Introduction
Are you a talented web designer trapped in a cycle of undercharging and overdelivering? Do you dream of a business that offers not just creative fulfillment but also financial independence and true freedom? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Many skilled women in the web design industry find themselves on a treadmill, working tirelessly for clients who don’t fully value their expertise, leading directly to burnout and frustration. The gap between your potential and your current reality often comes down to missing business systems, pricing strategies, and the right mindset. This is precisely where the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) comes in. This isn’t just another course; it’s a comprehensive business mentorship program designed specifically for women web designers ready to stop playing small. It provides the exact roadmap to transform your freelance gig into a profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable business. Through this program, you’ll learn how to confidently command premium prices, attract dream clients who respect your work, and implement streamlined processes that free you from the constant chaos of project management. This is your opportunity to build the business you originally set out to create, one that supports the life you want to live.
Course Description
The Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is an in-depth, one-year mentorship program that goes far beyond typical self-study courses. It’s a holistic system that blends strategic business training with crucial mindset work, all within a supportive community of like-minded women. The curriculum is structured into eight core modules that cover every critical aspect of running a successful web design business, from defining your unique identity and crafting premium packages to mastering high-ticket sales and implementing marketing that feels authentic and effective. The teaching style is a blend of pre-recorded video lessons, live weekly group coaching calls with Shannon Mattern herself, and hands-on support. What truly sets this program apart is its emphasis on implementation. You don’t just learn theory; you get over 70 done-for-you templates, scripts, and processes—from sales call scripts to client workbooks and project management timelines—that you can immediately apply in your business. Accessing this transformative program through a group buy model makes this high-level mentorship significantly more accessible, allowing you to invest in your growth without the full financial burden. With direct feedback on your pricing and packages, a private community for troubleshooting, and a clear roadmap tailored to your business, this program is designed to guide you step-by-step from where you are to where you want to be.
At its heart, the Web Designer Academy is about creating a fundamental shift in how you view yourself, your skills, and your business. It’s for designers who are tired of the feast-and-famine cycle and are ready to build a predictable income stream. The program addresses the core issues that hold most web designers back: fear of raising prices, lack of a clear marketing plan, and the overwhelm of managing client projects. Shannon Mattern, with nearly a decade of experience mentoring over 1,500 web designers, has distilled her most effective strategies into this program. She teaches you how to move from selling your time to selling the value and transformation you provide, which is the key to exponential income growth. The combination of strategic frameworks like the Package Matrix™ and Paid Discovery, coupled with the supportive community and expert coaching, creates an environment where you can’t help but succeed. This is more than an education; it’s an incubator for your most profitable and fulfilling business yet.
Ideal Student
- Experienced Women Web Designers Feeling Stuck: You are a woman who provides web design or related services (like copywriting, SEO, or funnel building) on any platform (WordPress, Squarespace, Webflow, etc.). You’ve had paying clients but feel like you’ve hit a revenue plateau. You’re consistently undercharging for the immense value you provide and are working far too many hours, leading you to the brink of burnout. You know you’re capable of more but lack the specific business strategies to get there.
- Designers Tired of the Feast-or-Famine Cycle: Your income is unpredictable. One month you’re swamped with work, and the next you’re scrambling to find your next client. This inconsistency makes it difficult to plan, invest in your business, or feel secure. You’re ready to implement a marketing and sales system that brings in a consistent flow of ideal, high-paying clients, so you can finally stabilize your cash flow and focus on doing great work.
- Solopreneurs Craving Community and Support: You’ve been running your business in isolation for too long. You’re tired of second-guessing every decision, from pricing to client communication, and you wish you had a trusted group of peers to turn to for advice, tech help, and encouragement. You’re looking for more than just a course; you want a “wolf pack” or a community of “biz besties” who understand your unique challenges and celebrate your wins.
- Ambitious Entrepreneurs Ready for a Quantum Leap: You see web design as a serious, long-term career, not just a side hustle. You have big goals—you want to make a full-time income, double or triple your current revenue, and build a business that gives you true time and location freedom. You’re committed, persistent, and willing to do the work, but you need a proven roadmap and expert guidance to get you there faster and avoid costly mistakes.
- Designers Who Hate “Selling” and Marketing: The thought of traditional marketing, like posting constantly on social media or using pushy sales tactics, makes you cringe. You want to grow your business in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your personality. You’re looking for simple, relationship-based marketing strategies and sales processes that empower your clients rather than making you feel like a used-car salesman.
Learning Outcomes
- Master Premium Pricing and Value-Based Sales: You will undergo a profound mindset shift, fully internalizing the value of your work so you can confidently charge 5x, 10x, or even more than your current rates. You will learn to move beyond hourly billing and create compelling, high-ticket offers using the Package Matrix™. You’ll receive word-for-word scripts that enable you to discuss pricing and close sales without feeling pushy, sleazy, or like an imposter, ensuring clients are happy to pay your premium rates.
- Implement a Profitable Project Management System: You will gain access to and master the use of proven templates and processes for every stage of a client project. This includes contracts, project timelines, kickoff agendas, and communication scripts that prevent scope creep and “zombie projects.” You’ll learn how to set and hold professional boundaries with clients in a way that strengthens your relationship, ensuring projects start on time, stay on track, and finish on schedule, freeing you from constant stress and overwork.
- Attract and Book Dream Clients Consistently: You will develop a clear “Dream Client” profile and craft messaging that speaks directly to them, making you the obvious choice. You’ll implement the Marketing Momentum system, which involves simple, authentic weekly actions to generate leads without relying on social media, ads, or content marketing. You’ll know exactly where to find investment-minded clients and how to nurture those connections into high-paying projects.
- Overcome Limiting Mindsets and Build Business Resilience: A core component of the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is tackling the mental blocks that sabotage success. You will work through money mindset issues, imposter syndrome, and people-pleasing tendencies. You’ll develop the mental toughness and resilience to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship, ensuring that external circumstances or life events no longer derail your business progress.
- Cultivate a Powerful Support Network and Find Your Voice: You will become part of an engaged, intelligent, and generous community of women web designers. This network will become an invaluable resource for technical questions, strategy brainstorming, and moral support. You’ll gain the confidence to speak up for yourself, your value, and your business needs, transforming from a solitary freelancer into a confident CEO of your own company, surrounded by peers who want to see you win.
Course Modules
The curriculum of the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is meticulously structured to guide you through a complete transformation of your web design business. Each module builds upon the last, providing you with the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts needed to create a profitable and sustainable enterprise. Below, we delve into the specifics of what you’ll learn in each of the core modules.
Module 1: Unique Web Designer Identity
This foundational module is all about self-discovery and differentiation. In a crowded market, understanding your unique superpower is the key to standing out and attracting clients who are a perfect fit. You will begin by taking the complete Archetypes® Quiz, a powerful tool designed to reveal your Signature and Influencing Archetypes. This isn’t just a fun personality test; it’s a strategic framework for your business. You’ll gain deep insights into your innate strengths, the specific challenges you might face in business, and the unique opportunities you have to create more time and money. For example, you might discover you’re a “Visionary” who excels at big-picture strategy but needs support with details, or a “Nurturer” who builds incredible client loyalty but must learn to set firmer boundaries. The module then guides you on how to leverage this knowledge. You’ll learn which types of clients are naturally drawn to your archetype and, just as importantly, which types to avoid to prevent difficult projects and scope creep. This understanding becomes the bedrock of your messaging, your marketing, and even how you structure your offers, ensuring that you build a business that is not only profitable but also deeply aligned with who you are.
Module 2: Dream Client Design
With a clear understanding of your own identity, Module 2 shifts the focus to designing your ideal client and, by extension, your dream business. This module moves beyond vague customer avatars and helps you get crystal clear on who you want to work with and who you absolutely don’t. You’ll define the characteristics of your dream clients—not just their industry or budget, but their mindset, their values, and how they treat you as a partner. You’ll also detail your “nightmare” client profile, which is just as crucial for avoiding time-wasting and energy-draining projects. Once you have this clarity, you’ll learn how to craft messaging that speaks directly to the hearts and minds of your ideal clients. This involves using language that resonates with their specific pains and goals, making them feel instantly understood. The module provides a framework for shifting your marketing from a broad, “please pick me” approach to a targeted, “you’re the one I’ve been looking for” strategy. Finally, you’ll learn authentic and effective methods for starting to connect with these dream clients, focusing on relationship-building and networking strategies that feel natural and build long-term trust, rather than cold outreach or aggressive tactics.
Module 3: Sell Yourself First
Often, the biggest barrier to charging premium prices is our own belief about what we’re worth. Module 3 is dedicated to transforming your internal relationship with money, value, and your own capabilities. This is a deep-dive into the mindset work that underpins all the sales and pricing strategies in the program. You’ll learn how to make the critical shift from selling your time or a list of deliverables to selling the value, transformation, and return on investment you provide for your clients. This module helps you get “sold” on your own prices first, so when you present them to a client, your conviction is unshakable. You will explore and dismantle personal money blocks that may be causing you to undercharge or give away your value for free. Through targeted exercises and coaching, you’ll begin to see your services as a high-value investment for your clients, not an expense. A key, actionable part of this module is learning how to start raising your prices with your current clients. The program provides scripts and strategies for how to have these conversations gracefully and confidently, allowing you to immediately increase your income without even having to book a new client.
Module 4: Paid Discovery
One of the most powerful and game-changing strategies taught in the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is Paid Discovery. This module teaches you a proven framework for selling your strategic expertise *before* you ever sell a website. Instead of offering free consultations where you give away your best ideas, you’ll learn how to confidently offer a paid discovery session. This is a separate, paid project where your sole job is to dive deep into the client’s business, goals, and challenges and develop a comprehensive strategic plan for their website and digital presence. This process achieves multiple goals: it filters out tire-kickers and ensures you only work with serious, investment-minded clients; it gets you paid for your most valuable asset—your brain; and it creates the perfect, seamless transition to selling the implementation of that strategy. You’ll learn how to position this offer on consultation calls, how to structure and deliver the strategy itself (even if you’re not a formal strategist), and how to use the strategic plan you’ve created to make a powerful, high-ticket offer for the full web design project. This module alone can fundamentally change your sales process and profitability.
Module 5: Package Matrix™
If you’ve struggled with how to package and price your services without confusing clients or falling into the trap of endless customization, the Package Matrix™ is your solution. This module teaches you a brilliant and intuitive strategy for creating high-end web design packages that stop undercharging and overdelivering in its tracks. Unlike traditional tiered pricing (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium) that often just compares features, the Package Matrix™ is about offering strategic choices. You’ll learn how to structure your offer around a core “Foundation” package and then present optional, high-value “Add-ons” like SEO, copywriting, automation, or ongoing maintenance. This empowers the client, giving them control over their investment while simultaneously increasing the total project value. You are no longer just a “pixel pusher”; you are a strategic consultant guiding them to the best solution for their budget and goals. This module provides a step-by-step guide to building your own Package Matrix™ and includes a word-for-word script for how to present it on a sales call. You’ll understand the psychological nuances of this model and why it’s so much more effective at commanding premium prices than a simple proposal.
Module 6: Selling With Confidence
Selling a high-ticket web design project requires a different set of skills than selling a low-cost product. This module is dedicated to teaching you how to navigate the sales process with authenticity, confidence, and integrity. You will learn how to structure your sales calls from start to finish, moving from a friendly consultation to a compelling offer and a clear decision. The focus is on being a helpful guide, not a pushy salesperson. You’ll get Shannon’s end-to-end sales process, complete with timelines, key steps, and the exact scripts to use at each stage. This includes how to open the call, how to present your Package Matrix™, how to handle common objections like “it’s too expensive” or “I need to think about it,” and how to create a sense of urgency that empowers the client to act without using pressure tactics. A key component of this module is also learning how to sell profitable recurring revenue offers. After a project is complete, you’ll learn how to seamlessly transition the conversation into a monthly retainer for ongoing support, maintenance, or marketing, creating stable, predictable income for your business.
Module 7: Profitable Project Management
Booking a great project is only half the battle; executing it profitably and without losing your mind is the other half. Module 7 gives you Shannon’s tried-and-true client management process, designed to help you get everything you need from clients so you can complete projects on time and on budget. You’ll learn how to identify and prevent the common time and money leaks that occur the moment a client says “yes.” This includes setting clear expectations from day one and using a robust onboarding process. A major focus is on preventing and managing scope creep and those “neverending zombie projects” that drain your resources. You’ll learn the exact language and scripts to use when a client asks for “just one more little thing” that’s outside the original scope. This module also teaches you how to naturally set and hold boundaries with clients without fear of damaging the relationship or your reputation. You are provided with a full toolkit of project management resources, including contract templates, a project timeline and milestone calculator, and scripts and agendas for the four critical types of project meetings: kickoff, design review, content review, and training/handoff.
Module 8: Marketing Momentum
This module addresses the question every web designer has: “How do I get my next client?” The Marketing Momentum system is designed to be simple, powerful, and completely actionable without requiring you to become a full-time content creator or social media influencer. You will implement a marketing strategy built on taking three simple, consistent steps each week. This isn’t about chasing vanity metrics; it’s about building genuine connections that lead to contracts. The module provides you with scripts, strategies, and processes to expand your professional network in a natural, authentic way. You’ll learn how to leverage your existing connections, engage in strategic networking, and follow up effectively. A key feature of this module is the inclusion of monthly marketing workshops. In these live sessions, you can get a chunk of your marketing done for the month with the guidance and accountability of the group. This hands-on approach ensures you’re not just learning about marketing, you’re actually *doing* it. The goal is to make marketing feel like a natural extension of the awesome work you already do, building a pipeline of prospects so you never again have to worry where your next client is coming from.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The strategies taught in the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) are not theoretical; they are practical, actionable tools that you can apply to your business immediately for tangible results. Imagine a scenario where a potential client comes to you with a vague request for a “new website.” Instead of immediately quoting a price, you use the Paid Discovery framework to secure a paid strategic project. You deliver a brilliant strategy document, and when it comes time to discuss implementation, you present your Package Matrix™. The client, feeling empowered and seeing immense value, chooses the foundational package plus add-ons for SEO and copywriting, resulting in a project double what you would have previously charged. Throughout the project, you use the provided project management templates and scripts to get all content on schedule, handle feedback professionally, and prevent scope creep, finishing the project on time and with a happy client who then signs on for a lucrative monthly retainer. This is the new reality for graduates of the program.
The success stories from the Web Designer Academy are a powerful testament to its effectiveness. Take Laura Kämark, who went from charging a mere $500 for a website to confidently booking a $9,000 project, an 18x increase. Her husband was literally dancing in the kitchen when she shared the news. Then there’s Caitlin Harrison, who says, “I wake up every day and can’t believe this is my business. I’ve nearly doubled my average income (and it’s still growing).” She credits the program with helping her see herself in a new and profound way. Leigh Scott reached her minimum baseline revenue goal in just 90 days after joining, simply by starting to value herself and her work more. These aren’t isolated incidents; they are the direct result of implementing the program’s proven systems. Students like Megan Harrington have seen their annual income skyrocket from $16,000 to $85,000, while others, like Barb Pritchard, are now consistently making $10,000 a month and are booked out months in advance. These stories prove that with the right roadmap and support, a quantum leap in your web design business is not just possible—it’s probable.
Pricing
Access to the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is an investment in your future and the long-term success of your business. The program is structured to provide immense value and a clear return on investment for those who commit to the process. While the official program offers a couple of payment paths, a group buy provides an alternative to access this high-level mentorship.
- One-Time Payment: This option involves a single payment for access to the entire program. This often includes bonuses such as quarterly private 1:1 coaching calls with Shannon Mattern herself, providing personalized guidance to accelerate your results. This is the best value for those who can invest upfront.
Both payment options grant you a full year of access to all program components, including the core curriculum, weekly group coaching calls, the private community, and direct feedback from Shannon and her team. This comprehensive support system is designed to guide you through implementing the strategies and achieving your income and lifestyle goals within the year.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive A-Z Business System: The program leaves no stone unturned, covering everything from mindset and pricing to marketing, sales, and project management. It’s a complete blueprint for a profitable web design business.
- Focus on Mindset and Strategy: It uniquely combines hard business strategies with the crucial mindset work needed to overcome imposter syndrome and money blocks, which are often the biggest hurdles to success.
- Strong, Supportive Community: The private community of women web designers is an invaluable asset, providing a space for networking, support, tech help, and celebration that is difficult to find elsewhere.
- Proven Results and Testimonials: The program is backed by countless powerful success stories and testimonials from students who have dramatically increased their income and improved their quality of life.
- Wealth of Done-For-You Resources: With over 70 templates, scripts, and processes, the program saves you hundreds of hours and eliminates the guesswork from creating client communications, sales documents, and project plans.
- Direct Access to Expertise: You get weekly live coaching and direct feedback from Shannon Mattern, an experienced mentor who has a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by web designers.
Cons
- Significant Investment Required: Even with a group buy, the cost is a considerable investment, which may be a barrier for designers who are just starting out or in a difficult financial situation.
- Exclusively for Women: While this is a major pro for the target audience, it means the program is not accessible or suitable for men or non-binary individuals seeking this type of mentorship.
- Requires Full Commitment and Effort: This is not a “magic bullet” course. Success requires a significant time commitment to watch the lessons, attend calls, and, most importantly, implement the strategies in your business.
- Not for Absolute Beginners: The program assumes you already possess web design skills and have some experience with clients. It’s a business program, not a technical “how to code” course.
- Potential Risks of Group Buy Access: Accessing the course through a group buy model may come with risks, such as lack of official support from the creator, potential access issues, or ethical considerations for some.
- One-Year Program Length: The year-long commitment, while beneficial for support, might feel too long for individuals who prefer a more accelerated, self-paced bootcamp style of learning.
FAQs
Is the Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) suitable for beginners?
No, this program is specifically designed for women who already have web design skills and some experience working with paying clients. It focuses on the business side of web design—how to market, price, sell, and manage your services profitably—not on teaching you how to build a website.
What exactly is a “Group Buy” and how does it provide access?
A group buy is a model where a group of individuals pools their money to purchase access to a high-ticket online course or program that they might not be able to afford individually. This shared access allows each participant to experience the course content at a fraction of the official price.
How is this program different from other generic business courses?
The Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is highly specialized. It is exclusively for web designers and addresses the unique challenges, pricing models, and client dynamics specific to the web design industry. It’s not a one-size-fits-all service provider course.
What if I can’t attend the live weekly coaching calls?
No problem! All calls are recorded, and replays are made available in the student portal. Furthermore, students are encouraged to submit their questions in advance, so whether you attend live or not, your specific questions will be answered by Shannon on the call.
How quickly can I expect to see results after joining?
Results vary, but many students report being able to raise their prices or book a new client at a higher rate within weeks or even days of joining. However, building a truly sustainable business is a marathon, not a sprint. The program is designed for long-term transformation over the course of a year.
Does the course teach a specific web design platform like WordPress?
No, the program is platform-agnostic. The business principles, pricing strategies, sales processes, and project management systems taught are applicable to web designers using any platform, including Squarespace, Shopify, Showit, Webflow, Kajabi, and more.
Final Verdict
The Shannon Mattern – Web Designer Academy (Group Buy) is, without a doubt, one of the most comprehensive and transformative mentorship programs available for women web designers who are serious about building a profitable, sustainable business. It masterfully fills the gap that exists between technical design skill and business acumen. If you are a talented designer who feels stuck undercharging, overworking, and struggling to find the right clients, this program provides the exact roadmap, tools, and support you need to make a quantum leap. The strength of the program lies in its holistic approach, combining powerful, repeatable strategies like the Package Matrix™ and Paid Discovery with the essential mindset work required to truly own your value. The sheer volume of done-for-you templates and scripts alone is worth the investment, saving you countless hours of trial and error. However, the true magic is in the community and the direct access to Shannon Mattern’s coaching. The sense of no longer being alone on your entrepreneurial journey is invaluable and accelerates progress in ways self-study courses simply cannot match. While the investment and time commitment are significant, and the group buy model may not be for everyone, the potential return on investment—financially and personally—is massive, as evidenced by the numerous success stories of students doubling, tripling, or even 10x-ing their income. For the ambitious woman designer ready to stop playing small and build a business that affords her the freedom and flexibility she craves, this program comes with the highest recommendation. It is an investment in yourself that has the power to pay dividends for years to come.
