When you hire me to build your website, you get a professional design that is yours to own once it’s live. Since you have control of your website, why would I charge you monthly website fees?
In a recent discovery call with a potential client, the small business owner mentioned that they are currently paying $50 a month to their current website designer.
When I asked what those fees cover, they said:
I’m not really sure… I don’t get updates or reports. I just get a bill every month.
This business owner said they asked their website designer what they were paying for and the answer was, “Monthly SEO adjustments and security updates.”.
However, the business owner saw no changes being made by their website designer. They never received a report detailing the monthly services – just an invoice each month.
My best guess is this business owner is paying a retainer for services that are not actively being fulfilled.
When their WordPress software needed a security update, the business owner received an additional bill. The business owner assumed security updates were included in their monthly fee since that fee is supposed to cover “security updates.”
Wow, none of this sits right with me!
What Monthly Website Fees Usually Cover
In some cases, monthly fees are legitimate and could cover things like:
- Regular updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins
- Security scans and backups
- Content updates or SEO adjustments
- Monthly reports on traffic and performance
When the services you are paying for are provided – and you receive proof of the work – the monthly fee you’re paying does make sense.
The problem? Too often, clients are paying for some kind of subscription without receiving clear value or work being done.
I am familiar with certain web designers who charge hundreds a year in the form of monthly fees, but their web clients never see the work that they’re paying for.
My Approach: Pay Only When You Need Something
Are you paying a monthly fee but no updates are being made?
Are you ready to find a new website designer who is honest and transparent about billing?
I don’t believe in charging for just in case or vague SEO updates.
Instead, I offer the following:
- No monthly maintenance contracts – you are not locked into ongoing payments.
- Hourly billing only when you request help or your server software needs an update.
- Clear, itemized invoices so you know exactly what you’re paying for!
Need me to add a new photo to your home page? I’ll bill only for the time it takes.
Is it time to add a new function or feature to your website? I’ll charge only for the work I do.
No work? No charge.
My Approach Benefits Your Business
- Budget – there are never any surprise charges!
- Transparency – you always know what you’re paying me for!
- Flexibility – let me know when you need help!
Your website is an asset.
Don’t let it become a never-ending expense for services that are not being rendered.
No Monthly Website Fees – Ever!
With me, you pay only when you need something updated. No hidden fees, no locked-in contracts.
I believe in honesty and fairness.
If I’m not actively working on your website, you shouldn’t be paying me. It’s that simple.
So, I gained a new client this week because they are ready to save hundreds a year with an honest website designer.
If you’re tired of monthly fees with no clear return, let’s talk.
I’ll help you design (or redesign) a website that’s yours to control – with no mystery charges.
