Ever wonder what it’s like working with a web designer on your author website? Today, I’m excited to share an inside look at that process through a conversation with one of my clients, Kirsten W. Larson, an award-winning children’s author, speaker, and writing coach.
In this interview, Kirsten talks about what it’s really like to work with me on her website redesign, what surprised her during the process, and how her new website is already gaining her followers and income. Whether you’re an author considering a website refresh or curious about what goes into crafting a professional online presence, Kirsten’s experience offers valuable insights—and a peek behind the curtain of our collaborative process.
Interview with Author Kirsten W. Larson about her Experience with having her Website redesigned
Tell us a bit about your work as an author and what kind of books you write
I’m known primarily for my children’s nonfiction, including picture books and a forthcoming graphic novel. I also write books about the craft of writing, including Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A Step-by-Step Revision Guide. And, I just finished my first novel for grown ups!
What made you decide it was time to redesign your author website?
My former website began life as a “mommy blog” about 13 years ago. I expanded it into a website and maintained it myself for all those years. In the last few years, my coaching, teaching, and editing business for writers has grown immensely, and I launched a podcast about a year ago. These new pieces of “me” were just grafted onto my existing author website where they were buried instead of fully integrated into a site that showed all of who I am on the very first page. That was my goal: a single website that highlighted my own writing, as well as my services and podcast for writers. I also wanted good search engine optimization/discoverability and to make sure the site was mobile friendly.
Did anything about the web design process surprise you?
What surprised me was how little I knew about what a good website design was! I study marketing for my coaching and teaching business, following people like Joanna Penn and Jane Friedman, but had no idea what goes into an effective website versus one that looks pretty! I learned so much by going through this process with Angie as my guide. I did not know, for example, that most users prefer to scroll on a single page that captures the highlights of all your offerings versus having to click off the page immediately, or that the best sites have lots of internal links.
“I learned so much by going through this process with Angie as my guide.”
Was there anything you were worried about before the project started that turned out better than You expected?
My old WordPress blog automatically emailed each new posts to blog subscribers, and I worried about losing that functionality. But Angie offered a couple of workaround options, and the one we settled on has been a big boost to my newsletter mailing list, and I haven’t seen less traffic at all.
How did you feel about the level of collaboration and communication?
I think this was my favorite part of the process! I loved the brainstorming calls with Angie, the questionnaires, the back and forth as we tweaked wording. I felt like Angie truly listened to my needs, applying her expertise not just in design but also marketing, and then helped me create something that was truly me.
“Angie truly listened to my needs, applying her expertise not just in design but also marketing, and then helped me create something that was truly me.”
What’s your favorite part of your new author website?
My homepage is my favorite part. From the very top of the page, visitors can see all of what I offer: books for kids and adults and critiques and coaching for writers, even my podcast. My old home page only showed off my books for kids. Plus, we chose to highlight three of my business offerings on the very first page at various price points: my monthly newsletter (free); my paid community; and my classes for writers.
How do you feel the website represents your author brand and voice?
My new site definitely reflects my passion for both bringing true stories to kids and helping fellow writers get their own passion onto the page through both language and the design elements.
How is the new website performing?
My site has only been up a short time, but I’ve noticed several new newsletter subscribers (through the various forms integrated into the new website, including a new popup) and several new subscribers to my paid community. Plus, I just recorded my highest sales income in a single month thanks in part to better visibility on my site.
“I just recorded my highest sales income in a single month thanks in part to better visibility on my site.”
What would you tell another author who is thinking about getting a website redesigned?
Cost was what held me back all those years, but I can already see how better discoverability for my books and services will pay off quickly. Honestly, I wish I had done this so much sooner. Having a high-quality website is an investment in yourself and your business.
What books do you have coming soon?
My next book is the picture book This is How You Know: How Science Happens, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little, Brown), which releases Sept. 16., an ode to science and discovery that encourages the curious, inspires the imaginative, and gives dreamers of all ages a powerful tool for building a better world. It’s perfect for fans of What Do You Do With an Idea? and The Curious Why. Folks can order it now. You’ll find the link on my homepage!
What would you like to share with readers?
For anyone interested in the world of nonfiction for young readers, I’d love for you to sign up for my newsletter on my homepage! You’ll get a monthly email with my latest book releases, as well as information about new webinars, craft posts, and podcast episodes. You’ll also receive three free chapters of my craft book, Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book as my gift to you.
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A big thanks to Kirsten!
Working with Kirsten was a reminder of why I love designing for authors: every project has its own voice, its own goals, and its own story to tell. Hearing her perspective highlights just how important collaboration, communication, and trust are in creating a website that truly reflects an author’s brand and supports their career.
I hope Kirsten’s experience offers clarity for any writers considering a website of their own—whether you’re building your first online presence or giving your long-time site a fresh start. If you have questions about the process or want to explore what a custom author website could look like for you, feel free to reach out. I’m always excited to help bring another author’s vision to life.
Thanks for reading, and a special thanks to Kirsten for sharing her insights!
