Determining the Right Pricing for Your First Client: Building a Static Website and Ongoing Maintenance

Embarking on your first paid web development project is an exciting milestone, but figuring out how much to charge can sometimes be challenging. Here’s a common scenario: you’ve been approached to create a simple, static website for a client, and you’re wondering how to establish a fair quote that reflects your efforts and expertise.

Project Overview

• A basic five-page static website
• Client providing proprietary images and branding assets
• Including some copywriting and designing a couple of key properties yourself
• Hosting environment: self-hosted setup

Estimating Project Costs

When determining your initial quote, consider the following elements:

1. Scope and Complexity:
   A five-page static website with custom graphics and minimal dynamic functionality is straightforward but still requires thoughtful design and development.

2. Content Creation:
   While the client supplies proprietary images and branding elements, your involvement in copywriting and designing specific features adds value and should be factored into your rate.

3. Time Investment:
   Estimate how many hours you’ll spend on design, development, revisions, and content editing. Don’t forget to account for communication and project management.

4. Experience Level:
   Your skill set and market rates in your location or niche influence your pricing.

Pricing Suggestions

• One-time Website Development:
  Based on the above, a typical range for a simple static site might be between $500 and $1,500. Entry-level developers often start around $500-$800, while more experienced designers may charge upwards of $1,200 or more.

• Monthly Maintenance and Updates:
  Since the site is static, maintenance may involve small updates, backups, or minor content tweaks. A reasonable monthly retainer could range from $50 to $150, depending on the expected frequency and complexity of updates.

Final Tips

• Communicate clearly about what is included in your quote, such as the number of revisions, responsiveness, and specific services.
• Consider offering packaged deals or tiers to give clients options.
• Draft a contract that specifies scope, timelines, and payment terms to ensure a smooth collaboration.

In Summary

Pricing a project involves balancing your workload, experience, and market standards. For a straightforward static website with minor ongoing support, starting with a clear, fair quote and an understanding of maintenance expectations will help you build a solid professional foundation. As you gain more