That's a great question, and for something like a web development project using no-code or low-code, my approach to pricing is all about transparency and tailoring it to what you actually need. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal.
Here’s generally how I figure out the price:
Understanding Your Project (The Discovery Bit): First things first, we'd have a good chat. I need to really get what you're trying to achieve – what kind of website or app is it? What features are absolutely essential? Who's going to be using it? The more I understand your vision and the specific problems you're trying to solve, the better I can estimate.
Scope of Work – What Needs Doing?: Based on our chat, I'll outline exactly what's involved. This includes things like:
Complexity: Is it a simple landing page, a multi-page website with a blog, or a more complex web application with user logins, databases, and integrations? Building a basic portfolio site is different from, say, a custom internal tool for your team.
Design: Are you providing a design, do you need something based on a template, or are we talking custom design work within the no-code/low-code platform?
Key Features: What specific functionalities are needed? E-commerce capabilities, membership areas, complex forms, integrations with other software (like your CRM or email marketing tools), automation workflows – all these play a part.
Content: Will you be providing all the content (text, images, videos), or do you need help with that side of things?
Platform Choice: The specific no-code or low-code platform we decide to use (Webflow, Bubble, Softr, Adalo, etc.) can sometimes influence the time and effort involved, as each has its own strengths and learning curve for complex features.
Estimated Time & Effort: Once I have a clear scope, I estimate the amount of time and effort it will take to deliver each part of the project – from initial planning and design, through development and testing, to launch and handover.
My Value & Expertise: My pricing also reflects the experience and strategic thinking I bring to the table. It's not just about building something; it's about building the right thing, efficiently, and setting you up for success. This includes understanding how to best structure things on the chosen platform, how to integrate tools effectively, and how to create a good user experience.
Project-Based vs. Hourly (Usually Project-Based): More often than not, I'll provide a project-based price. This means you get a clear, upfront cost for the agreed-upon scope of work. This way, there are no surprises, and you know exactly what you're investing. For smaller, very specific tasks or ongoing support, an hourly rate might sometimes make sense, but for a full build, a project price is usually better for everyone.
So, in a nutshell, I'll listen carefully to what you need, define what needs to be done, estimate the work involved, and then give you a clear, project-based price. It's all about making sure you get great value and a fantastic end product.