How to quote on a website project

There are a number of details to think about when quoting on a design, SEO or other website development projects. These details are best spelled out in an estimate to lay a good foundation for how long the website project will take and the specification for what the website client is wanting.

What are the client’s website project requirements?

1. Total number of pages
2. What kind of navigation bars or menus
3. More than one page design?
4. Number of custom graphics needed
5. Number of graphics provided by the client
6. How design-intensive a site do they want?
7. What type of text content, provided in what form?
8. Interactive forms? How many fields?
9. Database-driven applications? (Detailed description of all functionality is needed)
10. Administration areas?
11. Domain registrations or changes?
12. Hosting arrangements?
13. How important is search engine positioning?
14. Will any client training be necessary?

God is in the details and don’t assume you will be able to answer all these questions with just one meeting. Plan on following up with a phone call to fill in the questions before you complete your website design quote. Understand that the specifications of a website project will ALWAYS change after the work has begun, this you must accept. Because of this, you must make it clear, more than once, that this is only an estimate and that the price will change as the client asks for more or less than what was originally quoted. As the client adds or takes away major content or features, the cost of the project will for sure change at which point a new written description of the change and cost difference will be provided to the client as an amendment to the original website design quote.

When the specifications change, the cost estimate will change as well.

Determine the details within each website project requirement

• Break down the project requirements into specific tasks.
  • How long does each website design task take? – Be realistic, provide yourself with enough time to do a good job. Be generous to yourself.

Total up the tasks’ time

Multiply the task hours by your hourly rate. You may choose to complete this website project as a lump sum and not charge the client by the hour. However, in order to provide the customer with a website project quote, you need to show how much work each task is going to cost. The client may not need to know anything about how long each task will take to complete but you should know this.

Provide a percentage for contingencies and added expenses

Underestimating a project is the norm for experienced website developers. Because of this, a margin of 5-15% should be provided as part of the website design quote. Expenses should also be included in the estimate for things like sub-contractors or graphics or programming purchased out of pocket.

Add it all up and hold your ground

You may be tempted to lower the price to fit the client’s budget. Don’t do this! The client may not like your price but, what is your time worth? Nothing good will come of producing a website project for less than what is a fair wage for you.

You will not get every job

As you work hard to provide fair and realistic website project quotes, the work you do end up getting will feel very pleasant.

Edited: April 28th, 2011

Tips about how to prepare for a client meeting

Preparing for a meeting with a new or existing client should not be done at the last minute. If you find yourself gathering your thoughts and ideas the night before the meeting, then I have written this list for you.

What do you need to accomplish at the meeting?

Timing

• Be on time for the meeting, if you are for some reason late – call them if it is going to be more than 10 minutes late!
• When does the customer actually want you start putting time into their project – to begin the work?
• When does the client expect you to have the project finished? See if you can get a date.
• What happens next… after the meeting? Do they need a quote for your time to begin the work?

Be prepared, even at the last minute

• Make sure you have an idea of who you are meeting with. Know their business. At least view their company’s website so you can see where they work.
• Visuals? Do you have any samples you need to print out? Do you have enough copies for everyone at the meeting?
• Have some sort of an idea of what you want to say at the meeting. Write (at least in your mind) a list of questions you have for the client.

Meeting tips you must follow

• Turn off your cell phone or put your damn cell phone on silent. Even a phone on vibrate is really distracting!
• Give yourself plenty of time to find the meeting location if you have never been there.
• Bring and pass out your business cards to new and existing contacts. Make sure to take their business cards too.
• Have a positive attitude and smile.
• Listen carefully while you make eye contact with your new client.
• Follow up! Send your client an email thanking them for taking the time to meet with you.

Edited: January 12th, 2011

Client Testimonials Template

One way to show prospective local clients that your business is trustworthy, valuable and cable of getting the job done is by creating a list of client testimonials. These letters can be created requesting that your customer write a short note about their experience while working with you. This client testimonials template lists some important points to cover while directing your clients on what needs to be included in a testimonial.

Testimonials template

Here are some basic points to request that the client hit which should include in a testimonial.

• Who is the customer?
• How did the project help the client?
• Ask the client to describe you and the service you provide (in their own words).
• What made an impact for the customer?
• Ask the client to back up their testimonial by including the contact information include:
  • First and last name
  • City, State
  • Company & Title

Other important client testimonial

• Be credible
• Create a desire for the reader to want you as a vendor
• Include real details
• Explain the benefits
• What were the results of using your company

Edited: December 23rd, 2010

Protected: fiverr.com gig 71712453 for happypage.com

Edited: January 20th, 2007