Informative video Mike. I think your prices are in-line with the industry and very close to the prices I charge for web site design. I too always ask for half of my fee up-front to get started. E-commerce sites will always be more and the price for such a site is always based upon how many products are being offered by my client.
How does a person charge a person that has very little experience.? let's say Jr level I tried to do stuff for free, but clients acted like I owe them something. They where not professional at all. I just don't know how to get started.
Man, I think the pricing is totally reasonable and well explained. I think I will "borrow" that package idea myself. For those who think $75 an hour is steep, try spending years developing skills and deliver a site in a couple weeks. Business people who are serious about succeeding know that they have to hire quality developers/designers and don't blink at $2500 - $4200. You can always make yourself busy working cheap, but are you supporting yourself and making a profit.
Just me or do these prices sound high? I'm a programmer, not a web designer but I know some web design from when I was a teenager and I can throw together a semi-professional looking site with a good custom built CMS if needed and I honestly would feel sheepish asking for more than £200 ($350) for a 5page basic site with blog, custom CMS in PHP/ROR etc. Maybe thing are different in the US than in the UK. Not saying your services aren't worth it, just saying prices seem high compared to here.
In the beginning it was easy to get ideas and steal traffic but now traffic is getting more expensive, this is very good. Makes it hard to steal good ideas
How do you handle the ongoing cost of domain registration, web hosting, email setup? Is this on top of your base package price or included? Just wondering.
@madebymarco usually its broken-down into 3.. xx% upon signing contract, xx% upon approval/half done and xx% when completed.. it gives your client an assurance when you break it down, but its really up to you..
Thank you Mike, that was a very helpful video. It has passed a year and a half since you posted this video. Has anything as far as your pricing structure changed since then?
Very good advice. If you're up-and-coming it's always a good idea to take on a project even if the profit is very low. Aside from the bucks and the experience,you gain a name! With a low budget, word-of-mouth recommendation is the best way to promote your work. So yes, adapt to the customer if you can manage it without commiting financial suicide.
This video was helpful BEYOND belief. My emphasis was in graphic design of flyers, logos, and business cards, but now that I've ventured off into the web design field, I'm finding there's tons more money here. Love this! Thanks - I'll be shooting you an email!
So you just picked a number? There is no calculation involved? I´d think more along the lines of 166,3 hours per month, 50% taxes; I want to have an income of roughly 2000 per month so: 4000/166,3 = roughly 25 per hour...
I mean, some websites take a WHOLE lot more of your time than others... With your package deal, you could end up screwing yourself, no? And what if the client makes you constantly changing the design of the website before approving any of it? Another video?
hey dude liking the vids great info. I am currently a web programmer myself only been doing it for about 2 years, i know html, css, php, mysql, jquery, ajax, javascript and flash but the only thing i lack in most is design i have ideas based on the theme of the site but can never get the design or layout to look as good as it can is there any pointers you can give me as its the only thing i lack at the moment. Keep up the great videos dude
@nakiebo basic 5 page website are usually, HOME, ABOUT US, SERVICES, GALLERY, CONTACT US, this is the basic structure of any site, that's why you hear "5 page" website, it's always good to have a basic price you charge for such website, you can then go up depending on how complex they want it, like if they want a form (apart from the basic contact form),if they want interactive applications, then it starts going up.
Hey fantastic video. I was wondering. At the moment I'm 14 years old, yet I know so much about web design and programming. I know HTML, CSS, and I do some visual basic programming just for fun. I'm not sure what I should do, what classes should I take and what should I study. I want to become a successful web developer and I know I can do it I just need some edgings on where to go from here. Please reply. Thanks.
@xXTMGxCr4zYXx If you're 14 and you know all the things you mention (HTML, CSS, web design, little prgramming), you're in good shape :). Just keep learning. Just focus in on a field that you enjoy the most and work towards that. You have all the time in the world. Programming and web design are totally different areas so just focus in on one particular field and you'll become a rockstar in that area.
@mlwebco buddddddy 2500....... where are you from ? u must not be from earth...! here in NY alot of people if not all are doing that same thing u said for 1000 flat !
@starkidd103 your crazy...for his work and what hes giving you thats nothing. I live in So. California and people charge that for a brochure or half that just for a logo.
@mlwebco However, those two areas certainly go pretty well together. I'm 15 and I got off to a start early in 5th grade with HTML but after learning a lot of HTML/CSS I decided that I really wanted to get into JavaScript and server-side languages like PHP, the programming behind web sites. My friend is a designer that knows a lot of HTML/CSS too so we got together and put are two very different skills together and I have to admit, our end products are exceptional, so keep at it, @xXTMGxCr4zYXx
Hi Mike...1st let me say ur vids are very informational. 2nd I am an aspiring ladies shoe designer starting from the ground, maybe even the basement lol. I jus purchased my web domain from GoDaddy.com. Eventually, my site will be for selling my shoe designs. So, if u were doing my site for me, it would be $2500? I have nothing to sell yet, still looking for manufacturer. But I want to at least have something to look at on the site....ie logo, info about me, blogs, etc. What do u suggest?
@MzMoney031 Hi, since you're just starting out and it looks like you might need an e-commerce website to sell your designs, I would recommend checking out shopify.com, it's a solutions (low cost) setup for anyone needed a solid e-commerce solution.
@rahj8786 Always ask for half up-front (almost all clients understand this principle). Also, always accept three forms of payment ...cash, check and credit card (with paypal).
i just did my first website to my brothers restaurants. since there are 4 locations i charge him 200 per location. add the whole menu, location with google map. contact email and coupons section. im also using fireworks and macromedia 8. but im having trouble with macromedia 8 seems like that software has a bug. it says error with the host connection . i just try to upgrade to the dreamweaver cs5 but my serial from the other was from a keygen. so have to see if i can still get that or cancel it
Really helpful mate thank you. I haven't got a massive portfolio like other designers in my area but still want to give it a go, how can i not have this put against me to new clients, any tips will be appreciated :). Luke
Hi my targeted clients are individuals and possibly small (emphasis on small) businesses who want a stylish, small website (usually under 10 pages). Is this a good pricing structure? $200 website (may raise or lower), and a $20 monthly maintenance fee (updating the website and things to that nature)? Thanks for your help =)
@Standup1016 I'm new to web design myself. I'm charging $25 per month maintenance. I'm probably going to raise that to $40 at some point. I'm charging $500 for a five page website. I've already made about six websites, so I'm going to start charging $1000 for a five page website. Just to give you an idea.
I got a question. I just started webdesigning, and I study for interactive designer since august this year. I know the basics of HTML and CSS. So thats alright. A woman that my mom knows wants to start a small e-store, selling handbags. This is my first project. How much should I ask?
@kMC303 believe me mate, companies will spent tens of thousands of dollars on e-store websites. I'm guessing that you'll be using paypal to build the commerce part of the site right? that brings costs down but 300-500 is usually a good price for a first site. she'd be paying thousands if she had it done by a fully qualified developer
hey mike! thanks a lot for this video. i can say you're really a nice person. can i ask you about the "business side" of a web biz? like about papers and legalities... i'm sure that would be sincerely appreciated by many. thanks again :)
Hey Mike, I really appreciate your time to teach us this stuff. I had a question for you. With the many websites out there that lets you make your own web pages, is there a future for web designers to really profit from freelance work? I know there are companies in India that do web design for a fraction of the cost. So what makes a web designer valuable in today's market?
@Gutz22m Excellent questions. In fact, I'm going to put a video together answering this because I think many people (designers) feel the same way. But the short answer is, designers at the local level (neighborhood, city, etc.) are constantly needed and wanted over your basic cookie-cutter templates or cheap services around the country. A solid web designer will always be able to find work because so many small biz don't know where to look or access these services themselves.
@WolfEyesatNight Thanks for the feedback. I will put a video together regarding this information. Look out for more info from me on the subject of freelance, paying taxes, etc.
Thank you so much, thats very helpful excellent information. I guess you use flash and dreamweaver to create your websites if so are they easy to use. Do you have any illustrator, photoshop and indesign tutorials either. As i am currently learning them at college but i find that by listening and watching you do it step by step slowly i can understand it more from you than at college. I generally like to teach myself from watching videos like yours. Keep up the good work anyway thanks.
Hi, im a student, age 19 currently doing graphic design in the UK. I was wondering when you design a website for a client how do you go on hosting the website, is there a charge to have your website online and to show up search engines. Do you pay for that or leave that to the client. Thanks Ryan
@SGTRY4N For hosting, I help setup the hosting, but I let the client charge it to their credit card. Its easier just letting them handle the charges. Really no money in it for me. Unless I had 100 clients and I charged $10 extra on each, that would be $1,000 each month cash. That would be nice, but I don't bother with the hosting, not my thing. :)
Terrific info... got one question though. I'm unemployed and plan getting into this business (that includes design sites, flyers for say night clubs & business cards)
I got a potential (& 1st) client whos a DJ and wants to market himself through the web & with biz cards. I know Photoshop, create nice layouts, dont know much Flash or programming but working on it, know Dreamweaver enough to make a basic site & upload it to the web. Question is, what should I charge? some feedback would be awesom
hey man. im an aspiring graphic and web designer from northern california. im 21 and currently enrolled in college for visual communication and was curious...when i graduate and obtain my associates of science degree and land a job at a firm or company (maybe some freelancing down the line) what can i REALLY expect to make per year? my college estimates anywhere from 30-45K. whats your opinion and salary? you must be doing pretty good since you've been in the game since 97' yeah? thx!
@derickamundo It all depends on the company you land a job with. When I was your age (I'm 34 now), my first job as a Web Master started at 21k (this was back in 97). So 30 to 45k isn't bad. For someone let's say with 3 to 4 years experience, 60-65k. With my experience, I'm pushing Creative Director level so that's over 100k. I would say this, if you land a job lets say for 45k, you could stay there for a couple years, build your portfolio, then command 60-65k in a couple years.
So i am creating my site for the first time, a pizza delivery service and i don't know how much should i charge? Since i am not experience as yours are, but my work is adequate, should i go ahead and charge a similar fee like you? 75$ per hour and a minimum package fee? or $25 hourly fee? i think i will show you how it looks so that you can critique it. Would that be okay as well? I believe the value of my work is good but i don't know how to charge as a beginner esp with small businesses.
Thank you Michael for this very educational video! I am getting started as a freelance web developer and I was unsure about my pricing for my first client. This video made things a lot clearer, but is seems that freelance prices are dynamic and must be sat at an individual level.
hello again, sorry this is my third question in like 10 minutes. I'm just finding your videos really interesting. you're answering everything i've been wanting to know about breaking into this field.
my question is... on average how long will a 5 page website take you? say you don't have to design a new logo.
@VegaOmega23 a simple 5 page website that I speak about that I charge $2500 for normally takes about two weeks. If it takes longer than that, it's not because of design or development time, it's mainly because of time getting information from the client.
This may be a silly question but...When you design a website for your clients, how much time do you give yourself to complete the work? Or does the client usually set the deadline?
@TheFusionProject Good question. I normally just work it out with the client. I get a feel for how soon they want it and I set a date. I normally give myself 4 weeks for a simple website. I need time to research different things, play with different layouts, etc. About 6 to 8 weeks for a decent size website.
Hi Michael, great video! I wanted to post a comment/question here, but it is WAY too long, lol. So, I just sent you a message via the contact page on your (awesome) blog! Hope to hear from you! All the best!
I got my first paying client and he didn't know what he wanted but he wants flash on his page too.
I'm thinking $5k for the project, since he wants the flash. I looked around and an online company starts at $2k minimum with simple flash, i.e. sliding pictures. This client of mine wants a custom flash game on his site. But, no ecommerce. I don't know what to say to him. I'm gonna meet up with him, but i don't want to blow him out of the water. what should i do?
@oitsonlikedonkeykong Hey, I got that desk from a store called Plummers. Go to plummersfurniture (dot) com and click on "office furniture", you'll see it. ;)
Great video. Based on my own experience, I would summarize by saying that as a graphic designer, your portfolio determines what you can charge. The more creative, unique, and beautiful your work is, the more people will be willing to pay. As a programmer, the more complex and unique the required code, the more you can charge. Thanks again for the great video.
$2500 May not seem much to the designer, but i have clients looking at $500 for their site with flash and everything. Any suggestions? my designs are worth $5,000+
If your designs are worth 5k + and you're running into clients with a budget of $500. I would be refer them to template monster and have them purchase a template, and I'll hlep them add and tweak the content. Basically, not much you can do with that price. I'm always willing to help people no matter their budget. Most of the time, I'll point them in a direction to where they can get what they want for their price. But I won't end up doing the work for anything less than my fees.
Just ran into this videos as doing some website research and this will help me big time. i am just starting and this has been a big question of mine. Thanks for taking time to give your answer on this subject...
Thanks for taking you time to do these videos. :) I'm just getting startet, trying to earn a little extra as a side job before college, so I can use the advice...
Informative video Mike. I think your prices are in-line with the industry and very close to the prices I charge for web site design. I too always ask for half of my fee up-front to get started. E-commerce sites will always be more and the price for such a site is always based upon how many products are being offered by my client.
OnatopaU 1 day ago
How does a person charge a person that has very little experience.? let's say Jr level I tried to do stuff for free, but clients acted like I owe them something. They where not professional at all. I just don't know how to get started.
EMR80 2 weeks ago
What about web hosting?Is that included with web designing or do they have to get that on their own?
onlinebusinessman48 1 month ago
thanks so much. subbing.
132oink 1 month ago
Man, I think the pricing is totally reasonable and well explained. I think I will "borrow" that package idea myself. For those who think $75 an hour is steep, try spending years developing skills and deliver a site in a couple weeks. Business people who are serious about succeeding know that they have to hire quality developers/designers and don't blink at $2500 - $4200. You can always make yourself busy working cheap, but are you supporting yourself and making a profit.
gosilent 1 month ago in playlist More videos from mlwebco
$75 an hour just to twaek. wow. and you said your cheap. i think im gonna be rich ;)
007kash007 1 month ago
:)
Keep up with god work.
And next logical step is expanding on other continents, and use of outsorce power.
VladZemunac 2 months ago
Just me or do these prices sound high? I'm a programmer, not a web designer but I know some web design from when I was a teenager and I can throw together a semi-professional looking site with a good custom built CMS if needed and I honestly would feel sheepish asking for more than £200 ($350) for a 5page basic site with blog, custom CMS in PHP/ROR etc. Maybe thing are different in the US than in the UK. Not saying your services aren't worth it, just saying prices seem high compared to here.
Riiye 2 months ago
In the beginning it was easy to get ideas and steal traffic but now traffic is getting more expensive, this is very good. Makes it hard to steal good ideas
swacommerce 2 months ago
Haha $2500 wow, a friend of mine charges £100-£300 and even I thought that was a little high but I guess not now.
I need to work on meeting deadlines so I avoid any trouble with clients, whom I offer services to on an hourly rate
1990banks 4 months ago
Nice job explaining your pricing!
How do you handle the ongoing cost of domain registration, web hosting, email setup? Is this on top of your base package price or included? Just wondering.
dial64k 4 months ago
Nice video, btw you sound exactly like James Franco bro
kennythehitman 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
If you thinking about buying a website, you need to see this first. w ww.buyingawebsite.blogspot.com
ltm1488 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
If you thinking about buying a website, you need to see this first. w ww.buyingawebsite.blogspot.com
ltm1488 5 months ago
@mlwebco Mind covering a Joomla tutorial next time? Would be really helpful :)
leoyt123 5 months ago
For your clients getting the $2,500 design/website package, do you ask them to pay 100% of the fee right away, or through installment basis?
madebymarco 6 months ago
@madebymarco usually its broken-down into 3.. xx% upon signing contract, xx% upon approval/half done and xx% when completed.. it gives your client an assurance when you break it down, but its really up to you..
-phaxe
(this is not my account)
livejustinbieber 6 months ago
Thank you Mike, that was a very helpful video. It has passed a year and a half since you posted this video. Has anything as far as your pricing structure changed since then?
dimor22 6 months ago
Thanks,I build websites for people and when they ask me how much,i go like,uhhhhhhhh,lol...
Thanks bro.
HitzProductionInc 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Very good advice. If you're up-and-coming it's always a good idea to take on a project even if the profit is very low. Aside from the bucks and the experience,you gain a name! With a low budget, word-of-mouth recommendation is the best way to promote your work. So yes, adapt to the customer if you can manage it without commiting financial suicide.
Massemassimo 7 months ago
Comment removed
Massemassimo 7 months ago
Excellent video. This guy is great-- he should write a book.
TheStillpond 7 months ago
Thanks for sharing. Very much appreciated.
Holy2theName 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I can make a website (better quality) for $1000. Email me at kunalsarin25[at]gmail[dot]com for more details.
kunalsarin25 8 months ago
This video was helpful BEYOND belief. My emphasis was in graphic design of flyers, logos, and business cards, but now that I've ventured off into the web design field, I'm finding there's tons more money here. Love this! Thanks - I'll be shooting you an email!
GL0graphics 8 months ago
Hey Mike.
So you just picked a number? There is no calculation involved? I´d think more along the lines of 166,3 hours per month, 50% taxes; I want to have an income of roughly 2000 per month so: 4000/166,3 = roughly 25 per hour...
I mean, some websites take a WHOLE lot more of your time than others... With your package deal, you could end up screwing yourself, no? And what if the client makes you constantly changing the design of the website before approving any of it? Another video?
xxxJayD213xxx 8 months ago
hey dude liking the vids great info. I am currently a web programmer myself only been doing it for about 2 years, i know html, css, php, mysql, jquery, ajax, javascript and flash but the only thing i lack in most is design i have ideas based on the theme of the site but can never get the design or layout to look as good as it can is there any pointers you can give me as its the only thing i lack at the moment. Keep up the great videos dude
puggsy21 9 months ago
A great video on pricing. just a quick question what are the 5 pages you include in your basic websites and why.
nakiebo 9 months ago
@nakiebo basic 5 page website are usually, HOME, ABOUT US, SERVICES, GALLERY, CONTACT US, this is the basic structure of any site, that's why you hear "5 page" website, it's always good to have a basic price you charge for such website, you can then go up depending on how complex they want it, like if they want a form (apart from the basic contact form),if they want interactive applications, then it starts going up.
London2ATL 6 months ago
Hey fantastic video. I was wondering. At the moment I'm 14 years old, yet I know so much about web design and programming. I know HTML, CSS, and I do some visual basic programming just for fun. I'm not sure what I should do, what classes should I take and what should I study. I want to become a successful web developer and I know I can do it I just need some edgings on where to go from here. Please reply. Thanks.
xXTMGxCr4zYXx 9 months ago
@xXTMGxCr4zYXx If you're 14 and you know all the things you mention (HTML, CSS, web design, little prgramming), you're in good shape :). Just keep learning. Just focus in on a field that you enjoy the most and work towards that. You have all the time in the world. Programming and web design are totally different areas so just focus in on one particular field and you'll become a rockstar in that area.
mlwebco 9 months ago 4
@mlwebco buddddddy 2500....... where are you from ? u must not be from earth...! here in NY alot of people if not all are doing that same thing u said for 1000 flat !
starkidd103 3 months ago
@starkidd103 your crazy...for his work and what hes giving you thats nothing. I live in So. California and people charge that for a brochure or half that just for a logo.
enfinite5 2 months ago
You are rippping the people off big time !
starkidd103 3 months ago
@mlwebco However, those two areas certainly go pretty well together. I'm 15 and I got off to a start early in 5th grade with HTML but after learning a lot of HTML/CSS I decided that I really wanted to get into JavaScript and server-side languages like PHP, the programming behind web sites. My friend is a designer that knows a lot of HTML/CSS too so we got together and put are two very different skills together and I have to admit, our end products are exceptional, so keep at it, @xXTMGxCr4zYXx
bericp1 2 months ago
Hi Michael
I have watched your video regarding how much we should charge for webdesign and maintenance.
I am a junior web designer.
God bless you
TheWarioba 9 months ago
@Mike thx for tha suggestion. Will give it a try. I'll keep ya posted. Lol
MzMoney031 10 months ago
Hi Mike...1st let me say ur vids are very informational. 2nd I am an aspiring ladies shoe designer starting from the ground, maybe even the basement lol. I jus purchased my web domain from GoDaddy.com. Eventually, my site will be for selling my shoe designs. So, if u were doing my site for me, it would be $2500? I have nothing to sell yet, still looking for manufacturer. But I want to at least have something to look at on the site....ie logo, info about me, blogs, etc. What do u suggest?
MzMoney031 10 months ago
@MzMoney031 Hi, since you're just starting out and it looks like you might need an e-commerce website to sell your designs, I would recommend checking out shopify.com, it's a solutions (low cost) setup for anyone needed a solid e-commerce solution.
mlwebco 10 months ago
i just saw your post on Google Webfonts and i'm soo happy and thankful i could kiss you!!! yippeee. muchas gracias...u jus got urself a new subie!!
karismatikkween08 10 months ago
good looking on the info just got out of school and have my first client now
22AMOPRO 11 months ago
Man thanks for the info really appreciate it! :)
KENElovesKASH 11 months ago
i do have some questions bro, do you ask for an upfront fee? and what mode of payment you used? im looking forward for your kind reply, thanks!
rahj8786 11 months ago
@rahj8786 Always ask for half up-front (almost all clients understand this principle). Also, always accept three forms of payment ...cash, check and credit card (with paypal).
mlwebco 11 months ago
thank you for this bro! im startup and i really need some advice.
rahj8786 11 months ago
i just did my first website to my brothers restaurants. since there are 4 locations i charge him 200 per location. add the whole menu, location with google map. contact email and coupons section. im also using fireworks and macromedia 8. but im having trouble with macromedia 8 seems like that software has a bug. it says error with the host connection . i just try to upgrade to the dreamweaver cs5 but my serial from the other was from a keygen. so have to see if i can still get that or cancel it
kekio00 1 year ago
@kekio00 hahahaha oh no u didn't just say keygen out loud, hahahaha.
London2ATL 6 months ago
Really helpful mate thank you. I haven't got a massive portfolio like other designers in my area but still want to give it a go, how can i not have this put against me to new clients, any tips will be appreciated :). Luke
westwoodl 1 year ago
your videos are really helpful!
clcrazy4horses 1 year ago
Hi my targeted clients are individuals and possibly small (emphasis on small) businesses who want a stylish, small website (usually under 10 pages). Is this a good pricing structure? $200 website (may raise or lower), and a $20 monthly maintenance fee (updating the website and things to that nature)? Thanks for your help =)
Standup1016 1 year ago
@Standup1016 I'm new to web design myself. I'm charging $25 per month maintenance. I'm probably going to raise that to $40 at some point. I'm charging $500 for a five page website. I've already made about six websites, so I'm going to start charging $1000 for a five page website. Just to give you an idea.
samueljh3 1 year ago
Thank you!!! Another great video, 5 stars :D
(& I never comment on youtube vids, so the fact that I'm leaving one now should sy alot)
deiology 1 year ago
@deiology Thank you! ... much appreciated. ;)
mlwebco 1 year ago
Hey Michael,
I got a question. I just started webdesigning, and I study for interactive designer since august this year. I know the basics of HTML and CSS. So thats alright. A woman that my mom knows wants to start a small e-store, selling handbags. This is my first project. How much should I ask?
pyrlalah 1 year ago
@pyrlalah If this is your first project, charge anywhere from $300 to $500.
mlwebco 1 year ago
@mlwebco Are you serious? 300-500$ for a small e-store? I would feel so bad charging people that much.
kMC303 1 year ago
@kMC303 what are you talking about 300-500 is nothing expecially for a e-store
enfinite5 1 year ago
@kMC303 believe me mate, companies will spent tens of thousands of dollars on e-store websites. I'm guessing that you'll be using paypal to build the commerce part of the site right? that brings costs down but 300-500 is usually a good price for a first site. she'd be paying thousands if she had it done by a fully qualified developer
AussiePolitics 11 months ago
@pyrlalah It's your mum man, I think it should certainly be free.
Eldeeff 11 months ago
@Eldeeff You clearly haven't read my comment... "A woman that my mom knows" not my mom....
pyrlalah 11 months ago
you're fcking awesome!
axavierd 1 year ago
hey mike! thanks a lot for this video. i can say you're really a nice person. can i ask you about the "business side" of a web biz? like about papers and legalities... i'm sure that would be sincerely appreciated by many. thanks again :)
redkepweng 1 year ago
Hey Mike, I really appreciate your time to teach us this stuff. I had a question for you. With the many websites out there that lets you make your own web pages, is there a future for web designers to really profit from freelance work? I know there are companies in India that do web design for a fraction of the cost. So what makes a web designer valuable in today's market?
Gutz22m 1 year ago
@Gutz22m Excellent questions. In fact, I'm going to put a video together answering this because I think many people (designers) feel the same way. But the short answer is, designers at the local level (neighborhood, city, etc.) are constantly needed and wanted over your basic cookie-cutter templates or cheap services around the country. A solid web designer will always be able to find work because so many small biz don't know where to look or access these services themselves.
mlwebco 1 year ago
Hi Mike,
I've just visited your website, you kick ass.
I live in San Diego, I'm new in the web designing business,
I'm hoping to get a job as you adviced in one of your videos.
Do you know how much does a basic web designer gets paid?
as a freelancer, where can I get info, on how to charge for my work (billing),
do I pay taxes?,
seriously I don't know.
thanks man I appreciate your help.
WolfEyesatNight 1 year ago
@WolfEyesatNight Thanks for the feedback. I will put a video together regarding this information. Look out for more info from me on the subject of freelance, paying taxes, etc.
mlwebco 1 year ago
@mlwebco
Txs man.
I'll be looking fowrd to it.
WolfEyesatNight 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this video
rjcream 1 year ago
Thank you so much, thats very helpful excellent information. I guess you use flash and dreamweaver to create your websites if so are they easy to use. Do you have any illustrator, photoshop and indesign tutorials either. As i am currently learning them at college but i find that by listening and watching you do it step by step slowly i can understand it more from you than at college. I generally like to teach myself from watching videos like yours. Keep up the good work anyway thanks.
SGTRY4N 1 year ago
Hi, im a student, age 19 currently doing graphic design in the UK. I was wondering when you design a website for a client how do you go on hosting the website, is there a charge to have your website online and to show up search engines. Do you pay for that or leave that to the client. Thanks Ryan
SGTRY4N 1 year ago
@SGTRY4N For hosting, I help setup the hosting, but I let the client charge it to their credit card. Its easier just letting them handle the charges. Really no money in it for me. Unless I had 100 clients and I charged $10 extra on each, that would be $1,000 each month cash. That would be nice, but I don't bother with the hosting, not my thing. :)
mlwebco 1 year ago
lol
Vidx50 1 year ago
Terrific info... got one question though. I'm unemployed and plan getting into this business (that includes design sites, flyers for say night clubs & business cards)
I got a potential (& 1st) client whos a DJ and wants to market himself through the web & with biz cards. I know Photoshop, create nice layouts, dont know much Flash or programming but working on it, know Dreamweaver enough to make a basic site & upload it to the web. Question is, what should I charge? some feedback would be awesom
Rikardiho 1 year ago
hey man. im an aspiring graphic and web designer from northern california. im 21 and currently enrolled in college for visual communication and was curious...when i graduate and obtain my associates of science degree and land a job at a firm or company (maybe some freelancing down the line) what can i REALLY expect to make per year? my college estimates anywhere from 30-45K. whats your opinion and salary? you must be doing pretty good since you've been in the game since 97' yeah? thx!
derickamundo 1 year ago
@derickamundo It all depends on the company you land a job with. When I was your age (I'm 34 now), my first job as a Web Master started at 21k (this was back in 97). So 30 to 45k isn't bad. For someone let's say with 3 to 4 years experience, 60-65k. With my experience, I'm pushing Creative Director level so that's over 100k. I would say this, if you land a job lets say for 45k, you could stay there for a couple years, build your portfolio, then command 60-65k in a couple years.
mlwebco 1 year ago
So i am creating my site for the first time, a pizza delivery service and i don't know how much should i charge? Since i am not experience as yours are, but my work is adequate, should i go ahead and charge a similar fee like you? 75$ per hour and a minimum package fee? or $25 hourly fee? i think i will show you how it looks so that you can critique it. Would that be okay as well? I believe the value of my work is good but i don't know how to charge as a beginner esp with small businesses.
rzuhler 1 year ago
Thank you Michael for this very educational video! I am getting started as a freelance web developer and I was unsure about my pricing for my first client. This video made things a lot clearer, but is seems that freelance prices are dynamic and must be sat at an individual level.
chrypton1 1 year ago
hello again, sorry this is my third question in like 10 minutes. I'm just finding your videos really interesting. you're answering everything i've been wanting to know about breaking into this field.
my question is... on average how long will a 5 page website take you? say you don't have to design a new logo.
VegaOmega23 1 year ago
@VegaOmega23 a simple 5 page website that I speak about that I charge $2500 for normally takes about two weeks. If it takes longer than that, it's not because of design or development time, it's mainly because of time getting information from the client.
mlwebco 1 year ago
hey Mike, love your channel...
This may be a silly question but...When you design a website for your clients, how much time do you give yourself to complete the work? Or does the client usually set the deadline?
TheFusionProject 1 year ago
@TheFusionProject Good question. I normally just work it out with the client. I get a feel for how soon they want it and I set a date. I normally give myself 4 weeks for a simple website. I need time to research different things, play with different layouts, etc. About 6 to 8 weeks for a decent size website.
mlwebco 1 year ago
Thanks so much for your videos, they're so helpful!
leemoody93 1 year ago
Hi Michael, great video! I wanted to post a comment/question here, but it is WAY too long, lol. So, I just sent you a message via the contact page on your (awesome) blog! Hope to hear from you! All the best!
soundscapenyc 1 year ago
I got my first paying client and he didn't know what he wanted but he wants flash on his page too.
I'm thinking $5k for the project, since he wants the flash. I looked around and an online company starts at $2k minimum with simple flash, i.e. sliding pictures. This client of mine wants a custom flash game on his site. But, no ecommerce. I don't know what to say to him. I'm gonna meet up with him, but i don't want to blow him out of the water. what should i do?
shakaama 1 year ago
Thank you very very very very much for the awesome advice.
pinkuniform 1 year ago
where did you get that desk from?
oitsonlikedonkeykong 1 year ago
@oitsonlikedonkeykong Hey, I got that desk from a store called Plummers. Go to plummersfurniture (dot) com and click on "office furniture", you'll see it. ;)
mlwebco 1 year ago
Great video. Based on my own experience, I would summarize by saying that as a graphic designer, your portfolio determines what you can charge. The more creative, unique, and beautiful your work is, the more people will be willing to pay. As a programmer, the more complex and unique the required code, the more you can charge. Thanks again for the great video.
BigOnlineSuccess 1 year ago
@BigOnlineSuccess True, great points.
mlwebco 1 year ago
your videos is really helping me and other web designers :D thanks a bunch.. ive learned a lot
viol101 2 years ago
Glad you found my videos useful. ;)
mlwebco 2 years ago
$2500 May not seem much to the designer, but i have clients looking at $500 for their site with flash and everything. Any suggestions? my designs are worth $5,000+
PingPongProductionz 2 years ago
If your designs are worth 5k + and you're running into clients with a budget of $500. I would be refer them to template monster and have them purchase a template, and I'll hlep them add and tweak the content. Basically, not much you can do with that price. I'm always willing to help people no matter their budget. Most of the time, I'll point them in a direction to where they can get what they want for their price. But I won't end up doing the work for anything less than my fees.
mlwebco 2 years ago
Just ran into this videos as doing some website research and this will help me big time. i am just starting and this has been a big question of mine. Thanks for taking time to give your answer on this subject...
joseg008 2 years ago
Thanks for taking you time to do these videos. :) I'm just getting startet, trying to earn a little extra as a side job before college, so I can use the advice...
BobFromMarketinq 2 years ago
Hey, thanks for positive feedback. Glad you find the info useful. ;)
mlwebco 2 years ago