Imagine this: you receive quotes of €1,000, €4,300, and even €7,500 + VAT for a WordPress site. How do you determine what a WordPress site should actually cost? It’s like trying to guess the price of a pizza without knowing if it comes with pepperoni or truffles.
But don’t worry—we’re here to demystify this. Let’s explore what influences the cost of a WordPress site and how to set fair pricing.
WordPress.org is Free, But…
Surprise! WordPress.org, the open-source platform, is free. It’s like getting a Ferrari for free, but you still need to pay for fuel, a garage, and maintenance. Similarly, a WordPress site involves additional costs like hosting and a domain name.
What Influences the Cost of a WordPress Site?
Think of yourself as a service provider who needs to set a fair price for a WordPress site. Here’s what to consider:
Who’s Building the Site?
- DIY: The cheapest option, but time-consuming if you’re a beginner.
- WordPress Freelancer: Prices vary. You might find someone charging hourly rates as low as the price of a pizza or as high as gourmet caviar.
- Specialized Agency: More expensive, but you get a team of experts. It’s like hiring a team of chefs to prepare a gourmet dinner.
Type and Complexity of the Site
The cost depends on the type of site you want:
- Blog: The simplest option, mainly for posts.
- Business Website: To showcase your activity.
- E-commerce Website: To sell products online.
More features mean higher costs. It’s like adding toppings to a pizza—the more you add, the pricier it gets.
Features and Options
- Hosting and domain name.
- Number of pages.
- Premium or custom themes.
- Page builders like Elementor or Divi.
- Architecture and design.
- Graphic customization.
- Multimedia content.
- Security and SEO.
- Loading speed.
- Web marketing actions.
Each added feature is like an extra topping on a pizza: it increases the bill.
Additional Costs
Factor in time for project scoping, mockups, client training, and other similar activities. Think of these as hidden delivery fees.
Typical WordPress Site Expenses
- Domain name: ~€10 per year.
- Hosting: €20–€30 per month.
- Premium themes: ~€50 per year.
- Premium plugins: €50–€300 per year.
- Security and maintenance: €40–€100 per month.
How to Set Your Prices for a WordPress Site
Setting the right price for a WordPress site can be challenging, but there are common methods you can use to determine your rates. Each method has its pros and cons, and the right one depends on the type of project, its complexity, and your relationship with the client.
Hourly or Daily Billing
This traditional method involves setting an hourly or daily rate and billing based on the time spent on the project.
- Pros:
- Transparency: The client knows exactly what they’re paying for.
- Flexibility: You can adjust the price based on actual work time.
- Cons:
- Unpredictability: Total costs can vary, which may frustrate the client.
- Underestimation risk: You might miscalculate the required time.
Example: Let’s say your hourly rate is €50. If the project takes 100 hours, the total cost will be €5,000. It’s essential to track your time to invoice accurately.
Project-Based Pricing
This method involves setting a fixed price for the entire project, regardless of the time spent.
- Pros:
- Clarity: The client knows upfront how much the project will cost.
- Incentive for efficiency: You’re motivated to work efficiently to maximize profit.
- Cons:
- Risk: If you underestimate the time or complexity, you may end up working more than expected without additional pay.
- Tough negotiations: Setting a fixed price may require lengthy discussions.
Example: If you quote €3,000 for a business website, ensure you can complete the project within this budget, considering all functionalities and client requirements.
Value-Based Pricing
This method focuses on the value you bring to the client rather than just the time and effort. You set a price that reflects the impact and benefits the site will have on the client’s business.
- Pros:
- Higher profit potential: You can charge more if the site brings significant benefits to the client.
- Focus on value: The client better appreciates the value of your work.
- Cons:
- Hard to justify: It can be challenging to explain why the price is higher than other quotes.
- Trust required: Clients need to trust your assessment of the added value.
Example: For an e-commerce site expected to generate significant sales, you can charge a percentage of projected revenue or a higher price than for a simple business website.
Calculating Your Daily Rate (TJM)
To set your price, calculate your daily rate (TJM) as a baseline for your services.
How to Calculate TJM?
- Calculate monthly expenses: Include business expenses (rent, equipment, software) and living costs.
- Determine working days per month: Usually 20–22 days.
- Divide monthly expenses by working days: This is the minimum daily rate you need to charge to cover all costs.
Example:
- Total monthly expenses: €3,000
- Working days per month: 20
- TJM = €3,000 / 20 = €150 per day
Adjusting the Rate Based on the Project
After calculating TJM, adjust it based on project complexity, client requirements, and current market conditions. Don’t forget to include administrative and maintenance costs in your final calculation.
Conclusion
Determining a price for a WordPress site involves considering the type of site, features, and additional costs. Be realistic and transparent about pricing so that the client knows they’re getting a quality product—just as you’d want assurance that your pizza uses the best ingredients.