Pricing Your Web Design Services: Hourly vs. Fixed Packages

Finding Your Perfect Pricing Strategy

Let’s face it – figuring out how to price your web design services can feel like trying to hit a moving target while blindfolded. Should you bill by the hour or create neat little packages with fixed prices? I’ve been on both sides of this fence, and trust me, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with a little strategy, you can find the approach that works best for you and your clients.

The Great Pricing Debate: Hourly vs. Fixed

Before we dive in, take a moment to consider: How do you feel when you hire someone with an open-ended hourly rate versus a clear package price? Your clients are thinking about this too!

Hourly Pricing: Pros and Cons

Fixed-Price Packages: Pros and Cons

Reflective Question:

Which model aligns better with how you prefer to work? Do you enjoy the certainty of fixed prices or the flexibility of hourly billing?

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Here’s a little secret from my 15+ years of running a web design business: you don’t have to choose one or the other! Many successful designers (myself included) use a hybrid approach:

✅ Fixed pricing for standard services (e.g., “Basic 5-Page Website Package: $2,500”)

✅ Hourly rates for custom features, additional revisions beyond the package limit, or ongoing maintenance

✅ Retainer pricing for clients who need regular updates or support (e.g., “10 hours per month at a discounted rate of $100/hour”)

This approach gives clients the predictability they crave while protecting you from scope creep monsters and never-ending revision cycles.

Display Pricing on Your Website: Yes, No, or Maybe?

This is a hot debate in the web design world. Here are three approaches:

1️⃣ Full Transparency
Display complete pricing information for all packages and services.
Works well for: Designers targeting small businesses with straightforward needs and modest budgets.

2️⃣ “Starting At” Pricing
Show base prices but make it clear that final quotes depend on specific requirements.
Works well for: Mid-range designers with semi-customizable packages.

3️⃣ Contact for Quote
No specific pricing information, just a call to action to request a custom quote.
Works well for: High-end designers working on complex, custom projects.

Reflective Question:

What would your ideal client prefer to see in terms of pricing transparency?

FAQ: Web Design Pricing Questions

What’s the average hourly rate for web designers?

Entry-level designers typically charge $25-50/hour, mid-level designers $50-100/hour, and experienced designers $100-150+/hour. Rates vary widely based on location, specialization, and demand.

How do I know if I’m undercharging?

If you’re constantly swamped with work, you never lose clients over price, or you feel resentful about projects, those are strong signs you’re undercharging. Time to raise those rates!

Should I charge a deposit before starting work?

Absolutely! A 50% deposit before starting work is standard industry practice. For larger projects, you might split payments into 30% upfront, 30% at midpoint, and 40% upon completion.

What should I do if a client keeps requesting changes outside the scope?

This is where your contract saves you! Politely remind them of the project scope and let them know additional changes will be billed at your hourly rate. Be firm but friendly.

Final Thoughts: Find What Works for YOU

There’s no “correct” pricing model for web design services – the best approach is the one that matches your work style and attracts your ideal clients. Whether you charge hourly, offer fixed-price packages, or mix it up, the key is clarity and confidence in your pricing.

Remember: You’re not just selling hours of work – you’re selling years of experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to turn a client’s vision into digital reality.

And while we’re on the topic of pricing… I’ve found that offering hourly-based support is one of the most helpful things I can do for fellow Divi web designers. Sure, tutorials are great (and I love creating them!) but nothing compares to solving a specific problem together, one-on-one. That’s why I offer personalized support sessions where we can tackle your trickiest issues, implement custom designs, or troubleshoot, all tailored to your project.

👉 Learn more about my 1-on-1 Divi support services

Now I’d love to hear from you! Do you display pricing on your website? What pricing model works best for your business? Share your experiences in the comments below! 💬