​​Average Hourly Rates for Freelance Web Developers in Australia

5 Steps to Choose (And Raise) Your Hourly Rate

Now that we’ve looked at average hourly rates for each type of web developer, let’s look at how you could increase your rate as a freelancer in the market. We’ve got it down to 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Determine Your Value

There are many different ways to set your freelance rate, but the first step is to simply determine your potential value. To understand your value as a freelancer, you should first have a good look at different variables like your education, portfolio, and what your competitors charge.  

You can determine these by yourself, or ask some freelancing friends to help you. Databases like Lancebase are a great starting point because they allow you to see the exact rates of your competitors.

Step 2: Find the Right Client

Once you have a ballpark figure in mind, you should try to find the client that is right for you.

Of course, you should try to find a client that fits with the rate you’re looking for. Sometimes you come across clients that are simply not willing to pay your going rate. If so, it’s often better to say ‘no’.

But remember, you should put forward your hourly rate to the right target. For example, if you have settled on an hourly rate of $100, a small entrepreneur looking on Upwork will probably not be the target group for you. 

Step 3: Start the Negotiation Process

Once you have a good idea of your value, there are a number of tactics we recommend you apply in order to achieve an increase in your hourly rate.

For starters, we believe that you should let your prospective client outline their rate first. If, however, you are prompted to name a rate first, provide a specific hourly rate that satisfies your initial estimate for the project ahead. 

Then, once you’ve settled on a rate that takes into consideration your skillset and is appropriate for the project at hand, you should initiate the negotiating process by proposing a high rate as this will give you greater room in negotiations. 

Just be sure to stick with your set rate and avoid offering any promotions or discounts, as this approach has a negative impact on how your value is perceived, and is not be sustainable in the long-term.

Step 4: Build Lasting Relationships

Now that you’ve gotten your first contract at a new rate, it’s time to start building lasting relationships.

Establishing authentic relationships will help you grow as a freelancer, building trust and familiarity. This will surely attract future interest in you and your work. 

So try to present yourself with a personal story that effectively communicates to your clients your experience and what motivates you. The more personal, the better!

We at Lancebase believe that the key to developing relationships based on trust is to:

• Always demonstrate an interest in the needs of the client;
• Illustrate an understanding of the project at hand;
• Show relevant examples of your past work; and 
• Detail the exact costs that make up your rate.

Step 5: Build Your Brand & Derive More Value

As a freelancer, you need to think of yourself as a one-person business. And just like any other business, you will need a name, a personality and a language of communication. 

Unique features that only you exhibit must be memorable and worth talking about to make you stand out from your competition. All of these elements make up your personal brand and help you build your online presence.

Branding is a very powerful tool that you can use to boost your career. Having a personal brand not only helps you increase conversion rates, but it also makes it easier to land higher-paying clients.

If you keep these 5 steps in mind, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate your work as a freelancer in web development.