My Story into Marketing & Squarespace Web design

Toni from the Square Genius Squarespace Web Design

2012

After graduating from university with a Bachelor of Arts degree, I became a freelance illustrator & graphic designer. Working with a variety of local start up businesses, my main focus was in creating brands and graphic visuals across many different industries.

2013

I then progressed into an advanced graphic designer role for a national wine merchant based in Northern Ireland (The Guiness was amazing!) My skills in graphic design really excelled in this role by moving further into the designing of point of sale, large events and exhibition designs, it was a great experience - Plus I met John Torode!

2014

I moved back to the UK and began a marketing executive role based in Shropshire. Here I became much more in tune with various marketing platforms, and excelled in brand management, as well as building marketing strategies for a large customer base. I was in this role for nearly 3 years and progressed to become the UK Marketing Manager. The position however had become very restrictive in terms of implementing creative ideas. I eventually began to lose my passion for the role, and missed what I love doing the most ‘being creative!’

2017

I changed my role and went on to become a Creative Director for a local marketing agency based in Shrewsbury. In this role my journey into web design really flourished. Being only a small company with two members of staff, I took on the entire management of web design for all customers. This is where my skills in Squarespace web design began...After 3 years in this role I decided that I wanted to challenge myself and become my own boss.

2020

I set up Genius Marketing (Now 'The Square Genius') - In the middle of a pandemic yes I know!Genius Marketing grew extremely well in the first 12 months and I found myself creating more and more websites for customers including improving existing websites, as-well as helping clients to implement best practices for SEO and driving traffic to their sites.

2022

Rebranded as The Square Genius. I decided to shift the full focus of my business from an all in one marketing service to focus on just Squarespace web design offerings.

2023

With 8 years experience in building websites I took the opportunity to offer customers a DIY solution to web design as well as still offering bespoke web design services. I have implemented a new template shop which offers custom made Squarespace website templates fully designed by myself. These are easy to install and manage and each one comes with a tutorial guide on how to customise your website, as well as top SEO tips for growing organic reach.

2024

I continue to build new Squarespace templates as well as working on bespoke web design projects. There's always a new challenge up my sleeve so we'll see what's next!

My Skills

Random things about me…

  • I am a published children’s book author & illustrator on the side (www.tonisianwilliams.co.uk)

  • I’ve reached No.1 in the local Waterstones with my illustrated children’s book - The Wrekin Giant

  • I named a Virgin Train 😂 ...and received a thank you video from Richard Branson!

  • I won a ‘best animation’ - people’s choice award, back in 2012 - WOW that long ago, time flies!

  • I also drink way too much coffee, and I’m obsessed with Sci-Fi!