Author website project spotlight: sarahlavendersmith.com
A little behind-the-scenes of my final website design of 2025
2025 is nearly at an end and I thought I would share my very final author website project of the year with you!
The Brief
Sarah is an ultrarunner, writer and memoirist who wanted my help with setting up a portfolio website to spotlight her published essays, freelance articles and podcasts, and also to provide a place for agents and other publishing professionals to find out more about her work.
Sarah had one book published in 2017 but didn’t want this to be the main focus of the site. She has built up a huge following on her own Substack, where she writes regularly about running in midlife, so we wanted to make sure this was clearly signposted in multiple locations on the new website to encourage cross-pollination.
It was also important to Sarah that the new website was flexible enough to be adapted easily to highlight her memoir when it’s finished and published.
Sarah knew she wanted earthy tones for the website, so we went with a deep forest green as the main colour, complemented by a sandy cream.
Best of all, Sarah had some really great photography which I was determined to make the most of, so we included it full-width wherever possible! The end result really leans into the mountain-running-midlife vibe.
Scroll down to see more of Sarah’s website and find out more about how she found our project…
The Details
Version: Squarespace 7.1
Fonts used: New Spirit, Aktiv Grotesk
View the site: sarahlavendersmith.com
Sarah’s Verdict
The Post-launch Q&A
How do you feel about your completed website?
I am so happy with the look, feel, and functionality of the site Charlotte built. I needed a basic professional site that introduced me to the world and spotlighted my book project along with my published work and other credentials. She managed to design a site that conveys my natural, outdoorsy, and athletic aesthetic. I feel confident that if someone researches me for background, my new site will put forward my best and most authentic self.
Before working with Charlotte Duckworth Studio, when it came to my website I felt …
…daunted by the prospect of overhauling my old, buggy WordPress site. I looked into a DIY site build with the help of AI, but it felt overwhelming to handle the design and technical backend when my main concern was the content. Therefore, I was gratified to find Charlotte and let her handle the design and technical aspects of it.
What fears or hesitations did you have before deciding to work with Charlotte Duckworth Studio?
First, I was concerned that the site wouldn’t be to my liking, but thanks to her detailed questionnaire, she understood and captured my taste in terms of layout, color, typeface, and other design elements. I also was concerned about migrating the new site to my existing domain provider, and then learning how to make design and content updates to the new site. Charlotte’s personalized video guidance allayed all those fears.
How do you expect your new site to change things for you?
I hope and expect it to help me secure an agent and book deal when I start querying. I also expect it will lead more journalists to contact me as a source, because the site highlights my experience in a specialty, and Charlotte handled all the SEO for me, so I’m confident the site will come up when someone researches my niche.
For someone on the fence about working with Charlotte Duckworth Studio, what would you say to them?
Her guidance and followup help to make the site go live are completely worth the cost!
Is there anything you feel could have been done to improve your experience? Have suggestions? This can be anything that crossed your mind from the time you hired me until now!
No, not really.
Would you recommend Charlotte Duckworth Studio to a friend who also needed to build an author website?
Yes, most definitely.
Want me to build you a website?
My streamlined yet personal approach, perfected over the past 6 years of building websites for ambitious authors just like you, means I can create your dream author website without overwhelming you with tech jargon or confusing decisions, supporting you throughout the whole process and gently guiding you with my expertise.
I have had a ton of amazing enquiries in the past week, but I’m already fully booked until March! I hate disappointing people so please do find out more, then get in touch to secure your slot.
I would love to hear from you!
More posts you might like:
Ms. Duckworth, this is wonderful. As a writer, you know what works.