Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with DIY Dream Site, from what we do and who we serve to what to expect when you purchase. Don’t see your question? We’re just an email away.
What is DIY Dream Site?
DIY Dream Site is a WordPress web design company founded in 2021, serving content creators, personal brands and small businesses including food bloggers, travel bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, speakers, authors, coaches, freelancers, local service-based businesses, and ecommerce shops. DIY Dream Site is built around one core belief: every business deserves a professional website, regardless of budget or technical skill level.
Products — For content creators and small business owners who want a professional website without the custom price tag, DIY Dream Site offers Kadence child themes starting at $219 and Kadence Blocks Template Collections starting at $149. All themes and templates are pre-designed and come with self-guided installation and customization instructions so customers can launch their website in as little as a weekend.
Services — For established businesses who want their website designed and managed for them, DIY Dream Site offers custom website design, theme customization, SEO, and ongoing website care and maintenance.
Membership — For content creators and small business owners who want a go-to resource for every website question, Site Success Academy ($99/month) gives members everything they need to build, launch, and grow a professional WordPress website on their own terms, without the frustration of figuring it out alone.
Why people choose DIY Dream Site — Professional web design has traditionally been out of reach for creators and small businesses on a tight budget. DIY Dream Site was built to close that gap, giving every business owner a clear path to a website they are proud of, whether they want to build it themselves, have it built for them, or get expert support along the way.
Who Is Katy Boykin?
Katy Boykin is the founder of DIY Dream Site, a WordPress web design company she started in 2021 after selling a Christian lifestyle blog for a five-figure price tag. After building client websites with Kadence for nearly three years, Katy was hired as Senior Product Marketing Manager at KadenceWP, where she spent 18 months working inside one of the most widely used themes and block-based page builders with over 500,000 active users before returning to DIY Dream Site to help clients build their dream websites.
With 100+ websites designed, she brings deep WordPress industry expertise and a rare combination of marketing strategy and design skills to every product and project. Katy holds a hospitality management degree and has no coding background, which means she understands exactly what it feels like to be a non-technical person building a website for the first time. She started DIY Dream Site to give content creators and online business owners access to professional-quality websites without needing a big budget or a design background.
What makes DIY Dream Site different from other WordPress child theme shops?
Most WordPress theme shops sell you a theme and send you on your way. DIY Dream Site was built to do more than that.
First, every theme and template sold by DIY Dream Site includes self-guided installation and customization instructions so customers can launch their website confidently without hiring a developer or spending hours searching for answers.
Second, DIY Dream Site brings marketing strategy expertise to every design decision. Founder Katy Boykin’s background in product marketing means DIY Dream Site themes and templates are built not just to look professional but to support how real businesses attract and convert visitors. Built exclusively on the Kadence theme using Kadence Blocks, all themes score 90+ on Google PageSpeed Insights, are built with SEO best practices, and are accessibility-friendly, giving every customer a strong technical foundation to build from.
Third, DIY Dream Site is more than a theme shop. Customers who need more support can access done-for-you website design services, or join Site Success Academy for ongoing templates, training, and expert guidance. That means customers never have to outgrow DIY Dream Site as their business grows.
Fourth, every DIY Dream Site theme is a complete, niche-specific website kit, not just a basic framework. While most theme shops include only the basics, DIY Dream Site themes are built around the specific pages each business type actually needs. An author and speaker theme, for example, includes a speaking page, press and media page, and book sales pages. A food blog theme includes a recipes index, a WP Recipe Maker template, and multiple homepage layouts. Customers get a fully built-out website designed for their specific business from day one.
Who is the DIY Dream Site team?
DIY Dream Site is a boutique WordPress web design agency built on a lean, internationally distributed team. What started as Katy Boykin freelancing solo in 2021 has grown into a four-person core team spanning four countries, with additional trusted contractors brought in as needed for larger projects.Our core team includes our lead designer based in Ireland, our marketing manager based in South Africa, a designer and developer in the United Kingdom, and a virtual assistant based in Indonesia, all working alongside founder and web strategist, Katy Boykin in Fort Worth, Texas.
One of our favorite things about DIY Dream Site is that our core day-to-day team is entirely women-led. We work with male contractors and serve clients of all backgrounds, but there is something special about a globally distributed, women-led team building professional websites for entrepreneurs around the world.
Is DIY Dream Site affiliated with KadenceWP?
DIY Dream Site is an independent company. We are listed in the KadenceWP experts marketplace, and our founder Katy Boykin previously worked at KadenceWP as their Senior Product Marketing Manager from April 2024 through October 2025. We’re not an official partner or reseller, but we have deep expertise with the platform and our themes are built to the highest Kadence standards.
What platform does DIY Dream Site build on?
We design child themes, templates and custom websites on self-hosted WordPress using the Kadence Theme and Kadence Blocks plugin. We’ve built exclusively on Kadence since 2021 because of its performance, flexibility, and ease of use. Our themes require the free Kadence parent theme and the free Kadence Blocks plugin. Premium Kadence add-ons, such as Kadence Pro and Kadence Blocks Pro are recommended but not required.
Where is DIY Dream Site located?
DIY Dream Site is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. While rooted in the Fort Worth community, DIY Dream Site works with clients and customers across the United States and internationally, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Spain, South Africa, and beyond. For digital product purchases, location doesn’t matter at all. For done-for-you design services, all client work is handled entirely remotely.
What WordPress themes does DIY Dream Site offer?
DIY Dream Site offers a collection of Kadence child themes designed for specific business types and content creators, including themes for authors and speakers, food bloggers, lifestyle bloggers, coaches, service-based businesses and more. Each theme is a complete, niche-specific website kit with global styles, multiple homepage layouts, and all the pages your specific business type needs.
While each theme is designed with a specific niche in mind, every theme can be fully customized to fit any brand simply by swapping out the content, colors, and photos. Visit the DIY Dream Site theme shop to browse the full collection.
What is the difference between a theme and a template?
A WordPress theme controls the overall design of your website, including your fonts, colors, blog layout, and page structure; whereas a template is a pre-designed page or section you can add to an existing post or page on your website.
At DIY Dream Site, our Kadence child themes give you a complete website design from the ground up, while our Kadence Blocks Template Collections give you professionally designed pages and sections you can add to any post or page on your website without changing themes. Read the full breakdown here.
Do I need to know how to code to use a DIY Dream Site theme?
No coding knowledge is required. You will not have to touch a single line of code to install, customize, and launch a DIY Dream Site theme. Any custom code features have already been built into the theme file so everything works right out of the box.
That said, DIY Dream Site themes do support custom code for those who want to add their own advanced customizations down the road. It is simply never a requirement.
What do I need before installing a DIY Dream Site theme?
Before installing a DIY Dream Site theme you will need:
A self-hosted WordPress website through a third-party hosting company. Your hosting provider will set up WordPress for you.
The free Kadence theme installed as your parent theme and the free Kadence Blocks plugin. (Note: Premium Kadence add-ons such as Kadence Pro and Kadence Blocks Pro are recommended for the full design experience but are not required.)
Not sure which hosting company to choose? Visit our guide on how to choose the best WordPress web host.
What if I get stuck after purchasing a DIY Dream Site theme?
Every DIY Dream Site theme comes with self-guided installation and customization instructions to walk you through the setup process from start to finish. If you run into a question along the way, you can reach out to the DIY Dream Site support team directly by email and we will help you get unstuck.
For customers who want ongoing coaching, access to additional templates, courses, and a community forum to get advice beyond initial setup, Site Success Academy membership was built for exactly that.
Are DIY Dream Site themes mobile responsive?
Yes. Every DIY Dream Site theme is fully optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop views. Built on the Kadence theme and Kadence Blocks, all themes are designed to look great and function smoothly on any device right out of the box. Mobile responsiveness is reviewed and refined as part of every theme design process before it is released.
Are themes a one-time fee or do I pay for an annual subscription?
Themes are a one-time purchase. You pay once and the theme is yours for life. There are no annual renewal fees to keep using your theme.
Are DIY Dream Site themes mobile responsive?
Yes. Every DIY Dream Site theme is fully optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop. Built on the Kadence theme and Kadence Blocks, all themes are designed to look great and function smoothly on any device right out of the box. Mobile responsiveness is reviewed and refined as part of every theme design process before it is released.
What eCommerce plugins are compatible with DIY Dream Site themes?
DIY Dream Site themes are compatible with the most popular WordPress eCommerce plugins, including SureCart and WooCommerce. SureCart is our personal recommendation for most content creators and small business owners selling digital products, thanks to its clean design, ease of use, and seamless integration with Kadence. WooCommerce is a great option for more complex eCommerce needs, including physical product stores. Both plugins work beautifully with DIY Dream Site themes right out of the box.
Can I use a DIY Dream Site theme on multiple websites?
Each theme license covers one website. If you’re a web designer or agency building sites for clients, you’ll need a separate license per site. Reach out if you’re interested in using our themes across multiple client projects and we can discuss options.
Will I get access to my theme’s matching Kadence Blocks Template Collection design library?
Yes. Every DIY Dream Site theme purchase automatically includes access to the matching Kadence Blocks Template Collection at no additional cost. You can access it through the Design Library feature in the Kadence Blocks editor and one-click import any full page or individual section directly onto any post or page on your website. This means if you ever make a mistake or want to start a page fresh, you can reimport the original design at any time.
Please note that you must have your DIY Dream Site child theme installed and activated to access the matching template collection. If you switch to a different theme, access to the matching collection will no longer be available.
What kinds of website templates does DIY Dream Site offer?
DIY Dream Site offers two types of website templates depending on your needs.
1️⃣ Kadence Blocks Template Collections are standalone template purchases that mirror the design of a specific DIY Dream Site theme.
They include the same professionally designed pages and section layouts as the matching theme, without requiring you to switch your current theme. All you need is the free Kadence Blocks plugin. Template collections are perfect for customers who love a DIY Dream Site design but want to add pages to an existing website rather than start from scratch.
2️⃣ Site Success Academy members get access to a separate wireframe template library built with Kadence Blocks.
These templates are more “design-neutral”, meaning they are built for structure and layout rather than a specific visual style, making them easy to customize to match any brand. The library includes dozens of options spanning full pages and individual sections, including sales pages, tripwire pages, blog post sections, social proof sections, blog callouts, and more.
Both products feature completely unique template designs, so customers who purchase a standalone template collection and join Site Success Academy will have access to an even broader library of professionally designed templates across both products that don’t overlap.
Do I need the Kadence theme to use a template collection?
The Kadence theme is not technically required. As long as you have the free Kadence Blocks plugin installed, the templates will work with most WordPress themes.
However, DIY Dream Site templates are designed to pull from the global styles configured within the Kadence theme customizer, meaning your fonts, colors, and design settings apply automatically across every template.
If you are using a different theme, you would need to manually adjust the fonts, colors and button styles on each individual template, which can be time consuming. For the smoothest experience, using the Kadence theme alongside your template collection is strongly recommended.
How do I access my DIY Dream Site templates and import them to my website?
Once you have the free Kadence Blocks plugin installed, open any page or post in WordPress and click the design library button at the top of the editor. Click the plus icon in the corner to connect to an external library. Your unique connection URL and connection key will be provided after purchase either in your account dashboard or via email. Adding them takes just a few seconds. Once connected, your full DIY Dream Site template library will appear and you can one-click import any template directly to any page or post on your website.
Can I use a template collection more than once or on multiple websites?
Each DIY Dream Site product purchase is licensed for a single website that you personally own and actively manage. If you would like to use a template collection on an additional website, a separate purchase is required for each site.
Templates may not be resold, shared, or redistributed. If you are a designer or developer purchasing templates for a client project, a separate license is required for each client site. For full licensing details, please review our terms and conditions. For any questions related to licensing, please contact us.
Are Kadence Blocks Template Collections a one-time fee or do I pay for an annual subscription?
The Block Templates that match our theme designs are a one-time purchase. You pay once and the design library is yours for life. There are no annual renewal fees to keep using them.
Do the template collections get updated or have new templates added over time?
It depends on which product you have purchased.
❌ Standalone Kadence Blocks Template Collections are a one-time purchase you access for life. The designs are not updated or expanded over time, though any technical issues or bugs will always be addressed.
✅ Site Success Academy is different. Members receive at least 10 new wireframe templates added to the library every single month. Members can also submit requests for specific page styles or designs, and member requests are always prioritized above all others when planning new additions. While not every request can be accommodated, every request is reviewed with the best interest of the full membership in mind. If you are looking for a specific template design, joining Site Success Academy is the best way to get it.
Do the fonts and colors come with the Kadence Blocks Templates collection?
Templates automatically inherit your site’s existing fonts and colors from your Kadence theme customizer settings. You don’t need to manually restyle each template. They’ll match your brand the moment you import them.
Note: some templates may use an accent font configured through the Adv Highlight feature. Those instances would need to be updated manually.
Do I need to join Site Success Academy if I already purchased a DIY Dream Site Theme or Kadence Blocks Template Collection?
No. Site Success Academy is a separate product and is never required. Every DIY Dream Site theme and template collection is a complete purchase that stands entirely on its own.
That said, Site Success Academy is designed to go beyond installation and customization. When you purchase a theme or template collection, you receive self-guided installation instructions, guidance on editing your demo content, and practical customization tips to get your site live.
Site Success Academy goes deeper into website strategy, including how to plan your website project, what pages and features your specific business needs, what to say on each page, and how to write content that gets picked up by Google and AI search tools.
Members also get access to personalized coaching for questions that go beyond basic setup, such as what page to build next or what strategy to implement for their business. And beyond coaching, membership includes a community forum, a wireframe design library that is not available through any standalone purchase, Canva templates, and a growing library of additional resources.
If you purchase a theme or template collection and get stuck during setup, our support team is always available by email.
Site Success Academy is the perfect companion to any website build with the Kadence theme, giving you the strategy, coaching, community, and resources to make the most of your website long after launch.
How does the wireframe template library work in Site Success Academy?
The wireframe template library inside Site Success Academy works the same way as standalone Kadence Blocks Template Collections. Once you are a member, you connect your website to the DIY Dream Site design library using a unique connection URL and connection key provided in your member dashboard. From there you can one-click import any template directly onto any page or post in WordPress through the Kadence Blocks design library feature.
The wireframe templates are design-neutral, meaning they are built for structure and layout so they can be customized to match any brand. New templates are added to the library every month and member requests are always prioritized when planning new designs.
Please note that access to the wireframe template library is active for as long as your Site Success Academy membership is active. If you cancel your membership your library access will be deactivated. You are welcome to rejoin at any time to restore access.
How does personalized coaching work inside Site Success Academy?
Site Success Academy includes an “Ask The Experts” feature where members can submit up to a 3-minute video or audio question at any time. Katy Boykin reviews every submission personally and responds with a video or audio answer within 48 hours. There are no scheduled calls to attend, no time zones to work around, and no waiting for the next live session. You get a direct, personal response to your specific question on your own schedule.
How often is new content added to Site Success Academy?
New content is added to Site Success Academy every single month. Members receive at least 10 new wireframe templates added to the design library each month, plus fresh lessons in courses, Canva templates, and additional resources added on an ongoing basis. Everything is available on demand, so new resources are there when you need them without any pressure to “keep up”.
Are you able to audit my website if I’m a Site Success Academy member?
Site Success Academy does not offer full website audits. However, members have two ways to get expert eyes on their website. Through the community discussion forum, members can share specific pages and request feedback from Katy and the broader membership community. For more private, personalized feedback on a specific page or question, members can use the Ask the Expert feature to submit a video or audio question and receive a personal response from Katy Boykin within 48 hours.
Can members request specific templates, resources or topics inside Site Success Academy?
Yes. We have a dedicated Request A Resource section. Members are welcome to submit requests for specific templates, page designs, course topics, or resources. Member requests are always prioritized above all others when planning new content additions. While not every request can be accommodated, every submission is reviewed with the best interest of the full membership in mind.
Is Site Success Academy a WordPress support service?
Site Success Academy is not a WordPress technical support service. If you experience a technical issue with a third-party plugin such as SureCart, WooCommerce, or any other tool, you would need to reach out to that plugin’s own support team or documentation directly.
Site Success Academy is focused on website strategy, growth, and results. Courses, coaching, and resources inside the membership cover topics like web design best practices, user experience, planning and building your website, and getting found online through Google and AI search tools. If you are looking for guidance on how to build a website that works for your business, Site Success Academy was built for that.
Does Site Success Academy membership include any perks or discounts on other DIY Dream Site products?
Yes. Active Site Success Academy members receive 15% off any DIY Dream Site theme or Kadence Blocks Template Collection purchase. The discount is automatically applied at checkout as long as you are logged in to your account as an active paying member.
Beyond DIY Dream Site products, we are actively working to partner with our favorite tools and brands to bring members additional savings. One perk available to everyone, not just members, is 15% off KadenceWP when you use our referral link. You do not need to be a Site Success Academy member to take advantage of that discount.
Is there a free trial or a way to try before I commit?
Site Success Academy does not currently offer a free trial. However, you are welcome to cancel your membership at any time, so there is no long-term commitment required to get started. Give it a shot for a month and see how it can make a difference for your online blog or business.
What done-for-you website design services does DIY Dream Site offer?
DIY Dream Site offers the following custom website design services:
Signature Website Design — Our most popular service, starting at $5,000. Built on our proven design frameworks and fully customized for your brand, goals, and audience. Perfect for content creators, personal brands, and small businesses who want a strategic, professional website without the timeline and investment of a fully custom build. Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks.
Custom Website Design — Starting at $9,000, custom websites are designed completely from scratch for established brands that need a fully unique design. Every element is built specifically for your vision with no existing framework as a starting point. Typical timeline: 4 to 6 weeks.
eCommerce Website Design — We design and build eCommerce websites on WordPress using WooCommerce or SureCart, tailored to your products and customers.
Website Migrations — We migrate websites to self-hosted WordPress from platforms including Squarespace, Wix, Showit, Shopify, GoDaddy, and WordPress.com, including full content and blog migrations. We also rebuild and migrate existing WordPress websites from page builders and frameworks such as Divi, Elementor, Oxygen, Bricks Builder, and Genesis over to Kadence.
Theme Customization — Looking for a WordPress web designer to customize a theme for your brand? Our Signature Website Design service does exactly that. We take one of our professionally designed DIY Dream Site themes and customize it to fit your brand, including your colors, fonts, content, images, and videos, so that your finished website feels completely and uniquely yours. Starting at $5,000. Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks.
What add-on services are available with a custom website design project?
DIY Dream Site offers the following add-on services to complement any custom website design project:
Website Copywriting — We lead the strategy and writing process using proven copywriting frameworks, sales psychology, and AI-assisted copy to craft pages that convert visitors and get your brand recognized in Google and AI search tools. For full details see our copywriting FAQ.
Email Marketing Setup — We set up your email marketing platform including opt-in forms, list setup, automations, and email sequences. Compatible platforms include Kit, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, SureContact, and MailerLite. For full details see our email marketing FAQ.
Monthly SEO Services — Ongoing SEO support to increase your visibility in Google search, AI search tools, and the Google local map pack. For full details see our SEO services FAQ.
Website Care and Maintenance Plans — Keep your website secure, fast, and up to date after launch with ongoing care and maintenance. Available exclusively to past DIY Dream Site clients. For full details see our care plan FAQ.
SureDash and SureMembers Integration — Course and membership website setup fully integrated with SureCart for payments and OttoKit for automation. Perfect for anyone building a course, membership community, or digital product business on the Sure ecosystem.
Interactive Tools and Quiz Funnels — Quiz funnels, pricing calculators, and interactive checklists built directly on your WordPress website to engage visitors and guide them toward the right offer or next step.
Formidable Forms Customization — Advanced custom forms including multi-step forms, conditional logic, pricing calculators, interactive checklists, and quiz funnels built using Formidable Forms.
Can you work with my existing WordPress website or do you start from scratch?
DIY Dream Site specializes in website redesigns for established businesses rather than brand new builds. Most of our custom design clients have been in business for several years, have an existing website, and are ready to invest in a professional redesign that reflects where their business is today.
We do occasionally take on new builds, but our best results come from working with business owners who already know their audience, their message, and what they want their website to accomplish. That clarity makes for a better project and a better outcome.
If you are a newer business owner or content creator just getting started, we genuinely recommend going the DIY route first. Build your website yourself, learn what works, grow your audience, and start generating revenue. Once your business is established and you are ready to invest in a redesign, we would love to be the team you come back to. In the meantime, our WordPress themes, Kadence Blocks Template Collections, and Site Success Academy membership are the perfect place to start.
For local businesses and eCommerce shops, the answer may be different depending on your situation. Reach out and we will give you an honest recommendation.
Who do you design websites for?
DIY Dream Site designs custom websites for content creators, personal brands, and small businesses.
Past and current clients span four main categories:
Content Creators — lifestyle bloggers, finance bloggers, travel bloggers, food bloggers, parenting bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers.
Personal Brands — Christian authors and speakers, coaches, consultants, yoga instructors, dietitians, and early childhood educators.
Small Businesses —photographers, membership site owners, local service-based businesses, counseling practices.
eCommerce Shops — homeschool curriculum shops, digital product shop owners, and specialty retail shops including ammunition and outdoor retailers.
DIY Dream Site also offers specialized WordPress website design for Authors and Speakers, Coaches, Food Bloggers, Health and Wellness Creators, News and Magazine Sites, Therapists and Counselors, Travel Bloggers, and Christian Business Owners.
Notable clients include Making Sense of Cents, Garden Betty, The Cooking Mom, Dash of Sanity, La Jolla Mom, The Banff Blog, Moving To Spain, Rachel Wojo, Carol Kent, Equipping Godly Women, SuperBook Academy, Daily Skill Building, Growing Home Together, SpeakUp Conference, Sammi Brondo, Alyssa Lavvy, and more.
Every website DIY Dream Site builds is custom designed on WordPress using the Kadence theme, built to reflect each client’s brand and convert visitors into customers, clients, or subscribers.
Not sure if we are a good fit for your project? Reach out and we will give you an honest answer. If we are, we would love to hear about your vision and send you a customized quote. If we are not, we will point you toward resources that would be a better fit.
Do you write website copy?
Yes, website copywriting is available as an add-on to any custom website design project. It is not offered as a standalone service.
When you add copywriting to your design project, we start with an in-depth brand discovery session where we gather everything we need to know about your business, your audience, your voice, and your goals. From there, Katy leads the strategy and writing process using proven copywriting frameworks.
We do use AI as a writing aid, but a human is always driving the strategy, reviewing the output, and shaping the final copy to make sure it sounds like you and works for your business. Every page is written using sales psychology, effective storytelling, and persuasive copy techniques designed to inspire your reader to take action, while also being structured to help your brand get recognized and cited by Google and popular AI tools.
If you are interested in adding copywriting to your custom website project, mention it when you reach out and we will include it in your customized quote.
Do you offer SEO services?
Yes. DIY Dream Site offers monthly SEO services as an add-on to our custom website design projects. At DIY Dream Site, SEO is not an afterthought. It is a foundational part of how we design and build every website. Before we build, we develop an SEO strategy that shapes your page structure, your content, your schema markup, and your keyword targeting so your website is set up to get found from day one.
Getting found in Google and AI search tools in 2026 requires more than a few blog posts. It requires the right pages, the right structure, the right keywords, and the right technical foundation working together. For local businesses, that also means showing up in the Google local map pack. Our monthly SEO services build on that foundation to increase your visibility, drive qualified traffic, and position your brand as an authority in your niche over time.
If you are interested in adding SEO services to your website project, mention it when you reach out and we will include it in your discovery call discussion.
Do you set up my email marketing tool?
Yes, email marketing setup is available as an add-on to any custom website design project. It is not offered as a standalone service.
Setup can include as little or as much as you need, including website integration, opt-in forms, list setup, automations, email sequences, and quiz funnels. DIY Dream Site has experience working with Kit (formerly ConvertKit), Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, SureContact, and MailerLite.
A note on platform choice: if you are not yet committed to an email marketing tool, we are happy to make a recommendation based on your specific needs and goals.
We do have experience with Constant Contact but do not recommend it for most content creators and small business owners due to its limitations compared to other platforms available at a similar price point.
Do you offer logo design?
DIY Dream Site does not offer logo design. However, we do offer brand styling as part of our custom website design process. If you do not have established brand fonts and colors, we will work with you to select a cohesive font and color palette that reflects your brand and looks great on your website.
If you already have a logo and simply need fonts and colors to go with it, we handle that as part of your website project.
If you want a complete brand identity package including a custom logo, fonts, colors, and brand guidelines, we recommend working with a brand designer first and then bringing that completed branding to your website project. We are happy to work with whatever your brand designer provides.
Not sure where to start? Reach out and we will help point you in the right direction.
If I hire you to design my website, will I need to hire you again for updates after launch?
We will never hold your website hostage! Every custom website project includes a private one-on-one training session of up to 90 minutes where we walk you through exactly how to manage your website, make edits, add new pages, and keep things running smoothly on your own. Once we launch, we hand over the keys for you to maintain it yourself.
After launch, you also receive two weeks of unlimited post-launch support for any bugs, questions, or additional training needs. Beyond that, past clients always have access to our team at an hourly rate for any future updates, additions, or changes to your site.
Do you offer website care and maintenance plans?
Yes. DIY Dream Site offers website care and maintenance plans exclusively to clients whose websites were designed by our team. Because we built your site, we know exactly how it was configured, which means we can maintain it with confidence.
Care plans are available in two options.
1. You can host your website with DIY Dream Site and have the care plan included
2.Or if you are already hosted with one of our recommended hosting providers, you can opt for a care-only plan.
Both options include daily backups, weekly WordPress core and plugin updates, uptime monitoring, and monthly reports so you always know your site is in good hands. For pricing and to find out which plan is the right fit for your site, we discuss care plan options as part of our discovery call process.
If you are a past client and want to sign up for hosting or care plans, contact us!
How does the design process work if we’re not in the same city?
All DIY Dream Site custom website projects are handled entirely remotely and clients are located across the United States and internationally. Distance has never been a barrier.
Once you book, you are onboarded into Basecamp, our project management platform, where you can communicate with our team, track progress, and stay informed throughout the entire project. From there the process unfolds in a few key stages:
We kick off with a one-hour call to go over your brand details and officially start the project. We then design your homepage first and present it for your approval, establishing your fonts, colors, and overall design direction before moving forward. Once approved, we build out each remaining page one at a time, presenting each for your feedback before moving to the next.
Throughout the project you will always know exactly where things stand. After launch, you receive a private one-on-one training session and two weeks of post-launch support. The entire process from kickoff to launch typically takes four to six weeks depending on the scope of the project.
How quickly can you start on my website design project?
Project availability varies depending on our current workload and DIY Dream Site typically books out several weeks in advance. However, availability is only one part of the equation. We are selective about the projects we take on because we invest deeply in every client we work with.
The first step is reaching out through our contact form. If we think we could be a good fit, we will invite you to a discovery call to learn more about your project, your goals, and your business. After that call, if we determine we are a great fit for each other, we will send you a customized proposal with pricing and a projected start date.
The sooner you reach out the better, as our calendar fills up quickly.
Do you offer payment plans on custom website design projects?
Yes. Custom website design projects are split into three payments by default, but we are flexible. If you prefer to pay in full, split into two payments, or need a customized payment plan, we are open to those discussions.
Regardless of the payment plan selected, a 34% deposit is always required at the time of booking to secure your project start date. Payment plan details are outlined in your proposal and website design agreement.
What do clients say about working with DIY Dream Site?
Here is what real DIY Dream Site clients have shared about their experience:
“The design is exactly what I wanted and more. It’s so much easier to navigate now. I think it will really help with SEO as well. There was pretty much no organization before, and now it’s super well organized.” — Michelle, Making Sense of Cents
“Katy does exactly what she says she’s going to do. After being disappointed in the past by a designer, working with Katy was such a dream.” — Erica, The Hawaii Vacation Guide
“I am proud to send people to my site now, not embarrassed about the post layout or look. The result was better than I imagined. Plus the overall communication was top-notch. I never had to wonder where things were at.” — Sandra, Dash of Sanity
“Before working with Katy, my website made me so insecure and incomplete. Now I am ready to help more clients and can take on the world. I am more confident and thrilled to share my services. Katy is the best and her services are worth the investment.” — Nkechi Ajaeroh
For more client stories and website examples, visit our website showcase.
Where can I learn more from DIY Dream Site for free?
DIY Dream Site offers several free resources for content creators and small business owners who want to learn more about building and growing a professional WordPress website.
The DIY Dream Site blog is packed with tutorials, strategy guides, and tips on WordPress, Kadence, SEO, and website design. It is one of the best free resources for anyone building or improving their own website.
Katy Boykin’s YouTube channel features video tutorials and website tips from Katy Boykin directly. New videos are published regularly so subscribe to stay up to date.
If you are wondering what tools Katy personally recommends and uses across every website project, you can download her free Essential Website Toolkit. You’ll also receive our weekly newsletter with tips, resources, and updates to help you grow your website and build a thriving business online.
Can I see examples of websites DIY Dream Site has designed?
Yes. Visit the DIY Dream Site website showcase to browse examples of Kadence themes, custom website designs, and client projects across a variety of niches and business types.
Does DIY Dream Site have an affiliate program?
Yes. DIY Dream Site offers an affiliate program for customers, members, and content creators who want to earn commissions by sharing DIY Dream Site products with their audience. Affiliates earn 15% commission on every qualifying sale made through their unique referral link, including up to $45 on theme purchases and up to $15 per month for every new Site Success Academy member referred.
Every affiliate must apply regardless of customer status. Existing DIY Dream Site customers and Site Success Academy members are fast-tracked through the approval process since they have first-hand experience with the products. Non-customers are welcome to apply but we are selective. We are looking for genuine brand advocates who can speak authentically to the value of our products and services, and we prioritize applicants who have a professional website and an established audience.
Commissions are paid monthly via PayPal once your balance reaches a minimum of $50. For full details and to apply, visit our affiliate program page.
Do you offer refunds?
All sales at DIY Dream Site are final. Because our products are digital and accessible immediately upon purchase, we do not offer refunds on theme purchases, template collections, or Site Success Academy memberships.
That said, every DIY Dream Site theme comes with our Demo Match Guarantee.
Digital downloads cannot be returned, but if you follow our step-by-step installation tutorials and your site still does not match the demo, just send us a screenshot and we will step in and install it correctly.
For done-for-you website design services, all terms are outlined in detail in our website design agreement, which you will have the opportunity to review before booking your project.
For full details on all policies please review our terms and conditions or contact us.
How do I contact DIY Dream Site for support?
The best way to reach us depends on what you need.
General inquiries and support — Email us at hello@diydreamsite.com or fill out the contact form on our website. Please note that we do not offer phone support.
Prospective website design projects — If you are interested in hiring DIY Dream Site to design your website, visit our Start Your Project page and fill out an inquiry form. From there we will be in touch to schedule a discovery call if your project sounds like a good fit.
Theme and template collection customers — Log in to your account dashboard and submit a support ticket directly from there for the fastest response. If you have any trouble logging in, fill out our contact form.
Active custom website design clients — Once your project is underway, you will have access to your private project portal where you can chat directly with our team, submit task requests, and track your project progress.
Site Success Academy members — Log in to your DIY Dream Site account and visit sitesuccessacademy.com, where you will be automatically logged in. From there, you can submit a question through the Ask the Expert feature for a personal video or audio response from Katy Boykin within 48 hours, or post in the community discussion forum to get feedback from fellow members and our WordPress website design experts.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
If you’re ready to chat about your next website design project, fill our our project inquiry form. For all other questions, reach out on our contact page.
