Comments on: How do you feel about making money?

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:57:22 +0000

Beware the Siren song of packages…

If you offer packages, you have to keep control of what’s involved in the project, because as soon as the client wants a “few tweaks,” you’re back to doing custom work. If you don’t have wiggle room, or if you don’t make it crystal clear that extra features are extra money, your profit will shrink in a hurry.

You’d have to be very careful about how you market that, and manage expectations.

If you offer packages, bear in mind you will attract a certain type of client. That person may or may not be the type you want to work with. If it’s not, that would make it tougher on you in the long run. If you prefer clients who want a fast and easy solution (and are happy to let you be in charge), then go for it.

Either way, I’d focus on being the go-to gal for the people I’d most like to work with.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:13:07 +0000

Thanks to both Stacey and Iain!
What about “package” pricing? I have some inquiries who are looking for a really basic, static HTML site, maybe 2-5 pages max. Then there are folks looking for interactivitiy, shopping carts, the whole she-bang!
It seems like offering packages makes it easier for inquiries, and easier on me. What are your opinions on this??
Many thanks!!

By: Iain Gray

Iain Gray — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:04:23 +0000

In the ‘old days’, before social media, when people were less open, I used to do what Stacey mentioned – do some social engineering and get a quote out of people.

However, it’s not the nicest of things to do, and I really don’t think it’s necessary now, unless you’re in a very closed industry.

As a web designer, a good start is asking around other designers to get a ballpark. However, you’re likely to find a BIG range of prices. Probably anywhere from $150 up to $1000 per day.

What I’d then to is pick a price you’re comfortable with, and see if your customers give you pushback. If they don’t, next time you quote, increase your price by 5 or 10%.

Keep doing that until a few people say you’re too expensive for them, and you’ll have found the level of your market.

I’ll wager one thing though – it’s probably around 50% more than you’re charging already.

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:26:26 +0000

The sneaky, underhanded way is to do some serious industrial espionage and pretend you’re looking for a quote (you get a friend to play secret agent, or use a fake name with a Gmail account). I’ve heard of that being done, but I really don’t recommend it.

What you might try is talking to someone who does website design, but specializes in an area that’s of no interest to you whatsoever. If you’re just starting out, someone who’s been in the business a while might be willing to talk to you as an informal mentor. You can also look for design associations and see if they have forums for members to share information.

There are usually people in your field willing to give you a hand. Usually all you have to do is ask.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:20:41 +0000

The hardest thing for me to figure out is WHAT to charge! After working for a high-tech company for 17 years, I had no idea what to charge for a web site design. I know I don’t charge enough, and my husband encourages me to charge more. But in these economic times, I understand folks don’t have the budget for websites and want to convey that I understand that.

Tough to find that middle ground. And difficult to find what other companies charge, seems like lots of other web design companies are reluctant to share their pricing structure. Any suggestions??

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:32:17 +0000

Vona, also think about the concrete benefits your clients will see as a result of your work. The culture sector here in Canada suffered some disparaging remarks from our own Prime Minister in the last federal election, that we were whining about money while attending “rich galas” (which most of us can’t afford to attend). The community responded with solid facts and figures about how much we contribute to the national economy–billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. It was an eye-opener for a lot of people, both within the culture sector and in the population at large.

When you focus on your contribution, it helps you understand what you’re really worth.

By: vona

vona — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:42:34 +0000

i hate the money issue. I always feel people are secretly thinking im not worth that amount of money. I always undercharge. But, im getting there. I know how much work it has taken me to learn what i know. I also know how well i would do for a client so im gonna start charging what im worth and more importantly amounts that can sustain me

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:45:57 +0000

Susan, that’s an astute observation–you still had to let the praise sink in. It can take some time to believe you’re doing something worthwhile.

By: SusanJ

SusanJ — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:05:16 +0000

The thing that made the biggest difference for me in gradually standing firm in my prices (which are probably still a bit too low) was making sure to keep asking people to tell me very clearly about the value they received from working with me or from what they purchased.

My husband is excellent at this and he also showed me that when I actually got the great feedback, I still had to really let it in. If you get enough of these, you start understanding the truth of how much value you’re really giving and then it’s so much easier to charge accordingly.

But when we’re slinking around not charging enough, at first it can be as hard to ask for the feedback as it was to ask for the money! Train yourself to ask anyway after every sale…it’s worth it!

By: Stacey Cornelius

Stacey Cornelius — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:43:31 +0000

Iain, great advice on both counts.

If you look carefully at your beliefs surrounding money, it can be a real eye-opener.

Collecting your applause is a great way to remind yourself that people do value your work. It’s particularly valuable when you’re feeling low.