Website Development

• Though a business owner may realize the importance of having a website for his business, he may not have even basic Web programming skills, which means you must make his website from start to finish. Web designers typically charge between $50 and $500 per Web page as of 2011, according to Cost Helper. Consider a higher rate if a client wants more than design, such as ecommerce software or a blog. Teach the client to use a content management system when you deliver the finished website so he can edit the content himself without disturbing your code. You might charge a fee to install the management system, especially if you choose commercial software.
  
  

Template Customization

• A client may want you to customize a template she's downloaded from the Internet to better fit her company's needs, rather than hiring you to build a website from scratch. This is a more cost-effective option for the client since website templates are often less than $100. The work involved in customizing a template varies per project, so your fee should vary accordingly. Web designers commonly charge about $200 for such projects.
  
  

Commission

• Join an affiliate program to make more money from your Web design projects. Web hosting companies often pay commission to Web designers who refer clients to their service, the amount of which depends on the price of the service the referral buys. Choose your affiliate programs carefully since your clients may judge your business based on the Web hosting service you suggest. Consider whether or not you would use the service yourself and only become an affiliate if the answer is yes.
  
  

Joining a Firm

• Due in part to their higher operating costs, Web design firms charge more on average than independent Web designers. While an independent designer might charge $500 per page, a design firm might charge almost $1,700. You may or may not earn more money per project by joining a Web design firm, so ask a company representative how much the average employee makes before taking a job with one.