Once you have as many details as possible, you can then decide on a path for the project. For example, you may conclude that the site should run on WordPress or another content management system (CMS).<\/p>\n
From there, there may be other plugins or custom development required. And, let\u2019s not forget about hosting requirements. Be sure to include the cost of any software or services that you’ll bill for in your estimate.<\/p>\n
![\"Ask](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/speckyboy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/manageable-project-estimates-01.jpg?resize=900%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n
Determine a Timeline<\/h2>\n
Next, it\u2019s time to estimate how long the project will take and if you will be able to meet any deadlines<\/a> the client has set. If you don\u2019t believe that the client\u2019s timeline is reasonable, do your best to explain why. Most clients want the job done right and will understand if that means adjusting the launch date to ensure quality.<\/p>\n The timeline is also crucial in determining the price of a project. If the client needs to have the project delivered in a very short amount of time (relative to its size and scope), then you need to charge accordingly.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth noting that deadlines tend to change as a project moves forward. For example, some clients may struggle to put content together once they realize how much work is involved. This can lead to delays in getting things done.<\/p>\n Estimates shouldn\u2019t ignore this possibility. One way to acknowledge this is to stipulate that all client-provided project assets need to be provided within a certain timeline to meet any agreed-upon launch date.<\/p>\n If this is a particularly large project or one that requires skills you don\u2019t possess, you may need to outsource specific tasks to a third-party contractor.<\/p>\n Take time to review the project with any contractors to get an idea of how much they will charge for their expertise. This way you\u2019ll be able to accurately charge your client and avoid a situation where you end up losing money.<\/p>\n The timeline is also a factor here. You\u2019ll want to make sure that all parties can complete their tasks within the specified dates. Otherwise, you and your client could be left waiting for that final piece to be put into place.<\/p>\n This may be the hardest part of creating estimates. Flexibility is all about factoring in those unexpected time and technical issues into the cost of a project. After all, it\u2019s rare that a web project will take exactly the amount of time that you anticipate. This is where web professionals often lose out.<\/p>\n Think of your initial estimate as a bit of wishful thinking. You may believe that implementing a new feature will go smoothly or that migrating<\/a> data from a client\u2019s old Drupal site to WordPress will go off without a hitch. In reality, things don\u2019t always work out this way.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why building in a bit of a \u201cbuffer zone\u201d is a worthwhile. The idea is not to overcharge the client but to try and anticipate those little hiccups that happen along the way. Charge for a little more time than you think you\u2019ll need because you most likely will<\/em>\u00a0need it.<\/p>\n If you happen to deliver the project with time to spare, you could always throw in something extra to even things out.<\/p>\n Last but not least, be sure to let the client know exactly what is and isn\u2019t included in your estimate.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve all had clients who, during a project, decide to add new bells and whistles. That can completely throw off your profit margin (not to mention your schedule).<\/p>\n Estimates should nip this type of scope creep<\/a> in the bud. Kindly explain that you\u2019ll be glad to add new feature requests into the mix. However, it will incur an extra cost and take more time.<\/p>\n Projects often evolve after the initial work begins \u2013 and that\u2019s OK. But that doesn\u2019t mean you should be taken advantage of. Set the ground rules early so that clients understand how any additional work will be handled.<\/p>\n There are so many things to think of when creating estimates. It\u2019s easy to make mistakes. I\u2019ve made more than my fair share through the years.<\/p>\n The key is to gather as much information as you possibly can before committing to a price. Then be honest with both the client and yourself regarding what it will take to deliver.<\/p>\n Keeping the full requirements of the project in mind will help you provide honest and accurate estimates. The result is that you are getting paid exactly what your services are worth.<\/p>\n The post How to Create Manageable Web Project Cost Estimates<\/a> appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source: Specky Boy<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/speckyboy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/manageable-project-estimates-02.jpg?resize=900%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nConsider the Role of Third Parties<\/h2>\n
Build Flexibility into Your Terms<\/h2>\n
Be Detailed in What\u2019s Included<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Bottom Line<\/h2>\n