Freelancer Pricing Strategy for Beginners in Web Design

Introduction: Why Pricing Is So Confusing for Beginner Web Designers

Starting a freelance career in web design is exciting — you’re finally in control of your projects, your clients, and your income. But then comes the tricky part:
“How much should I charge?”

At TaskTribune, we know that pricing your work can be one of the hardest first steps. Charge too little, and you risk burnout. Charge too high, and you might scare away clients. The truth is, the right freelancer pricing strategy can help you attract serious clients, earn fairly, and build confidence in your new career.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know to price your web design services the smart way — even if you’re just getting started.

Step 1: Understand Your Real Value

Many beginners think they should charge less because they’re new — but here’s the secret:
You’re not just selling “a website.” You’re selling a solution that helps clients grow their business.

When you design a website that improves conversions, builds credibility, or helps a small business stand out online, that’s real value. And your rate should reflect that.

Ask yourself:

• How much time and effort do I invest in each project?
  
• What business problems am I solving through design?
  
• What tools, skills, and creativity do I bring?
  

Once you understand your value, pricing becomes less about guessing — and more about fairness.

Step 2: Hourly vs. Project-Based Pricing

There’s no single right way to charge clients — it depends on the type of work you do.

Hourly Pricing

• Best for short-term tasks, maintenance, or quick fixes.
  
• Ideal for beginners who want flexibility.
  
• Typical beginner rate (2025): $15–$25/hour
  

Project-Based Pricing

• Best for complete websites or branding packages.
  
• Clients know the total cost upfront.
  
• Encourages efficiency and rewards experience.
  
• Typical beginner rate: $300–$600 per 5-page site
  

✅ Pro Tip:
Use hourly pricing for small tasks and project pricing for larger builds. This gives clients options while helping you manage time better.

Step 3: Key Factors That Should Shape Your Rates

When deciding your price, consider:

1. Your experience level: Beginners can start lower, but never undervalue your time.
   
2. Project complexity: A simple landing page vs. a custom eCommerce site.
   
3. Client type: Startups may have smaller budgets; agencies or brands often pay more.
   
4. Time commitment: Include research, design, revisions, and communication hours.
   
5. Tools used: Webflow, WordPress, Figma, or Elementor — your expertise adds value.
   

Example:

A beginner designing a basic WordPress business site could charge $400–$600.
Adding SEO setup or custom animations? That could raise it to $800+.

Step 4: Research the Market and Competitors

Before setting your rate, see what other freelancers charge. Browse Upwork, Fiverr Pro, and Freelancer.com to compare.

Skill Level	Hourly Rate	5-Page Website Price
Beginner	$15–$25	$300–$600
Intermediate	$30–$50	$700–$1,200
Expert	$60+	$1,500+

Use these numbers as a starting point, not a limit. You can always increase your rate as your skills and client base grow.

Step 5: Calculate Your Ideal Rate

If you want a simple formula to set fair pricing, try this:

(Monthly Income Goal + Business Expenses) ÷ Billable Hours = Hourly Rate

Example:
If you want to earn $2,500/month and estimate 100 billable hours:

($2,500 + $200 expenses) ÷ 100 = $27/hour

That gives you a practical, livable rate that’s based on your goals, not random guessing.

Step 6: Common Pricing Mistakes Beginners Make

Avoid these rookie mistakes that can ruin your confidence (and your income):

🚫 Charging too low just to win clients
🚫 Forgetting to include revision time
🚫 Not asking for a deposit before starting
🚫 Ignoring taxes and platform fees
🚫 Saying “yes” to every project — even bad fits

✅ Pro Tip:
“Clients who value your work will never argue with fair pricing. Cheap clients usually cost you more time, not less.”

Step 7: How to Raise Your Rates Confidently

You don’t need to stay at your beginner rates forever. Once you’ve completed 3–5 projects or received great testimonials, it’s time to increase your rates by 10–20%.

Try saying this to clients:

“My new pricing reflects the extra value, experience, and faster delivery I can now offer.”

Confidence matters — when you believe in your work, clients will too.

Step 8: Proven Pricing Strategies That Work in 2025

1. Tiered Packages:
   Offer three options — Basic, Standard, Premium — so clients can choose.
   
   • Basic: $300 (simple site)
     
   • Standard: $600 (with content + mobile optimization)
     
   • Premium: $900+ (SEO, animations, full support)
     
2. Value-Based Pricing:
   Price your work based on the value it brings.
   Example: A $1,000 website that helps a business earn $10,000 is worth it.
   
3. Retainer Model:
   Offer monthly packages for updates or maintenance ($150–$300/month).
   
4. Add-Ons:
   Charge separately for extras like SEO setup, speed optimization, or logo design.

Step 9: Psychology of Pricing — Make Clients Say “Yes”

• Use rounded numbers ($500 vs. $497).
  
• Show your past results or testimonials.
  
• Highlight benefits, not features (e.g., “faster website” → “more sales”).
  
• Use phrases like “custom pricing based on project needs” — it sounds professional and flexible.
  

Step 10: Turn Pricing Into Power, Not Pressure

At the end of the day, your freelancer pricing strategy should feel empowering — not stressful.
Start fair, stay consistent, and always aim to improve your craft.

Remember:

You’re not being paid for just design hours — you’re being paid for experience, creativity, and the value you bring to every client.

At TaskTribune, we believe every beginner web designer can build a successful freelance career with confidence — and smart pricing is the first big step.

FAQs

Q1: How much should a beginner web designer charge per hour?
Beginners typically charge between $15–$25/hour, depending on project complexity and tools used.

Q2: What’s better — hourly or project-based pricing?
Use hourly for small tasks, and project-based for complete site builds or branding projects.

Q3: When should I raise my rates?
After a few successful projects or strong client feedback — usually within 3–6 months.

Q4: How can I avoid undercharging?
Always include time for revisions, research, and client communication in your estimate.