Webpage build cost

[Mr Mikey]

I have been asked to build a web page for a business, supposedly a low maintenance one. not sure about who will maintain it yet.
I have no idea what to charge. can anyone offer me some ideas ?
it is a non photography website, it is actually for a Dr.
Thanks.

[digitaldude400d]

Theres not an easy cut and dry answer to that Mr Mikey. Some of the things to consider are how much time you will put into the design of the site,who will provide the content, is this a informational site only or will he be trying to promote/sell on the site.

How complex does he want his site, one page ...five pages. Are you building from scratch or using a template?

[Mr Mikey]

Lots of good points, What I have been told up to now is that it will be an informational site, only a few pages. mainly a bio type site. no selling.
I use dreamweaver to build with to simplify things.

[Thunder9]

just my few cents

One make a contract with the client so that you both understand what each is expecting of the other. Many low maintenance sites end up being labour intensive, either through misunderstanding of the original idea, or when they see it it becomes, can we add this and can you make it look like that, so define what is required.

If they are expected to maintain it, who are they going to use to maintin said site? Will you have to teach someone the basics to change things? If they have some one that knowledgable, they might as well build the site. (just speaking from personal experience here.) or will you set up something like contribute? I have had to go back into a site some was going to "take care" of and ended up completely rebuilding it.

If you can get a clear definition of what is wanted then you can arrive at a figure to charge. Set yourself an hourly rate and stick to it. You know how competant you are and there fore should know how long it will take to complete. As I say, just my advice and it is worth what you paid for it .

[digitaldude400d]

Very good advice Thunder!

[Mr Mikey]

Thanks for the info, very good advice. I think I will just point him towards one of the free website builders.

[billkay]

If it's work you want, take it. My web guy has a fee for the building/writing of each page, and an hourly rate for substituting images and smaller things like that. A contract stating the fees and when your portion of the job is complete should be a first step. I'd also include a proposal for upkeep on the site with hourly rates included.