the way she approaches is really good.
It was very reassuring…a peace of mind, like, “okay, here’s structure I can jump in and just take and run with!”
Our favorite words
I don't think I've ever had at typical work day and I think that's kind of the wonderful thing about running my own business!
I find myself sneaking work in my free time because I'm so excited about what I'm working on and I can't wait to get back to it (and that’s something I've never had with work I was doing for somebody else!)
KENNIQUA JONES
“The great thing about website design is that it doesn't take that many clients in order to be able to reach your goal. You can do a website, three, four for $5000. That is a substantial amount of income for a lot of people that are getting into this, either you're doing a part time or full time.”
Hi, I’m KENNIQUA, the founder of of k & D Jones client services
“Taking Square Secrets™, it dotted my I’s and crossed my T's. Some of the things that you share within the course, they're not on YouTube.”
Previous job
Before I became, I would say, a full-time website designer, I was doing a lot of virtual assistant work. So I was doing inbox management, calendar management, things of that nature, odds and end things like creating social media graphics. I always had a design aesthetic. And I like messing around with different systems and tools and things of that nature. And so when I came across Squarespace. I'm like, okay, this is definitely something I could do.
And then there were some different design elements that I saw on others' websites. And I'm like, I don't know how to do that. How did they get this to overlap or how did they get this to move and do these different things? It probably was around then that I came across a blog post of yours and stumbled across your course. And I'm like, okay, I need to get into this because I need to know how to do these other things that I've been looking for.
Now earning
So we are actually in the process of doing a rebrand or completely overhauling our website. We're repackaging our prices and adding in a lot of different things. Because one thing that I've found over the years is that though I do website design, I'm also a business consultant and system strategist.
So I'm hoping that that's going to obviously increase the price. So we are going to be changing our prices over and things of that nature. But I think that is going to create an even greater experience for our clients to kind of make it like a one-stop shop.
Kenniqua is now charging $6k for projects and looking to hire 3 new people for her business!
KENNIQUA’s advice
I started out knowing a little bit about Squarespace already and found the Square Secrets™️ very useful. So if you're starting from zero, you're definitely going to find it useful because I was already getting some clients with the skills that I already had. And then I feel like if you're going to get into it, you might as well just go the whole way and just get Square Secrets Business™.
That’s what I did. Cause even though I was already booking clients, I'm like, I know there's a better way that I could be doing this and have a clear layout of the marketing, the other marketing techniques I could do having what type of contracts, what type of things should I input.. It’s all laid out.
Our favorite words
I think website design is one of those things where it's enough for everyone. I don't think it's an oversaturated thing.
I think that when people sometimes come to you for a website, it's not always because they don't know how to do it themselves. sometimes it's purely because they don't have time to do it. And so they rather just go through and outsource that work to you. So with them knowing you and again, you being the expert in that field, a lot of times people just kind of come to you because they have crossed paths with you somewhere on the internet.
Or someone referred you, maybe a past client of yours or maybe a family or friend. They come to you because they know you or know someone who has gotten services from you. So it's definitely enough for everyone.
SYDNEY WILLIAMS
“We are now bringing in over $30,000 a month consistently, all since I enrolled in this course at the beginning of the year.”
Hi, I’m Sydney, the founder of xxv.agency
“I took Square Secrets™️ & Square Secrets Business™️ courses and went from making $3K a month to $30K a month.”
Previous job
I was an art major in college, so I just designed my first Squarespace website because I wanted to sell my own art online. And after about six months of trying to figure out how to work Squarespace, I had finally built a website…and I hated it. I started researching and so many of the answers have been on your blog! I actually knew back in college I wanted to take the courses and when I finally took them, not even like two lessons in, I was like “this is so worth it!”
Now earning
Before taking this course, I was all on my own, designing solo, finding clients by word of mouth, and doing all of the client communication and booking processes by hand.
Now I have set up systems that allow me to automate my marketing strategy, booking and paying processes, and my client communication. I have hired several Squarespace designers who work for me so I can focus on brand design and my marketing strategy for my business.
We are now bringing in over $30,000 a month consistently, all since I enrolled in this course at the beginning of the year.
In less than one year we have grown our monthly revenue 10x.
I was truly blown away by the things I learned in this course.”
SYDNEY’s advice
Take the time to learn what you need to do, instead of wasting time figuring out what you need to learn.I should have taken Paige’s courses the second I thought I wanted to be a web designer. I truly wish I had!
The rate we are growing at now, if I had done this years ago, it would have been such a game changer! I’m so glad I took it when I did, but to hold off would have just prolonged this period of flailing around.
It's truly like the best decision I could have ever made. I would not be pulling in what I do, or managing the team that I manage, if I hadn't taken these courses.
Our favorite words
People kind of judge Squarespace thinking “oh anyone can use a template and build a website.”
But so much more goes into my designs [after taking Square Secrets™️]…I’m designing from a user interface standpoint now, which is game-changing!
I’ve realized “I know what I’m doing now!” and my services are worth a lot!
KATLYN SLOCUM
“Right now I charge between $8,000 and $12,000 a project, and I would like that average to be like $15,000 to $20,000 per project!”
Hey, I’m KATLYN SLOCUM, the founder of KATLYN SLOCUM DESIGN!
“I can be at home with my kids and I work 20 or less hours a week.”
Previous job
I got my first big girl job at a marketing company in Vancouver, Washington, and that was going really well. The day I found out I was pregnant with my second son, the company went out of business. I had worked there for a year and a half, was really comfortable, was making good money. So that came as a shock and I was like, holy cow… what am I going to do?!
My husband and I still needed both of our incomes to kind of make ends meet. So I started waitressing and then we had a family friend who owned an independent consulting firm who I did social media for […] and who encouraged me to start a business.
So I started my business as a VA, offering all these different services, but I quickly realized I didn't like doing anything except for the website part. The first thing I invested in was Square Secrets Business™.
Now earning
This past year Katlyn also crossed the exciting milestone of six figures (that’s $100,000!!) in revenue!
And most impressively, she managed all of this while working no more than 3 hours a day!
KATLYN’s advice
I feel like a lot of people think like, oh, for these projects, which are $10,000 plus, I need to be offering like seven other services in order to command that price but it’s not the case!
It’s less even about design or deliverables and a lot more about like what problem are you solving for the business.
Our favorite words
I guess it can maybe be easy to think that [the market] is oversaturated, but if you're just yourself you’ll find a space - clients get a choice of who they work with and it is based on your personality and what unique benefit you have for them!
NADINE CHARLESON
Nadine is doing $1,200 day rates as a web designer on the side!
Hey, I’m NADINE CHARLESON, the founder of CENTER STAGE DESIGN!
“I do a VIP design day on a Saturday. It's all day and that's it! I book two of those a month and I'm happy!”
Previous job
I'm an actor by training and so I've worked a ton of side day jobs. And I built websites on the side for years and I'd seen your course around for years. So I'd been like stealing stuff off your blog for years, in my own personal designs! And then one day I was like, you know what?
It's kind of always been like in the back of my mind, maybe, maybe I would try this.
And so after enough months of being like, I need to do something, I was like, I'll give this a try. I bought Square Secrets™, and then I think a week after I bought Square Secrets Business™, I was like, should have bought the bundle, but better late than never!
Now earning
When I started I was charging way too little. Like I’d say I'll revamp this page for a hundred bucks, and it would take me hours and hours. But I was just learning. So I was okay with that. Then I would slowly, raise my prices, $200 every time I book someone. For the first kind of six months, and everyone just kept booking.
So if someone booked, I was like, sweet, I guess I can charge more!
My VIP days started at $800 and now they're $1,200 a day!
And most impressively, Nadine hit a very exciting financial goal last year. $17,000 as a side hustle is incredible side hustle money! Plus she works only 20h/month!
NADINE’s advice
I chose my niche right away. It was nerve-wracking because you do, you're like, oh, but I could just be a web designer for women and you don't really wanna pigeonhole yourself, but it's a hundred percent true with all the advice people give you, is to niche down as much as possible!
Because when you are really specific, you’d be surprise how many people need that very, very specific thing!
Our favorite words
I just knew that investing in the course was worth it in terms of my sanity and time of getting running, and it did in literally within two months, I had made back all my money.
I can't tell you how much time I wasted rewriting emails, tweaking forms, going back and trying to find something, trying to track where a project was, at what point, like so much time because half of running a business is the admin side of it and just managing the project, not even just the design or the fun creative part!
So the more that you can automate that, and have that set up and good to go the better.
ALIYYAH ANSHAN
“I raised my rates to 10K and above per project as a SAHM web designer!”
Hey, I’m Aliyyah Anshan, the founder of Aliyyah Anshan Website Design!
“The next four or five months are booked and that’s from one client who shared her experience with her group, and literally in 24 hours I got over 20 inquiries.”
Previous job
I actually started as a virtual assistant. I had already had my first baby and I didn’t want to commute back to a big city. And so I thought, how can I make this work? What skills do I already have?
While working with a therapist postpartum who needed help with her website I kind of threw it out there; Hey, I’m a virtual assistant so I can do like anything! And she needed help with her website and that’s what kind of got me thinking that I could totally do this! I can work from home and still have time with my baby and not miss out on any important milestones.
Now earning
On average [my prices] are about $5,000. That would be for the homepage, about page, services page and contact page – so the main pages.
Anything above that, depending on who I’m working with and how expensive you want to get, the price can go up. And I did feel like I was over delivering even on those projects at that price point.
That’s why I raised my rates to 10K and above!
ALIYYAH’s advice
If I’m going to make a serious go at [being a website designer], why not prepare myself, not just the design aspect, but the business aspect, which I had no experience in. And it was really scary to invest in myself. It was the first online course and I was really nervous about it. I remember researching everything.
But when I got into the design part of the course, it was like night and day. I can’t think of any other course that could better prepare you as a designer and then on the business side – the ins and outs and the best practices of how to build yourself a successful website design business.
You will learn something at every point, every module, even in bonuses. I don’t even know where to start, but it’s just jam packed with things you wouldn’t think you needed. You’ll just be so happy that you invested in that way in yourself and in your business.
Our favorite words
I think the best part is being able to take time as I need to or want to, whether it be for me or my kids, my family, or even taking a little bit more time for my personal life or my business. I have that control and I don’t think I could get that anywhere else.
CARLY KERNDT
“In terms of what the agency brings in, it's probably like 9x my corporate salary!!!”
Hey, I’m Carly Kerndt, the founder of FlyDog Digital
“I run an agency, so it's me, and then I'm sending out an offer letter for my 7th hire today. So things have grown really fast and I'm super excited about that.”
Previous job
I got started with my business in September - October of 2020. I started after I got laid off from my full-time job due to Covid. My boss at the time told me that she wanted to set up a call and I thought she was setting up a call with me to give me a promotion because I'd been promised a promotion for six months but she was like, you're laid off, and I was like "WHAT??"
After roughly a month of this nightmare of applying for jobs, I said to myself if nobody is going to hire me, then I will hire me. And I started a business and I started just offering virtual assistant services because I knew I could do that & I was mostly offering was social media management because I have a degree in marketing.
Now earning
When I started my business I think I was charging around 20 or $30 an hour. I started the business because I needed to make money.
Right now we're charging about $3,500 for a six-page website. It will likely go up in the very near future as you should always continue to raise your rates as we get better and as we have better designs and better processes.
In terms of what the agency brings in, it's probably like 9x my corporate salary!!!
Carly’s advice
I had no idea what I was doing. I have a marketing degree, but I don't know anything about design best practices. I knew the basics because I watched some free videos, but I didn't know the strategy behind website design, writing copy or anything else I've learned in Square Secrets Business™. So when I was looking for courses to take, I wanted yours because it was exactly what I needed.
Our favorite words
I'm excited to get up. I love all the clients that we work with. I feel very fulfilled in helping small business owners sort of reach their dreams too.
I also like being able to set my own schedule. I like being able to take my dog on a walk in the middle of the day. I like being able to go to doctor's appointments whenever I need them.
For me, it feels like exactly where I'm supposed to be in my corporate career.
AYESHA SANTOS
“I’ve hit my first $10K month as a web designer!”
Hi, I’m Ayesha, the founder of Ayesha Santos
“At just six months in on my side-hustle I was already matching my full-time job’s income.”
Previous job
I have a little bit of an interesting ‘career graph’ you might call it. I actually went to culinary school! So I used to be a pastry chef 👩🍳 but I quickly realized that lifestyle just didn’t fit!
Now earning
In a year, I was already reaching my first $10k month as a designer.
My web design packages are now starting from $5000-$8000.
Ayesha’s advice
After taking Square Secrets™️, I realized that it was so much more than just a design course! There was strategy in there - which I didn't realize I needed at the time but now really appreciate!
I think as a designer, you need to work on the strategy portion, and learn why things get laid out the way they do, and how you can make your designs more effective while also bringing that aesthetic value.
Our favorite words
I’m so grateful I was able to take the courses…it opened up so many opportunities and the possibility that I could do something that I really love, make a buttload of money, AND have so much purpose in my life!
EMILY JANE LEE
The website build package is around $5,000 and for higher-end luxury and education space, it is around $10,000!
Hey, I’m EMILY JANE LEE, the founder of BY EMILY JANE!
Emily recently had a very exciting business milestone, she went over $100,000 in revenue!!!
Previous job
I had always just worked part-time jobs because I have chronic pain and full-time jobs basically, are just not an option for me. So I was always kind of doing this dance between part-time jobs and photography on the side for a long time.
And then eventually, unfortunately, I was not able to do photography either because it was still too physically demanding for me, and so that's when I was like, well, I have to figure out how to make my website.
So that's when I found you and learned everything I could about Squarespace and just building a website that converts in general.
Now earning
I came across Upwork, which is a freelancing platform so I literally just created a profile and put in every single thing that I knew how to do. And one of those things was, I know how to use Squarespace. So that was the skill that kind of took off more than anything else that other business owners ended up asking me for. And it evolved from there!
I probably started with like $10 an hour, because I had no concept of like business costs. I was just like, oh, this is like about what I made at my part-time job. So like, that's fine!
And now I charge $500 for a workshop that takes like two hours. The website plan is $1,100 and it takes me about a week.
And then after that, we have the website build, which is totally customizable to whatever we decided earlier on that you needed, and the price range varies, but I would say right now the average client is still kind of comfortable with that $5000 and below mark the majority of the time, unless they're like I said, maybe in that higher-end luxury and education space.
And then I think most of them are comfortable with around $10k!
EMILY JANE’s advice
The number one thing is not actually your design skills most of the time. I mean, at a certain point, like if you want to charge, you know, like that $10k range that I was talking about, then that's something that's going to be a high priority for those clients. But if you just want to get in the game, it’s all about relationships.
But I could not have build a business charging $10k without the Square Secrets Business™ course.
Everything I learned about Squarespace itself and building website that converts was also from Paige, and there's a course on that too (that’s the Content + List Academy if you’re wondering!).
So I feel like everything from the client experience to creating your unique process of like what your packages are going to look like, and how you're going to actually deliver that to the legal side of a business is there. I think it really helped me jump ahead, like by at least a year or two!
Our favorite words
A, I wake up whenever the heck I want, which is like my favorite thing!
B, I can take naps and snack breaks as many times as I want.
C, I've gotten to the point where I will not work past like five or six hours every day!
So it's really like a lifestyle business. And it's completely built around my needs.
LAYNE STEEGE
“My first month going full-time on my own as a web designer, I had a $9K month!”
Hi, I’m Layne, the founder of Layne Alexandra Steege
“In Q1 I had already made more than what I made the entire previous year!”
Previous job
I had zero experience in web design. I was a professional figure skater, actually!
Now earning
I'm up to the point where I'm charging for just me to work on a project, about $3k, depending on the client's needs.
Then once the team is going, we will be charging around $6k per project.
(Fun fact: In just 3 months after deciding to go all in on her web design business, it has grown to the point where she’s now bringing on a team! #goals)
Layne’s advice
It might sound dramatic, but you could literally change your life if you take [Square Secrets™️ & Square Secrets Business™️]. They are so good! Paige gives you every piece of information that you need to become a successful designer!
It's been two years now since I've gone through them, and I STILL go back just to be get a refresher here and there! So if you feel like it's calling to you, and you feel it in your gut, then just trust it and go for it!
Our favorite words
Don't be afraid to say “I'm a web designer, this is what I do!” Tell everyone you know! Get the word out, don't keep it to yourself.
FREYA ROSE TANNER
“I made $62,000 in my first year of being full time web designer!”
Hi, I’m Freya Rose, the founder of Freya Rose Tanner, website design & branding
“At 27, I became a world-travelling web designer and made $62,000 my first year!”
Previous job
I’ve just finished my studies and had no idea what I am going to do with my life! I started out as a business manager and I had some experience with web design but had an awful experience with some guys from a web design agency so I decided it was time to start on my own!
Now earning
I am now 100% booked out six months in advance.
My web design packages are now starting from from £5,850 GBP (that’s $7,120)!!
FREYA’s advice
Joining Square Secrets™️ was the best choice I have made for my business. It has made me fast forward about a year of messing around & making mistakes. Square Secrets™️ helped me not just create my website but get my whole business & messaging in order. I now feel a million times more confident with not just my website, but in myself too!”
Our favorite words
I knew I loved helping people, inspiring them, empowering them so going forward with my web design business was what I was intended to do.
LUCY O’REILLY
“By being out there and being first and foremost helpful I have already passed the $100K mark in my web design business!”
Hi, I’m Lucy O’Reilly, the founder of Lucy designs
Previous job
I had been at home raising my 3 boys and hadn’t had a paid job in 10 years. I went back to college to do a degree in digital technology and design where I realized that actually, I knew an awful lot about a lot of things.
I was able to throw together landing pages in Squarespace, and have people be like “that looks really good!” So I thought “maybe I am kind of good at this!” And that gave me great confidence!
Now earning
Through a combination of my two-week web design process (the one Paige teaches in Square Secrets Business™️) & offering branding and visual identity as well I reached the $100K mark in my web design business!
LUCY’s advice
If you're thinking about doing one of Paige’s courses, absolutely do it! They are worth their weight in gold! And if you need a hand with how to run web design as a business, Paige shares everything! Her entire process!
There's also an amazing world out there of other designers who are super supportive, and encouraging. There are Facebook groups (like the ones inside the courses!), there's forums…just full of really, really nice people across the planet, and they're all helping each other!
So you won't be alone! We're all here to help each other out, and it’s really a rewarding business to be in.
Our favorite words
The sky is the limit when you work for yourself! You can decide “I’m earning xyz now and that suits me just fine” or if you decide “Maybe I need to earn more,” or “Hey! I can earn serious money!” then you have that possibility!
ALYSSIA CONSTINE
“In the first 4 months I have already booked $22,550 in projects.”
Hi, I’m Alyssia, the founder of Virtual Freedom Design
“I plan to offer packages that are starting at $15,000.”
Previous job
Before I started my business, I was in school full-time to be a teacher. I was also working at a Montessori school to gain experience and get the typical 9-5 job that I thought was in store for my future. I started to feel the burnout of working full-time…
Now earning
In my first 4 month as a web designer, I’ve booked $22K in projects! I also just hit my first $9K month and am booked 4-5 months in advance!
Now I’m charging $5,000-$6000 per project [just a couple months later. ]
As I said, I’m booked up and not taking any more clients for the rest of the year, so I’m actually restructuring my pricing and offerings.
I’m creating a new high level, high investment program where I’ll offer web design, branding, copywriting, opt-in gift design, blog launch social media…a lot more strategy.
So it will basically be a “get your business started” package where I’ll be working with a single client for 3 months…
Alyssia’s advice
Since I didn’t have any experience or any past clients to put in my portfolio to market myself, I just used what Paige teaches inside the courses to determine what my dream client would look like, and I created a brand and website for them!
I didn’t see it as a practice project…I saw it as a real client. I created a whole presentation for the project and shared screenshots of it.
I had a lot of people reach out to me afterwards about my launch discount, ready to sign up right away!
Our favorite words
My life feels very free!
That’s actually why I named my business ‘Virtual Freedom' because that is what it has offered me.
IDA WINSTEAD
“By saying yes to the right projects I made my first $50K as a new web designer.”
Hi, I’m Ida Winstead, the founder of Hygge design co
Previous job
Before I became a designer, I was working in corporate America. I was working for a grocery store’s corporate office doing communications stuff and I really didn't like it.
So I started researching… Before becoming a web designer, I actually started out as a Virtual Assistant. I made my website for my VA business in Squarespace.
Now earning
I've actually been consistently booked out this entire year! So I feel like I don't focus as much on marketing anymore, which obviously is such a luxury position to be in!
My web design packages are now starting from from $5,400!!
IDA’s advice
Square Secrets Business™️ will give you those tools that you need so you can show up more confidently and feel like you're not so much of an imposter!
And THAT will allow you to grow your business faster, and really chase after those dreams!
Our favorite words
My job isn't about design. It's about believing in people and helping people chase their dreams!
CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH
“By the first summer, I was completely booked out for the rest of the year.”
Hi, I’m Charlotte, the founder of Charlotte Duckworth Studio
Previous job
I initially trained as a journalist, working for interior design magazines. I actually used to help out quite a lot with their websites because everyone in publishing was very “anti-websites,” since they were taking all the traffic.
Now earning
By the first summer, I was completely booked out for the rest of the year.
Then, by Christmas, I was already booked out for this entire year, too!
I have a higher rate package, which is very expensive. And that's for people who are very established—successful authors, who’ve been writing for years and have a lot of books. Because I was getting so many inquiries, I raised my prices!
Charlotte’s advice
It's very helpful and reassuring when you can see somebody else has done something, and they're giving you the exact formula that they used. Paige is very generous with what she shares, so you won't feel like you're being shortchanged!
Our favorite words
If you enjoy this kind of thing, it's so satisfying, and completely flexible…I love being able to fit things things around what I want. The main thing is I'm not worried about money in the same way that I was. If I need to earn more money…if suddenly I was like “I want to pay for a holiday,” I just do a massive marketing push and book a few more websites!
MARIANA DURST
“I reached my first $9K month as a web designer!”
Hi, I’m Mariana, the founder of Desk&Design
“I've reached my first $5K week and my first $9k month in the past months and I am booked quite a few months ahead.”
Previous job
The last business that I had before starting Desk & Design involved a lot of making. It was an herbal business where I made self-care products for moms. That got really exhausting to be in my kitchen all the time, standing and making the same things over, and over, and over again! I just decided one day that that was not in alignment with how I wanted to live my day and my life, and so I started thinking about what would be!
Now earning
I’m kind of coasting a little bit with my marketing because I’m booked out several months!
My web design packages are now starting from from $9,500.
Mariana’s advice
I've built Desk & Design from the ground up to support MY lifestyle and MY big-picture dreams. Square Secrets ™️ and Square Secrets Business™️ were instrumental in making that happen! If you know a life of flexibility, creativity, and big earning potential is for you, and you have drive, you can do it. Paige will teach you how. All you have to do is trust her process, and be open to learning all the goodness she's got to share!
Our favorite words
I work from my cozy home office. Or Starbucks. Or wherever!' I take 4 months off a year, and I'm working on making it 6 months off while still meeting my financial goals!
Browse the courses our students are raving about!
Square Secrets™
THE MOST POPULAR AND COMPREHENSIVE SQUARESPACE DESIGN COURSE ON THE INTERNET.
Square Secrets™ teaches you how to truly understand Squarespace in a way that would otherwise take years to learn - trust me I’d know! You’ll learn website strategy, design best practices, and the exact tutorials you need to build nothing-like-the-template Squarespace sites! Bye-Bye boring cookie cutter websites!
Square Secrets
Business™
TAKE THE COURSE ALL THE NEW, SUCCESSFUL DESIGNERS ARE RAVING ABOUT.
Square Secrets Business™ is packed with the exact business strategy blueprint, lessons, tools and resources you need to get your web design business up and running in weeks, not years. Join and be ready to confidently call yourself a ‘Web Designer,’ plus book out your business months in advance, just like hundreds of past students have!