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I charge clients by the hour. Using a time tracking software, I always let them know how much time has been used. Typically, designing the template takes the most time consuming ranging from 3 or more hours depending on my client's ability to communicate. After that, it's a breeze.

PROS to my method: If it is easy, it will be done quickly therefore you aren't paying $250 per page no matter the complexity.
CONS: You have to be able to trust the designer. If you change your mind a lot, you can rack up the hours with changes. Definately know what you want. Look at other sites and be able to communicate what you want and need the first time.

Always register your own domain name and pick the hosting company. Too many horror stories of designers disappearing and there is no way to get their website back.

Hope this helps.

Hi,

Was just wondering if you got your website project completed already. If not, I can help you build simple static site for your business at a very compatitive fixed rate.

Check out http://www.a-plus-dental.com for sample.

Thanks,
Arshnet.net

http://www.vivawebsitedesign oops

If u work with www.kbizzsolutions.com. You dont have to pay per hour. Its a home base business, running by a developer mum. visit the site and read testimonials. You will feel it the right company for you. She started the business in March 2007 and now have almost 50 highly satisfied clients. She works with you on every level. Prices are so affordable u will not believe. Check them out www.kbizzsolutions.com

Might I suggest that the real question you should be asking is what kind of results can I expect from my website. A poorly designed website can do enormous damage to your business, just as a well designed website can substantially boost your profits and improve productivity. Good website design that gets results involves much more than attractive graphics or the current web 2.0 design trends. It's an integrated marketing platform that involves graphic design, copywriting, SEO, and the many methods that drive the right prospects to your website. Good website design attracts your target market, sets the right tone to establish trust and is compelling enough to convert a high percentage of visitors into customers. Because it asks a great deal it is not necessarily cheap.

Website design that doesn't accomplish these essential tasks is at best neutral, but more often than not actually drives potential customers away from your business.

The web presents enormous competition for your products and services. If your website is not as good as your competition (and hopefully much better) you're in a very bad place. The web is probably the greatest marketing tool I've seen in my 30 years as a marketing and advertising Creative Director. But many business owners don't understand that a website that is not at the very top of its game can do as much damage as a good website can help.

I believe the question most business owners should ask is what results am I going to get from my website and how do I ensure positive results and avoid negative consequences?

Getting positive results usually costs money.

You can always find a cheaper way to market. But, over the long run (and short run too), you usually end up reducing your profits, sometimes dramatically.

As a marketing professional and owner of a web marketing and design company, it may sound like I'm selling something. Of course I'm going to ask people to pay my fees, which are fair but not the lowest on the block. But in 30 years I've seen this far too often to ignore. And the web accelerates these trends dramatically.

Use an inexpensive template design and you'll look like every other inexpensive template design on the web. At best you'll be invisible. Fail to use compelling headlines and copy, informative content and irresistable offers and your results are going to be zip--or worse.

For many businesses today, their website is their face. It's how people first know them. It's where people go to research before buying. There are many opportunites to make a customer, but just as many to chase them away. The real question may be, can you afford not to create the very best website you can afford?

If you're looking for the best results and not the lowest price, you may want to talk to me further. You can reach me through my website at http://www.studio525.com.

Good luck and may you prosper beyond your dreams,
Peter

Ultimately, you get what you pay for. I would recommend that you get an analysis of what you need and negotiate with the writer. If you are dealing with a trustworthy and professional writer, and just need an edit, I would recommend you pay by the hour. If you need ongoing edits and changes, the hourly rate works because each situation is different. Contact me if you need any recommendations. : )
Thanks
Tim

WhiteBrow:

You have gotten a lot of good answers. There is no right or wrong answer to this. It is a personality thing for most. "Project Basis" verses "Hourly Fee" has been an ongoing discussion in the advertising community since there was an advertising community.

Here are some thoughts from an advertising person:

• Please get at least three bids.
• Request, no, demand to see their portfolio. (If they don't have one - walk, no, run away)
• Ask for references. Check references. (Family does not count)
• Stop and think about what you want your site to do, put it in writing. (It is okay to look at other websites and find things you would like for yours to do)
• Have a budget amount in mind for the job. Leave a little wiggle room, a little.
• Ask questions, there are no dumb questions. How they answer the questions will tell you how they are going to be to work with.
• Listen to their answers. Do they seem to understand what you need or want? Do they get it?
• Get an idea of how many people will be working on your project. (It is ideal to have at least an art director/designer and a writer)
• Do not forget about editing - make sure it is included in scope of the project and that there is time for it in the schedule.
• There will be revisions, ask what constitutes a revisions and how many rounds are included in the scope.
• Set deadlines or milestones that both of you can agree on.
• Be patient. Yes, God created the world in 6 days but HE is God. The rest of us require more time.
• Make quality the focus, not time or money! Get the best quality for the budget and time you have.
• Build for the future. Ask for a website design that will not be obsolete in a matter of months. Make sure they are using some of the newer programs. This will lengthen the life span of the site.
• Think long term. How easy is the site going to be to maintain, update, change or redesign? Yes, you can pull this site down and put up another, but you want to maintain a consistent look and feel.

You may have known all of this and if you did, I meant no harm. I hope they help.

Iwrite