I came across this article called How Much Should Web Site Design, Development, and Hosting Cost? and that inspired me to write this post. Don’t click yet! I have something to say on the subject!

This post is stemming from a variety of clients (who will probably read this, and I hope they do) who really don’t seem to understand a graphic designer’s thinking. I’m writing because I’m tired of being asked the same questions again and again.

So many VA’s (and young start-ups) don’t understand what is involved in brand development and website design. It’s hard work, I tell you! Being creative isn’t as simple as slapping a graphic into Illustrator. It takes research, time, and inspiration. They expect an award winning website for $500 – and I’m telling you right now – that’s not gonna happen.

You pay $500, you’ll get a decent 3-5 page site with no frills – nothing fancy except for a little bit of SEO. At least, that’s what I offer my clients. But the clients that tend to find me can’t afford much more than that. That’s fine with me – I enjoy working for VA’s and small start-up businesses. Why do you think I target them? I offer an affordable solution to the plain ol’ unoptimized templates offered by sitebuilders and FrontPage.

I suppose I’m writing this post just to say this – please don’t expect miracles for $500. You want a fancier site with more interactivity and graphics? Pay up. Can’t afford it? Wait until you can.

Don’t ask for more than your designer has told you you’re getting, and be thankful there are those of us out there who charge so little for a service that some people wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. It’s an issue of respect. Would you be ok with providing your clients more than they paid for? Didn’t think so. I could be charging as much as this guy for what I do – but I don’t – yet. I have a lot to learn, but I certainly feel that my work is worth what I charge. So far, none of my paying clients have told me otherwise.

Wishing you happy holidays,

The Mad Hatter

KathyCrofoot.com actually launched a while back, and I was slacking in my launch announcements! Please forgive me!

Kathy’s logo and site have been an absolute joy to develop. Her style and and personality truly show through in her unique logo design.

Kathy asked me to use some special lettering to develop a font for her logo. It’s the Kathy Font! If you haven’t read her About Page to hear the story of her logo, you definitely should!

Kathy’s site is Wordpress-based, and includes a blog section. It’s bright, uplifting, and truly unique!

Thanks, Kathy! It’s been a pleasure!

Mad Hatter would like to announce a new website design that launched this month!

HaloSecretarialServices.com is an awesome VA specializing in virtual legal assistance. Laurie Mapp of Halo asked Mad Hatter to give her site and blog a fresh, new color scheme and to revamp her logo with the new color choices.

We’re so proud of how it came out! Check out Laurie’s website and blog!

I have the following domains and websites for sale. All prices are negotiable. Please email me at info@madhatterdesigncompany.com if you’re interested!

flippinsweetdesign.com – Comes with Wordpress-based website and all content – $300
freshappetite.com – Comes with Joomla-based website – $300
poshwalls.com – Comes with logo design – $150
ncwbe.org – Comes with Wordpress-based website, logo, banners, and all content – $400
wptheme911.com – Comes with logo, if desired – $150
youngfoxconsulting.com – Make Offer
youngphotoart.com – Make Offer
granolavogue.com – Domain Only $50
wannabehealthnut.com – Comes with Joomla-based website $200

We’d like to know – is this recession causing any downturn in online business or freelancing? Let us know if you’ve seen a decline, a rise, or no change at all! Also, please share your tips for staying on top during this time of job cuts and cutbacks all around!

Thanks for your input and advice!

P.S. Regarding Mad Hatter Design Co. – it really hasn’t affected my business either way. People are still starting up small businesses and I am getting requests for logos regularly. The only downturn I’ve seen is because of the Christmas season…but clients are booking for the first of the year instead.