Regarding website pricing. Hope it's the appropriate place..

[SaucyWeeTart]

Hi all,

I have recently ventured into the world of web design. I recently got my first paid job. I only use Joomla as my platform, and have fairly basic/average HTML and CSS skills. I would love to get some feedback regarding my pricing/process.

I'm going to include the following components in the site:
(Links are not spam and I'm not affiliated with any company listed!)

- A Slideshow (widgetkit tool from http://www.yootheme.com)
- A Blog (http://www.youtheme.com)
- A Forum (http://www.kunena.org)
- A logo that I'm going to create in illustrator.

On top of the already mentioned, I've obviously got the Joomla install/configuration to do. Also, to install and configure a pre-made template from a template website (as I'm not confident enough to construct a custom template). There is really no hand coded parts of the website whatsoever, but a relatively fair amount of tinkering.

I've initially quoted £645 which I've broken down as follows:

- 3-5 page website installation/configuration including Joomla install = £275
- Blog install/config = £120
- Forum install/config = £200
- Logo design = £50
- Total = £645.

I'm also willing to give support and Joomla training for free for a short period. My client has no idea of web design prices or even design concepts, but I'm really trying to be fair with my pricing, can anyone out there share some thoughts?

The more in-depth you can be, the better!

Thanks in advance!

[geoffmack]

My recommendation is to take another approach. What are you worth? What should you earn per month? How many billable hours can you work on a website in a month?

If you calculate that out you'll get your billable rate. Then calculate how long it would take you to build that site you mention. I'd guess your billable will have to be around 20 per hour to come in at that price. Building the site is one thing, but the thing that takes forever is getting content onto the site and styling it so that the delivered product is complete and fully styled.

Then there are some things in your quote that look a little odd to me. You charge 275 for the Joomla Install, but only 50 for the design of the logo? I'd reverse those two and double the price! I'd also think the blog install s/b free, because it comes with Joomla. Then there is the test and release phase. You might want to charge for that. And support. Every client is going to call you at least 6 times in the first two months... charge them for it!

In my case I've found that I can't get a site done for less than $1500 if I charge $75/hour... and I'm pretty fast. Most sites come in between $1500 and $2500.

[subrat]

I would agree with geoffmack with the pricing on the logo and install part and also with the blog part but as a beginner I wouldnt double the price as you need to make a market for yourself first before you start charging more and adjust the price between 700-1000 but thats just me saying.

[SaucyWeeTart]

You charge 275 for the Joomla Install, but only 50 for the design of the logo? I'd reverse those two and double the price!

My fault, I didn't really explain my broken down prices properly. I'm charging £275 for a 3-5 page brochure site with the blog/forum etc, as extras. And I agree that I've undersold myself regarding the logo design - lesson learned!

I'd also think the blog install s/b free, because it comes with Joomla.

It's actually an external component you can download and is fairly customisable, so it will take a fair bit of time.

Then there is the test and release phase. You might want to charge for that. And support. Every client is going to call you at least 6 times in the first two months... charge them for it!

This is one of the parts I am applying my 'super-duper-newbie' rates, i.e - free for a specified period. I know this is potentially dangerous ground but I fancy taking a stab at it.

I just hope it's not too far off a fair price.

[geoffmack]

It sounds to me like you are ready to give it a shot. But do yourself a favor. Use a time tracking software. Keep accurate track of all of your hours. ALL of your hours. I use books.zoho.com for this.

Then when you are done you should do the math. What was your effective hourly rate? If you can reasonably expect to work ~25-30 billable hours per week, how much money would that be at the end of the month? Is that enough to live on and are you worth more?

If you are going to do this for a living you need to be smart about it and charge a living wage. Good luck!

[SaucyWeeTart]

I'll definitely check that out. Thanks for your help man, really appreciate it!