What changed and what was measured
This project combined content organization, metadata and internal-link improvements, analytics setup, accessibility work, and performance tuning. The screenshot below records a HubSpot Website Grader score of 100 at the time of the original assessment. It is a historical assessment, not a promise that the live score remains unchanged.
The documented score covers the tool’s performance, SEO, mobile, and security checks. This case study does not report a before-and-after change in Google clicks, AI citations, or client inquiries, and the score does not establish those outcomes. Several parts of the site changed, so it would also be inaccurate to attribute the result to one small SEO edit.
Back in June 2024, I had the honor of presenting a digital marketing workshop for the Ivy Tech Entrepreneurship Program led by Steve Thrash. I spoke with a cohort of small business owners, creatives, and students working through the final course in their Entrepreneurship Certificate.
That Zoom call planted a seed.
One of the students, Shawn Haymaker, reached out afterward with an idea: to rework his private practice website and elevate the way he serves the Indianapolis community through art therapy and mental health counseling.
A Collaboration with Purpose
Over the next several months, Shawn and I worked together to transform his online presence. We:
- Reorganized blog content into SEO-rich categories like Art Therapy, Stress Management, and Mental Health Counseling
- Created and optimized content descriptions, structured metadata, and internal linking
- Connected Google Analytics and Search Console for better tracking
- Added thoughtful accessibility features and image alt tags
- Tuned up performance for fast load times and mobile responsiveness
Our goal wasn’t just a better website. It was a more authentic and useful resource for Shawn’s clients and community.
A Perfect 100 Website Score
Last week, Michelle Maddox, a marketing consultant working with Shawn, ran the site through her regular web audit tools. What she found surprised even her:
"This is a first for me! I run all new customers' websites through a few website grading systems to get a pulse on where we are at. I have never seen a perfect 100 when I do this.
Congrats to Dave, you're doing a great job!"
Thanks, Michelle - that email made my day!
You can request a current assessment at: https://website.grader.com/tests/www.shaymakercounseling.com
From Entrepreneur Class to Client Success
Shawn’s story is one of the most rewarding kinds of collaboration I get to be part of. He didn’t just hire me to build a site. He brought intention, creativity, and a clear vision for how his digital presence could align with his mission as a therapist.
And it all started with a single workshop.
This is why I love teaching. And it’s why I stay rooted in projects that serve real people with real stories.
Explore More:
- Read more about my WordPress Design Services
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Let’s build something meaningful.
Want a documented review of your own website? See the sample audit and AI visibility service.