Not that it's a surprise, but developers, like graphic designers seem to have the same problem in being able to effectively deal with cut-rate hacks out there and clients not paying them what they feel they deserve. In response to several of them ranting on blog, I wrote this:
"I
posted early in this thread about developers complaining that their talents
were being cheapened by hacks that were offering bargain prices. I can
understand their frustration (it's like that in the graphic design world).
Since
that post I've also noticed that several additional developers write a "me
too" post, reminding readers that they offer services in this area. For
example:
Turnaround
- # of days
Starting
price - $Cost
Additional
pages - $Cost
www.somedeveloperswebsite.com
The
trouble with this approach is the developer is not giving designers ANY other
way to evaluate their firm other than price and speed. That's make them a
commodity...that drives down the price. If you only compete on price, you can
expect not to be paid well.
How
not to compete on price:
Developers,
take a look at what designers are complaining about in these posts...
*
Missing delivery dates
*
Inconsiderate, rude responses
*
Canceling projects
*
No phone support
*
Not responsive
*
No consistency when it comes to who is working on the project
Developers
- this is a golden opportunity for someone to come in, address these issues and
make a butt-load of money, who wants to step up?
"Hi, I would appreciate it if
you could add my site:
http://www.htmlboringwebcompany.com
Turnaround - 2 day
Starting price - $79
Additional pages - $40."
Looking
at this information we have no way of knowing if this company is good or bad,
do we? Instead of a memorable marketing message (addressing what designers
really want), this developer blandly blends into the 50+ developers scrounging just to be heard/seen on this web site. Since she/he only addresses price and turnaround they will only get business if they are by far the fastest or the cheapest - they're neither so I fear they aren't going to get any business at all.
Some creative freelancers just insist on competing on price and making no money
for their talents. o, it's not something to poke fun at; I feel badly for these
guys, they are frustrated that they're getting paid beans, but they don't feel
they need any marketing advice...and it's a shame, I address this challenge in the Being a Starving Artist Sucks book.
If you're tired of competing on price and can't figure out why clients don't pay you want you deserve, take a look at what you say to your clients, do you address their issues or just compete on price?
PS - Getting pissed at freelancers that cut their rate just to get business shouldn't bother you - besides, you're never going to be able to stop them. Your goal is to differentiate yourself in your clients' minds so they can clearly see you're a better choice.
Comments