From Client Work to Courses: How Christy Price Runs a Multidimensional Web Design Business
Location: Austin, Texas
Started using Squarespace: 2018
Title: Web Designer, Tech Educator, Content Creator
Circle Platinum Partner and Community Leader Christy Price may have started in designing websites for clients, but her career now spans far beyond client projects. With over two decades in the industry, she’s built a reputation for her thoughtful approach to design and sharing her knowledge through templates, courses, and a podcast that dives into the realities of digital entrepreneurship.
Whether teaching web design principles or talking shop on Somewhat Useful, Christy brings clarity, candor, and experience to every conversation and project. We asked Christy to share what web design trends she’s loving right now, the principles that guide her work, and her tried-and-true method for finding new clients.
What originally drew you to web design, and how did you get your start in the industry?
I actually started out as a coder and used to build websites for fun back when Netscape Navigator was still around (yes, I’m old, and both the internet and I have gotten a lot better at design since then). I was in grad school when I got a job offer to work at a startup doing coding. That’s when I realized I liked the design side even more than the technical side and finagled my way into the web design department.
What’s your favorite Squarespace tool or feature, and why does it stand out to you?
Right now, it's the account saved sections for Circle members. It makes such a difference in my workflow. I can quickly reuse things, like super-customized auto layout list sections and nicely designed content sections across client sites, without rebuilding them from scratch. It saves so much time and can also be a great backup in case clients have a little too much fun editing.
In addition to web design services, you create content and educate other designers. How has that part of your business evolved, and what inspires you to keep sharing your knowledge?
I’ve always loved teaching. My favorite part of grad school was getting to lead a class or a lab. So when I started my web design business, it just felt natural. I began by blogging, and then added a YouTube channel (check out the Squarespace Prelaunch Checklist playlist). I also created The Web Designer’s Playbook™ course to share the battle-tested systems I’ve refined over the past seven years working with clients.
I want to give some encouragement, too. Content creation can feel slow at first. It takes a lot of patience when it feels like no one is listening and you’re just shouting into the void. But I’ve learned that showing up consistently really does pay off. And I keep a folder in my inbox called the “Smile File,” where I save kind messages from people who found something I shared helpful. That’s what keeps me inspired.
How do you approach work-life balance as a creative and business owner?
I’ve found that having boundaries around my time really helps. My official work hours are 9 to 3, Monday through Friday. I keep Mondays meeting-free so I can ease into the week and focus on deeper work. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for calls, unless I’m doing a custom build and am focused on that. Of course, sometimes it’s crunch time on a specific project, or I’m working to roll out a new digital product, and I’ll work more or different hours. Flexibility is one of my favorite things about my job!
Outside of work, I’m doing agility training with one of our dogs and taking drum lessons. Those give me a creative reset and help me show up more focused during the week. For me, balance means protecting time for the things that matter most.
What core web design principles consistently guide your work, no matter the project?
Absolutely. Ease of use is at the top of my list. A beautiful design doesn't matter if the website is confusing or hard to navigate. I always start with strategy before design. I want to understand the goals of the site, who it's for, and what action we want visitors to take.
I lean toward clean, minimal design and avoid adding bells and whistles just for the sake of it. Every element on the page should have a purpose and support the user experience, and a well-designed site should feel intuitive, not overwhelming.
What’s one web design trend you believe will always feel relevant or timeless?
Clean and simple design (no surprises there). It’s timeless because it keeps the focus on content and makes it easy for visitors to find what they need. When a site feels uncluttered and easy to navigate, people are more likely to stay, explore, and take action. Trends come and go (Remember the amorphous blob trend of 2019? Glad that’s gone.), but clarity and simplicity never go out of style.
What’s your number one tip for finding new web design clients?
Go all in on something that can grow over time. For me, that was SEO. I focused on blogging, and that’s how I found my first Squarespace web design clients and started booking out my calendar. It takes time, but the work builds on itself.
Another thing that’s made a big difference is creating such a great experience for clients that they want to recommend you. A clear process, good communication, and finishing strong can turn one project into many more through referrals.
You joined Circle in 2018. How do you make the most of Circle membership?
Being part of Squarespace Circle has been a huge asset to my business. I already mentioned my favorite Squarespace feature, account saved sections for Circle members. Circle also gives me early access to new features and product betas, which helps me stay ahead of the curve. Plus, I get extended trial periods and a discount on new subscriptions that I can pass along to my clients.
But what I value most is the community. Whether it's chatting in the Circle Forum or attending Circle Day (my favorite work day of the year!), it's so helpful to connect with other designers who understand the work and want to grow together. I even started local meetups in Austin because I saw how powerful that kind of support can be. Being part of Circle helps me feel less alone in the day-to-day and more inspired to keep building.
Key takeaways
Here are some of the top insights from Christy’s interview:
Minimalism and great UX never go out of style, but cluttered and confusing websites usually do
Setting boundaries is essential to maintaining work-life balance (so are drumming lessons)
It takes time to become a content creator and educator
Investing in a thoughtful client experience leads to stronger word-of-mouth referrals
Finding a professional community is essential, especially when you work independently
This article was originally published on September 21, 2021. It has since been updated.
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers and web design agencies. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.
