Hey everyone! I'm in the early stages of launching a web development and design business with a friend, and we've landed our potential first client. We've had some initial discussions, and I even created a quick homepage mockup using Figma and a brand identity guideline to show our style. The client wants to discuss things further, but I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to how much to charge.
The project involves creating a basic website with about 6 to 7 pages, which includes features like forms, a blog, and potentially an appointment manager. I've estimated around 160 hours of work for the development from start to finish, which includes everything from discovery to deployment. I calculated my cost at €30/hour, totaling around €4,800, but I was thinking of offering a package deal between €4,000 and €4,500. However, I've been seeing lower prices on platforms like Fiverr, which has made me anxious. Given that we're just starting out and this is in France on a small island (where costs might be different), I'm wondering if this pricing is reasonable or if I should lower it as I don't want to scare the client away. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
I think you should reconsider your hourly rate. Charging €30/hour seems low, especially if you both are working on this project. When I started freelancing, I charged €75/hour to ensure I covered my costs and made a decent income. Make sure your pricing aligns with what you both need to earn. Also, remember to factor in any expenses you might have.
Honestly, that €4,000 price tag for a static site seems on the high side. It could scare off potential clients. Have you thought about lowering your price and possibly offering a yearly support contract? That way, clients see it as more manageable. Maybe try charging €2,500 up front and then €100/month for maintenance and updates?
I like that idea! Making it monthly could definitely make it more appealing to clients. I’ll think about how to structure the maintenance fees.
Your estimate of 160 hours might be a bit tight. Consider the time for meetings and revisions. It's generally recommended that development time is about three times as much as design work, which could push your total to around 240 hours. Make sure to adjust your pricing accordingly. You could also outline what’s included in your package and charge extra for any additional work outside that scope.
You’re right, I didn’t factor in all the extra time for communication and revisions. I’ll think of ways to account for that when I present my proposal.
Thanks for the input! I figured I'd choose a lower rate since it's our first project, but I’ll reconsider my pricing strategy as we gain more experience.