Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for working with Lit Path Co. on a new website project?

It depends on which website option is right for your business! I offer DIY Squarespace Templates, Tailored Website Templates, 5 Day Websites, and Custom Websites.

DIY Templates and Tailored Websites can be purchased directly through my website. My 5 Day Website follows a structured, one-week design and launch process, with all content and materials submitted in advance. 5 Day Websites are scheduled in advance, with all required materials due the Friday before your reserved Website Week. Custom Websites begin with an inquiry and discovery conversation so we can explore your goals, project needs, and timeline.

Every option is designed to provide a clear process, helpful resources, and the support you need to feel confident with your website.

How much does a Squarespace website cost with Lit Path Co.?

I offer several website options depending on your needs, budget, and how involved you'd like to be.

DIY Squarespace Templates: $197

Tailored Website Templates: $1,697, including your selected template and personalization of four designated pages.

5 Day Websites: $4,000 for a strategically designed Squarespace website built and launched during one focused week.

Custom Websites: Starting at $7,000 for larger projects requiring expanded strategy, additional pages, more complex functionality, or a more extensive design process.

Squarespace subscription and domain costs are separate.

How do I know which website option is right for my business?

If you're comfortable customizing and launching your own website, a DIY Template is a great place to start. If you love one of my templates but would rather have me personalize it with your content and branding, choose a Tailored Website.

My 5 Day Website is ideal for businesses that want a strategic, professionally designed website created specifically for them and launched through a structured one-week process.

For larger websites, more complex functionality, or more extensive strategy and design process, Custom Website Design is likely the better fit.

What are the benefits of using Squarespace for a restaurant website?

Squarespace is an excellent choice for restaurants because it's easy to manage, looks beautiful on every device, and includes the tools most restaurants need to grow online. You can showcase your menu, highlight your atmosphere with photography, connect reservations or online ordering, sell gift cards or merchandise, and keep customers informed about events and seasonal specials.

It's also mobile-friendly, which is especially important when customers are searching for somewhere to eat on the go.

Want to learn more? Read my blog post, Restaurant Website Must-Haves, for a deeper look at the features every restaurant website should include.

Are Lit Path Co. templates and websites optimized for Google Search?

Yes! I build with foundational SEO best practices in mind, including clear page structures, organized headings, and mobile-friendly layouts.

DIY and Tailored Website Templates include a search-friendly foundation, along with instructions for adding your own SEO titles, descriptions, image alt text, and other important settings.

My 5 Day and Custom Websites include foundational SEO setup appropriate to each project's scope.

Keep in mind that SEO is an ongoing process. No website designer can guarantee search rankings, but a well-structured website gives your business a strong foundation for improving its visibility.

Can you integrate third-party platforms, reservation systems, or property management tools into my website?

Yes, depending on your website package and the tools involved.

Squarespace works with many external platforms, including scheduling tools, restaurant reservation systems, online ordering services, and vacation rental booking platforms.

DIY Templates can be customized to include compatible links and embeds. Tailored Websites include relevant client-provided external links within the existing template layout. My 5 Day Website includes up to two client-provided embed codes, while more complex integrations and system configurations may require a Custom Website project.

For projects requiring more advanced integrations, we can discuss what's possible during a Custom Website consultation.

How do I keep improving my website's search visibility after launching?

Start by keeping your website accurate, helpful, and relevant to the people you're trying to reach.

Update your services, photos, business information, and other content as things change. Answer common customer questions, share useful resources or blog posts when appropriate, and keep your Google Business Profile current if you serve a local market.

Search visibility grows through a combination of helpful content, technical website health, local search signals, and ongoing improvements.

Will my website be mobile-friendly, or is that an extra service?

Mobile-friendly design is included in every Lit Path Co. website and template.

My Squarespace templates are designed for desktop, tablet, and mobile screens. My 5 Day and Custom Website services also include mobile optimization as part of the design process.

Can you redesign my existing Squarespace website?

Yes! While it's possible to redesign an existing Squarespace website, I typically recommend starting fresh. Older websites can have outdated layouts, settings, and behind-the-scenes configurations that make redesigning more complicated and time-consuming than building something new.

Starting with a clean foundation allows me to create a more strategic, organized, and user-friendly website that's designed around your business today, without working around the limitations of the old one.

If you're looking for smaller updates or troubleshooting, hourly website support may be a better fit.

Email me at nikki@litpathco.com with your current website link and a little about what isn't working, and I'll help you determine the best path forward.

Do you only work with local Minnesota businesses?

Not at all! While I'm proud to be based in Mound, Minnesota, and deeply rooted in the local business community, I work with businesses and organizations throughout the United States.

Thanks to virtual collaboration, I can partner with restaurants, vacation rentals, local service businesses, trades, nonprofits, and other community-rooted and experience-focused organizations wherever they're located.

I have a particular love for the communities I know well, including the Lake Minnetonka area, the Brainerd Lakes area, Minnesota's North Shore, and the 30A corridor in Florida. But every community has its own story, and I love helping businesses bring that experience to life online.

Why does Lit Path Co. design exclusively on Squarespace?

After more than eight years specializing in Squarespace website design, I've found it offers a great balance of professional design, powerful features, and ease of use.

I love that business owners can confidently manage their own websites without needing a developer for every little change. Squarespace also brings hosting, website editing, analytics, and other useful business tools together in one platform.

By specializing in one platform, I can provide a more streamlined design process, practical training, and knowledgeable ongoing support.

Do I have to pay for Squarespace hosting separately?

Yes. Squarespace is a subscription-based platform, so your website will need an active Squarespace plan to be published and remain live. Your subscription is separate from Lit Path Co.'s website design or template fees.

Your domain name may also have a separate annual cost.

As a Squarespace Circle member, I can offer eligible clients a 20% discount on their first annual Squarespace subscription.

What do I need to prepare before we start working together?

The most helpful things to have ready are your business information, website content, logo and branding, photography, and any links or tools you'd like included.

The exact requirements depend on your service. DIY Template customers can work at their own pace. Tailored Website clients complete a Workbook and provide their materials within 30 days of purchase. For 5 Day Websites, all required content and materials must be submitted by the Friday before your scheduled Website Week.

Custom Website clients receive project-specific guidance during the planning process.

Don't worry about figuring everything out on your own. I'll provide clear instructions so you know what to prepare and when.

Will I know how to update my website after it launches?

Absolutely! One of the biggest reasons I specialize in Squarespace is that it's designed to be manageable for everyday business owners.

My DIY Templates, Tailored Websites, and 5 Day Websites include access to my Website Customization Course, which walks you through making common updates.

You'll also receive email support based on your selected service. My goal is for you to feel confident managing your website long after our project is complete.