Strategic Website Design
For Service-Based Businesses Ready to Grow
Beautiful websites are easy to find.
Strategic websites that bring in leads, grow your email list, and support real business growth are much harder to come by.
I’m Melissa McKenzie, founder of Carbon & Clay. For the past decade, I’ve built more than 400 websites for service-based businesses that need more than an online presence. They need a website that helps the business move forward.
11+ Years
400+ Websites
20+ Industries
1,700+ Students
11+ Years 400+ Websites 20+ Industries 1,700+ Students
Find Out What’s Stopping Your Website From Converting, for Free
Get the free Website Performance Diagnosis and quickly spot the gaps that may be costing you leads, search traffic, and email signups.
Work with Carbon & Clay in the way that fits best
Custom Strategic Websites
For established businesses ready for a done-for-you website built to support growth.
Improve What I already Have
Start with the Website Performance Diagnosis and learn what is helping or hurting performance.
Build It Myself with Better Strategy
Browse templates and resources designed to help you create a more conversion-focused website.
Preview our Portfolio
A well-designed website should do more than exist.
It should:
Attract qualified leads through search
Guide visitors toward the right next step
Grow your email list automatically
Support funnels and passive income
Reduce reliance on social media algorithms
DIY Website Templates
If you prefer to build your own website but want a proven structure, strategic website templates are also available.
Each template includes a conversion-focused page layout designed specifically for service-based businesses.
Templates are best for business owners who enjoy hands-on building and want guidance around what belongs on each page.
client results
client results
“I can’t recommend Melissa enough. She is professional, fast, and her work is incredible. I am literally in love with the website she created for me. I’ve worked with other designers on projects before that took weeks and even months the results weren’t nearly as good. Basically if you are in need of an amazing website Melissa and Carbon & Clay is the place to go!”
Nancy Cowden - Business Coach for Private Practice Business Owners
“Great experience. Melissa was a joy to work with. She really listened to what we wanted for our website both technically and aesthetically. The end product she delivered (well ahead of schedule) is beautiful and functions seamlessly. We couldn’t be more pleased. We will definitely continue to use her in the future. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
Nicole Connors - Estate Planning Attorney at Connors Law
“I honestly don't think there are enough characters permitted to fully express the brilliance that is Melissa/Carbon & Clay. Melissa was able to walk me through every step of imagining and building my website. Though my words at times were inadequate, she was able to tease out every bit of what I wanted the look, feel, personality, and functionality of my website to be. I have already referred 2 friends and will continue to sing her praises from the rooftops.”
Darryl Baker - Meraki Plans Insurance Agent
“Melissa is a joy to work with. She’s a talented designer with an incredible eye and a gift for clear, organized communication. The entire process—from sharing ideas to refining designs—felt smooth, collaborative, and genuinely supported. She played a key role in bringing my website and other parts of my business to life, and I’m so grateful for her expertise and partnership. Highly recommend!”
Emily Ricks - Emily Ricks Coaching
Ready for a Website That Actually Works?
If your website feels outdated, underperforming, or disconnected from how your business operates today, a strategic rebuild may be the right next step.
Custom website projects focus on designing and building a website that:
• clearly communicates your offer
• attracts the right clients
• captures leads effectively
• supports long-term business growth
Most projects are completed as two-week website builds, allowing you to launch quickly and move forward with a site designed to perform.