The Squarespace Site Hand-off: Episode 101

Welcome to the very first episode of Content, Structure & Style, an unofficial Squarespace podcast. Episode 101 sees hosts Alan Houser, Eric Anderson and Josh Braaten begin the series with a brief intro on why they created a podcast specifically for the Squarespace community.

The fellas then go on to discuss the topic of the day. Our friend Kyle Keesling writes, “Do you have any tips for building, then handing off a Squarespace site to a client?”

Listen to Episode 101 ♫

Comments

[Brandon Davenport]

When it comes to handing off a SQSP site to a client, I think I would do exactly what you guys said - build a temporary site and build the templates so I could work in a new, clean slate.

While designing, I think that would be a good opportunity to help the client add basic content and give them tips on configuring settings properly, and what not to touch (this would also help develop how the design needs to be). Once the client knows how to essentially take care of their site, I could push over (export and import the XML file) the design, add any custom code, HTML or style variables and wrap it up as sort of a last step - that way the me and the client finish on a positive note, and the're already somewhat prepared. That's my idea...

The show is awesome by the way!

[Jeremy Blanchard]

Hey guys, great show =)

Just wanted to say that I usually always make a video tutorial for my clients when I'm ready to hand the site off to them.

Though, I really like the idea of screen sharing but I've found that almost always the client loves being able to go back to the video if they can't remember how to do something. This also helps with fielding questions after you hand it off to them cause it will usually be covered in the video.

Then I upload it to www.dropbox.com/ So they can download it onto their own computer.

Anyway, you guys are fun to listen to and can't wait to hear more, thanks!

[Alan]

@Brandon: Awesome advice on the XML export. I definitely want to cover exporting in the future — especially in this world of FREEMIUM plug-n-play templates. Almost every site I create uses page & section ID's unique to the original site, so transferring the XML/HTML injection/images/scripts/typekit reference don't mean a thing if it ain't got that (architecture) swing. :)

@Jeremy Indeed! As you know, Jing makes it really easy to do quality screen-casts, and people LOVE custom tutorials. (Which reminds me — I need to make a pro account so I don't have to talk a mile-a-minute to fit tutorials into 5-minute chunks.)

[Josh Kill]

Wow guys, this is really great! You are web show naturals. So glad to have committed developers like you three (and you too Jeremy and Brandon)!

J

[Josh]

Thanks for listening, Josh! Keep up the great work!

[Nathan Miller]

Great first episode! I loved the discussion because they are the same struggles I have with clients. Can't wait for the next recording.. in the mean time I'm going to give this one a second listen. :)

P.S. Any chance I can get one of you to write up a "press release" every time a new episode is out? I'll post it to my Squrespace how-to blog www.SquareCoach.com I'd love to promote this podcast.

[Eric]

Hello Nathan -

We're really glad you like the direction the show is taking. Help others find the show and consider a ★★★★★ customer review on iTunes!

P.S. We don't do press releases... but, we do post each episode here on our Squarespace site. Which happens to have RSS built right in—you're welcome to use an RSS widget on your site if you'd like to spread the word. Thanks!

[Nelly]

Thank you for sharing this podcast, but I wish there was a video showing in details for dummies like me, in order to understand the process better.