What are your rates for non-design work?

Hi,

Just started out as a freelance webdesigner not too long ago.

I've been working with a couple clients and working on marketing/seeking out clients these past few weeks.

Although I initially just wanted to give websites makeovers, I've noticed that most people seem to need a full-package of services:

1. Designing
2. Setting up the webhost/registering domain, uploading their content
3. CMS install/training (if they don't want to pay you everytime they need an update)
4. SEO work

I've already gotten fixed and variable rates for design, but I'm not sure about the other 3. Here's why I'm not sure:

#2: I'm not sure if I should charge for it. It's easy to do, so should I just include it in a package?

#3: This doesn't seem too difficult... though it might turn out to be a pain in the longrun, since there are bound to be limitations or certain stylings that the client will not be able to figure out and will call you.

#4: This seems to be a long-term issue, since you'd have to monitor the Google rank of the site, right?

Anyway, if you guys wouldn't mind sharing your rates (in dollars, pounds, dinars, RMB, whatever) , that'd be helpful. Thanks.

-R

Surprised no one else's has answered this, started to yesterday, but got a frantic call from a client...

Anyway, not surprised and don't expect to see anyone post any actual prices.

Why ? Quite frankly, what I or anyone else can charge should not be a foundation of what you charge. Not only that, but if you just starting out, without having an established client base, tried to charge what I do ( with many years of experience, and a referral base to back up what I charge ), you'd probably get a lot of laughs... ( you charge what per hour ?,I don't pay my lawyer that much )...

But what I bring to the table is much more than design, graphic, hosting, email support , etc... I bring many years of hands on, verifiable experience . I don't knock on doors and approach potential clients, my current client base and past clients refer people to me all the time, I don't necessairly work with them all, but I do have the luxury or choosing which one I want to work with.

I do small, one off jobs, to continuing support, to concept to complete turn key projects where I train the client or client staff to manage the site.

To come up with your price that you can charge and get away with, you have to determine.

1. Who is your competition.
2. Where is you target market ( yeah I understand your on the web and its a global market, but being realistic... Where and who is your target market )...
3. Determine if you can make a living at those levels.
4. What is your marketing experience

You may have all the design skills in the world, but if you can build your client base, find new clients, etc... Your business is short lived...

So many people start out saying... I can do this... And they can, they just never see the big picture ...

A dollar figure here is not going to help you, more research will.

Thanks for both your replies.

I guess amounts aren't at all useful for me. What's useful is just knowing how to charge.

I'm starting out, so my target clientele has a smaller budget and will be hesitant to commit too much money to a website.

I needed pricing models that were transparent in price, yet easy to understand, yet flexible to account for the different services required of webdesigners (because it isn't limited to just coding).

After reading both your comments, I decided it would be simpler to do things like McDonald's:

MEALS and ALA CARTE

I still have my old prices as ALA CARTE, but now I have added an easy-to-understand"MEAL."

Overall, this idea makes it a lot easier for me.

I appreciate the business inside info guys.

-R

What you charge is mostly based on the type of clients you attract. I did some freelance work for a small company. They specifically target "Luxury" businesses and will not take a job that is under 10k. I thought they were crazy, base on the level of experience, but clients do pay them. And, they outsource a great deal, I was one of the people they outsourced.

What I did like about them was the fact that they offer web hosting and provided all of the maintenance and updates free of charge. This keeps the client dependent on you. That is not always a good thing.