The factors that you’ll need to consider for your pricing are varied and will depend on the scope of your services and the specificities of each client. However, there are general frameworks you can use to establish what you need to factor into your charge rates and how to measure the amount you should charge.
6 Considerations for Determining Web Designer Fees
1. Your Level of Experience
The more specialized and sophisticated your services are, the more clients will want to pay. Having a portfolio with quality and functional designs and a track record to demonstrate your past work, you can set yourself above a lot of other competitors, and your pricing can reflect this.
2. The Type of Websites
When creating a website, consider its complexity and functionality. Determine if it will be a simple, informational site or a complex one with multiple pages, resources, embedded media, and additional features. If the website requires user accounts and login functionality, extra security measures will be necessary. Before finalizing the pricing with your client, gather information on the standard prices for various types of websites.
3. Your Niche
Your expertise may be different from the average web designer which can make you more effective or efficient at building certain websites. This niche you specialize in will be a factor to consider when sorting out your pricing structure. Different web design niches can include real estate web development, financial advisors, online course creators, and eCommerce platforms among others.
4. The Size and Scope of The Project
This is one of the main factors when deciding on the cost and pricing for charging your client. The size of your client’s website and the work needed to meet all the design and development requirements will need to be understood to structure your pricing.
5. The Features and Functions Required
The general rule of thumb all web developers are aware of is that the more complex the website features, the higher the costs will be. It’s the price for a well-functioning site and a beautiful design interface, and one of the most important aspects of your client’s website design.
6. Current Market Rates
One of the best ways to get a grasp of the general pricing schemes is to note what your peers are charging and what the current market rates are accepted. This is an excellent way to set up competitive pricing systems that are specific to your expertise and services.
The Different Methods For Setting Up Your Pricing
Your charge rates and methods may differ depending on your client’s needs and the project size, to name a couple of factors. Based on the factors listed above, you can decide which pricing method is best suited for you and your clients.
Hourly Rates
Freelance web designers charge anywhere between $30 – $85 per hour with the average being $70 in the United States. New web designers charge $30 – $40 while reasonably skilled designers can charge higher than $75.
Flat or Fixed Rates
Upfront/ fixed costs will range from $5,000 – $10,000 for a basic business website design with the average being $6,760. This includes designing, setting up, and writing content for the website. It also includes training the client and maintaining the site. Estimating a flat rate for a project can be challenging. One effective approach is to divide the project into phases and establish a flat rate that corresponds to a mutually agreed scope of work.
Retainer Fees
A retainer agreement means being available to work a set number of hours per week or month based on the client’s requirements. This is usually to update and manage a site after its initial launch. This arrangement benefits both parties by providing consistent work and income for you, while allowing the client to receive a discounted rate for the services rendered.
Simply multiply your hourly rate to your estimated number of weekly or monthly hours needed to keep the website running. Consider offering a small discount as the client will be paying the upfront fee regardless of the amount of work completed. You may also want to include a provision in the agreement for additional compensation if the actual work done in a week or month exceeds the estimated hours.
Setting The Right Rate For The Project
It may seem daunting to find the right method for charging your clients as a web designer, but when you’re armed with the facts and have the knowledge of how to proceed forward, you’ll have the confidence to tackle this vital part of any proposal and the only way you’ll secure your client at the end of the day
