Pricing is hard. Figuring out what people will pay, and what you need to make, and closing any gaps in between can be tricky. A lot of designers get hung up on how to price web design services. But you can do it! I like to to use a combination of gut feeling and math. Pricing needs to feel right, but also make sense financially. What feels right? When you think of your services, and all the value you're providing, what feels right to you? Does your new website package feel right at … [Read more...] about How to price web design services and make money!
Blog – Articles for web designers
CaboPress 2018 Recap
Spending a week in the pool talking business? Yes. Two weeks ago I was in Cabo San Lucas at CaboPress soaking up some serious business knowledge (and sun). I went last year and it was a great experience, so when I had the opportunity to attend again, I jumped on it. Last year, I wasn't sure what to expect, but this year I had a pretty good idea. I was attending with the goal of discussing some upcoming changes to my business and getting insight from others on the best way to make these … [Read more...] about CaboPress 2018 Recap
What to do when business is slow
We've all been there, things are going along swimmingly and then suddenly we hit a lull in business. It's scary financially, and if you're like me, after about 48 hours you're thinking no one will ever hire you again and you should just give up and WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU EVEN THINKING?! Then you drink half a hard cider, pass on the couch while watching CSI:NY, and wake up the next morning feeling like a hungover loser. It's cool though, because after you repeat this process a few times … [Read more...] about What to do when business is slow
3 Things you do that drive your clients nuts
It's popular opinion in the freelance industry that clients are always the ones at fault. This idea is popularized by sites like Clients From Hell, and a lot of "gurus" who run around and advise others to fire clients at the slightest hint of trouble. I'm not saying that every single person you work with will be amazing, and that there aren't any jerks out there. But can you really afford to place the blame on everyone who hires you and give them the boot? Not if you want a good reputation … [Read more...] about 3 Things you do that drive your clients nuts
3 Things you HAVE to do to keep your clients from getting antsy
Having been a web designer and a client, I've seen this scenario from both sides. As a designer, you're plugging away at a client's project, oblivious to the fact that your client is starting to freak out and believe you've run off with their money. As a client, you're waiting, and waiting, and waaaaaaaaaaaiting to hear back from the person you paid to get a job done. And you're hearing nothing. This happens FAR too often. And the result? You get a nightmare client (or if you are the … [Read more...] about 3 Things you HAVE to do to keep your clients from getting antsy
3 Resources for killer contracts!
One of the things I'm asked most often is, "Do I really need a contract?" And the answer: YES. 100% YES. Do not make a website without one! I don't care if you're working with a stranger, your best friend, or your grandma. You NEED a contract to protect yourself, and them, and keep your relationship from heading south. So it might be no surprise that the next question I hear all the time is, "Where do I find a contract I can use to sell my web design services?" Well, you're in … [Read more...] about 3 Resources for killer contracts!
