How It Works
If you’ve worked with other designers, you may be used to paying a “deposit” to get started. I do things a little differently, and I want you to understand why → because it’s actually designed to protect us both.
I use a Project Start Retainer, not a deposit.
Here’s the difference:
A deposit implies partial payment that might be returned. A retainer is a professional commitment that puts your project into motion.
What your retainer covers
Your retainer is 50% of the total project investment and does more than hold a spot.
It activates real, immediate work:
- reviewing your business and goals,
- researching your industry and competitors,
- evaluating your technical setup,
- planning your site structure,
- making platform and plugin decisions, scheduling production time,
- and holding capacity that could otherwise go to another client.
Most of this happens before you ever see a design. It’s the foundation that makes the visible work possible.
What happens if you need to cancel or pause:
The retainer is non-refundable → but it doesn’t disappear. If plans change, I’ll hold it as a credit toward future services for up to 6 months, subject to my availability. You’re not penalized; you’re protected.
Why this matters:
I keep my client load small on purpose. Every project I accept means another project I decline or delay. The retainer ensures that when I commit to your business, you’ve committed to mine.
That’s how we both show up ready to do great work.
Questions? Email me: chris@chrisdesignedthis.com
Easy Scripts
(Copy & Paste)
📱 TEXT MESSAGE SCRIPT (Standard)
Hey — quick thought. If you’re ever considering a website refresh (or starting something new), you should check out my friend Chris.
He’s been building websites for 20+ years and focuses on clean, high-trust sites — the kind that make people actually call / book / buy.
ChrisDesignedThis.com
If you reach out, just put my name [YOUR NAME] in the referral spot so he knows I sent you.
Full disclosure: he does send me a thank-you if it turns into a project — but I’d recommend him either way.
📱 TEXT MESSAGE SCRIPT (Short + Polished)
Hey — if you want a better website, talk to my friend Chris. He has 20+ years of experience and his sites are clean, modern, and built to convert.
ChrisDesignedThis.com
When you reach out, include my name [YOUR NAME] in the referral spot so he knows I sent you.
📧 EMAIL SCRIPT (Standard)
Subject: Quick intro — website upgrade
Hey [NAME],
Wanted to connect you with my friend Chris. He’s been building websites for 20+ years and focuses on clean, high-trust design — simple, modern, and built to convert more of the traffic you already get.
Here’s his site: ChrisDesignedThis.com
If you decide to reach out, just put my name in the referral spot so he knows I sent you.
Full disclosure: he does send a referral thank-you if it turns into a paid project — but I’d recommend him either way. I think you’ll be glad you talked.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
📧 EMAIL SCRIPT (Standard)
Subject: Quick intro — website upgrade
Hey [NAME],
Wanted to connect you with my friend Chris. He’s been building websites for 20+ years and focuses on clean, high-trust design — simple, modern, and built to convert more of the traffic you already get.
Here’s his site: ChrisDesignedThis.com
If you decide to reach out, just put my name [YOUR NAME] in the referral spot so he knows I sent you.
Full disclosure: he does send a referral thank-you if it turns into a paid project — but I’d recommend him either way. I think you’ll be glad you talked.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
📧 EMAIL SCRIPT (More Professional)
Subject: Intro: Chris Designed This
Hey [NAME],
Hope you’re doing well. I wanted to introduce you to my friend Chris. He has 20+ years of experience building websites and specializes in clean, trust-first sites that make businesses look established and make it easy for customers to take the next step.
Website: ChrisDesignedThis.com
If you reach out, include my name in the referral field so he knows I sent you.
(Full disclosure: Chris offers a referral thank-you if it turns into a paid project — but I’m recommending him because his work is genuinely strong.)
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
👥 IN-PERSON SCRIPT (30 seconds)
If you ever want to upgrade your website, I know a great person for it — my friend Chris. He has 20+ years of experience and builds clean, trust-first sites that help businesses get more calls and booked work.
Here’s his site: ChrisDesignedThis.com
If you reach out, include my name in the referral spot so he knows I sent you.