Freelance? Do Not Work For Less Money

If you freelance, you may have done the job bidding sites. For example, if you list that you work $20 per hour, then do not bid for a job any less what you are worth. However, in the same breath, do not overcharge.

If you are conducting business with a client, remember to get the agreement on some type of contract whether a digital email, or an actual signed paper by both parties. It is also important to work out a payment method whether you require a non-refundable deposit, barter in exchange for a service, or require immediate payment at the end of the contract. Also, always try to get credit for your work. That text or small graphic defining that you completed the project is proof that you did that website and could help lead to more jobs.

Here are some guidelines to consider when pricing your work:

1. What does the job entail? What kind of graphics and design work needs to be done?

2. How much time will it take for you to complete a project? Sometimes knowing ahead of time how many pages that you need to design and how much time it takes can allow you to give a quick price.

3. Does the client need the project done within a certain time? In this case, make sure you can meet the scheduled agreement before agreeing and consider how many hours you will probably designate to complete that project on time.

4. What is your experience? Can you code in php, html, xhtml? Can you design on several graphic programs? The more experience you have, you are entitled to price your projects to reflect your talent. Also, compare to other web designers. You can look online and find out pricing to determine what you should be charging for your work.

5. Are you asked to possibly be the site maintainer after the large project. Ideally, you should be paid by the hour. Remember to get this down in your original contract. You can phrase it like: “Site Maintenance done outside the contract will be done on an hourly fee basis.”

In the end, it is your work, so be honest, knowledgeable, and overall, proud. If you are, then your clients will probably even recommend you to others for more work.

What other ways do you decide what to charge clients?