WAHM Forums

What is a reasonable hourly rate to charge folks for updating websites?
Nothing too intricate, pretty much basic HTML, adding/changing images,
etc..



I had a previous job doing this sort of thing a few years back but I
worked at the company so I was getting paid a base salary, (loved that
job!) lol..



Since then I have done little jobs here and there, but not recently, so I'm not sure what to charge..



Any suggestions from those of you that do this?



Thanks!



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Edited by: newwahm

I think $15.00 per hour is reasonable, since it's just the basics smileys/smiley1.gif

yeppp $15 ph is reasonable

I update a couple of websites for local newspapers and a magazine. I mostly copy and paste,just a little html coding, a little photo manipulation, upload to ftp server and publish. I make $20 p/h.


hth

We hired outsource html editors to help out on projects from time to time.


It depends a little on the area you live in. Anywhere from $15 - $30 per hour depending on the kinds of updates.


If you're creating templates and revamping the site structure, form validation JavaScript etc... I'd charge more than making text edits and changingtable backgrounds etc...


Also if you're brining in any previous expertise, charge more. (Like a background in UI design or in the industry of the web site. Of course the more you charge, the more you'd be expected to make recommendations etc.. rather than do straight forward updates.


HTH,Heather

Not less then $15/hour. Remember even if it seems simple to you, it's simple because it's a skill YOU learned.



My rate varies for clients depending on my workload and other
factors. For example I often charge far less for fellow work at
home Moms... but for any new clients I take on the rate is not less
then $30/hour irregardless of the task and sometimes as much as
$50. Especially if I know I'll be outsourcing parts of a project
and will need to pay other people to help me.



A very good friend of mine who lives in Boston and runs a successful PR
firm told me that the people she works with won't even consider a low
bid. They take all the bids that come in for a project and
immediately throw out the highest and the lowest. Then they
choose from those that remain.



That was back when I charged much less for my work and I decided to
take her advice and raise my rates. I was astonished that as soon
as I did I started getting WAY more work then I could handle.



If I suddenly lost a ton of work then of course I'd charge less just to
get something coming in... but the way I figure it -- every hour I'm at
the computer is an hour my attention is away from my family. I'm
good at what I do and achieve excellent results for my clients -- so
I've finally come to grips with charging what I'm worth :)



Lori

Well said, Lori. Everything written sums up what I do as well. Continued success to you, your family and business http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley32.gif

Agree with Heather, it depends on where you live and also what the market is like.

When our local college started a web design program a few years back and a flood of students started freelancing for beer money, the rates for everyone went through the floor -- but you still need to charge for giving your clients the benefit of your experience! What we found is that clients drifted away to the cheaper "shops" for a time but came back to their old designers when they found too many deadlines missed and errors made by the moonlighters...

Jen
{drifting slightly off-topic} smileys/smiley2.gif

Working on an hourly basis has never worked out for me. I always bid on the project as a whole. Usually between $200 - $800 pending on the intensity of the work, scripting and such. I also use a monthly update fee of $40 - $200 pending on what needs updating.

Cheers,
Misti

Edited by: ProjectSeven

I keep all work to $40/hour, providing discounts for loyal customers or good referral sources, and of course educators/schools. The simple things don't take long, so they are cheap because they are simple. I agree with Lori--you are what the rate is based on, not the task.


Also, I like what Misti said--a retainer/monthly rate usually takes care of the first 2 hours of work, and you can receive that on a regular/subscription basis through PayPal for easier invoicing.


--Bob Jenkins
www.bobtheteacher.com (http://www.bobtheteacher.com)

I would charge a flat rate, depending on the complexity of the tasks involved. Of course, you'd have to find out exactly what needs to be done so that you can quote a price accordingly.


When I say "hourly" some clients get scared ... they think I'll purposely take my time so that I can charge more for the hour...


A flat rate has worked out best for me...