How to Create an Invoice for Your Web Design Services
A web design invoice is a document that a web designer sends to their client after completing work on a project. Web design invoices can be sent electronically or through the mail. Most web design invoices are payable via check or PayPal. Some web designers may also offer a payment plan option for their clients.
What do Web Designers do?
Web designers are a vital component of the website building process, typically working on the front-end of sites. They aim to make websites both visually appealing and functional. Web designers work closely with their clients to implement their needs and requests while offering recommendations based on their experience and expertise. The duties web designers are regularly responsible for completing include:
- Designing navigational elements
- Using HTML & CSS coding to design the layout and color schemes of sites
- Updating the website as required
- Creating site back-ups
- Troubleshooting design coding problems
How to Become a Web Designer
Web designers can be self-taught freelancers, so long they have a working understanding of HTML, other coding languages, and the basics of web design. Alternatively, they can get a formal education through a college program. Bachelor’s programs are increasing in popularity within the field due to students wanting to stay competitive. Due to the online focus of web design, many universities and colleges offer programs partially or entirely online. Four (4) year college majors applicable for web design include Web Development, Graphic Design, and Information Technology.
How to Charge for Web Design
Web designers can work as freelancers or as an employee for an established company. When freelancing, they typically charge their services hourly, with their rate being dependent on their experience and specialties. In the freelance world, there are no set prices for web design (or any other freelance job). Pricing comes down to 1) the freelancer’s confidence, 2) the amount of experience and education on their resume, 3) the quality of the work in their portfolio, and 4) the scale of their project. The best advice is to research rates of comparable designers and construct a detailed budget that contains monthly and yearly costs. Add an amount for desired savings, estimate the number of annual worked hours, and divide the preferred salary by the number of hours. By considering all of this information, the designer can establish an appropriate hourly rate.
Web Designer Salary & Hourly Rate ($/hr)
Salary: $91,583/yr (source: Glassdoor) Hourly Rate: $20.36/hr (source: Payscale)
Where to Find Work as a Web Designer
Here are some websites where you can market yourself as a freelance web designer:
- Upwork – One of the largest marketplaces for freelancers.
- Dribbble – Popular among designers.
- SolidGigs – Receive jobs tailored to your skillset via email several times a week.
- Envato Studio – Specifically for developers and designers.
- Working Not Working – A pool of freelance talent from which large companies draw talent.
Key Elements of a Web Design Invoice
A web design invoice should contain the following elements:
- Name and address of web design business
- Customer’s name and contact information
- Descriptions of work completed
- Charges associated
- Total payment owing
- Payment terms
- Payment methods
The invoice can be generated manually using programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. The invoice can be exported as a PDF and emailed to a client or delivered via snail mail. For simpler, faster invoice generation and tracking, use an online invoice generator such as Invoice Maker.