Pricing dilemma

Business
1

Hi, I’m new to the forum! I have a bit of a dilemma and I’m hoping some of you may be able to help me out?

I’ve been making websites since the early 2000s but as a passion and hobby. I never ventured into freelancing. Recently, I completed a college program in New Media and was able to learn more about the industry. I decided to try freelancing as a web designer to gain professional experience with clients but I’m not sure how to sort out pricing. I’ve done a lot of research on the topic and it seems to come down to your experience and charging what you believe you’re work is worth.

Hence, my dilemma… I’m inexperienced in the sense that I haven’t dealt with clients in the past. But I am knowledgable in design / front-end development and have been doing it on and off as a passion for over ten years. Should I be charging the same as a recent college graduate or as someone with years of experience?

I’m confident in my skills and my work but I’m not the most business-savvy designer and I don’t have any experience dealing with clients in this way. How can I work out a pricing system that doesn’t undervalue my skills or over-compensate given my lack experience with clients?

Any insight would be highly appreciated, thanks!

2

Let the market decide. Price yourself low and quickly up your rate until you find your price point. Being knowledgeable about font-end development but inexperienced with clients is kind of vague. If you are very talented and have god people skills, you can learn quickly and command a high rate. If not, then your experience and skill has very little value on the open market. So, I think the only answer is to get out there and start bidding on jobs, see how it unfolds.

3

Never price yourself low.

Surely if you’ve been active in the market since “2000” you have some idea of rates?

If not, start networking.

Go to seminars, go to events, talk with other freelancers.

Heck, if you’re not sure, get on the phone to some organizations and ask.