Every time I discuss with a potential client, they love how fast and manageable a Webflow site will be but, hold on… once I talk about Hosting pricing, everything falls apart.
Seriously, you can tell me another fairytale story of the multiple temporary discounts and the benefits of Webflow but the client/customer will always take care of their pockets - I am even feeling the pain of the high hosting cost myself.
$240 a year on monthly plan ($192 yearly, not big difference) it’s just beyond
I will recommend you guys downsize the rates unless you want to have a lot free plan users just to play around with the tool.
I’ve been meaning to tally up services/tasks required to maintain a Wordpress site, if you use any of the popular hosts, you know they start you off at with a very low cost for hosting, security, backups and long list of other tools they suggest you purchase.
I find that those initial costs can really balloon once you get past a basic level (which is typically useless) and get to the level of tools/services that are really useful. Add to this you probably want to check the site quarterly or min. 2x per year for plugin or WP updates. They are not a big deal but everything takes time.
On the other side, if you have customers with websites that have pricing, or other critical info, giving a customer the ability to edit through the CMS (for those that would be lost in WP) can save them a lot more than just time.
There may be a compelling argument somewhere in here.
I think the hosting prices would be fine if there was a starter level. E.g custom domain and 1 content editor with designer as Admin for say $10/month. The CMS package is fine considering all the features but it’s over kill for startups and small businesses. we just need a starter tier to get clients started.
I’m about to sign a client and they’re happy with paying for hosting as I’ve pitched it with the wonderful features of Webflow, but what I’m not happy about is that there are still issues with the CMS scheduling, pagination, and it can get quite pricey. Ideally the cost structure would break down to something that’s similar to an Amazon model. Pay as you scale…
Whatever the hosting costs (it’s worth it), the client is saving a fortune on no developer costs and ongoing software maintenance costs. Wow, how hard it this to sell?
If you have no experience building and supporting custom sites built with a hodgepodge of apps or modules that are always needing upgrades and core update collisions, I can see the mental gap.
Don’t infect customers. Tell the value story. It’s as easy as making a PB&J sandwich.
Advertise the hosting costs upfront on your website (assuming you have one :)) so it does not come as a surprise to clients.
They should therefore be aware of the cost before they even start dialogue with you.
If they can’t afford it then perhaps these clients are not the ones you want?
What kind of business or business model can’t afford $5 per week ($20 pm CMS) to market their business/services? How much is a Starbucks coffee now a days at least a couple of dollars I imagine, perhaps this is a good camparision to make.
Businesses need to understand the value they are getting if they haven’t the budget then they should look elsewhere we should not compromise.
If their website ultimately brings in paying clients then there is a clear return on investment, it’s not money down the drain. Trouble is everyone wants something for nothing it is not realistic if they want a solid, quality product.
Summary
Be upfront early on with monthly costs so you don’t get clients who either don’t want or can afford the hosting cost. It should not be a surprise.
Explain the benefits of hosting with Webflow.
Tell them it’s ONLY $5 per week, and compare that with something like the price of a cup of takeaway coffee.
