As a rule of thumb, you can earn between $35 and $100 an hour. For a highly experienced, reputable online graphic designer, you can most likely expect about $50-60 per hour. The region of the country also influences the price, but since you are an online business, region doesn't factor into the equation as heavily. Consider pricing that is competitive and that compensates you at the level you feel is appropriate.

The complexity of the project may drive the cost higher so keep this in mind based on the level of work and research required. You are usually able to charge lower hourly rates due to the fact that you have lower overhead than a ‘brick and mortar' design firm - which gives you a competitive advantage.

The best way to price your services is:

1. Estimate the total number of hours you believe it will take to complete the design work.

2. Next, consider other indirect hours and work associated with the project such as uploading files, searching for images, image and layout corrections or changes, and any unforeseen costs. It is recommended you add about two hours for these types of things.

3. Multiply this by your desired hourly rate to come up with your project cost.

Price negotiation

Another word of caution – you may have clients who are interested in negotiating prices with you. At least initially, it is worth your time to consider this and to engage in discussion with them. Gaining experience or obtaining clients through this strategy can result in long-term relationships that will pay off in many ways.

Some reasons for price negotiation include:

• Potential for repeat business from this particular customer

• Building an expanded portfolio when you have limited experience to date

• Gaining experience in a new medium or for a new type of graphic design style, format, or layout

• Offering volume discounts for multiple projects from the same customer

Price negotiation is not unusual in the graphic design business, but do not allow it to lower the quality or professionalism of your work. If you agree to a price discount, your work should not be compromised in any way.

Negotiation may result in a highly satisfied and loyal customer. Remember that most people will tell at least five (5) more people if they are highly satisfied with your work. Your reputation grows exponentially with this word-of-mouth promotion and it proves to be valuable advertising.

Oh, and by the way - they will tell at least 20 people if they are dissatisfied with your work. Quality and timeliness count!

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