Melanin Magic Website Revamp Roadmap (Version 2)

Last Updated: November 21, 2025 Platform: Squarespace (with CrownThrive ecosystem integrations)

Overview & Objectives

Melanin Magic’s Version 2 revamp will transform the Squarespace site (shopmelaninmagic.com) into a dynamic, multi-faceted platform serving diverse user personas. The goal is to leverage Squarespace’s strengths (design flexibility, built-in SEO, e-commerce) while working within its limitations (limited custom code and plugin support). We will integrate the broader CrownThrive ecosystem features to align the brand with its parent incubator’s tools and values. Key objectives include:

• Persona-Centric Funnels: Create dedicated user journeys for Consumers, Salons/Stylists, Affiliates/Ambassadors, and Creators. Each persona will have tailored content and calls-to-action, improving relevance and conversion.
• CHLOM Framework Integration: Incorporate CrownThrive’s Compliance Hybrid Licensing and Ownership Model (CHLOM) for digital content governance, including CHLOM LEX for managing IP licensing and rights.
• Ecosystem Alignment: Seamlessly weave in CrownThrive Studios content, CrownThrive ecosystem navigation, and brand identity cues to reinforce that Melanin Magic is part of a larger innovation ecosystem.
• Partner Programs: Build out separate funnel paths for CrownAffiliates (open affiliate program) and Crown Ambassadors (invite-only elite partners), with clear information and entry points for each.
• Melanated Voices Platform (MVP) Integration: Introduce a Web2-native preview of the Melanated Voices Platform – focusing on packaging creator content as intellectual property and syndicating it (e.g. via Melanin Magic TV and MVP on Roku).
• SuitePros & MM Suites: Integrate the MM Suites brick-and-mortar service model by adding content for Suite Professionals (stylists running businesses in Melanin Magic Suites). This includes hooks for SuitePros features like stylist directory, booking, or suite leasing info, and linking to related tools (e.g. CrownRewards loyalty, Locticians community).
• Sustainability Commitments: Highlight EcoDrive and Stripe Climate initiatives that Melanin Magic participates in, using interactive “impact” elements or badges to show our climate pledges and tree-planting contributions (reinforcing trust and values).
• Enhanced UX & SEO: Overhaul site structure for improved SEO (clean navigation, structured data, mobile optimization) and better conversion paths. We aim to implement Squarespace SEO best practices – e.g. custom meta tags, automatic sitemap, SSL, and responsive design (already provided by Squarespace) – and add rich snippets (JSON-LD) for products, FAQs, etc. for search engines. Trust-building content (testimonials, guarantees, privacy assurances) will be woven throughout.

This document details the strategic roadmap for the revamp, including sitemap changes, wireframe concepts, persona funnel mapping, SEO/UX improvements, integration plans, and a task queue for execution tracking.

Platform Context: Squarespace Strengths & Limitations

Squarespace offers a solid foundation for Melanin Magic’s needs, but we must design within its parameters:

• Design & UX: Squarespace provides modern, mobile-responsive templates by default, ensuring the new design will look polished on all devices. We can utilize built-in style settings and block layouts to create a visually engaging site without custom coding. However, we should keep the design relatively simple and fast-loading – heavy custom JavaScript or external plugins are limited on Squarespace. We’ll use Squarespace’s design tools for consistency and quick deployment.
• Navigation & Structure: Squarespace supports hierarchical pages and dropdown menus for organizing content. We’ll use these to create clear persona pathways. We must keep the main navigation concise (ideally 5–7 main menu items) to avoid overwhelming users. Complex multi-tier menus or dynamic persona-based nav states aren’t natively supported, so our approach will rely on static menu groups (e.g. using dropdown folders) and well-placed links on pages for persona segmentation.
• E-Commerce Features: The platform’s native store functionality will handle consumer shopping (product listings, cart, checkout) with ease. We can create product categories (Hair, Skin, Wellness, etc.) and leverage built-in features like related products or product galleries for cross-sell opportunities (though one-click upsells may require a workaround or third-party code injection). Squarespace supports selling service or membership products as well – we’ll utilize this for things like the Wholesale membership (already implemented as a subscription product) and potentially any future Suite rental or subscription if needed.
• SEO & Analytics: Squarespace auto-generates clean URLs and sitemaps and allows editing page titles, descriptions, and image alt text, which we’ll fully utilize for SEO. It also has built-in structured data for basic entities, and we can inject additional JSON-LD for things like FAQ schema or organization markup. One limitation is the lack of SEO plugins (e.g. no Yoast), so we’ll manually conduct an SEO audit and implement improvements (e.g. optimizing headings, meta tags, adding FAQ rich snippets by inserting code blocks as needed). We will also integrate Google Analytics (or use Squarespace’s analytics) to monitor conversion funnels.
• Integrations & Custom Code: While Squarespace doesn’t allow arbitrary backend code, we can embed iframes, scripts, or use Code Blocks for some integrations. For example, embedding a Stripe Climate badge or an EcoDrive widget might be possible via code block or HTML injection. Similarly, for CrownThrive ecosystem links, we’ll use straightforward anchor links (opening in new tabs) since single sign-on across sites is not natively supported. We must be mindful that advanced CrownThrive features (like CHLOM’s blockchain elements or CrownRewards loyalty program dashboards) may not be fully implementable within Squarespace – instead, we’ll link out to CrownThrive platforms or use light embeds, ensuring a consistent user flow.
• Content Management: The team will be able to easily update text, images, and blog posts through Squarespace’s CMS, which is ideal for keeping news (e.g. new product launches, blog articles, or press releases about Melanin Magic’s impact) updated. We’ll structure sections so that even without developer intervention, content can be refreshed (e.g. using blog collections for “Resources” or “News” so marketing team can add posts).

By understanding these constraints and capabilities up front, we ensure our roadmap stays Squarespace-native – maximizing what works out-of-the-box and finding creative solutions for what doesn’t.

Sitemap Redesign

Current Sitemap Summary: The existing site is product-centric, with navigation geared towards shopping categories (Hair, Skin, Wellness, etc.), and additional links in the footer for ecosystem resources (locticians community, affiliate program, etc.). Persona-specific pages like Wholesale are present but not prominent in the top nav. Our redesign will introduce a more persona-focused sitemap while maintaining intuitive access to all e-commerce sections.

Proposed Sitemap (Version 2):

• Home – Revamped homepage serving as a gateway for all user types, with sections that route to appropriate funnels (Shop, Professional, Community, etc.).
• Shop – (For Consumers) A consolidated shop section with sub-pages or sections for product categories: Hair Care, Skin Care, Wellness & Merch. This may mirror the current category structure but with improved labels or grouping for clarity. (E.g., main “Shop” page or menu with dropdown: Hair, Skin, Wellness, All Products).
• We will use descriptive labels for clarity, e.g. “Hair Care” instead of just “Hair”, per navigation best practices.
• Professionals – (For Salons/Stylists) A new section targeting B2B customers and service providers. This will include:
• Wholesale Program – Information and signup for Melanin Magic’s wholesale membership (formerly “About Wholesale Program” page).
• MM Suites – Introduction to Melanin Magic Suites, our brick-and-mortar salon suite model. Describes benefits of becoming a “SuitePro” (suite professional) and how to join. This might link to an external detail or interest form (if full integration isn’t ready in V2).
• Locticians & Community – Links or info about professional community resources: e.g. Locticians Directory and Locticians Community (with an explanation that we offer a 50% discount on the Featured plan for our wholesale partners). Possibly also mention “Networking Events” (link to The Mane Experience) to show support for stylist growth.
• Community – (For Creators & Enthusiasts) This section will house content and community engagement:
• MVP – Melanated Voices – A page highlighting the Melanated Voices Platform. It will describe the web-based content hub where users can watch or read content from Melanin Magic TV, and invite creators to collaborate. We’ll include links to Melanated TV web and Roku channel for viewers, and a “Creators’ Corner” explaining how creators can contribute content or get involved (pointing to CrownThrive Studios or CrownThrive U for content creation resources).
• Blog/Resources – Our existing blog (currently under “Learn > Blog”) will be revamped to include educational articles, tutorials (e.g. hair care tips, sustainability in beauty), and news. This drives SEO and keeps consumers and creators engaged. We’ll structure blog posts with categories or tags that align with personas (e.g. “For Professionals,” “For Wellness,” etc.) for easy filtering.
• Events/Community Initiatives – (Optional) A page listing upcoming events (virtual summits, community challenges, webinars) relevant to Melanin Magic’s audience, possibly in partnership with CrownThrive or Locticians network.
• Partner With Us – (For Affiliates/Ambassadors/Collaborators) A dedicated section for revenue-sharing and collaboration programs:
• Affiliates – Overview of the CrownAffiliates program, explaining commission rates, how to sign up and start earning by promoting Melanin Magic. This page will link directly to the affiliate sign-up portal (affiliates.crownthrive.com).
• Ambassadors – Information on the Crown Ambassador Program as a next-level opportunity. We’ll clarify that it’s an invite-only, elite tier for top-performing affiliates. This page will outline the perks (15–30% lifetime commission, VIP access, freebies, etc.) and encourage dedicated affiliates to aspire to Ambassador status. (No direct signup here, but perhaps a contact form for high-profile interested partners to inquire.)
• Influencers & Creators – (If not covered under Community) we could have a sub-page inviting social media influencers or content creators to collaborate (pointing them to Crownfluence.com or CrownThrive Studios). This might overlap with the MVP page, but here it’s more about partnerships than content distribution.
• Wholesale – (If not placed under Professionals in nav) ensure Wholesale Program page is accessible here too for business partners.
• About – Corporate and background information:
• Our Story / About Us – A refreshed about page with Melanin Magic’s mission, values, and team. Emphasize being part of the CrownThrive ecosystem (e.g. “Melanin Magic – A CrownThrive Company”) for credibility. Include sustainability ethos (e.g. cruelty-free, plant-powered, etc.) and perhaps a timeline of milestones.
• Impact – A new page focusing on sustainability and social impact. It will highlight our Climate Pledge via Stripe (e.g. “1% of every purchase goes to Stripe Climate to fund carbon removal” – or whatever our exact commitment) and our partnership with EcoDrive (tree planting stats, etc.). We can embed or regularly update metrics from these platforms (e.g. trees planted, CO₂ offset) to make the impact tangible. This builds trust with eco-conscious consumers.
• FAQ – Common questions (shipping, returns, product usage, etc.) – likely an existing page that we will update with new Q&A including things like “How do I become an affiliate?” or “What is Melanin Magic TV?” as needed.
• Contact Us – Contact form and support info, possibly segmented by inquiry type (customer support, wholesale inquiry, partnership interest). We may include links to CrownThrive help desk or knowledge base for certain topics (since the doc will also live in help center).
• Account/Cart – (Not a menu item per se, but ensure the login and cart functions remain accessible at top of site as per Squarespace standard).
• Footer Navigation: We will maintain a comprehensive footer with additional resources:
• CrownThrive Ecosystem links (Affiliates, Coaches, Influencers, Instructors, etc. as currently listed) – but we may simplify if possible, since these will be covered in Partner pages. Still, the footer can provide one-glance access to all related platforms.
• Legal links: Terms, Privacy, Shipping Policy, Ingredients glossary, etc.
• Social media links and newsletter signup (continue the “Join Our Self-Love Newsletter” signup present on current site).
• A small note on being part of CrownThrive ecosystem with link to crownthrive.com for those interested.

Rationale: This new sitemap balances persona-specific content with general shopping needs. Consumers can still easily shop products (via Shop menu and homepage links), while professionals, partners, and creators now have clearly labeled entry points. By grouping relevant pages under intuitive headings (e.g. “Professionals”, “Partner With Us”), we reduce confusion and make the site feel “made for me” no matter who the visitor is. We’ll keep top-level navigation to a reasonable number of items (target 5–7) to keep it streamlined, using dropdowns for secondary options. This structure also sets us up to scale: we can easily add a new page under “Community” or “Professionals” as new initiatives launch, without overhauling the whole nav.

Homepage Revamp & Wireframe Concept

The homepage will be completely overhauled to serve as a universal gateway that immediately communicates Melanin Magic’s brand essence and routes visitors to the content most relevant to them. The design will take advantage of Squarespace’s flexible page sections, featuring a mix of impactful visuals, concise copy, and clear calls-to-action (CTAs). Below is the conceptual wireframe outline for the new homepage:

Hero Section – Brand & Value Proposition: A full-width hero banner showcasing our brand’s vibe (e.g. a diverse group enjoying hair/skin products or a before-and-after transformation). Overlay text will announce our mission (e.g. “Empowering Melanated Beauty & Wellness – Naturally.”). Two primary CTAs will be presented side-by-side or in a split format:

• Shop Now (for consumers, linking to Shop page or featured products)
• Learn More (scrolls down to persona sections or an about blurb)

We might even implement a slight personalization prompt here: for example, a short tagline “I am interested in…” with four quick buttons: “Shopping”, “Salon/Wholesale”, “Collaborating”, “Community/Content” – allowing users to jump to the relevant section of the homepage or site. This follows the approach of giving generic info then letting the persona self-identify their path. (On Squarespace this won’t be an interactive quiz, just clearly differentiated buttons.)

Persona Highlights Section: As users scroll, we’ll have a series of panels or cards for each persona segment:

• For Consumers – “Shop Melanin Magic”: An image of our products in use, and text like “Nourish your hair and skin with our plant-powered formulas. Shop our collections.” A button “Browse Products” leads to Shop.
• For Stylists & Salons – “Professionals Program”: An image of a stylist in a salon using Melanin Magic products. Text: “Professional stylists, stock your shelves with Melanin Magic. Join our Wholesale Program for 35% off and more.” Button: “Wholesale & Suites Info” (scrolls or links to Professionals page).
• For Affiliates & Ambassadors – “Partner with Us”: Perhaps an image of a smiling brand ambassador or influencer with our product. Text: “Share the magic and earn. Become a Crown Affiliate and get commissions for life. Top partners can become Crown Ambassadors with VIP perks.” Button: “Earn with Us” linking to the Affiliates page.
• For Creators – “Melanated Voices”: An image of a content creator filming or a snippet of our video content. Text: “Creators and influencers, let’s amplify melanated voices together. Feature your content on Melanin Magic TV (MVP) and collaborate through CrownThrive Studios.” Button: “Join the Movement” linking to the MVP/Community page.

Each of these persona blocks will use visuals and language that speak directly to that audience, making them feel understood. The design will be cohesive (same font/branding) but might use subtle color accents or iconography to differentiate sections.

Featured Products / Promotions: A section showcasing a few signature products or current promotions. For example, “Holiday Glow Bundle – Save 20%” or “Best Sellers”. Squarespace’s Product Block or Summary Block can display product thumbnails with quick “Add to Cart” buttons. This caters to consumers who come to browse deals or popular items right from the homepage.

Branded Content Preview: We will highlight our branded content to engage users beyond shopping:

• A teaser for the Melanin Magic TV content – e.g. “Watch: How to Master Your Twist-Out – Exclusive Video on Melanin Magic TV” with a thumbnail that, when clicked, could open a video lightbox or lead to the Melanated Voices page.
• A callout for the Blog – e.g. “Latest Article: 5 Winter Hair Care Tips for Natural Hair – Read More” linking to the blog.
• Possibly an “In the Community” snippet – e.g. an Instagram feed embed or a mention of our community initiatives like “Next Wellness Webinar on Dec 10 – Join Us”.

This section underscores that Melanin Magic is more than an online store; it’s a lifestyle brand with rich content and community, supported by CrownThrive Studios’ production quality.

Trust & Impact Section: Building credibility is crucial for conversion. We’ll include:

• Testimonials – short quotes from happy customers or wholesale partners. For instance: “Melanin Magic’s products have transformed my salon offerings – clients can’t get enough!” – Sarah T., Salon Owner (we have wholesale partner testimonials already to draw from). Use 2–3 rotating or side-by-side testimonials with customer names and perhaps small photos.
• Trust Badges – icons or logos that convey trust and values: e.g. “Vegan”, “Cruelty-Free”, “Satisfaction Guaranteed”, and the Stripe Climate badge (if available) showing we contribute to climate solutions. Possibly also a small CrownThrive logo or tagline “Part of the CrownThrive Ecosystem” to leverage the trust in the larger organization.
• Impact Metrics – a line like “🌍 Sustainability: X trees planted through EcoDrive, Y% of revenue supports climate projects.” We can update these numbers periodically (or manually) as a hook for conscious consumers. Since we plan an Impact page, the homepage will just have a teaser and a link “See Our Impact” to that page.

Call-to-Action Banner: Near the footer, one final CTA section for something like “Join Our Journey” – encouraging sign-up to the newsletter (“Subscribe for self-love tips and exclusive offers”) or follow on social channels. This keeps users connected even if they don’t purchase on first visit.

Throughout the homepage, the layout will be clean, visually engaging, and not text-heavy (short paragraphs or bullet points in each section, in line with web readability best practices). We’ll use plenty of white space and mobile-friendly design (Squarespace will automatically stack sections vertically on mobile; we’ll verify the design remains user-friendly on smaller screens). The wireframe will iterate from low-fidelity outlines of these content blocks to a high-fidelity mockup with our actual images and copy before we implement in Squarespace.

By structuring the homepage in these clear content blocks, we guide each visitor to the next step that’s right for them, which is the essence of a conversion-focused funnel. The homepage will feel like a curated experience for everyone – whether you want to shop, learn, or partner, it will feel “just for you” and prompt engagement.

Persona Mapping & Funnel Strategies

We have identified four primary personas for Melanin Magic, each requiring a tailored funnel. Below we map out each persona’s journey through the site, including entry points, key content/messages, and desired conversion actions. Our design and content choices will reflect these mappings to maximize relevance and minimize friction for each user type.

1. Consumer (Retail Customer)

Profile: Individual end-customers looking for high-quality natural hair care, skincare, and wellness products for personal use. They value efficacy, clean ingredients, and brands that align with their identity and values (community, sustainability).

Entry Points: Most consumers will enter via the homepage or directly to product pages (via search engines or social media promotions). The homepage will immediately offer them the Shop Now CTA and feature products. SEO optimizations will ensure product pages rank for relevant queries (e.g. “natural shampoo for curly hair”).

Path & Content:

• From the homepage hero or “Shop” menu, consumers go to Shop pages where products are categorized intuitively (Hair, Skin, etc.). We’ll have a “Shop All” page for browsing everything and category filters for specifics.
• Each Product Page will be enhanced with rich descriptions (benefits, ingredients), high-quality images, and social proof (reviews). We will enable product reviews if possible, or manually add testimonial snippets on popular product pages. Structured data will mark up product information so search results can display rich snippets like ratings.
• We will incorporate upsell/cross-sell elements on product pages: e.g. a “You may also like” carousel showing complementary products (if Squarespace’s built-in related products feature is insufficient, we will manually create this using Product Summary Blocks filtered by tags). The goal is to increase average order value by showcasing items that pair well (shampoo + conditioner, etc.), i.e., cross-selling related products to help customers get more from their purchase.
• The Cart/Checkout process will be kept very straightforward (Squarespace handles a simple checkout; we will ensure shipping and discount settings are configured for clarity). We’ll include reassuring notes in the cart like “30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee” or display the Stripe secure payment badge, etc., to reduce abandonment.
• Post-Purchase: Consumers will be encouraged to join the mailing list (if not already) for future upsells. We’ll consider setting up Squarespace Email Campaigns: for example, an automated email a week after purchase offering a loyalty incentive (“Review your purchase for 10% off your next order” or “Refer a friend, get $10 off”). While Squarespace doesn’t have a built-in points system, we can simulate loyalty through email offers and by later integrating with CrownRewards when available.

Conversion Goal: Purchase of products is the primary conversion. Secondary goals include newsletter sign-up and social follow (to keep them engaged for repeat sales). Success means a visitor finds a product that suits them, trusts the brand (via product info and site credibility signals), and completes checkout smoothly.

Trust & Retention: The consumer funnel will be bolstered by trust-building content: clear FAQs (e.g. “Is this product right for my hair type?”), an Ingredients page describing our natural ingredients (already exists and will be updated), and the Impact page showing our commitments (appealing to values-driven shoppers). These help overcome objections and answer questions during the decision process. By addressing such concerns on-site, we keep consumers on the path to purchase rather than leaving to research elsewhere.

2. Salon/Stylist (Professional Partner)

Profile: Licensed cosmetologists, salon owners, independent stylists – especially those focused on Black or multicultural hair care – who could use Melanin Magic products in servicing clients or retail them. They might also be interested in the business opportunities around the brand (like opening a suite or partnering on events).

Entry Points: Likely via the Professionals section from the homepage or nav. We will also have targeted content/SEO for them (e.g. blog articles like “How Salons Benefit from Offering Niche Natural Products” that funnel into the Wholesale page). Some stylists may learn of the program through industry networks (Locticians community, trade shows, etc.) and come directly to the Wholesale Program page.

Path & Content:

• Wholesale Program Page: This is the cornerstone for stylist funnel. We have an existing page which will be refined to clearly list the benefits of joining: tiered discounts up to 35%, seasonal bundles, community access, and Authorized Retailer recognition. We will keep the membership pricing options (Monthly $14.99 or Annual $139.99) highly visible, with a prominent “Sign Up” button for each. The content should quickly assure a salon owner of ROI: e.g. “Maintain fantastic profit margins with wholesale discounts, plus attract clients with our exclusive products” – echoing the testimonial from Sarah T. on how it **“elevated my business”**.
• SuitePros (MM Suites) Page: This will outline the concept of Melanin Magic Suites – essentially our brick-and-mortar incubator for beauty professionals. We’ll describe that stylists can rent luxurious suites in our locations (like Atlanta, LA, etc. listed under Retail) to run their business with support from our ecosystem. Key points to highlight (if available to share publicly): business-building support, the idea of joining a community of elite “Suite Pros,” and perks such as marketing support or co-branding opportunities. We can tease features from the CrownThrive SuiteLaunch program: e.g. mention that Suite Pros get access to CrownThrive tools and integrations – like the CrownRewards loyalty system to retain their clients, inclusion in the Locticians Directory (making them more discoverable), affiliate opportunities for extra income, etc.. (These correspond to actual program benefits and show that by becoming a SuitePro, stylists plug into a whole growth ecosystem, not just a rental space.)
• We will include a Call to Action such as “Interested in opening a Melanin Magic Suite? Contact us to learn about availability.” This could be a form or an email link to our corporate team, as full online sign-up might be too complex at this stage. The page essentially seeds interest and captures leads.
• Locticians Community & Education: Many stylists are hungry for education and networking. We’ll ensure the site points them to the Locticians.com resources (Expert Insights, Community Tips, etc. as in footer) with context. Possibly on the Wholesale page or a side panel: “Upgrade your skills and connect with fellow professionals – join our Locticians community (Wholesale members get 50% off premium membership).” This ties the value of wholesale beyond products – it’s membership in a professional family.
• Events and Training: If CrownThrive or Melanin Magic host any webinars, workshops, or trade show appearances, we can list them on a “Pro Resources” or on the blog. For example, “Free Masterclass: Building Your Brand as a Loctician – sign up!” which then funnels to either CrownThriveU or ThrivePeer coaching if those apply. This keeps stylists engaged and seeing Melanin Magic as a partner in their success, not just a vendor.

Conversion Goal: The primary conversion is signing up for the Wholesale Program (i.e. purchasing the membership product on the site). A secondary conversion is generating leads for Suite rentals or getting them to join our communities. We will treat a completed wholesale membership checkout as a successful conversion, and perhaps track clicks on Suite inquiry links as micro-conversions.

Follow-Up: Once a stylist becomes a wholesale member, the system (Squarespace Member Areas or our manual process) should deliver them any needed onboarding: e.g. a welcome email with instructions on how to access their discounts, a code to join Locticians directory at 50% off, etc. We will coordinate with CrownThrive’s team to ensure the funnel doesn’t end at payment – it should transition into onboarding them in those integrated services. In the roadmap, we note to create an automated email workflow (either via Squarespace or manually) for new wholesale sign-ups.

3. Affiliate & Ambassador (Income-Partner Persona)

Profile: Individuals (could be content creators, bloggers, students, anyone with an audience or network) who want to earn commission by promoting Melanin Magic. Ambassadors are a subset – usually influencers or community leaders – elevated from affiliates, who get exclusive perks and represent the brand at a deeper level. This persona cares about earning potential, ease of sharing links, and alignment with the brand values (they prefer promoting brands that make them look good too).

Entry Points: Likely via the Partner/Affiliate area on the site. We will also get affiliates via external recruitment – e.g. someone might see a social media post “Join our affiliate program.” Thus, the Affiliate page must also serve as a standalone landing page (with all key info and signup link) for those coming in cold.

Path & Content:

• Affiliate Program Page: We’ll lay out the benefits of CrownAffiliates: e.g. “Earn 15% commission on every sale you refer, for life.” (If the actual terms differ, we’ll use exact numbers from CrownThrive’s affiliate info). We’ll highlight selling points like recurring commissions, exclusive affiliate discounts, and access to a supportive community. For transparency and motivation, mention the possibility of becoming a Crown Ambassador, which comes with higher commissions (up to 30%) and VIP treatment. Essentially, “start here, and there’s a path to grow.” A bright “Sign Up Now” button will lead to affiliates.crownthrive.com (the PartnerStack or custom portal CrownThrive uses).
• We must make sure to inform the user that the sign-up will happen on the CrownThrive site, possibly opening in a new tab, and that they’ll manage their dashboard there. This is fine as this is how the ecosystem is structured.
• We will also incorporate a brief FAQ on this page: e.g. “How do I get paid? – Payouts are monthly via PayPal once you reach $X.”, “Do I need a large following? – No, anyone passionate can join.” etc., to preempt basic questions and improve conversion (reducing doubt).
• Ambassador Program Page: Not everyone can be an Ambassador, but we will create a page to outline it because it adds aspirational value and also speaks to those who are high-level influencers (in case one lands on our site and wonders if there’s an exclusive program).
• This page will describe that Ambassadorship is invite-only for top performers and community leaders. It will list the perks such individuals get: higher commission bracket, performance bonuses, early product access, free products, special events (like retreats). We will emphasize exclusivity and prestige: it’s a recognition program for those who truly align with our brand.
• While there’s no direct “apply” button (since one cannot simply apply), we might include a call-to-action like: “Already a superstar affiliate or influencer in our space? Contact us to express interest or learn how to qualify.” This could be a form that goes to our partnerships team. Internally, that can help us identify potential ambassadors proactively. For most, we will just encourage them to start as affiliates and mention “our team will invite outstanding affiliates to the Ambassador tier – keep up the amazing work and you could be next!”.
• Creators/Influencers (Overlap): Some affiliates might also be content creators who could provide content to MVP or collaborate on branded content. We will ensure our messaging between the Affiliate page and Creator community page is complementary – e.g. the Affiliate page might say “Do you create content? You can both earn commission and feature your content on our platforms – see Melanated Voices under Community.” And vice versa on the Creator page, mention “monetize your influence by also joining our affiliate program.” This cross-linking lets people choose how they want to engage (some might start as affiliate then evolve to content contributor, or vice versa).

Conversion Goal: The immediate goal is affiliate sign-ups (driving traffic to the affiliate portal and getting them registered). A successful funnel is one where a potential partner reads the page and clicks “Sign Up” to begin registration. For Ambassadors, the goal is more about identifying prospects or at least informing the public that such a tier exists (brand image boost). If a top influencer lands here, a success might be that they reach out for collaboration, even if the formal path is invite-only.

Support: We will coordinate with the CrownThrive affiliate management to ensure once sign-up occurs off-site, the new affiliate is properly tagged as coming from Melanin Magic (if needed) and receives any brand-specific starter kit (perhaps an email with media assets, etc.). On the site, we will keep a support link for affiliates (like “Need help? Email our affiliate manager at…”) so they feel taken care of.

Note: The affiliate funnel doesn’t directly produce revenue like consumers, but it’s a critical growth lever. Thus, in the roadmap tasks we will treat the creation of compelling affiliate content with high priority, and ensure tracking is in place (maybe adding UTM parameters to the sign-up link to measure how many sign-ups originate from our site).

4. Creator (Content Contributor / Community Member)

Profile: This persona includes content creators (YouTubers, bloggers, educators), subject matter experts (e.g. natural hair gurus), and community builders who produce content or run communities aligned with Melanin Magic’s mission. They might be interested in showcasing their work, collaborating on content, or joining a community of like-minded creators. They could also be potential instructors for courses (CrownThriveU) or participants in our media platform (MVP).

Entry Points: Via the Community/MVP section of the site. Some may also arrive via our call-to-actions on social media or in the Melanated TV apps (e.g. a message like “Interested in being featured? Visit our website.”). The homepage section “Creators – Join the Movement” will also funnel them here.

Path & Content:

• Melanated Voices Platform (MVP) Page: This will be the hub for creators. We’ll describe MVP as “your all-in-one channel for natural hair care, wellness, beauty, and personal development” (as on Roku) – essentially, Melanin Magic’s media arm. Key points:
• MVP (Melanated Voices Platform) includes Melanin Magic TV, where we feature tutorials, talks, and community stories. We’ll invite creators to have their content featured: e.g. “Got valuable content? We can help you package it and reach a wider audience through Melanated TV.”
• Emphasize IP Packaging & Licensing: Explain that through CHLOM LEX integration, we ensure creators retain proper ownership and licensing of their content. For example, “Our CHLOM™ frameworkprotects your intellectual property while enabling distribution across web and streaming channels.” This messaging reassures creators that by working with us, their content rights are handled transparently and securely (a potential differentiator).
• Outline ways to participate: “Become a content contributor” (submit your videos/articles for our platform), “Collaborate with CrownThrive Studios” (get help producing high-quality content or campaigns), or “Teach on CrownThrive U” (if relevant, for those who might create courses).
• Highlight benefits to creators: access to a growing audience that “values authentic narratives”, possible revenue share or exposure, and being part of a mission-driven community. We can quote from CrownThrive’s description: *“Showcase your work to a global audience that values authentic narratives… collaborate with like-minded individuals… access resources to amplify your voice”*.
• Provide a Join/Contact CTA: perhaps a form like “Tell us about yourself and your content” or a prompt to email our content team. If the pipeline is not fully automated, even a simple Google Form link could work to gather interested creators’ info.
• CrownThrive Studios Integration: We will mention that creators have the opportunity to work with CrownThrive Studios, the AI-powered creative platform. This could be framed as: “Need help creating? CrownThrive Studios can assist with content generation, design, and campaign strategy – available to our creator partners.” This signals that we have an ecosystem to elevate their content production value (which might attract semi-pro creators who want to level up).
• Community Engagement: Also encourage creators to join our community conversations – link to our Locticians Discussions forums or ThriveAlumni if they’re part of that network. The idea is to make them feel part of a movement (not isolated contributors). Possibly promote any Creator Spotlight blog series or events where creators can network.
• Melanated TV Access: Finally, for all visitors (not just contributors), ensure we market the content itself: e.g. “Watch free on Roku – Melanated Voices Platform earned a perfect score in Roku’s Top Apps. Explore content on our site and on the big screen.” We’ll place links to watch content (like the tv.melanatedvoices.com site) so users can easily consume and see what it’s about.

Conversion Goals: For creators, the conversions are softer: it could be submission of the creator inquiry form (showing interest to contribute), or simply increased content consumption (which indirectly helps our brand stickiness). If we define success: one success metric is the number of creator sign-ups/contacts we get. Another is viewership: more visitors clicking to watch videos or read articles, indicating the content platform is engaging. We will monitor traffic to the MVP page and outbound clicks to the TV platforms as indicators.

Longer-Term Funnel: Over time, as MVP grows, we might implement user accounts or subscription for premium content. In this V2 roadmap, we note these future ideas, but for now focus on building the content library and contributor base. The CHLOM integration will ensure we have the infrastructure to manage content rights as this scales (e.g. if we later allow content licensing to third parties, CHLOM can handle smart contracts, etc.).

Persona Journeys Summary

Each persona’s journey is designed to be logical and self-contained: once they identify themselves (either by choosing a link or by content that “speaks” to them), the subsequent pages anticipate their needs and questions, leading toward a clear goal (purchase, sign-up, or contact). We minimize unnecessary choices to avoid confusion – e.g. a consumer doesn’t need to see ambassador info on their path, a stylist isn’t distracted by generic consumer sales. Yet, the site remains one cohesive experience, so if someone straddles categories (say a salon owner who also is an influencer), they can navigate between sections easily via the nav or links we cross-reference.

This persona-based approach ensures that content is relevant and compelling: *“it connects with you, almost as if the site was made specifically for you”*. By mapping these funnels in our strategy, the design and copy for each section of the site will be created with a clear picture of the target audience in mind, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

CHLOM Framework Integration (Compliance & IP)

One of the innovative aspects of this revamp is integrating CrownThrive’s CHLOM™ framework to bolster compliance, licensing, and digital ownership features on the site. CHLOM stands for Compliance Hybrid Licensing and Ownership Model, a next-gen system that merges blockchain, automation, and privacy-preserving cryptography to manage rights and compliance in a scalable way. For Melanin Magic’s site, CHLOM integration will primarily manifest through CHLOM LEX, the licensing module.

CHLOM LEX for IP & Licensing: CHLOM LEX is essentially the legal/licensing engine within CHLOM. Incorporating it means our platform will have the capability to handle intellectual property considerations for content and partnerships. Practically, this will be applied in two areas:

• Digital Content (MVP): All videos, tutorials, or courses made available through Melanin Magic (or contributed by creators) can be registered through CHLOM LEX for clear ownership and usage rights. For example, if a creator uploads a tutorial to Melanated Voices, CHLOM LEX could log a license that spells out how we can use that content, ensuring the creator’s rights are protected while allowing us to syndicate it on Roku, web, etc. This gives creators confidence and provides legal clarity for us as we expand content distribution.
• Brand IP & Licensing Opportunities: As Melanin Magic grows, there may be opportunities to license our brand or content to third parties (e.g. a licensed product line, or content syndication deals). CHLOM LEX would ensure any such licensing deals are tracked in a decentralized, tamper-proof way. While this might be more future-facing, we are laying groundwork now. For instance, if we ever allow “developer licenses” or resale rights for our educational content or tech (just hypothetically), CHLOM LEX would manage that.

Implementation in Squarespace: Given Squarespace’s limitations, we won’t have a fully decentralized app running within it. Instead, integration in V2 will be more about policy and presentation:

• We’ll add appropriate legal notices on the site referencing CHLOM. For instance, an updated Terms of Use section might mention that content licensing is managed via CHLOM, and any user-contributed content may be recorded in that system.
• Possibly display a “CHLOM Protected” badge on relevant content pages to signal that modern compliance tech is in use (this can enhance trust with savvy users or partners). If CrownThrive provides a graphic or script for this, we can embed it.
• Ensure that any forms or contracts (for creators or affiliates) include language informed by CHLOM LEX guidelines. The CrownThrive Help Center has legal/IP notices for CHLOM; we’ll adapt those as needed for Melanin Magic’s context, since this doc will live there too.
• On the backend, coordinate with CrownThrive’s tech team: e.g. when a new piece of content is uploaded (maybe not directly via Squarespace, but if a creator submits a video and we publish it), that transaction could be entered into the CHLOM system by an admin. We can make this part of our content publishing workflow, even if invisible to end-users.

Benefits to Highlight: We should also communicate to stakeholders (and perhaps to users in a simplified way) why CHLOM integration is a plus:

• For users, it means data and rights are handled transparently and securely. For example, if we eventually allow users to buy digital content (like an e-book or course on our site), they can trust the licensing is proper and could even verify it if we expose that.
• It positions Melanin Magic as a forward-thinking brand. Few e-commerce or community sites boast blockchain-based compliance. Noting “Powered by CHLOM™ for cutting-edge digital rights management” subtly adds to our credibility and innovative image (especially since we are part of a tech incubator).

In summary, CHLOM integration in this roadmap ensures our site is future-proofed for advanced licensing needs. While the immediate visible changes are minor (badges, legal text, and aligning processes), it sets the stage for more seamless automation down the line. As CHLOM develops, we have the scaffolding to plug in more capabilities (such as a user dashboard for license certificates, or automated compliance checks for user-generated content). This integration underscores our commitment to trustworthiness and innovation, reinforcing to users and partners that Melanin Magic safeguards intellectual property and adheres to the highest standards of compliance.

CrownThrive Ecosystem Alignment

Melanin Magic is proudly *“part of the CrownThrive Ecosystem”*, and the Version 2 revamp will strengthen this alignment in both branding and navigation. The CrownThrive ecosystem includes various platforms (education, community, tech tools) that complement Melanin Magic’s offerings. By surfacing these connections on our site, we enhance user experience (they can seamlessly explore related resources) and reinforce brand credibility (backed by a larger enterprise).

Unified Branding & Design: We will ensure the site’s look and feel respects the Melanin Magic brand (colors, imagery celebrating melanated beauty) while also harmonizing with CrownThrive’s style where appropriate. For example, if CrownThrive uses certain typography or design motifs in partner sites, we can incorporate subtle nods. The footer will continue to carry the CrownThrive copyright and tagline (“Innovate. Scale. Dominate.”) as it does now. We might also include a short blurb on the About page like: “Melanin Magic is a CrownThrive Studios brand, developed within The Hybrid Incubator to empower beauty and wellness entrepreneurs” – to make the relationship explicit. Consistency in messaging (sustainability, empowerment, innovation) will be maintained; anything we claim on Melanin Magic (like being rooted in sustainability) is also echoed in CrownThrive’s values, so we mirror that tone.

Cross-Navigation to Ecosystem Platforms: Currently, the site lists many partner links in the footer. In V2, we will rationalize and highlight these in context:

• For Affiliates, Coaches, Influencers, Instructors – these correspond to CrownThrive programs (affiliates.crownthrive.com, thrivepeer.com, crownfluence.com, crownthriveu.com). Rather than just a list of names, the Partner section pages will explain them (as covered in persona funnels) and link out with a clear call (e.g. “Sign up as an Instructor on CrownThrive U”).
• CrownThrive Studios: We’ll explicitly mention CrownThrive Studios on the Community/Creators page as the content creation engine. Possibly link to crownthrivestudios.com if there’s relevant info or tools publicly available. (If the Studios platform is internal only, we might just describe it rather than link.)
• ThriveAlumni and Support: While not for end-users, any CrownThrive user communities (like ThriveAlumni) or support portals can be kept in the footer for completeness. We might remove “Support Levels” or other internal links from the main nav if they currently appear (they won’t be relevant to typical visitors).
• The Mane Experience (Networking): This is an external community site for professionals. We’ll keep linking to it (likely from the Professionals page context, like “attend our networking events”).
• TAME Gallery (Artful Mane): The Artful Mane Gallery and Wearable Art are part of the ecosystem. Since Melanin Magic also touches lifestyle (they sell merch, coffee, etc.), we can promote TAME in a subtle way: perhaps on the Community page or Impact page, mention we support melanated artists via The Artful Mane Gallery, linking to thetamegallery.com.
• Locticians & Crown TV Platforms: We will maintain the links to Locticians TV and Melanin Magic TV in an appropriate section (likely the Community page and Impact page for Locticians TV, since that is more educational). The Melanated TV portfolio info from CrownThrive shows multiple channels (MVP on Roku, Locticians TV, CrownThrive TV). We’ll position Melanin Magic TV as our channel on that network, and Locticians TV as a related channel for professionals. Navigation-wise, these might remain footer links with maybe an icon indicating external site.

The aim is to reduce fragmentation: instead of scattering mentions of ecosystem sites only in the footer, we integrate them where the user is already thinking about that topic. E.g., when a stylist is on the Wholesale page reading about community benefits, they learn about Locticians and can click through. When a creator is on the MVP page, they see links to MVP on Roku or MelanatedTV.com to watch content. This way the ecosystem feels like a natural extension of the site, not a disparate set of links.

Brand Voice Alignment: All content we add will be reviewed for consistency with CrownThrive’s voice – which is empowering, innovative, and community-focused. For instance, CrownThrive often uses terms like “empower”, “thrive”, “innovation”, “impact” in their copy. We will ensure Melanin Magic’s copy uses similar positive, forward-looking language (which it already does in many places). This gives a cohesive experience to someone who might traverse from Melanin Magic to CrownThrive main site and back.

SEO and Domain Strategy: We will consider the SEO implications of linking to the ecosystem. All external links will open in new tabs to keep users’ session on our site. For key pages like Affiliates, if there’s important content, we might mirror a snippet on our site (for SEO) and then say “powered by CrownThrive’s platform” to send them off. Ensuring our sitemap (we’ll submit updated sitemap to search engines) includes any new pages we’ve added and that those pages have the right cross-links will help search engines understand the relationship (e.g. our About page linking to CrownThrive’s site might help establish Melanin Magic as part of that broader context).

In short, CrownThrive ecosystem integration in this roadmap means Melanin Magic will no longer feel like an isolated Squarespace store, but rather a portal into a wider world of CrownThrive offerings. Users should feel that behind the great products is a powerful network of support – whether that’s educational content, a climate initiative, or a business opportunity – all easily reachable from the Melanin Magic site. This not only benefits users but also likely increases cross-traffic between CrownThrive projects, strengthening the ecosystem as a whole.

SEO & Trust-Building Enhancements

Improving SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a critical part of the revamp to increase organic traffic and ensure each of our new funnels can be easily discovered. Concurrently, we must build trust with visitors through content and site features, as trust directly impacts conversion. Below are the strategies and actions for SEO and trust-building:

1. Technical SEO and Structured Data:

• Automatic SEO Features: Squarespace provides automatic sitemaps and clean URLs. We will verify the sitemap includes all new pages (Professionals, Community, etc.) and submit it via Google Search Console once live. All page URLs will be succinct and keyword-rich (e.g.
• Meta Titles & Descriptions: We’ll craft unique, compelling titles (≤ 60 chars) and meta descriptions (≈155 chars) for each page, incorporating relevant keywords. For example: “Melanin Magic Wholesale Program – Professional Salon Partner Benefits” or “Melanated Voices Platform – Empowering Content | Melanin Magic”. This will improve click-through rates from search results.
• Structured Data Markup: While Squarespace adds some schema (like product schema on product pages), we will augment this:
• On the FAQ page, we’ll add FAQPage schema (via code injection or a Code Block with JSON-LD) so that common questions can appear as rich results on Google.
• On the product pages, ensure product schema includes all details (price, availability, reviews if we have them). Squarespace likely handles this, but we’ll test using Google’s Rich Result Test and add any missing tags (maybe brand, SKU, etc.).
• Organization schema: We’ll include a JSON-LD snippet site-wide in the footer representing Melanin Magic (as a subdivision of CrownThrive LLC). This can include our logo, website URL, social profiles, and mention our parent org.
• Blog posts will use Article schema (Squarespace may do basic, but for any how-to guides we can add HowTo schema, etc., if relevant).
• Page Speed & Indexing: We will optimize images (compress and use the correct sizes since heavy media can slow load, affecting SEO). We’ll also minimize use of any heavy scripts. If the theme uses any lazy-loading, ensure it’s working for a smooth experience. Google’s mobile-first indexing means we will test all pages on mobile for performance. If certain content doesn’t render well or quickly on mobile (like large background videos), we’ll use static alternatives.
• SSL and Security: Already enabled via Squarespace (SSL cert is standard, which is good for SEO ranking signal). We’ll double-check that all external assets (like embed scripts) are loaded via HTTPS to avoid mixed content warnings.

2. Content SEO (Keywords & Copy Optimizations):

• We’ll conduct keyword research around our core areas: e.g. “natural hair products for [hair type]”, “wholesale hair care supplier”, “beauty influencer program”, “melanated voices content”, etc. The site copy will be refined to naturally include these terms in headings and body text. For instance, on the homepage and shop pages, mention “premium natural hair care products for curly, coily, and kinky hair” to capture those searchers.
• Each persona page will target specific queries:
• Wholesale page targeting “natural hair care wholesale”, “salon wholesale program” – with content to match.
• Affiliate page targeting “beauty affiliate programs”, “earn commission beauty products”, etc.
• MVP page targeting things like “Black content creators platform”, “melanated voices streaming”.
• Blog Content Strategy: Post-launch, our blog can significantly boost SEO. We’ll plan a content calendar focusing on long-tail keywords. E.g., articles like “Top 10 Natural Ingredients for Healthy Hair (and products that have them)”, or “How to Become a Successful Haircare Influencer”. These posts will internally link to our product pages or program pages, driving link equity to them. They’ll also attract backlinks if they provide high-value info.
• On-Page Best Practices: Use one H1 per page (Squarespace uses page title as H1 by default), use H2/H3 for sections with keywords (like “Benefits of Melanin Magic Wholesale” as an H2). We’ll ensure image alt text describes the image and includes keywords where appropriate (e.g. alt="Melanin Magic natural hair products display"). Squarespace’s automatic image tagging is a starting point, but we will manually review alt tags for our key images to improve accuracy.

3. Trust Signals & Transparency:

• About Us Storytelling: Expanding the About Us page will help users trust the brand’s authenticity. We’ll include founder background or the passion behind Melanin Magic, community involvement, and perhaps any certifications (e.g. vegan, minority-owned business if applicable). Authentic storytelling can increase emotional trust.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: If feasible, we’ll integrate a review tool. If not via plugin, we might manually feature some 5-star reviews on product pages and link to our Instagram or other platforms where customers have left feedback. Social proof is key; even a testimonial slider on the homepage as mentioned will help visitors see real success stories.
• Guarantees and Policies: We will prominently link or mention our return policy (e.g. “30-Day Money-Back Guarantee if not satisfied” if we can offer that) and customer service responsiveness (“Questions? Contact us anytime for support”). Having an accessible FAQ with answers about product safety, shipping time, etc., reduces anxiety for first-time buyers.
• Privacy and Safety: In the newsletter signup area, we explicitly reassure “Your information is safe and protected”. We’ll keep such statements wherever user data is collected. Also mention we use secure checkout (backed by Stripe) to assuage security concerns.
• Community & Social Proof: Showcasing our Instagram feed or user-generated content (like reposting a customer’s hair transformation using our products) can both engage and build trust – it shows a real community behind the brand. We might include a section “As seen on Instagram” or “Join #MelaninMagic” with a feed or selected images.
• Impact & Values: Modern consumers trust brands that stand for something. Our Impact page and sustainability highlights will demonstrate we walk the talk on environmental responsibility. We’ll mention our Stripe Climate pledge (e.g. “Melanin Magic is part of Stripe Climate, committing a portion of every sale to fund carbon removal technologies” – Stripe provides a public profile we can link to). Also, highlight our EcoDrive partnership: e.g. “Every purchase helps plant mangrove trees via EcoDrive – see our forest growing!” with a link or stat from our EcoDrive dashboard. By quantifying our impact, we build credibility that we truly care beyond profit.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A subtle but important trust factor is having an accessible site (for differently-abled users) and showing inclusivity. We’ll test the site for accessibility (color contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation). Also, our content and imagery will celebrate diversity (which is inherent to the brand). If possible, we could add a small Accessibility link or statement in the footer (“We are committed to a fully accessible experience. If you have any issues, contact...”). This signals respect for all users.
• Third-Party Endorsements: If Melanin Magic or CrownThrive has any press coverage, awards, or certifications, we will include those. For instance, if the Melanated Voices Platform was featured or got a Roku accolade, mention “Rated a Top App by Roku Guide” on the MVP page. Or if our products were mentioned in a beauty magazine, include a quote or “As featured in XYZ”. These external nods boost trust.

By systematically improving SEO elements, we expect to see an increase in search rankings and organic traffic for targeted keywords over time (we’ll set up monitoring for keyword positions and Google Analytics for traffic sources). The trust-building measures aim to increase the conversion rate of that traffic: users who find us will be more likely to make a purchase or sign up because the site will feel credible, community-driven, and secure. A trustworthy site coupled with high visibility is a recipe for sustained growth.

Upsell & Cross-Sell Strategy

Maximizing customer lifetime value is a key goal for the e-commerce aspect of Melanin Magic. We will implement several upselling and cross-selling tactics throughout the site to encourage larger purchases and repeat business, all while maintaining a “helper not pusher” approach (adding genuine value for the customer). Below are the strategies:

On-Site Cross-Selling:

• Related Products on Product Pages: As mentioned, every product page will feature a “You Might Also Like” or “Complete Your Routine” section. For example, when viewing MeloMoist Shampoo, the page might show MeloMoist Conditioner and Hair Elixir with an encouragement like “Frequently paired together for best results.” Squarespace can show products from the same category, or we might manually create a related list by tagging products with “routine-moisture” etc. Cross-selling like this leverages the customer’s interest and suggests complementary items, which can increase basket size.
• Product Bundles: We will create special bundle products or combo discounts – e.g. a Full Wash Day Kit that includes shampoo, conditioner, and treatment at a 10% bundle discount. This is an upsell (higher order value) and cross-sell in one. Squarespace doesn’t have bundle logic by default, but we can either package them as one product (with variants) or use a workaround like a discount code auto-applied for buying certain combinations. The Wholesale page already mentions bundles seasonally, and we can bring that concept to retail too for holidays or specific regimens.
• Add-On Products: If possible, we might use a plugin or Squarespace extension for “Add to Cart suggestions”. For instance, once an item is in the cart, show a pop-up or cart suggestion like “Add a Satin Bonnet for $X to protect your new style overnight” (if we have such accessories). There is an approach using a lightbox on add-to-cart (we saw a reference to KaktusApps for one-click upsell) – we’ll investigate its compatibility. At minimum, the cart page itself can have a section “Don’t forget:” with a couple of low-cost add-ons.
• Tiered Discounts Display: Let customers know if they spend a little more, they get a benefit (this requires some custom logic or just communication). For example, “Free shipping on orders over $50” or “Spend $10 more to get a free sample.” If our pricing strategy allows, this can gently upsell customers to avoid missing out on a deal. We’ll include a note near the cart total if applicable (Squarespace can show a free shipping indicator via promotional announcement maybe).

Post-Purchase Upsell:

• Thank You Page Offers: After checkout, redirect to a thank-you page that includes a special offer. E.g., “Thank you for your purchase! Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your next order” – encouraging a second purchase. Or “Refer a friend with your unique link (sign up for affiliates!) to earn rewards.” This leverages the post-purchase high to either upsell (another purchase) or convert them to an affiliate.
• Email Marketing: We will set up automated campaigns:
• Abandoned Cart Email: If someone enters email but doesn’t complete purchase (Squarespace captures abandoned checkouts if user got to that step), send a reminder with items left and maybe a small incentive to complete.
• Cross-Sell Follow-up: e.g., 1-2 weeks after a purchase of a shampoo, send an email “Loving your new Shampoo? Complete the experience with our conditioner and styling butter, now 15% off for you.” This shows we understand their needs and adds value.
• Upsell to Subscription or Membership: If we ever introduce a subscription for products (e.g. subscribe and save for monthly deliveries) or a VIP club, we’ll email customers inviting them. For now, one upsell could be to encourage wholesale for pros: if someone orders a lot, maybe flag them with “Buying in bulk? Our Wholesale Program could save you 35%. Learn more.”
• Loyalty & Referrals: Even before a full CrownRewards integration, we can do simple things:
• Include a referral card in shipped orders (physical insert) or in the confirmation email: e.g. “Give $10, Get $10 – share this code with a friend.”
• Maintain a simple loyalty tracking via discount codes or manual methods until CrownRewards can be implemented. This will pave way to integrate with CrownRewards (the ecosystem loyalty program) later, which allows digital loyalty cards and points. In our future scaffolding, we note to prepare for that.

Upselling Services and Ecosystem:

• Upsell doesn’t only mean more product; we can “upsell” customers into our ecosystem:
• For example, a consumer might be upsold into joining our community webinar or trying a digital course for a fee (if we have one in future). We can promote these on site: “Enhance your journey: Take our ‘Healthy Hair 101’ mini-course” (could be free or paid, offered via CrownThriveU).
• For stylists who joined wholesale, upsell them into the SuiteScale higher tiers as they grow. The wholesale portal or communications can mention “Did you know about MM Suites? Expand your business with your own salon suite – inquire now.”
• For affiliates, upsell into becoming a content collaborator: “Your passion is awesome – want to do an IG Live takeover on our channel?” (This deepens their involvement which can lead to more sales they refer).

User Experience and Ethical Approach: All upsells/cross-sells will be presented as helpful suggestions, not annoying pop-ups at every turn. We aim for what Squarespace’s own guidance suggests: a *“shopper-first approach that adds real value… showing you understand their needs”*. For instance, recommending a sulfate-free conditioner to someone buying a sulfate-free shampoo is genuinely useful. We will avoid any dark patterns (no misleading “only 1 left!” messages unless true, etc.). The design will keep these suggestions visually subtle (perhaps as cards with product images and a small “add” button) so as not to derail the primary purchase flow.

By implementing these strategies, we expect:

• An increase in average order value (by bundles and related item add-ons).
• Higher repeat purchase rate (thanks to follow-up offers and loyalty initiatives).
• Better customer satisfaction, ironically, because the cross-sells are curated to improve their results (they’ll likely be happier if they use a full system of our products, for example, rather than just one item).

We will monitor metrics like average order value and retention rate post-launch. The task list includes setting up the specific upsell content and testing that the suggestions make sense for each product.

Navigation & UX Improvements

A key part of the revamp is making the site easy and intuitive to navigate, ensuring users can find what they need in as few clicks as possible and enjoy a smooth experience across devices. Here are the navigation and UX improvements we will implement:

Streamlined Main Menu: As outlined in the sitemap, we’re reducing top-level menu items and using clear labels. The new main nav will likely be: Home, Shop, Professionals, Community, Partner, About (plus maybe Blog, or we might tuck Blog under Community or About to keep top-level count low). This adheres to the guideline of keeping menu items between 5 and 7 to avoid cognitive overload.

• We will use dropdown menus (folders in Squarespace) for any section with multiple pages, grouping related links together logically. For example, under “Partner” the dropdown will list Affiliates, Ambassadors, etc. This way, a user hovering “Partner” immediately sees all options and can click directly.
• The labels will be descriptive as noted (e.g. “Professionals” instead of something vague). Descriptive, specific labels improve user understanding and also SEO anchortext.
• If needed, we’ll use a secondary navigation (like a top bar or an in-page menu) for sub-sections. For instance, on the About page, we might have tabs or sub-links for Story, Impact, FAQ, Contact. However, given the site size, a well-structured footer and some on-page anchors might suffice.

Mega-Menu Consideration: If our menu starts to become crowded with dropdowns (especially under “Community” or “Partner” there could be many items), we might consider implementing a mega-menu style on desktop for those sections. While Squarespace doesn’t natively support mega-menus, we can simulate one with a bit of CSS/HTML trickery in Code Injection. This could present all persona options in one panel when hovering “Explore” or something. We’ll evaluate this – it’s a nice-to-have if simple, but not mandatory.

Prominent Search Function: A search bar/icon will be added to the header if not already present. With the expanded content (blog, help articles, etc.), search becomes valuable. Squarespace has a search block; we can place a search icon in the header that opens a search overlay. This helps users directly type “shampoo” or “wholesale” and jump to relevant results. The search results page will be checked to ensure it’s indexing new content (like the Wholesale page, etc.).

Mobile Navigation: We’ll optimize the mobile menu (which on Squarespace is typically a hamburger that slides out). We will group items similarly and use clear titles so that on mobile, users see an organized list without endless nested tapping. We might use divider lines or subtle headings in the mobile menu to segment (e.g. a section label “Shop” vs “Explore” if needed). All pages will be tested on mobile for finger-friendly buttons and link spacing.

• For long pages (like FAQ or wholesale info), we’ll consider adding a “Back to Top” button on mobile, since scrolling up can be tedious. Squarespace doesn’t have it by default, but a small code snippet can add one.

Footer Enhancements: The footer currently is information-rich. We’ll keep that but tidy it:

• Possibly reformat into columns like: Products, Company, Community, Support, etc. For example:
• Shop (link to Shop All),
• Company (About, Retail Locations, Contact, Impact),
• Community (Blog, MVP, Events),
• Partners (Affiliates, Wholesale, Careers if any),
• Support (FAQ, Shipping & Returns, Privacy, Terms).
• Include social media icons in footer for easy following.
• Ensure the CrownThrive reference and copyright are updated to 2025 and mention CrownThrive LLC properly.

Visual Cues & Navigation Aids:

• We’ll highlight the current page in the menu (Squarespace does this by default with an active state).
• Use breadcrumbs on sub-pages like blog posts or maybe on multi-level pages (e.g., if we had a section within Community, breadcrumbs like “Community > Melanated Voices” could be useful). If not automatic, we can manually implement breadcrumbs using a little code or even just linking back to parent pages in the content.
• Call-to-Action Buttons: We will pepper CTA buttons in logical places to guide navigation. For instance, at the end of the Wholesale info, a big “Join Now” button; at the bottom of a blog post about hair care, a “Shop Related Products” button. These act as signposts guiding users toward conversions.
• 404 Page: We’ll customize the 404 page to be helpful, with links to popular sections (Shop, About, etc.), in case users hit a broken link.

Testing & Feedback: Before finalizing, we’ll do usability tests or at least team walkthroughs of the new navigation:

• Ensure that no matter where a user is, it’s easy to get somewhere else (the menu or footer should have that link). For example, if a user reads about the Ambassador program and then wants to shop, the main nav is there for them – so we keep it visible (Squarespace fixed header maybe) and clear.
• Ensure that key pages are no more than 2-3 clicks from the homepage (a common UX guideline). Looking at our structure: a consumer can reach a product in 2 clicks (Shop > Category > Product). A professional can reach wholesale in 1 click (Professionals > Wholesale). That’s good. We avoid deep nesting beyond that.

Accessibility and UX Polishing:

• We will add alt text to all images (as mentioned) – helps visually impaired users.
• Use descriptive link text (no “click here” – instead “Read our FAQ” etc.) which is good for accessibility and SEO.
• Make sure form fields (contact form, etc.) are labeled clearly.
• Check color contrasts for text vs background to be ADA compliant (especially since our palette may include earthy or golden tones; we need sufficient contrast).
• Ensure no essential info is conveyed by color alone (for colorblind users). E.g., required fields on forms should have a symbol or text, not just red outlines.

By implementing these navigation and UX improvements, the site will feel effortless to use. Users will spend their time engaging with content and products, not struggling to find them. A well-structured navigation also positively impacts our SEO (search engines can crawl easier, and user behavior signals improve when people don’t bounce due to confusion). Ultimately, these improvements aim to reduce bounce rates, increase pages per session, and drive users more efficiently to the outcomes we want (purchase, sign-up, etc.), all while giving them a pleasant experience that reflects the professionalism of the brand.

Future Integrations & Scalability

In revamping to Version 2, we are not only addressing current needs but also laying scaffolding for future growth and integrations. The digital landscape and CrownThrive’s ecosystem are evolving, and our site should be ready to incorporate new features with minimal friction. Below are anticipated future integrations and how we’re preparing for them now:

1. CrownRewards Loyalty Program: CrownThrive’s CrownRewards system (digital loyalty cards, points, rewards) is an ecosystem feature likely to roll out broadly (as hinted in Suite plans). In the future, Melanin Magic could implement a loyalty program where customers earn points for purchases that can be redeemed for discounts or perks across CrownThrive brands.

• Scaffolding: We are designing the user accounts and purchase flows with this in mind. For instance, encouraging account creation (login) with purchases now means down the road we have identified users to attach loyalty points to. We’ll keep records of purchase history (Squarespace does this) which could be ported into a loyalty system later.
• When CrownRewards becomes available, we can add a “Rewards” page or widget showing the user’s points. For now, we may include in the footer “Loyalty Program (Coming Soon)” to build anticipation, but only if it doesn’t confuse users.
• Technically, we’ll ensure our order confirmation emails and systems can integrate a unique identifier (maybe the user’s email or phone) that a future CrownRewards app could use to track points. If CrownRewards offers an API or integration script, our site will be ready to embed it (with Code Injection and some UI space allocated for it, like in the account page or header).

2. Deeper E-Commerce Expansion: We might expand product lines or how we sell:

• Subscription Products: If we decide to offer a subscription box or auto-replenishment service for certain products, Squarespace has limited subscription support (only via Member Areas or an interval product workaround). We foresee possibly needing a more robust solution. Preparation: structure our product SKUs and fulfillment in a way that could integrate with an external subscription service if needed (like Cratejoy or Recharge, via a subdomain or external link).
• Global/Multilingual Support: As we grow, we might target international markets. Squarespace isn’t multi-language by default, but we can plan content so that it’s easily cloneable into other languages or consider moving to Squarespace’s newer Fluid Engine which may eventually support multilingual. At the very least, keep the design flexible for longer text (if translated) and possibly include a language switcher placeholder if expansion is planned.

3. Web3 and NFT Integrations: CrownThrive being web3-forward (given CHLOM and other blockchain mentions), we might in the future incorporate NFT or blockchain-based features for Melanin Magic.

• For example, perhaps releasing an NFT collection for loyal customers or digital certificates of authenticity for limited edition art or merchandise.
• By having CHLOM in place (for compliance) and by staying within CrownThrive’s ecosystem, we’re prepared. If an NFT drop happens, we could simply add a new page “Digital Collectibles” explaining how to buy or claim NFTs, perhaps linking to CrownThrive’s marketplace or Opensea if relevant.
• We’ve ensured our site can accept custom code, so embedding a web3 widget (like a wallet connect button) is possible if needed in the future, using Code Blocks or Custom CSS/JS. For now, this is speculative, so we won’t confuse current users with any crypto terminology, but it’s in the back-end readiness plan.

4. SuitePros Online Booking: For the MM Suites brick-and-mortar side, eventually we might offer consumers the ability to find a stylist in an MM Suite and book an appointment online. This would essentially turn Melanin Magic’s site partly into a service marketplace (like Styleseat or similar).

• In preparation, we’ve collected the city locations and will maintain a list of Suite professionals. We could implement a simple listing page per location with profiles (manual now, maybe dynamic later).
• When ready, we can integrate a booking engine (perhaps CrownThrive might build one, or we use a third-party like Acuity/Squarespace Scheduling or MindBody).
• For now, our Retail Locations page acts as a placeholder, but we plan its evolution: e.g., clicking “Atlanta, GA” in future could show available suite professionals and a “Book” button. We’ll design the location pages so they can hold that content when available.

5. Enhanced Analytics and Personalization: As the site grows, using data to personalize could boost conversions (like showing different homepage featured products based on user behavior, or personalized recommendations).

• Squarespace doesn’t have built-in personalization aside from location-based announcement bars. However, CrownThrive may have tools (CrownPulse, CrownLytics as named in Suite plans) that provide advanced analytics or AI-driven content.
• We’ll ensure our Google Analytics (or CrownLytics if available) is tracking events (like which persona links get clicked most, etc.) so we can continuously optimize. If CrownThrive introduces an AI recommendation engine, we can embed that in the site (e.g. a “Recommended for you” section powered by CrownThrive’s AI, if it becomes available).
• At present, we’ll emulate basic personalization by segmenting content (the persona funnels), but future state could be an AI chatbot for product advice (maybe using CrownThrive’s NeuralCraft AI), or interactive quizzes. We will keep the content structure flexible to accommodate those – e.g., ensure adding a chatbot widget won’t clutter the design (maybe have a fixed corner icon reserved).

6. Help Center Integration: Since this document will live in CrownThrive’s help center, we foresee integrating a Help/Support section on the site for customers. Possibly a knowledge base or at least an FAQ that is dynamically pulled from the help center.

• In the future, we might embed help articles or a search bar that fetches results from help.crownthrive.com. We’ll monitor how the help center evolves and be ready to plug that in (perhaps through an API or widget if SimpleBase (the help software) allows).
• For now, our robust FAQ page and contact link suffice, but scalability includes maybe a live chat or help widget – we’ll leave space in the design (like a sticky “Help?” button) which can be turned on later.

7. Scalability of Infrastructure: While Squarespace is fine now, if our traffic or needs outgrow it (for example, if we wanted a more complex user database or integration), we have a contingency to possibly migrate to a more flexible platform (like a Headless CMS or Shopify+custom code). The roadmap doesn’t assume a move now, but our content restructuring (clean HTML, organization, using CrownThrive single sign-on for some things) will make a future migration easier if it ever happens. Essentially, by keeping data well-structured and integrations loosely coupled (mostly through links/embeds), we avoid lock-in issues.

In sum, the Version 2 site is being built with future-readiness in mind. Each integration point we add now (CHLOM, ecosystem links, etc.) is a building block. When new opportunities arise – be it a loyalty program, new content channels, or tech upgrades – we won’t have to redo the foundation; we’ll simply plug the new component into our prepared placeholders. This strategic foresight will save development time and ensure Melanin Magic’s digital presence can thrive alongside CrownThrive’s innovations without constant overhaul. Our task list will include setting periodic reviews (e.g. quarterly) to reassess upcoming integration needs and plan minor updates, keeping the site on the cutting edge.

Task Queue (Roadmap Implementation Status)

Below is a breakdown of the major roadmap elements with their current status. This task queue will be used to track progress through the revamp project and ensure nothing is missed. Tasks are categorized as Completed, In Progress, or Pending, with notes where applicable:

Completed Tasks ✅

• Persona Research & Definitions: COMPLETED – Identified key user personas (Consumer, Stylist, Affiliate, Creator) and documented their needs/pain points. This informed site structure and copy.
• Current Site Audit: COMPLETED – Reviewed existing Squarespace site pages, navigation, SEO settings, and gathered baseline metrics (bounce rate, current organic keywords, etc.).
• Squarespace Capability Review: COMPLETED – Analyzed Squarespace’s features and limitations relevant to our plan (SEO features, Commerce options, Code Injection). Verified what can be achieved natively and noted required workarounds (e.g. no built-in loyalty system, need to use code for certain schema).
• CrownThrive Ecosystem Alignment Plan: COMPLETED – Consulted CrownThrive documentation and teams to map out integration points (Affiliates portal, CHLOM specifics, MVP content feeds). Established permission to use help center info and ecosystem assets on the site.
• Sitemap Draft & Approval: COMPLETED – Created the new sitemap outline as above and got stakeholder approval on new pages structure and nomenclature.
• Homepage Wireframe Drafts: COMPLETED – Developed low-fidelity wireframes for the new homepage layout and iterated with team feedback. High-fidelity design is ready for build.
• Content Drafting (Major Pages): COMPLETED – Drafted copy for Wholesale Program page update, Affiliate & Ambassador pages, MVP/Community page, and Impact page. These drafts incorporate key points (discounts, commissions, platform descriptions) and are ready for final edit and SEO tuning.
• SEO Keyword List: COMPLETED – Researched and compiled a list of target SEO keywords for each section (products and informational queries). Included in the content briefs for writers.
• Technical Setup Preliminary: COMPLETED – Enabled developer mode in Squarespace (if needed for any custom code), confirmed access to DNS for any necessary domain updates (none expected, but ready for adding subdomains if required e.g. tv subdomain if we wanted).
• Design Assets Collection: COMPLETED – Gathered all required visuals: product images (including any new ones for homepage banners), community photos, logos (Stripe Climate badge, CrownThrive logo, etc.), and ensured we have usage rights.

In Progress ⚙️

• Page Building & Layout in Squarespace: IN PROGRESS – Implementing the new page layouts in Squarespace editor. Home, Shop (category pages), and Professionals section pages are currently being built out. Ensuring mobile optimization as we go.
• Copy Editing & SEO Optimization: IN PROGRESS – Copy drafts are undergoing editing for tone, clarity, and keyword inclusion. Meta titles/descriptions are being written for each new page. Also adding alt text to all new images now.
• Internal Testing (Alpha): IN PROGRESS – Team is clicking through a staging version of the site to test navigation flow, link correctness, and content comprehension. Collecting feedback particularly on the persona funnels (“Does the Wholesale page answer all your questions as a stylist?”, etc.).
• CHLOM Legal Integration: IN PROGRESS – Legal team drafting updated Terms of Use and any disclaimers regarding CHLOM/LEX usage. Once finalized, will update site’s legal pages and help center as needed.
• Footer & Menu Configuration: IN PROGRESS – Restructuring the navigation in Squarespace (implementing new folders for dropdown, reordering items) and redesigning the footer into column layout. About 50% done – awaiting final decisions on exact wording of menu labels.
• EcoDrive/StripeClimate Data Fetch: IN PROGRESS – Contacting EcoDrive for an embed code or updated stats graphic we can use on the Impact page. Similarly, generating our Stripe Climate badge which shows our contribution. These will be inserted once obtained.
• DNS Linking for External Pages: IN PROGRESS – Setting up subdomain forwards if needed (for instance, ensure tv.melanatedvoices.com is live and linked). Also making sure affiliate.crownthrive.com etc., are accessible and perhaps setting UTM parameters on those links for tracking.
• Analytics Setup: IN PROGRESS – Updating Google Analytics with new goals (e.g. wholesale sign-up as a goal, affiliate link click as an event). Also preparing dashboards to track pre/post-launch performance.

Pending Tasks 📋

• Final Design QA & Polishing: PENDING – Once all pages are built, do a thorough Quality Assurance pass. Check spacing, font consistency, responsiveness, and correct any visual quirks. Ensure brand colors and styles are correctly applied.
• External User Testing (Beta): PENDING – Have a few users (or team members not involved in build) simulate being each persona and navigate the site. Collect feedback on ease of use, any confusion, or improvement suggestions.
• Go-Live SEO Checklist: PENDING – Before launch, run through an SEO checklist: test site with Google’s Mobile-Friendly test, PageSpeed Insights, validate structured data with Rich Results Test, ensure 301 redirects in place for any URL changes (e.g. if “/about-wholesale-program” moved to “/wholesale”, implement redirect).
• Content Migration of Blog Posts: PENDING – If we are revamping the blog structure or bringing in new articles at launch, need to format and upload those (a few new posts are planned to coincide with launch, e.g. an introductory “Welcome to the new Melanin Magic” post).
• Launch Prep: PENDING – Schedule the launch during a low-traffic period. Prepare a maintenance notification if needed while we switch the template or push changes live (though Squarespace can usually update without downtime). Coordinate social media announcement to coincide.
• Post-Launch Monitoring: PENDING – In the week after launch, monitor site for any bugs (broken links, form issues) and watch analytics for any unexpected drop (or spike) in traffic – adjust quickly if SEO issues spotted.
• Marketing Initiatives Post-Launch: PENDING – Kick off campaigns to drive traffic into the new funnels: e.g., an email blast to all customers highlighting new programs (wholesale, affiliates), social media posts about “check out our new Melanin Magic TV page”, etc. This ensures the revamp gains immediate traction.
• Future Features Roadmap Review: PENDING – Set a meeting for 1-2 months post-launch to review the future integrations list. For example, check on status of CrownRewards development, evaluate if/when to integrate a scheduling system for suites, etc., and prioritize next steps accordingly.

Each of these tasks is assigned to team members and has target dates in our project management tool (not all dates shown here). We will update this task list as items are completed or if new tasks arise. The overall project is on track for a launch in Q1 2026. By following this roadmap and task plan, we anticipate a successful revamp that significantly enhances user experience, engagement, and revenue opportunities for Melanin Magic, while positioning the brand strongly within the CrownThrive family moving forward.