In this episode of Somewhat Useful, Will and Christy talk about how they are using AI in their workflows and share a couple platform updates from Squarespace. Then they chat with CSS expert Chris Schwartz-Edmisten about his journey from coding to photoshop mockups to helping clients customize their Squarespace websites. Chris shares insights on content marketing strategies, diversifying income streams, and balancing client work with educational content.

Sponsor: SquareKicker

What if you could have unlimited creativity on Squarespace? The SquareKicker Pro Extension gives you powerful design control, with an intuitive, visual UI right inside your Squarespace editor.Created by designers, for designers, over 100 no-code tools empower you to customize Squarespace far beyond its native capabilities. Visit squarekicker.com for a free trial—no credit card required. Use SOMEWHAT15 to get 15% off all SquareKicker products today.

Learn More

Links:

Chris' website

Custom Layouts in Squarespace course

⁠CSS Course⁠

Chris' YouTube Channel

Generative Fill Tutorial

In this episode, Will and Christy chat about the pros and cons of social media for their business and discuss how they manage their social media usage. They are then joined by Lex Roman, who talks about their journey from TV to web design, to growth and monetization, and now community building and virtual networking events. Lex discusses their “Legends” membership as well as their  "Journalists Pay Themselves" newsletter for independent media professionals. 

Notes:

• Clearspace app: https://www.getclearspace.com/
• AI voicenotes app: https://voicenotes.com/
• Beehiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com/
• Ghost: https://ghost.org/
• Legends: https://lexroman.com/legends
• Journalists Pay Themselves: https://journalistspaythemselves.com/

In this episode, Christy and Will debrief Squarespace’s State of the Web Design Industry report, and share their thoughts on setting deadlines and shipping products. Then they talk with LaShonda Brown of Bootstrap Biz Advice about her YouTube channel growth strategies. She explains that fun is essential in creating an engaging learning environment. LaShonda shares the Pomodoro technique that helps her stay productive as well as her biggest learnings from creating an app. They also discuss how she uses brand-friendly content and affiliate marketing to secure brand deals. 

Thanks to WEGLOT for sponsoring this season. Try Weglot for free for 10 days and enjoy a 15% discount on your first year of subscription with the code SOMEWHAT15 (offer valid for 12 months after subscription)

Industry report: https://pros.squarespace.com/squarespace-2024-industry-report 

Framer: https://www.framer.com/ 

Uscreen: https://www.uscreen.tv/

LaShonda’s lofi playlists + timers: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqzDwLkhfMbjqdDoFfR87_PB4_twbxjS&si=P8xYnfic82pRMwd4 

Where to find LaShonda:lashondabrown.comhttps://www.bootstrapbizadvice.com/ https://www.youtube.com/lashondambrown 

Follow:

• Follow Christy on Instagram⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Christy's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Follow Will on Instagram⁠⁠⁠
• Sign up for Will's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Christy and Will chat about email marketing and how it fits into their business. Then they talk with Jeremy Schwartz, General Manager of Channel Partnerships at Squarespace. You’ll hear about the evolution of Squarespace over his 12 years there, including ongoing efforts to support us creative professionals. He takes us behind the scenes of Squarespace Circle and explains the reasoning behind the new tiers.

Notes:

Aeron Chair

Verve Chair

Will's Computer Stand

CSS value “text-wrap: balance”

In this episode, Christy and Will talk about whether or not you need a website copyright and share their Somewhat Useful tips for your business. Then they talk with Kate Scott about her journey from WordPress book blogger to successful Squarespace educator and template creator. Kate discusses the advantages of Squarespace over WordPress and how she transitioned from client work to selling templates and courses. You’ll hear about her approach to productivity, strategies for growing a sustainable online business, and insights into hiring your first team member.

Follow Kate Scott on Instagram

Launch Out Loud

Follow:

• ⁠⁠Follow Christy on Instagram⁠⁠
• Follow Will on Instagram⁠⁠
• Sign up for Will's Newsletter⁠⁠
• Sign up for Christy's Newsletter⁠

In this episode, Will and Christy discuss getting past perfectionism and give their Somewhat Useful tips. Then they talk with Weglot CMO Eugène Ernoult about the company’s innovative translation solution. You’ll hear about Eugène’s journey into marketing and his transition from being a founder to working at a startup. He shares Weglot’s business practices around employee wellbeing and the environment, as well as insights on revamping marketing strategies to better engage customers. He offers valuable advice for freelancers, stressing the importance of focusing on a niche and staying customer-focused. The discussion also touches on the role and limitations of AI in marketing and translation services. 

Follow:

In this episode, Will and Christy talk about the intersection of Google and AI. They share the big projects they’re currently working on and give some tips for your business. Then they talk with Becca Harpain of Inside the Square. Becca shares the challenges she faced with Google’s new algorithm and how it forced her to adapt and innovate in her business. You’ll hear about the launch of her exciting new project, Custom Codey, a custom chat GPT designed to assist users with Squarespace-specific queries. They also discuss the collaborative nature of the Squarespace community and how they’re using AI in their content creation and marketing strategies.

Thanks to WEGLOT for sponsoring this season. Try Weglot for free for 10 days and enjoy a 15% discount on your first year of subscription with the code SOMEWHAT15 (offer valid for 12 months after subscription)

Follow:

⁠⁠Follow Christy on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Follow Will on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Sign up for Will's Newsletter⁠⁠

⁠⁠Sign up for Christy's Newsletter⁠

In this episode, Christy and Will share their words for the New Year and tips for your business. Then they talk with Omari Harebin about his journey from a struggling freelancer to a successful entrepreneur and coach. Omari shares his thoughts on adapting to changes in the web design landscape, particularly with the rise of AI. He discusses the therapeutic nature of storytelling and the role Squarespace has played in his creative process. You’ll hear about his memoir, 'The Corporate Dropout', which encapsulates his experiences and insights on creating a life aligned with one's deeper purpose. In speaking about his coaching practice, Omari emphasizes the importance of finding one's lane and the challenges of monetizing natural talents. He also introduces his concept of mindset plugins, which aim to help individuals navigate their mental landscapes.

Thanks to WEGLOT for sponsoring this season. Try Weglot for free for 10 days and enjoy a 15% discount on your first year of subscription with the code SOMEWHAT15 (offer valid for 12 months after subscription)

In this episode of "Somewhat Useful," we get to speak with special guests Sarah Greisdorf, team lead for Squarespace Circle, and Sam Zelitch, Squarespace senior community events manager.

Our conversation centers around Circle Day, now in its third year, which celebrates the work of professional Squarespace website designers. Sam and Sarah share some updates for this year's event, including a new "world loop" feature that will broadcast the event across multiple time zones and languages.

We discuss:

Episode Links:

Special thanks to ⁠⁠⁠Termageddon⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring this season of Somewhat Useful. Termageddon is the only Privacy Policy Generator founded by an actual attorney. Their generator asks you questions about your business, finds out which privacy laws apply to you, and then generators the policies specific to your website’s needs. Follow this link to learn more and get a special offer for web designers.

Follow:

⁠⁠Follow Christy on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Follow Will on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Sign up for Will's Newsletter⁠⁠

⁠⁠Sign up for Christy's Newsletter⁠

In this episode of "Somewhat Useful," we dive into the world of Squarespace plugins and digital entrepreneurship with Cody Juhnke, the founder of Ghost Plugins. Cody shares his journey from freelance web designer to creator of the largest resource for Squarespace websites, offering over 500 free plugins and a suite of premium tools. We explore:

Episode Links:

Special thanks to Termageddon for sponsoring this season of Somewhat Useful. Termageddon is the only Privacy Policy Generator founded by an actual attorney. Their generator asks you questions about your business, finds out which privacy laws apply to you, and then generators the policies specific to your website’s needs. Follow this link to learn more and get a special offer for web designers.

Follow:

⁠⁠Follow Christy on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Follow Will on Instagram⁠⁠

⁠⁠Sign up for Will's Newsletter⁠⁠

⁠⁠Sign up for Christy's Newsletter⁠