One of the most critical aspects of a successful web design business is working out an infallible compensation structure that is viable for both you and your clients, and helps your business burgeon financially over a period of time. Here are some tips to work out a surefire and rewarding payment method.

Charging Hourly Rates

If you have gained sufficient expertise in the web designing domain and have built a bank of loyal clients who swear by your web designing skills, it makes sense to quote an hourly figure in the range of $80- $100, depending on your proficiency and the value addition offered by you to the client. Designers with extraordinary portfolios and enhanced professional systems can charge even more, based on positive referrals and encouraging feedback.

You can consider charging an hourly fee for designing the website, and then chalk out a flat monthly fee for updating and maintaining it regularly. Though it is advisable to work out a standard compensation plan, web designers will have customize payment options several times in the course of working for different clients and projects. Working out an hourly fee may not be feasible for the client if the volume of the project is very huge. It may be a better option to work out a competitive flat fee to retain the client and make lucrative earnings with a large chunk of assignments.

On the other hand, for small projects, an hourly fee is practical and cheaper for the client and helps you make money in a few spare hours, as well. If you find the prospect of working out an hourly fee very cumbersome, try a per page rate that allows you to efficiently keep track of the number of pages that have been designed, and bill the client accordingly.

Charging a flat fee

Charging a flat fee is best when you are just starting out in the business, and have yet to prove your credentials or get testimonials and references from satisfied clients. It is pragmatic to offer modest flat fees to begin with, and then progress to charging hourly fees once you and the clients are confident of your prowess. You can bill your clients a regular fee for a basic website, and charge them hourly for any other frills they may want over and above the standard features.

Sometimes it doesn't make sense to charge hourly, because it may not take very long to complete a project and the rewards may not be proportionate to the intricate efforts put in to get the website in place. Make sure to clearly elucidate your terms and conditions in a written agreement, and mention the features that are included in the flat fee, like a main home page and three to four linked pages. For additions like sound, animation and other customized links, it is best to quote hourly rates, as you will have to contend with too many tasks for a flat fee, with the clients often getting very demanding.

It best to have a well-organized and resourcefully chalked out compensation plan before you make a foray into the web designing arena, and to also be perceptive and astute enough to customize it according to the client and the nature, volume and timeline of the project.