Five Minutes with Rachel Gillman Rischall of Three PR
The subject of our first official case study talks about her new Squarespace site
We’ve been digging into the Week of the Website process through the lens of a recent project. Thus far, we’ve talked to the project manager and the developer, but now let’s hear from the most important perspective — the client. Here, Rachel Gillman Rischall, founder of Three PR, discusses her site needs, her inspiration and how the WOTW process worked for her.
What were you looking for in a new site?
My first site was very functional, and it worked as a helpful intro to my business. But as time elapsed and my business grew, my needs evolved as well. I wanted an updated site that was reflective of where I was sitting professionally. Week of the Website is bar none the most talent you can jam into a week. They took all the disparate ideas in my head, consolidated them, and made my vision a reality – giving me a beautifully designed website that surpassed my expectations.
Why did you choose WOTW?
I’ve crossed paths with Kelsey and Mallory several times over the years — they even designed a website for Between Bites, a storytelling series I co-created, when they were first starting out. I’ve been a longtime fan of their work and knew they would be the ideal partner for a website redesign. As their agency has grown, I’m continually amazed by the caliber of clients and the quality of their output. It just keeps getting better and better.
What was your site inspiration?
I told them that I wanted my site to feel like you’re coming into my home: warm, friendly and inviting – a place where you want to spend time. They really understood this mindset and brought it to life. The content flows seamlessly and each page feels like you’re welcomed in a different room of my house.
The homepage sets the tone with beautiful images of food, flowers and a table setting. The visual segue into a snapshot about Three PR, followed by a client testimonial that allows me to put my best foot forward.
As you delve deeper into the site, you’ll learn more about services and clients. Each section provides context about who I am as a PR professional and partner from the people who have been part of my journey. It feels very connective.
WOTW also took inspiration from the art on my home office walls and the color palette. It’s a very subtle but meaningful aesthetic choice, aligning where I physically sit every day with my online presence. This level of care and detail is what makes WOTW such an incredible partner.
What is your favorite Three PR site feature?
The shining star is how they designed the portfolio section. Before, I had logos to represent client stories. If a client was featured in the New York Times, I simply pasted the logo onto the webpage.
This new portfolio section is so thoughtful and smartly designed. It has a grid that features a selection of my favorite media placements. When you scroll over each box, you’ll see a preview window – and if you’re interested you can click through to watch the video or read the piece. I love the organization and how they captured a wide range of content without clutter.
To me, this page is the centerpiece of the site. It’s where I feel most represented as a professional and it brings to life the heart of my business.
What was your favorite part of the WOTW process?
They are organizational queens. I have never been project managed so well in my life. They run such an optimized schedule for productivity: extremely clear deadlines, deliverables and next steps. Plus, a high level of enthusiasm, an incredible work ethic and no surprises along the way. Everybody feels engaged in the process and we’re marching toward the same goal at the end of the week.
I also appreciate the transparency in the process. You go in with an eyes-wide-open view of what’s going to unfold, and I think that helps. It’s a fair amount of time you’re committing, and they make sure you know what’s coming so you can be prepared for it. WOTW brings you into their world with a helpful road map.
What surprised you most about the site or the process?
I love seeing people have mastery of something outside my realm. Kelsey is like a skilled conductor. She would notice a tiny detail and suggest a correction I would have never imagined, like hearing a wrong note and composing something new on the spot. “This copy should go here, we should try this font, this color would pop instead.” I was fascinated watching her arrange all the “notes” to make something more harmonious. I loved watching the team’s talent unfold – Susan’s wonderful ideas and technical skill, Katie’s project management prowess, Kelsey’s magical Squarespace abilities – they’re a dream team.
Also, people often think significant projects need to take a long time. The brilliant thing about WOTW is that you can walk away with a well-designed, functional, visually appealing, shiny new site in a week. Yes, you’re investing a fair amount of time and energy for the seven-day span, but what you’re gaining is a surplus of time and mental space afterwards – when you can devote your energy to new projects. WOTW’s efficiency is one of their superpowers.