How do digital agencies get revenues? There are three main ways to do this: Charge by the hour, charge based on ROI for paid media, or set a fixed price for services. Of these, the first option is the easiest, while the latter is the best option for small agencies. In this article, I will discuss each one in more detail. But first, let’s define the two main ways of charging. What is the most profitable model for your agency?
Charge client by the hour
One of the most popular ways for digital agencies to make a profit is to charge their clients by the hour. This method ensures a profit for the agency and is particularly useful when the scope of a project is not clear and the exact size is unknown. It should also take the mystery out of project costs. Here are a few benefits of hourly billing:
A per project pricing model is the best option for jobs that require a substantial amount of time, such as the creation of a new product. The project must be weighted and a package price set. Clients who want to start something new or need to keep an existing website in place should opt for per project pricing. The agency must know how much time the project will take, so that they can budget for extra hours. This is the riskiest method for collecting payments, but it is the most effective option for most digital agencies.
In addition to the cost of tools, software, and equipment, professional digital agencies have to pay staff salaries and benefits. They must also pay for equipment, supplies, and office space. Then they must cover the cost of operating the agency, including rent, utilities, and equipment. In addition to this, they also have to spend on advertising, travel, and accommodation, which can further add to the costs of running a digital agency.
Whether to charge by the hour or charge by the project is up to the agency. It is important to note that hourly pricing is a more efficient way to generate revenue than project-based rates. Although the former model has many advantages, it is still difficult to justify to clients who are on a tight budget. The client also faces the risk of being overcharged. Instead, agencies should keep in mind that they should reserve project-based pricing for the more experienced ones.
Another key benefit of hourly pricing is its flexibility. Agencies can easily adjust their hourly rates to meet the needs of their clients. The only drawback is that clients can’t control the hours they spend working on their projects, so a project-based model is ideal for those agencies that have limited resources. But this model can reap rewards if the project is long-term. In addition to being flexible, this pricing model also keeps track of profitability and efficiency.
Charge client based on ROI of paid media
When working with an advertising agency, there are three main factors to consider when measuring the ROI of paid media campaigns. The total amount of money spent on the advertising must be taken into account, since not all of it is profitable. Revenue per acquisition (ROA), which measures the conversion rate of website visitors, should be measured. ROI can only be measured when all costs associated with the campaign are accounted for. ROAS can be calculated by taking the total revenue from the ad campaign and dividing that by the total cost of the campaign.
Charge client based on fixed price
The hourly rate is the easiest way to bill a client. However, it can be difficult to estimate the final project cost, and agencies may have difficulty keeping up with requests for revisions. If the project is not complete in the time allotted, they may have to increase their fees or switch to a different pricing model. Here are some ways to manage the hourly rate for your agency.
To charge clients based on a fixed price, you should know your client’s needs, their goals, and how your time impacts their bottom line. Even if you have a great deal of experience, you still have to determine the value of your work. A fixed fee can be a valuable tool to maximize revenue for digital agencies. A flat fee may not be the most profitable method, but it can be a good starting point.
Another option is to charge based on the value you bring to a client. This can be based on the amount of leads generated by Facebook ads, or conversion rates for a landing page. If you have a high-quality product, clients will likely be more willing to pay for it. But beware of surprises – one common surprise is the last-minute scope change. As a result, ensure that your contracts cover the unexpected.
There are different types of pricing models, each with its own pros and cons. Most agencies start off by charging by the hour and move on to a value-based pricing model as their client list grows. Clients usually find hourly pricing the easiest to understand and sell, so if you’re just starting out, start off with an hourly model and see which suits you best. You may even be able to mix the two.
Another option is charging the client based on a fixed point total for each campaign project. For example, an agency might calculate the number of hours it will take to complete a campaign and multiply that estimate by an hourly rate. This method works best for services with clear endpoints and deliverables. This method emphasizes expertise over hours spent on the project and rewards quick turnaround time and value for the client.
Pricing your services appropriately and accurately is the key to getting the right profits. While it can be difficult to set a fixed price, the process will be much easier if you have a clear understanding of how each service works. If you have no idea how to do this, you can turn to an outsourced accounting company like Ignite Spot. These companies specialize in identifying pricing models for digital agencies and will guide you in the right direction.
