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How much should a web design cost? This is a question asked constantly by freelance designers and individuals who wish to have a site built professionally. One can visit a number of web designer sites and find little consistency between design rates. Some charge by page, some charge by project, and some charge by hourly rate. Few of them provide any expectation on what the client will receive for that price.

So what should you charge for your work? That's what I will address in this article. I will take a look at several pricing methods that will allow you to charge a fair price for your work.

Undercutting

One way many designers set their rates is by researching the prices of their competitors, and charging less. It's in every designer's interest to be competitive, but keep in mind that you also have to make a living at this. You might find designers charging as low as $5 a page. They would certainly attract a large number of clients at that price, but they'll see very little in the way of profits. In the freelance world, you have to consider expenses such as taxes, insurance, and overhead. While you don't want to charge an exorbitant fee, you do want to charge enough to make a living.

Designing for a low price can also affect your reputation. If your prices are too low, many potential clients might write you off as 'cheap' or 'unprofessional' before they see your work. In that regard, undercutting can work against you, especially in the long run. Don't feel guilty charging what you're worth.

Hourly Wage

A common way to price a project is by charging a strict wage for all time put into the project. This is an effective system of pricing designs, but is also very difficult to predict. If you choose to go this route, make sure you spend plenty of time with the client before the project begins. You will want to have a clear idea what they are expecting so that you can present them with a fair estimate. Provide the customer with your estimate in writing, and include what they can expect for that price. This will ensure that the customer pays for any additional work not agreed upon during the initial agreement.

How can you find an hourly wage that works for you? It depends on what you are doing, and on your experience. Some designers charge as low as $30, and some as much as $250. The higher the quality of your portfolio, the higher the rate you can charge. For example, if you have a portfolio full of designs for Fortune 500 companies, you would be able to command a higher rate. If you have a few sample designs you've done for local companies, that rate would be significantly lower.

The rate you charge also depends on what the project requires. You would want to charge lower for basic web design than you would for programming or multimedia design. If you have multiple skills, price for them accordingly, based on your experience level.

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