Kate Wark is a brand photographer based in Connecticut with a whole lot more on her plate than just brand photos. She also offers headshots, family and senior sessions, plus blogging services for other photographers (yes, she’s basically a unicorn 🦄). When Kate came to me, thanks to a referral from our mutual client and community queen Sabrina Gebhardt, she was ready for a website that felt more her and less like a patchwork of good-enough.
Kate had just wrapped a gorgeous brand refresh with Kelly of Be Creative Design Co., and she’d snagged a sleek Showit template from K.Design Co.. My job? To bring all of those elements together into a custom Showit website that didn’t just look amazing but functioned like a dream for her many services and offerings. This is what a strategic, soul-aligned website is all about.
The “Before”: A Squarespace Site That Was Holding Her Back
Kate was working with a Squarespace website that, in her words, felt like a “make-it-work” situation. And honestly? That’s common. Squarespace can get the job done when you’re just starting, but it wasn’t doing her new brand, her multi-faceted services, or her personality any justice.
She had:
❌ A website that didn’t reflect her gorgeous new brand.
❌ A limited platform that wasn’t flexible enough to house hidden sales pages, client resources, or all the offers she wanted to highlight.
❌ No real structure in place for email list growth.
As someone offering both photography and blogging for other creatives, Kate needed her site to work double-time and Squarespace just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
The Solution: A Fully Branded, Personality-Packed Showit Website
Here’s what we did to turn things around:
1. Custom Template Customization with Heart
Kate purchased a Showit template from K.Design Co., and I fully customized it with her branding, images, and copy. But more than that, I infused her personality into every layout, button, and flow. Her site needed to feel approachable, warm, and efficient and now, it does.
2. Hidden Pages for Mini Sessions and Prep Guides
We created a few hidden gem pages for things like:
- Mini session booking
- Prep guides for clients
These pages aren’t linked in her main menu but are perfect for sharing via email or DMs. They make the client experience smoother, and they keep her looking polished and professional behind the scenes.
3. Flodesk Integration for List Building
Kate was ready to start nurturing her audience via email, so I got her Flodesk opt-in forms integrated and tested. Now, she can grow her list with intention and keep showing up for her people in a way that builds trust and connection.
The End Result: A Website That Finally Feels Like Kate
Now, Kate’s Showit site:
✅ Feels true to her brand and voice
✅ Is strategically designed to guide visitors to the right service or offer
✅ Includes hidden tools that make the client journey smoother
✅ And sets her up to grow her list and community with ease
It’s the kind of site that not only looks stunning but also works hard behind the scenes just like Kate does.
Testimonial: Words From Kate
“Octavia took my template and made it completely mine. She added so much strategy, personality, and intentional design. She also created hidden gems like prep guide pages that make my workflow smoother. It’s so much more than a template now. It’s my brand, my business, and my voice in one place.”
— Kate Wark, Kate Wark Photography
Want a Website That Feels Like You AND Works Hard for Your Business?
Sitting on a Showit template but not sure how to make it feel like you? Whether you’re moving from Squarespace, stuck in a DIY loop, or just need a site that can finally keep up with your growing business—I’ve got you. My Showit website template customization service helps creative entrepreneurs like you launch confidently with a site that works like your right hand and looks good doing it. Ready to make it yours? 👉🏾 Let’s Work Together!
