Why I Use an Hourly-Rate Model
at A Working Website
When I founded A Working Website, I built it on a principle that’s guided me since 1993: Honesty and transparency are the cornerstones of lasting client relationships. That’s why I chose an hourly-rate model for all my services—and why I continue to use it today.
In this article, I want to give you a clear look at why I work this way, how it benefits my clients, and how it supports better websites, better businesses, and better partnerships.
Understanding Why I Use Hourly Billing
The hourly-rate model allows me to charge clients only for the time I actually spend working on their project. There’s no guessing, no hidden fees, and no inflated flat rates “just in case”. You pay for what you get—no more, no less.
It also gives you flexibility: If your project scope changes—as it often does—we can easily adapt without needing a full contract renegotiation.
Transparency Is Non-Negotiable
Transparency is important to me.
When I send an invoice, it’s detailed. It shows you what I did, how long it took, and what it cost. No surprises. No vague line items. Just clear, understandable billing.
That openness builds trust—and that’s exactly the kind of relationship I want to have with every client.
Flexibility to Match Real-World Projects
Real projects change. Websites evolve.
New features get added. Designs pivot. Priorities shift.
Hourly billing gives us both the flexibility to respond to those changes without pressure. You can add new requests or modify your goals, and I can immediately shift focus without locking you into rigid terms.
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Helping Small Businesses Succeed
Most of my clients are small businesses—people just like me.
I know budgets can be tight. By working hourly, you stay in control of your spending. You can scale your project up or down depending on your cash flow, comfort level, or evolving needs.
This makes it easier for you to start small, get results, and build from there.
Predictable, Stress-Free Budgeting
One of the biggest stresses for business owners is budgeting for outside services.
Because my pricing is simple and hourly, you know what to expect. You decide how many hours you want to commit to each month or each phase. No big lump-sum commitments. No “scope creep” financial nightmares.
Predictability makes working together easier, faster, and more comfortable.
Long-Term Benefits for Your Business
One of the biggest stresses for business owners is budgeting for outside services.
Because my pricing is simple and hourly, you know what to expect. You decide how many hours you want to commit to each month or each phase. No big lump-sum commitments. No “scope creep” financial nightmares.
Predictability makes working together easier, faster, and more comfortable.
No Financial Surprises—Ever
Since I bill based on real-time work and track every task, you’ll never be blindsided by unexpected costs.
You get regular updates. You see where time is going. You can even request caps or checkpoints if you want extra peace of mind.
That level of clarity keeps projects on track—and keeps trust intact.
Deliverables That Match Your Investment
When you invest in A Working Website, you’re not just buying hours. You’re buying tangible progress.
Every hour you pay for delivers real results you can see: a cleaner design, a faster website, better SEO, a smarter content strategy. There’s always a direct line between what you spend and what you get.
The Hourly-Rate Success Toolkit
Tools, Templates, and Tips to Build Stronger Client Relationships with Transparent Billing
What’s Inside:
- A simple Hourly-Rate Client Agreement Template (editable)
- A Time-Tracking Log Sheet (printable and digital)
- A Checklist: How to Explain Hourly Billing to Clients with Confidence
- Quick tips for avoiding scope creep and setting project boundaries
- A recommended list of free time-tracking tools (with links)
Growing Together
Many of my clients start with a few hours a month and grow into long-term partnerships.
Hourly billing gives us room to evolve. Whether you need simple updates today or a full redesign six months from now, my model adjusts as your needs (and business) grow.
The result of using an hourly-rate model? Stronger relationships. Better projects. More trust. And businesses that thrive.
Many of my long-term clients appreciate not just the work I do but the way we work together. That’s because when you combine transparent billing with real results, you build partnerships that last years—not just projects that last weeks.
Conclusion
At A Working Website, hourly billing isn’t just a pricing choice. It’s a philosophy.
It’s how I ensure fairness, flexibility, and transparency. It’s how I help small businesses grow. And it’s how I keep my commitment to honesty—in every hour, every invoice, and every project.
If that sounds like the kind of working relationship you’re looking for, let’s talk.
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Frequently Asked Questions About My Hourly-Rate Model
Choosing the right billing model is an important part of building a strong working relationship. Below are answers to some of the most common questions I get about how my hourly-rate model works, why I use it, and how it benefits you as a client. If you still have questions, I’m always happy to chat!
Why does A Working Website use an hourly model instead of flat project pricing?
Because every project is different. Hourly billing allows maximum flexibility and fairness—you pay only for the time you actually use.
How do you track and report hours?
I use professional time-tracking software to log every task. You’ll get detailed, transparent reports with your invoice.
Can I set a budget limit?
Absolutely. We can agree on hourly caps, checkpoints, or phased milestones—whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Which time tracking tool do you use?
I use Clockify because it’s reliable, easy to use, and gives me accurate time tracking without adding unnecessary costs—perfect for keeping my billing transparent and affordable for my clients.
How do I get started?
Simple. Book a free consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, estimate time, and design a plan that works for you—on your terms.
