Sandra Lee Creative, LLC

05/31/2026

When it comes to building an email list, one of the biggest mistakes I see authors make is waiting too long to start.

So many authors think they need a finished book, a huge audience, a complicated funnel, or just more time.

The truth? Every major newsletter you receive today started with zero subscribers. Your email list isn't something you build after you've "made it." It's one of the foundations that helps you get there.

And getting started doesn't have to be complicated. One platform. One welcome email. One commitment to show up consistently. If you subscribe to my newsletter you know that I still struggle with this. 😄

Starting your email list and your sending habit early gives you time to find your voice, build relationships, and create consistency long before your book launches.

In my latest post, I break down the three biggest reasons authors delay starting an email list and how to overcome them:

Many nonfiction authors wait too long to start building an email list. Learn why your email list is your most valuable platform and how to start one simply.

04/27/2026

I create a lot of pages in websites, my own included, but this has to be one of my favorites.

04/23/2026

One huge perc to running your own agency and working from home -- french toast for lunch!

04/22/2026

This article from Equalize Digital on WordPress alt text best practices was a helpful reset.

They cover what alt text is, when to use it, and walk through real examples (including icons, which I appreciated). The examples were especially helpful for me. I have a tendency to over-explain images, and seeing the before/after really clicked.

Great resource whether you're new to accessibility or just need a refresher.

WordPress alt text best practices to make your images, icons, and media accessible and improve your site’s usability.

04/20/2026

Your homepage buttons are speaking for you. Are they saying the right thing?

Take 2 minutes and check your CTAs. If everything says 'Learn More,' it's doing the bare minimum.

Try this instead:

• Book a Call
• Download the Guide
• See My Work

Specific buttons guide action. Vague ones get ignored.

Want more quick website wins? Marginalia: Studio Field Notes goes out monthly. Join me here: https://subscribepage.io/marginalia

04/17/2026

Saw this quote by Jim Rohn the other day, and it really resonated with me:

“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”

It’s so easy to learn new things and hold onto the knowledge. But it definitely reminded me that what I learn only benefits my clients when I actually put it into practice.

I truly love the work that I get to do every day. But to do that work well, I have to keep learning, not just about website design and marketing, but also accessibility, privacy policies, and website security.

Because here's the reality: Clients don’t always see the importance of the “non-visual” parts of a website. Out of sight, out of mind.

The struggle: the amount of information available online (whether factual or not). One great example: I can explain why an accessibility overlay isn’t the best solution, but when something is low-cost and promises a quick fix, it’s understandably appealing.

My role is to sift through the noise and make informed decisions based on what I know is true, and what I know my clients actually need.

My knowledge + a strong relationship = better decisions and stronger businesses.

Does it always work out that way? Absolutely not. Some clients will choose a different path, even after we’ve talked it through. And that’s okay. It's their business.

I’m here as a guide and an implementor.

But this quote is a good reminder for me, too that learning isn’t the goal. Action is.

Where do you find yourself going deep in learning for your clients?
And what’s something you’ve learned recently that’s ready to be put into action?

04/15/2026

Not all nonfiction authors need the same kind of website.

A CEO sharing leadership frameworks has very different goals than a memoirist helping others navigate grief, recovery, or personal transformation.

But here’s what they do have in common: Their website can’t just exist to display a book cover.

And yet, I see so many author websites missing pieces that actually make them work. It's not flashy design or current trends. It's the foundational elements that turn a website into a platform.

Things like:
• Clear messaging that tells visitors they’re in the right place (within seconds)
• A book page that actually sells the value of your work
• An about page that builds connection, not just lists credentials
• Testimonials that reinforce trust
• A speaking or services page that opens doors beyond the book
• A media kit that makes it easy to say “yes” to you
• And an email list (yes, even before your book launches)

If your website feels a little flat, or like it’s not doing much for you right now, it’s usually not because you need a full redesign. It’s because something foundational is missing.

I break it all down here:

From your book page to your media kit, here's everything a nonfiction author website needs to build credibility, attract speaking opportunities, and grow your audience.

04/14/2026

"The best lead magnet for most businesses is learning resources, which have an overall conversion rate of 27.4%. This category includes offers like online courses, workshops, challenges, and training."

This article from Mailerlite lays out all things lead magnets, from the most used to the highest converting.

One stat I'd like to say is surprising (but it's not) -- forms outperform popups. So many people still insist that a pop up be used because "they work". I personally think the Internet has matured and pop ups don't work the same way they used to. Now I have the numbers to back it up. 😏

I'll also say that although these numbers are interesting, everything on your website should be tracked and measured if you really want to know what you're visitors are looking for, what's working, and what's not.

04/07/2026

"Finding seed keywords is part research, part listening. The best seeds come from understanding how your customers actually talk, not just how you describe your product internally." https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/seed-keywords

Before you write a single blog post or plan your author website, you need to know how your readers are actually searching for you.

Not your book title. Not your name. The problem your book solves, using the words your reader would type into Google at 11pm when they need it most.

That's where seed keywords come in, and this article breaks down exactly what seed words are, why they matter, how to find them, and how to use them to build a content plan.

If SEO has ever felt overwhelming, this article is worth a read.

Seed keywords are 1-2 word core terms that form the foundation of keyword research. Learn how to find and expand them into profitable content strategies.