consulting question

[akaTigger]

I posted this Webmaster General, but think it's better addressed here...

Hi all,

Just came back from Chicago. Corporate was trying to get me to move there (they're closing our CA office). It's not a step up, and barely a lateral move, so I turned it down. We discussed my consulting to finish up some work on the web site. They've asked for a proposal.

The current project is site optimization - working w/ project managers to rewrite the text for SEO and organize the site into several themes. Any suggestions on what I should charge? And, should it be a quote for the total job or an estimate of time with an hourly rate? ??? What should I charge for continuing SEO?

This won't replace getting a full-time position, but the income supplement will be nice as long as it lasts.
BTW - Thanks to all at WmW for invaluable information exchange. This place Rocks!

[seth_wilde]

It's really a personal preference, but I would probably go hourly......

[Xoc]

If you quote a flat rate price, you had better make it outrageous. I quote flat rate at about 2 to 3 times what I estimate the job to be worth at an hourly rate. This covers all the risk I take on when the client gets wishy-washy. I still put limits on what that flat rate covers. Usually they are happy to go with my hourly rate, and then they feel like they got a bargain. I guess I should add that I have enough work coming in that I really don't care if I get a particular client or not, so I can afford to be firm on my pricing.

[akaTigger]

>> but I would probably go hourly

>>Usually they are happy to go with my hourly rate

So, what's the rate range out there?