On Feb 13, 2:39pm, Jerry Stuckle <jstuck...@attglobal.net> wrote:
> Jason Carlton wrote:
> >> I agree with Chad. If the small jobs aren't paying the same hourly
> >> rate, your contract needs some work.
>
> >> You need to analyze why you're not getting the same hourly rate from the
> >> small ones as you do the larger ones, and adjust accordingly.
>
> > I think you guys are missing the point, honestly. The simple fact is
> > that I can make about quadruple on programming as I can on design
> > work, and these sites with little programming simply aren't cost
> > effective. Sure, I could increase my design rates, but then I wouldn't
> > be competitive locally.
>
> So you can put more effort into the programming and make more money.
>
> > Furthermore, I run my own website on which I sell ads, and many of the
> > local businesses to whom I sell ads do not have a website. This will
> > make for a much easier sell: "for only $XX.XX more, you can build your
> > own site, and we'll point your ad to your site". It will also me
> > to reach the customers that really don't have the money for even a
> > small website, instead of them going to GoDaddy or whatever. My goal
> > is to bring in enough of a monthly residual that I can pay my
> > employees, and still pay myself enough that I could afford to do less
> > design contracts (which translates to more time for me to pursue other
> > projects, like the high-dollar programming contracts).
>
> Anyone in business has the money for a "small web site" - or they
> shouldn't be in business in the first place. It's just a matter of if
> they want to pay for it. It's up to you to show them it's worth it.
>
> > So while I truly appreciate your advice, I've given this a lot of
> > thought over a year or more, and I believe that offering the templates
> > with hosting is a good choice for me.
>
> That's fine.
>
> > Knowing this, do any of you have experience with any of the template
> > programs that I mentioned?
>
> Yep. That's why I don't use them.
>
> My customers don't want -cutter sites. They want sites individual
> to their businesses.
>
> But I'm not good at designing, so I sub the design itself out, then I
> write the site. My designers aren't cheap, but they're good. And my
> customers pay for it because they see what it's worth.
>
> And if a business isn't willing to pay, I let them go somewhere else. I
> don't cut my rates to meet their budget.
>
> But it's also interesting to see a fair percentage of them come back to
> me after 6-12 months to get a site done right.
>
I agree.
Although if the project is only small you should charge them less
money (unless they want extra work done after that other project is
completed. You should them charge them a second fee for the extra
work.
I now write up a website plan for all my clients.
--
Regards Chad. http://freewebdesignonline.org