Not sure how much to charge client

by Cryp
12 replies
Hey guys, its been a while

Anyways, I did a squeeze page for my friends web design business and I am not sure how much to charge him. The copy is killer if you ask me, but I'm biased

And since this is my first gig, I'm not sure how the page will convert :confused:. Maybe I can pm a couple of you (copy-demigods) the piece and you can give me a rough estimate.

Thanks!
#charge #client
  • Profile picture of the author colmodwyer
    Anyways, I did a squeeze page for my friends web design business and I am not sure how much to charge him.
    Wait... what?

    So you've already done the work without agreeing on a fee first (let alone taking payment up front)?

    Your client has the edge here. Being it's your friend you might not get screwed over, but in the real world they could offer you a $1... and it would beat getting paid nothing for work you've already done... which might also happen.

    Colm
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1993101].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cryp
    Thank you for your concern Colm, the project is a 2 prong process, part 1 is complete and he needs part 2 now. He needs both, is what I'm getting at.

    Okay back to the thread, any takers?
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1993246].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Scott Murdaugh
    It's still something you want to talk about and agree on before doing the work.

    It's also not really a question anyone here can answer. It's your first gig. It's your friend.

    Some business owners would shy away from spending $20 on a squeeze page. Some businesses may spend $20,000+ for essentially the same thing.

    There are copywriters on this forum who charge $100 for a sales letter, others charge $10,000+.

    I'd discuss it with your friend. He's the only one who can really give you an answer.

    -Scott
    Signature

    Over $30 Million In Marketing Data And A Decade Of Consistently Generating Breakthrough Results - Ask How My Unique Approach To Copy Typically Outsells Traditional Ads By Up To 29x Or More...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1993278].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cryp
    Hey Scott, he was like name your price. The problem for me is I'm not sure what the conversion rate will be, since this is my first test. Thus I want to give him a fair price.

    Thanks

    P.S Nice sales page
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1993396].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dtendrich
      Hey there,

      If this is your very first gig, and this is for a friend, I'd recommend either letting him take you out to dinner as compensation, or not charging anything.

      Now wait just a second! Hear me out...

      This is a great opportunity to build credibility. Your friend will be very appreciative and will gladly provide you with an awesome testimonial.

      Then you can leverage that testimonial to charge decent prices, and get more clients.

      Hope this helps!
      David
      Signature
      Copywriting Tips, internet marketing jargon, thoughts, and rants by me.

      Atlanta Copywriter, serving clients worldwide.

      Write your life.
      David Tendrich
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1993422].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
        Originally Posted by dtendrich View Post

        Hey there,

        If this is your very first gig, and this is for a friend, I'd recommend either letting him take you out to dinner as compensation, or not charging anything.

        Now wait just a second! Hear me out...

        This is a great opportunity to build credibility. Your friend will be very appreciative and will gladly provide you with an awesome testimonial.

        Then you can leverage that testimonial to charge decent prices, and get more clients.

        Hope this helps!
        David
        I agree with this.

        A lot of people are willing to work for free to get testimonials. Why not from a friend?

        If it works out for him, he'll get an idea how much to pay next time.

        And, if he's a good friend who appreciates what you've done for him... and he makes big bucks... maybe he'll make it really worth your while this time and the next.

        Also, check to see what marketing he does because that will make a big difference.

        You can't get conversions if there's no one looking.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1993471].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cryp
    No thanks, I'd rather give him a fair price for the sweat I put in instead of being afraid that the copy is no good ... when it is
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1995109].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Raydal
      Originally Posted by Cryp View Post

      No thanks, I'd rather give him a fair price for the sweat I put in instead of being afraid that the copy is no good ... when it is
      then you should have an idea how much YOUR sweat and tears cost.

      -Ray Edwards
      Signature
      The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1996501].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dtendrich
      Originally Posted by Cryp View Post

      No thanks, I'd rather give him a fair price for the sweat I put in instead of being afraid that the copy is no good ... when it is
      Hey,

      I think you misunderstood me...

      You're not doing it for free because you're afraid "the copy is no good."

      You're giving it to him for free to generate the good will for him to give you a killer testimonial. But, your call. If this is something you plan on doing for income a testimonial will go a much longer way than whatever fee you charge him.

      And a testimonial for something paid for is rarely as enthusiastic as someone who you went out of your way for to provide a free service to. Often when people pay you they feel they're entitled to a high level of service, so they can forget all that you do for them, and how much goes into it.

      But when you do it free, he'll feel the need to appreciate you back for doing him such a huge favor.

      Your call.

      David
      Signature
      Copywriting Tips, internet marketing jargon, thoughts, and rants by me.

      Atlanta Copywriter, serving clients worldwide.

      Write your life.
      David Tendrich
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1998858].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cryp
    Mark if I remembered correctly I did thank you in my very first pm. Thanks for publicly posting something between me and you.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1997514].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AwesomePossum
    What would you think about commission vs conversion rate??

    Like at 1% conversion you get a set commission.

    Then raise it from there...

    I mean both of you would be happy ya?

    Aaryn
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1997750].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MillionDollarCopy
    I'm with David. Go get yourself some sushi, sake, and red bean ice cream, complements of your buddy Grab an awesome testimonial for it and rock out. Ask him permission to use it in your portfolio, too.

    In the future, when not writing for friends, establish a rate and always get paid up front. (Never write on spec, either).

    Enjoy your meal,
    ~Renee
    Signature
    MillionDollarCopy.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2257963].message }}

Trending Topics