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