[AmberShah]

Based on the description of the design here I was expecting it to be a lot worse. The design is okay, but yes, A/B tests will let you know for sure.

But the building-the-site-first idea is tops particularly because people can get worried that (1) it will be too hard, or (2) there won't be a theme/design they like. Instead of trying to prove it with words/pictures, just let them start. At this point, even giving your email address away is a commitment, not even just CC info.