Profitable Web Designer with Shannon Mattern

Shannon Mattern
  • 4.8 (21)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Profitable Web Designer is the top podcast for women web designers who started their web design business for freedom and fulfillment—but somehow ended up overworked, underpaid, and wondering what went wrong. If you're a woman web designer who's tired of saying yes to underpaid web design projects, doubting your prices, or bending over backward to keep clients happy, you're not alone. Host Shannon Mattern shares the pricing strategies, mindset shifts and behind-the-scenes stories web designers like you need to stop overdelivering, raise your prices, and finally create the freedom and income you started your web design business for in the first place. This podcast is your backstage pass to the coaching, strategies, and transformations happening inside the Web Designer Academy—Shannon’s mentorship program that helps women web designers book higher-paying web design projects without overworking. 👉🏻 Find out the 5 Subtle Proposal Mistakes Even Experienced Web Designers Make That Cost Them Thousands at webdesigneracademy.com/proposal

  1. 1d ago

    Profitable Web Designer Tip: The Warm Client Method™

    Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template How to Get Web Design Clients Through Cold Email (Without Feeling Gross About It) with Laura Lopuch If you've been putting off outreach because it feels pushy, awkward, or just... wrong, this episode is going to shift that for you. I sat down with Laura Lopuch, founder of the Warm Client Method™, to talk about how web designers can use cold email to get clients without a big following, a referral network, or a full content calendar. Laura has been using cold email to build her business for 11+ years, working just 11 to 13 hours a week. She signed her very first client through a cold pitch, and she used her own system to pitch me to come on this podcast. We get into what makes a pitch land, how to reach out to potential clients without criticizing their website, and why outreach actually feels better than waiting for clients to find you. What You'll Learn: Why the fear of standing out is the #1 thing blocking web designers from outreach The 7 types of cold emails (and why most people only think of one) How to pitch a potential web design client without criticizing their current site Why you don't need a big audience to get clients through outreach What makes a collaboration pitch land vs. fall flat How AI-powered research tools are making cold email faster and less overwhelming Resources Mentioned: Laura Lopuch's website + email list: lauralopuch.com Shannon’s High-Converting Proposal Template: webdesigneracademy.com/proposal Related Episodes: Episode 194: The Daily Habit For Building a Full Web Design Client Pipeline with Julia Taylor Episode 193: Stop Waiting for Referrals and Get Booked Out with Sarah Noel Block Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko About Laura Lopuch: Laura Lopuch is the founder of the Warm Client Method™ and Cambium, systems that help online service providers book consistent clients through outreach without content marketing, ads, or referrals. Website: https://lauralopuch.com About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method,  and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern

  2. 3d ago

    The Warm Client Method™: Book Consistent Web Design Clients Through Cold Email with Laura Lopuch

    Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template How to Get Web Design Clients Through Cold Email (Without Feeling Gross About It) with Laura Lopuch If you've been putting off outreach because it feels pushy, awkward, or just... wrong, this episode is going to shift that for you. I sat down with Laura Lopuch, founder of the Warm Client Method™, to talk about how web designers can use cold email to get clients without a big following, a referral network, or a full content calendar. Laura has been using cold email to build her business for 11+ years, working just 11 to 13 hours a week. She signed her very first client through a cold pitch, and she used her own system to pitch me to come on this podcast. We get into what makes a pitch land, how to reach out to potential clients without criticizing their website, and why outreach actually feels better than waiting for clients to find you. What You'll Learn: Why the fear of standing out is the #1 thing blocking web designers from outreach The 7 types of cold emails (and why most people only think of one) How to pitch a potential web design client without criticizing their current site Why you don't need a big audience to get clients through outreach What makes a collaboration pitch land vs. fall flat How AI-powered research tools are making cold email faster and less overwhelming Resources Mentioned: Laura Lopuch's website + email list: lauralopuch.com Shannon’s High-Converting Proposal Template: webdesigneracademy.com/proposal Related Episodes: Episode 194: The Daily Habit For Building a Full Web Design Client Pipeline with Julia Taylor Episode 193: Stop Waiting for Referrals and Get Booked Out with Sarah Noel Block Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko About Laura Lopuch: Laura Lopuch is the founder of the Warm Client Method™ and Cambium, systems that help online service providers book consistent clients through outreach without content marketing, ads, or referrals. Website: https://lauralopuch.com About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method,  and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern

    The Warm Client Method™: Book Consistent Web Design Clients Through Cold Email with Laura Lopuch

  3. Jul 10

    Web Designer Tip: How To Solve Your Biggest Web Design Content Problem

    Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template Have you ever had to wait on a client’s photos to finish your web design projects? Like, you've done everything else... the strategy, the copy, the layout... and then you're just stuck, waiting for your client’s photo shoot, waiting for the photographer to get the photos processes, for the client to choose them, and then when you finally do get them - you don’t even have the sizes or orientations you need to make your designs work? Or the vibe is just all wrong?  But what if you could just create the photos yourself - AI portraits, brand photo shoots, the whole thing - and turn it into a profitable add-on service that makes your projects move faster AND gives your clients better images than they'd ever get from a traditional photo shoot? In this episode, I talk with Diane Whiddon, founder of AI Designer’s Academy, about how web designers can add AI portrait and brand photo shoot services to their offerings.  We dig into how to price these services, the ethics of AI imagery, why clients ask for more wrinkles (not fewer), and what Diane calls "visual claims" - using AI images strategically so your clients' websites build trust and convert before a word is read. What You'll Learn: How to add AI headshots ($600/package) and brand photo shoots ($3,300) to your web design services Why 90% of clients say yes to headshots when you ask at the end of a discovery call The ethical framework Diane teaches inside AI Designers Academy (what you can and can't do) Who is actually buying AI imagery - including clients who can't be served any other way How "visual claims" let designers use imagery to build trust and handle visitor objections strategically Why AI is not going to kill web design - and what IS changing for designers who stay ahead Resources Mentioned: AI Designers Academy: aidesignersacademy.com  Swayrise Creative (Diane's agency): swayriscreative.com Web Designer Academy Programs: webdesigneracademy.com/programs Related Episodes: Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko Episode 198: How To Make More With Less Web Design Clients Episode 191: How To Choose the Right Web Design Business Model About Diane Whiddon: Diane Whiddon is the founder of AI Designer’s Academy, where she teaches designers how to use AI with the eye and judgment of a creative director. She is also the owner of Swayrise Creative, her boutique Squarespace web design agency. aidesignersacademy.com | LinkedIn: Diane Whiddon About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method,  and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern

  4. Jul 8

    How To Solve Your Biggest Web Design Content Problem with Diane Whiddon of AI Designer's Academy

    Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template Have you ever had to wait on a client’s photos to finish your web design projects? Like, you've done everything else... the strategy, the copy, the layout... and then you're just stuck, waiting for your client’s photo shoot, waiting for the photographer to get the photos processes, for the client to choose them, and then when you finally do get them - you don’t even have the sizes or orientations you need to make your designs work? Or the vibe is just all wrong?  But what if you could just create the photos yourself - AI portraits, brand photo shoots, the whole thing - and turn it into a profitable add-on service that makes your projects move faster AND gives your clients better images than they'd ever get from a traditional photo shoot? In this episode, I talk with Diane Whiddon, founder of AI Designer’s Academy, about how web designers can add AI portrait and brand photo shoot services to their offerings.  We dig into how to price these services, the ethics of AI imagery, why clients ask for more wrinkles (not fewer), and what Diane calls "visual claims" - using AI images strategically so your clients' websites build trust and convert before a word is read. What You'll Learn: How to add AI headshots ($600/package) and brand photo shoots ($3,300) to your web design services Why 90% of clients say yes to headshots when you ask at the end of a discovery call The ethical framework Diane teaches inside AI Designers Academy (what you can and can't do) Who is actually buying AI imagery - including clients who can't be served any other way How "visual claims" let designers use imagery to build trust and handle visitor objections strategically Why AI is not going to kill web design - and what IS changing for designers who stay ahead Resources Mentioned: AI Designers Academy: aidesignersacademy.com  Swayrise Creative (Diane's agency): swayriscreative.com Web Designer Academy Programs: webdesigneracademy.com/programs Related Episodes: Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko Episode 198: How To Make More With Less Web Design Clients Episode 191: How To Choose the Right Web Design Business Model About Diane Whiddon: Diane Whiddon is the founder of AI Designer’s Academy, where she teaches designers how to use AI with the eye and judgment of a creative director. She is also the owner of Swayrise Creative, her boutique Squarespace web design agency. aidesignersacademy.com | LinkedIn: Diane Whiddon About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method,  and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern

    How To Solve Your Biggest Web Design Content Problem with Diane Whiddon of AI Designer's Academy

  5. Jul 3

    Profitable Web Designer Tip: Networking, Pricing & Getting Back on Track

    Get on the waitlist to find out when Shannon’s hosting her next open Live Q&A session answering your web design business questions at https://webdesigneracademy.com/qa In this week’s episode, hear Shannon answer six questions from real web designers on getting clients, handling scope creep, transitioning to retainers, getting visible without social media, managing AI overwhelm, and rebuilding after a business break.  What You'll Learn: How to follow up with networking contacts without feeling pushy or salesy What to say when a project becomes more complex than you originally quoted Shannon's free consultation - paid discovery - package matrix process for avoiding scope surprises How to plant seeds for retainer work before a project even ends Why you don't have to keep up with every AI and technology change to serve your clients How to rebuild your client pipeline after a business break (and why you're not behind) Resources: - Package Matrix™ Template: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template - Web Designer Academy: https://webdesigneracademy.com/program - Next Level Mastermind: https://webdesigneracademy.com/next-level-mastermind - 90-Day Shift Coaching: https://webdesigneracademy.com/private-coaching/ - Open House https://webdesigneracademy.com/tour Related Episodes: Episode 193: Stop Waiting for Referrals and Get Booked Out with Sarah Noel Block Episode 194: The Daily Habit For Building a Full Web Design Client Pipeline with Julia Taylor Episode 198: How To Make More With Less Web Design Clients About Shannon Mattern Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ and the founder of the Web Designer Academy, where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout, and break through to their next level of income and freedom. Website: webdesigneracademy.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner TikTok: @profitablewebdesigner YouTube: @profitablewebdesigner LinkedIn: shannonmattern

  6. Jul 1

    Web Design Business Live Q&A: Networking, Pricing & Getting Back on Track

    Get on the waitlist to find out when Shannon’s hosting her next open Live Q&A session answering your web design business questions at https://webdesigneracademy.com/qa In this week’s episode, hear Shannon answer six questions from real web designers on getting clients, handling scope creep, transitioning to retainers, getting visible without social media, managing AI overwhelm, and rebuilding after a business break.  What You'll Learn: How to follow up with networking contacts without feeling pushy or salesy What to say when a project becomes more complex than you originally quoted Shannon's free consultation - paid discovery - package matrix process for avoiding scope surprises How to plant seeds for retainer work before a project even ends Why you don't have to keep up with every AI and technology change to serve your clients How to rebuild your client pipeline after a business break (and why you're not behind) Resources: - Package Matrix™ Template: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template - Web Designer Academy: https://webdesigneracademy.com/program - Next Level Mastermind: https://webdesigneracademy.com/next-level-mastermind - 90-Day Shift Coaching: https://webdesigneracademy.com/private-coaching/ - Open House https://webdesigneracademy.com/tour Related Episodes: Episode 193: Stop Waiting for Referrals and Get Booked Out with Sarah Noel Block Episode 194: The Daily Habit For Building a Full Web Design Client Pipeline with Julia Taylor Episode 198: How To Make More With Less Web Design Clients About Shannon Mattern Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ and the founder of the Web Designer Academy, where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout, and break through to their next level of income and freedom. Website: webdesigneracademy.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner TikTok: @profitablewebdesigner YouTube: @profitablewebdesigner LinkedIn: shannonmattern

    Web Design Business Live Q&A: Networking, Pricing & Getting Back on Track

  7. Jun 26

    Profitable Web Designer Tip: May 2026 Income Report

    Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template Episode 200: May 2026 Income Report Welcome to my May 2026 Income Report where I share how much we made, how much we spent and all of the lessons I learned along the way. In This Episode: The May 2026 numbers and what they really mean when you look at 18 months of rolling data How one outreach email turned into an unexpected speaking opportunity in front of the exact right audience. What walking a half marathon along the coast of Spain without her laptop taught me about my business. The future of the Web Designer Academy, and why I’m bringing Package Matrix™ Method to other freelancers, coaches, and consultants What "playing to win" actually looks like -even when the numbers are down Resources Mentioned: Web Designer Academy Open House - request to come to our next Live Strategy Call Next Level Mastermind - for web designers ready to break through to their next level ShannonMattern.com - home of the Package Matrix Method for all service providers Related Episodes: #196 - April 2026 Income Report #192 - March 2026 Income Report #189 - How To Price Custom Web Design Projects with Shannon Mattern About Shannon Mattern Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist and the founder of the Web Designer Academy, where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout, and break through to their next level of income and freedom. Website: webdesigneracademy.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner TikTok: @profitablewebdesigner YouTube: @profitablewebdesigner LinkedIn: shannonmattern

  8. Jun 24

    ay 2026 Income Report

    Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template Episode 200: May 2026 Income Report Welcome to my May 2026 Income Report where I share how much we made, how much we spent and all of the lessons I learned along the way. In This Episode: The May 2026 numbers and what they really mean when you look at 18 months of rolling data How one outreach email turned into an unexpected speaking opportunity in front of the exact right audience. What walking a half marathon along the coast of Spain without her laptop taught me about my business. The future of the Web Designer Academy, and why I’m bringing Package Matrix™ Method to other freelancers, coaches, and consultants What "playing to win" actually looks like -even when the numbers are down Resources Mentioned: Web Designer Academy Open House - request to come to our next Live Strategy Call Next Level Mastermind - for web designers ready to break through to their next level ShannonMattern.com - home of the Package Matrix Method for all service providers Related Episodes: #196 - April 2026 Income Report #192 - March 2026 Income Report #189 - How To Price Custom Web Design Projects with Shannon Mattern About Shannon Mattern Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist and the founder of the Web Designer Academy, where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout, and break through to their next level of income and freedom. Website: webdesigneracademy.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner TikTok: @profitablewebdesigner YouTube: @profitablewebdesigner LinkedIn: shannonmattern

    ay 2026 Income Report
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Profitable Web Designer is the top podcast for women web designers who started their web design business for freedom and fulfillment—but somehow ended up overworked, underpaid, and wondering what went wrong. If you're a woman web designer who's tired of saying yes to underpaid web design projects, doubting your prices, or bending over backward to keep clients happy, you're not alone. Host Shannon Mattern shares the pricing strategies, mindset shifts and behind-the-scenes stories web designers like you need to stop overdelivering, raise your prices, and finally create the freedom and income you started your web design business for in the first place. This podcast is your backstage pass to the coaching, strategies, and transformations happening inside the Web Designer Academy—Shannon’s mentorship program that helps women web designers book higher-paying web design projects without overworking. 👉🏻 Find out the 5 Subtle Proposal Mistakes Even Experienced Web Designers Make That Cost Them Thousands at webdesigneracademy.com/proposal

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