TL;DR
- Monthly works best if you need changes most months. It costs less per hour, with no surprise bills.
- Hourly works for a rare one-off fix.
- Per project works for a defined job, like a new website, with a fixed quote.
- Website care is separate. Updates, backups, and security belong on a support plan, however you pay for changes.
Three Ways to Pay for Website Help
- Monthly (Webmaster Retainer): a set block of hours each month for your website requests. No contract.
- Hourly (one-off): a single job billed at our regular hourly rate.
- Per project: a fixed quote and a signed proposal for a defined job, like a new website.
Which One Fits Your Business?
- Choose monthly if you send changes most months, or you have a backlog to clear.
- Choose hourly if you rarely need changes. If you need help even every few months, a one-hour monthly plan usually costs less.
- Choose a project if the work has a clear start and finish.
Why Monthly Usually Costs Less
As we tell clients, “The more hours each month, the better the hourly rate.”
- Lower hourly rate. Retainer hours cost less than our regular hourly rate, and the rate drops as your plan grows.
- No surprise bills. You know your cost each month, and we tell you before you go over your hours.
- Flexible. There’s no contract, so you can adjust the plans as your needs change.
The details are in How Do Webmaster Retainer Hours Work?
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Use a retainer for ongoing changes. It’s the lowest cost per hour.
- Get a proposal for big jobs. A new website or a major new feature gets a written proposal with the price and scope spelled out.
- Keep your site on a support plan. Content changes and website care are two different jobs. See What’s Included in a WordPress Support Plan or Webmaster Retainer?
:: Common Questions ::
Do I Need a Support Plan If I Pay for Changes as I Go?
Yes. Paying as you go covers changes. A support plan covers updates, backups, and security, which your site needs whether or not you change it.
Can I Switch Between Options?
Yes. Retainer plans are month to month, so you can move up, move down, or cancel before your next renewal.
Is There a Minimum Charge for One-Off Work?
See How Much Do Website Changes Cost, and Is There a Minimum Charge?
Not Sure Which Option Fits?
Request a consultation, or compare plans on our Webmaster Retainer page.
