I can\u2019t even imagine quoting $5-8k on a job. Those kinds of numbers really flares up the imposter syndrome in me something fierce.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Lawrence – WPMU DEV Member<\/strong><\/p>\n
Hopefully, this quick article will help any WordPress developer realize it IS possible to earn more (and eliminate any imposter syndrome). All the tips are tried and tested \u2013 based on common industry practices you can implement.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll be going over:<\/p>\n
\n
- Demonstrating Your Value From the Start<\/a><\/li>\n
- Thinking Long-Term<\/a><\/li>\n
- Making Sure They Know Your Worth<\/a><\/li>\n
- Giving Your Price First<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why Experience Matters<\/a><\/li>\n
- Defending Your Price with Facts to Back Them Up<\/a><\/li>\n
- Tips When Negotiating a Price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So, let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n
Demonstrating Your Value From the Start<\/h2>\n
When you start working on a project with a new client<\/a>, one way to eventually get to a much bigger payday is to actually offer a discount<\/strong> from the beginning.<\/p>\n
You can make it clear that the rate you\u2019re charging is discounted or an introductory rate. This ensures that they\u2019ll know what they\u2019re paying from the start is cheaper than usual, and you can raise the fees accordingly.<\/p>\n
Show your value and what a deal they\u2019re getting off the start. Also, make it clear that it WILL go up.<\/p>\n
An example of this might be a simple web design for $3K with maintenance for three months. When they want to improve upon the design and want continued maintenance, charge accordingly (e.g. $10K and up) for design and maintenance.<\/p>\n
Over time, with continued maintenance, this can easily exceed over $30K (and much more) instead of just a one-off simple web design.<\/p>\n
Additionally, when you invoice, be sure to indicate what the normal fee is. That way, when the introductory period is over, there\u2019s no sticker shock.<\/p>\n
This offers the basis for negotiation on new work and flips the dynamic. Plus, since you started working with the client, there\u2019s now a relationship. They\u2019ll be less hesitant to pay more to someone they trust and work they like, and most importantly, understand the higher costs.<\/p>\n
Thinking Long-Term<\/h2>\n
As just noted above, in demonstrating your value, you need to think long-term with your clients<\/strong>. Small, simple, and low-cost projects can eventually become major ones. Try not to look at a client as a one-off situation.<\/p>\n
You can offer monthly maintenance packages<\/a> after creating their WordPress site. Or, make suggestions to their current website that adds value for them (and ultimately for you, too).<\/p>\n
Add-ons and additions to what they initially contacted for you is the point. Luckily, in WordPress, there are tons of opportunities. There aren\u2019t many other jobs out there that have the road map to include more add-ons than web development.<\/p>\n
Be sure to read our article about boosting your web development business with add-on services<\/a> to get detailed information on including these in your workflow.<\/p>\n
Making Sure They Know Your Worth<\/h2>\n
One way to get a client that originally wanted to pay $3K for a web design to pay $30K is to let them know your worth. Premium design deserves premium rates. Show them why you\u2019re entitled to the costs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s up to you to be clear on how these rates help the client compared to a cheap developer they\u2019ll find on Fiverr<\/a> for a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n
Maybe it\u2019s your experience \u2013 or your amazing web design skills. Whatever the case, demonstrate why your asking price is justified and even if it\u2019s a stretch of the budget, serious clients will pay what you are worth.<\/p>\n
A few ways to demonstrate value are with a good portfolio, reviews, or testimonials. Also, you can mention what the market is like, and the hours it will take to complete. Be sure to make it clear why you\u2019re worth $150 an hour \u2013 or whatever premium rate you have set.<\/p>\n
Giving Your Price First<\/h2>\n
Research shows<\/a> that the final price is typically closer to the original price than the second. So, though you might want the project and feel like setting lower costs might get a client to work with you, often it\u2019s not going to benefit you in the long run.<\/p>\n
They can always come back with a counter offer, but ensure you don\u2019t dip too low beyond what is acceptable on your terms.<\/p>\n
All of this can come after an initial lower offer to get started (like we touched on earlier). In general, this puts the ball in your court and lets your client know whether they can work with your budget.<\/p>\n
In a nutshell, it\u2019s your move first to name the price<\/strong> \u2013 before the potential client. This leads to your asking price becoming more attainable at the end of the day.<\/p>\n
Why Experience Matters<\/h2>\n
When it comes to reviews, testimonials, etc, obviously you\u2019ll need some experience first before those roll in. It may take a while to build some credibility, but it has a snowball effect once you do. You can charge more and more for your services and justify every single penny.<\/p>\n
And as you become more experienced, be sure to promote this.<\/strong> Let the client know of the benefits of your years of experience and how it works in their favor.<\/p>\n
After all, experienced professionals get paid more \u2013 whether that be employment or on their own. Experience typically leads to a bigger paycheck.<\/p>\n
Letting a client know about your experience is another way to get them to pay more and gives you leverage on why you charge what you do.<\/p>\n
Defending Your Price with Facts to Back Them Up<\/h2>\n
Clients want to know what they\u2019re paying for and why it costs what it does, so back all costs up with facts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
You can include competitive rates from top-notch agencies, market rates, other negotiations with other clients, ROI based on your web design, testimonials (like we just mentioned) \u2013 anything that you can show as proof your services are worth what they are.<\/p>\n
This will help justify paying more for any project and help put any client at ease knowing their money is going to good use.<\/p>\n
Factors to Keep in Mind When Negotiating a Price<\/h2>\n
Now that we have some essentials to negotiating a higher rate, here are a few additional pointers to keep in mind.<\/p>\n
\n
- Show them the estimate with an hourly rate when you give them the price.<\/li>\n
- If they push back, say the estimate is right.<\/li>\n
- Explain the reason for your rate (e.g. $150 an hour is the standard rate for a developer with this experience level).<\/li>\n
- Budget check: Do they have $75K-$100K for major web development? Check this earlier than later to ensure they have the budget.<\/li>\n
- Understand what is negotiable and what is not.<\/li>\n
- Remember that it\u2019s not all about negotiation. It\u2019s about finding a win-win for both parties.<\/li>\n
- Be sure to include payment terms. A good example is 40% up front, then 20% as time goes on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With ways to make money in the WordPress industry<\/a>, negotiating a substantial rate is easier than you think when you keep these factors in mind.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The Easy Way to $30K<\/h2>\n
It’s not as hard as it seems to get to $30K quickly and easily.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n As you can see, just a few approaches with your messaging, services, and negotiations can turn a $3K client into a $30K one. Even with little experience, you can get there relatively quickly by collecting testimonials, building your portfolio, and showing proof that you\u2019re worth the costs.<\/p>\n
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