Want to know how to price web design services, this article is perfect for you if:
You are a freelance website designer: Struggling to set fair prices for your website design services or dealing with clients who expect too much for too little? Discover how to price your web services based on the true value you offer.
You run a small web design agency: Competing with bigger players or trying to balance profitability with quality? Learn strategies to refine your pricing model and stay competitive.
You are an aspiring web designer: Unsure how to break into the market or price your services? Get foundational advice on setting rates and communicating your worth to clients.
You are a client looking to hire a web designer: Confused about why prices vary so much between designers? Understand the factors that influence pricing and what to expect for your investment.
You are a business owner seeking web design services: Wondering what is a fair price for web design and what you should receive in return? Learn how to assess the value of quality web design and make informed hiring decisions.
When I first started building custom websites, I charged a ridiculously low fee for a complete WordPress buildout. But by the time I landed my fourth client later that year, I was able to charge 4x that amount for the same service. A few years down the line, our prices had grown even more per custom buildout.
Now, if you are thinking that my ability to charge more was solely because my skills had improved, you’d be mistaken. Yes, my development and design skills had gotten better, but the real shift happened when I understood the true value of a website to my clients.
Why Do Businesses Spend So Much on a Website Design Service?
Understanding why a local business would spend hundreds of thousands of Naira on a website was a game-changer for me. I figured it is not just about having a pretty online presence; but what the website can do for their business. Once I grasped this, I started charging what I was truly worth. Unfortunately, it took me a couple of years to figure this out, and I missed out on a lot of potential income in the early days.
Learning to Charge What You are Worth for Web Design Projects
The good news is that you don’t have to go through the same lengthy process I did. I want to help you shorten that learning curve so you can avoid undercharging or pricing lower for your web design services and start earning what you deserve. One common misconception I see is the belief that no one will pay a substantial amount of money for a WordPress website, especially one based on a template. But I can tell you from experience that this isn’t true.
It is About Value, Not Web Tools
I have charged substantial fees for websites built on platforms like Weebly and GoHighLevel. I can tell you for sure that; it is not about the tools you use; but the value you provide. When you understand how to price your services based on the benefits your clients will receive, you can set your rates accordingly.
Website Pricing Models: What Works and What Doesn’t
Let’s talk about pricing models. Many web designers start by charging per hour for their work. But this approach has its drawbacks—it basically turns you into an employee. I believe you didn’t get into web design to be someone else’s employee, did you? Charging per hour rewards you for taking longer to complete a project, which is not in the client’s best interest.
A better model is to charge a flat fee for the entire project. The platform you use—be it WordPress, Webflow, or something else—doesn’t matter as much as the outcome. What matters is how the website will help the client’s business grow.
Offering More Than Just a Website
To really stand out, you need to show your clients that their website is more than just an online brochure. For example, you could implement features like automatic appointment booking, customer reviews, and follow-up messages. These additional tools can make a massive difference to a local business, helping it convert more leads into paying customers.
Website Hosting and Maintenance: Building a Long-Term Relationship
Another way to add value is by offering hosting and ongoing maintenance. Even if you charge ₦10,000 a month for hosting, most businesses will happily pay it. They don’t want to worry about their website going down, getting hacked, or needing updates. By offering this service, you become an essential part of their business, and they’ll be more likely to stick with you in the long run.
Why Every Web Designer Should Offer Hosting
You might wonder if clients would actually pay for hosting when they could get it cheaper elsewhere. The truth is, they will. After investing tens or hundreds of thousands of Naira in their website, they want peace of mind knowing it is in good hands. Plus, you can easily manage multiple clients on a single hosting plan, making it a profitable addition to your services.
Final Thoughts on Determining Web Design Service Fees
To sum up, the key to charging more for your web design services is understanding and communicating the value you provide. It is not just about creating a website, you need to deliver a tool that helps your clients achieve their business goals. Whether you adopt smart pricing models, offer additional features, or provide ongoing support, there are quite several ways to increase your income while delivering outstanding results for your clients.
If you are looking to build a long-term, successful web design business, consider incorporating hosting and maintenance into your service offerings. And if you are interested in a reliable hosting solution, Hostinger is an excellent choice. Not only do they offer affordable plans, but their user-friendly h-panel makes it easy to manage your clients’ websites. By leveraging these strategies, you can grow your business, increase your earnings, and provide top-notch service to your clients.
For business owners in need of the best website design, hosting and expert maintenance services for their business, our enthusiastic team at Ibv Digital provides you with the best experience not just for you; but also for your current and prospective clients. You can look us up on our website or contact us via email to let us know your website design needs.