One of the hardest parts about starting a web design business isn’t learning the software — it’s figuring out what to charge.
If you’re new, it can feel awkward to ask for money when you’re still building confidence. You don’t want to undercharge, but you also don’t want to scare people away. I’ve been there.
Let’s talk about how to price your web design services in a way that feels fair, realistic, and sustainable — without guessing or comparing yourself to every other designer online.
Forget the “charge your worth” advice
You’ve probably heard this one: “Charge your worth!”
And while it sounds empowering, it’s not very helpful when you have no idea what that number actually is.
When you’re new, focus less on what you’re “worth” and more on what your time, skill, and service are worth to your client. A website that helps someone attract clients or book services has real business value — and that’s what they’re paying for.
Start by estimating:
- How long a project takes you
- What tools you pay for (Showit subscription, Canva Pro, etc.)
- How much prep and client communication are involved
Then use that to come up with a rate that makes sense for now. You can raise it as your confidence and speed grow.
Start small — but not too small
You don’t need to charge thousands right out of the gate, but you also shouldn’t be doing $200 websites just to “get experience.”
Low prices attract low-commitment clients — the ones who want endless revisions and disappear halfway through the project.
Instead, start at a rate that feels fair for both sides. Something like:
- $800–$1,200 for a full basic website
- $400–$600 for a single landing page or sales page
These ranges give you enough to cover your time and still be accessible to your first few clients. Once you’ve finished 2–3 projects, bump your rates by 20–30%.
Offer simple, clear packages
One thing that makes pricing easier for both you and your clients? Packages.
Instead of hourly rates (which can get confusing fast), create 2–3 simple options like:
Starter Website — Up to 3 pages + basic setup
Full Website — Up to 6 pages + custom design
VIP Day or Week — Design + launch in a focused timeline
This makes it easy for clients to understand what they’re getting — and easy for you to quote without overthinking it.
Stop comparing your prices to other designers
Scrolling through other people’s pricing pages can make you second-guess everything.
But here’s the truth: everyone’s situation is different. Some designers have been doing this for 10 years. Some outsource parts of their work. Some live in places with very different cost-of-living.
Your prices don’t have to match anyone else’s — they just have to work for you.
The most important thing is that you’re actually charging something and not working for free. Every project builds your confidence, experience, and portfolio.
Focus on value, not just time
Clients aren’t paying you for the number of hours you spend — they’re paying for the result.
If your design helps them attract clients, increase sales, or elevate their brand, that’s valuable. As you start delivering results like that, your prices should reflect it.
That’s how you grow from “beginner” to fully booked designer.
Ready to make pricing feel easier?
If you want a clear roadmap for setting up your design business (including what to charge, how to find clients, and how to get started without coding), grab my free training here:
🎓 Start Your Web Design Business with Zero Experience
You’ll get:
✅ My 3-step plan to launch your web design business
✅ Tips for attracting and booking clients who pay what you’re worth
✅ A free Web Design Starter Kit with my favorite tools + templates
You don’t need to guess your prices anymore — you just need a plan that works.
Melissa Lunt is the founder of Superhero Design, a template shop specializing in high-converting Showit website templates for coaches, photographers, and creative entrepreneurs. With over 10 years of experience designing brands and websites, she helps business owners launch beautiful, strategic sites without the designer price tag or tech stress. Melissa is passionate about creating handcrafted templates that don’t just look custom—they actually book clients. When she’s not designing, you’ll find her drinking coffee, spending time with family and exploring the outdoors.
Explore Showit templates and launch resources at superherodesign.co.
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