I am a web designer and have owned a website design company in Northern Michigan for more than twenty years. I am in business to do something I love and am good at, and I get paid for the services I provide.
So, why do I always get questioned what I am charging?
If you are a business owner, you need to confidently charge a reasonable amount for what you are doing.
- Trust yourself as a business owner.
- Your talents help businesses in your community.
- You are constantly acquiring more knowledge to be a leader in your industry.
- Knowledge is value. Charge for it.
When charging rates that are fair for Northern Michigan business owners, potential clients are happy to pay for my services.
And that might be why I am always booked out months in advance, especially in winter.
It’s OK to Lose a Potential Customer
I know I will never please everyone with my rates – and that is just fine. I charge what I am worth and I stick to it.
In all honesty, I’ve only lost a few project bids along the way, and that’s OK.
Someone who I thought was a friend said that I am “charging more than I am worth.” That same friend also needed something from me.
Let these kinds of friends go elsewhere. True friends will pay your full rate in support of your business, and will celebrate their final product.
Charge What You’re Worth as a Designer
If you’re perceived as cheaper than your competition, people will question your qualifications.
- Why is she so cheap?
- Is she a beginner?
- Does she have the experience with online marketing our business needs?
After five years as Abuzz Creative, I raised my prices in 2019 to be more inline with my competition. I was still the most affordable web designer for my Northern Michigan market. In proposals, I also include a short bio with my work experience that details how I gained my expertise in web design.
New rates with details of my experience meant that people perceived me as a better web developer, and has earned me some very reputable clients. Rather than lose customers or clients, I have actually gained more business.
Reasons My Web Design Rates Are Low
- I work remotely which means you don’t pay to cover corporate office expenses.
- My focus is on the small business owner who has a limited budget so I price my services accordingly.
- It’s just me. Paying a team would drive up the cost of each project.
- I’m the one doing the work and I take on a limited amount of clients.
You’re Worth It!
Never say “sorry” when quoting your fees. Be confident in what you set as the value for your work. You are the expert in your industry.
People should never assume the quality of work will be less if a web designer’s fees are lower. There are web design agencies who overcharge and underdeliver. Ask them, “Why are you so expensive?”