If you’re asking questions like “how much will it cost to build a new website” or “how much does it cost to hire a Storybrand Certified Guide?”, you’re in good company.
When talking with a business owner or nonprofit leader, it doesn’t take long for us to land on the topic of pricing. It’s important because as a fellow business owner myself, I know how important it is to work within a budget.
That’s why I start every free consultation with a potential client reassuring them they’ll walk away knowing:
-
- Exactly what I recommend they need based on our conversation
- A typical timeline for the work discussed
- An investment, the cost, it will take to complete the work
These are the 3 most important things any savvy person wants to know when exploring how to solve their marketing challenges. My commitment to them, and to you should we ever connect, is that if my team and I are not the right fit to solve your problem, I’ll do everything I can to find you the right fit. I won’t pretend that I can help just to win your business.
Most people seek me out needing a website, marketing strategy, copywriting, or another deliverable because they’re facing a challenge. They don’t love to write, or can’t code, or have too much on their plate to do it all.
This naturally means that timing is important. So, when I share that the average custom website project takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete, that can feel like an eternity. But, there are a number of ways timelines can be expedited (not always with bigger budgets either) which is why we explore your important deadlines and then build a plan to match.
Lastly, and the purpose of this piece, price. It’s frustrating to search a website, book a call, talk with an expert, and still have no clue how much that website project will cost until they send over a proposal afterward. Yet, so many agencies parade business owners through this dog and pony show.
So, let me walk you through how much it costs to hire a Storybrand Certified Guide like me to help with your marketing efforts now so you feel confident and know what to expect should we ever do business together.
Step 1: Let’s confirm exactly what you need.
If you’re familiar with the StoryBrand framework, then you know the power of clarifying your message and creating a sales funnel. You’ve already got a leg up on the competition because you want to create a compelling story that positions your customer or client as the hero or the story—and you as the guide to lead them to ultimate success. But beyond understanding what the end goal of Storybrand is, it’s challenging to actually do it.
Here are the most common marketing projects needed for anyone looking to utilize the power of the StoryBrand framework.
Clarifying Your Message
This involves creating a brandscript for your business or nonprofit which you can do for free right here. The problem is doing it for yourself for the first time is almost like trying to read the label from inside the bottle. The benefit of hiring a Storybrand Certified Guide to help you with this is you know it’s done right.
Messaging is the foundation of all your marketing and helps you build a strong website and marketing strategy. Pricing for this varies based on how many target audiences you have, your business model, and any unique requests you come to the table with. That being said, expect this service to come with an investment ranging from $1500-$3000.
I include a Brand Message Guide with each brandscript package I sell so that you leave with a brandscript, a sales letter, one-liner, sample email subject lines, and social media posts, and best practices for continuing to implement throughout your business or nonprofit.
Approximate Investment: $1500-$3000
Copywriting
Nonprofit executives or business owners who request copywriting services using the Storybrand framework know the power of having the right words. Whether in print or online, it’s words that sell your product, service, or cause.
And while I offer copywriting for brochures, print materials, digital ads, and more, the most common copywriting requests I receive are for websites, emails, social media, and sales funnels.
Again, pricing varies here based on your specific needs, but here are some approximate costs you can expect from me—or a similarly-priced conversion copywriter.
Website Copy (5-10 pages): $4500-$6500
Lead Generating PDF: $1500-$3500
Email Sequence (5 emails): $3000-$4500
Websites
Not everyone knows the importance of a clear message or scroll-stopping copy, but it’s becoming a universal understanding that any business or nonprofit needs a website to thrive in today’s crowded marketplace.
And here’s the truth: you can build your own site on a platform like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace.
Or, if you are an enterprise brand needing deep custom design and development the scope could easily hit six figures.
The reality is your brand likely falls somewhere in the middle, right? So here’s how to walk into any sales conversation with confidence—come prepared to answer these questions.
- Does your site only consist of content or does it all include e-commerce? Content is valuable information that compels a reader to take action. E-Commerce includes selling products through an online store (think Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.). The general rule of thumb is any e-commerce elements represent a larger investment.
- Do you have existing branding in place? To build a website, you’ll need a logo (preferably in vector format), fonts, and colors to represent your brand. If you don’t have these elements already, I can still help but that will increase the scope and cost of the project.
- How many pages do you need? Most standard websites we create for clients have at least 5-10 pages—homepage, about page, service(s) page, contact page, and a blog or resources page are the most common. Nonprofit websites typically have a donate page and our work page as well.
Again, as expected, pricing varies here based on your specific needs, but here are some approximate costs you can expect to see. These prices reflect a scope of messaging, custom copywriting, and website design.
If you opt for a done-with-you model, we share the responsibility of writing or design (depending on your skills and preference) which can help reduce your investment.
Plus, it’s also worth noting that our specialty is working in WordPress. Yes, we do work in other platforms but 95% of the sites we build and manage are in WordPress.
5-10 Page Website (Content): $5000-$15000+
5-10 Page Website (Content and E-Commerce): $8000-$18000+
It’s also important to note that pricing for every website comes with either a pay-in-full or monthly option. During your free consultation, we’ll identify the scope and determine which payment option works best for your business or nonprofit organization.
Sales Funnels
The power of hiring a StoryBrand Certified Guide to create a sales funnel is we create a system that works 24/7 on your behalf. I cover the five simple steps to creating a winning sales funnel inside this free resource. The beauty of this marketing strategy is it incorporates a clear message, the right words (copywriting), and a compelling website that works together to build trust with your target audience.
Although each sales funnel should be unique, my typical sales funnel package includes solidifying the right message (using the StoryBrand framework), creating the right content (website copy, a lead generator, and an automated email sequence), and displaying it all on a beautiful website.
Now, a standard sales funnel is not for everyone, but I almost guarantee the elements that make one up will apply to your context. Quick note for all nonprofit leaders: in your context, we will likely modify our strategy to create a marketing funnel or fundraising funnel since sales are rarely your first objective.
Again, as expected, pricing varies here based on your specific needs (tired of hearing that yet?), but here are some approximate costs you can expect to see.
Sales Funnel (Clear Messaging, Lead Generating PDF, Email Sequence, and 5-10 Page Website): $9500-$20000+
For example, here are my most common packages.
The Sales Funnel Bundle – Lite $8,800
This done-with-you approach gives you everything you need to launch a robust sales funnel and includes:
- Brand messaging package
I host a workshop to equip you to write your own brand message and then help you refine that message so it can be used in all future marketing efforts.
- Website (5-10 pages)
I coach you through the process of writing your own copy and then take the content you’ve created to bring everything to life on the design of your site (5-10 pages)
- Lead Generator
I coach you through writing your lead generator and then bring your content to life with compelling design. Plus, we’ll set it all up on your website and email marketing software.
- Email Sequence
I coach you through writing your email sequence with proven templates and then set it all up to complete this crucial element of your sales funnel.
This package is perfect for:
- Business and nonprofit leaders who have read Building a StoryBrand or Marketing Made Simple and are ready to take full advantage of the framework
- Organizations who need a marketing system that will make or raise money while they sleep
- The Owner or team who has tried to “StoryBrand” their business or nonprofit, but keeps hitting roadblocks
- Organizations who believe in the value of a sales funnel but have a limited budget and are willing to take a done-with-you approach on the writing.
This package can also be paid out monthly over 12 months too.
The Sales Funnel Bundle $16,500
This done-for-you approach gives you everything you need to launch a robust sales funnel and includes:
- Brand messaging package
I host a workshop to clarify your brand message and deliver a custom brand message guide to give you confidence in executing your message throughout all your marketing efforts.
- Website (5-10 pages)
I turn your brand message into 5-10 pages of custom copy written and designed for you on a brand new, optimized website in WordPress.
- Lead Generator
I write a custom content piece (checklist, guide, white paper, etc.) designed with your audience in mind and then design it to professionally match your existing brand. Plus, we’ll set it all up on your website and email marketing software.
- Email Sequence
I write a five-part email sequence that follows the download of your lead generator and then set it all up in your email software to complete this crucial element of your sales funnel.
This package is perfect for:
- Business and nonprofit leaders who have read Building a StoryBrand or Marketing Made Simple and are ready to take full advantage of the framework
- Organizations who a marketing system that will make or raise money while they sleep
- The Owner or team who has tried to “StoryBrand” their business or nonprofit, but keeps hitting roadblocks
- Established businesses and nonprofits who have not touched their website in years or are not fully utilizing email marketing
- Organizations that need better results from their most important digital asset
This package can also be paid out monthly over 12 months too.
The Grow As You Go Website (1 Page Website)
We’ve built the Grow As You Go Website (a $5,289 value) to be a “no-brainer” option that makes sense for small businesses and nonprofits that need a “budget-friendly”, compelling, and captivating website.
We handle all of the traditional upfront costs that typically become the barrier to you getting the story-based, effective website your brand needs to thrive and grow.
This one-page website is specifically designed to help you launch (or optimize) your digital front door in a way that grows to meet the changing needs of your brand over time.
After launch, you’re only responsible for your website care plan ($287/mo). Get all the details, determine if this is the right approach for your website, and apply here.
The Core Website (3 Pages) $5,550
This website can also be paid out at $462/mo over 12 months. This is the starter website you need to turn browsers into buyers and includes:
- A Messaging & Strategy Workshop
- Copywriting (3 pages- typically Home, About, and Contact)
- Website – Design and Development
- Annual hosting for an additional $700 (optional)
This package is perfect for:
- Emerging businesses and nonprofits who want to launch their online presence with a website that gets results
- Small business owners who need a presence online, but don’t need a robust site with up to 10 pages.
The Essential Website (5 Pages) $7,550
This website can also be paid out at $629/mo over 12 months. This is the middle-of-the-road website you need to keep them onsite with valuable content and turn browsers into buyers and includes:
- A Messaging & Strategy Workshop
- Copywriting (5 pages- typically Home, About, 2 Service Pages and Contact)
- Website – Design and Development
- Annual hosting for an additional $700 (optional)
This package is perfect for:
- Established businesses and nonprofits who have not touched their website in years
- Organizations that need better results from their most important digital asset
The Complete Website $9,950
This website can also be paid out at $829/mo over 12 months. This is the website that gives you the flexibility to expand your content through a blog, additional product or service pages, and valuable information that turns browsers into buyers. This package includes:
- A Messaging & Strategy Workshop
- Copywriting (10 pages- typically Home, About, Services, Products, a Blog and Contact)
- Website – Design and Development
- Annual hosting for an additional $700 (optional)
This package is perfect for:
- Established businesses and nonprofits who need a website that delivers content to address each stage of the buyer or donor’s journey.
- Organizations that need better results from their most important digital asset
These packages all include:
- Defining your strategic objectives and goals
- Creating a clear message that resonates with your audience
- Custom copy written for your website, lead generator, and email sequence using your newly clarified brand message
- An optimized, mobile-friendly website built in WordPress
- Training so you feel comfortable accessing and updating your site
- Design with SEO in mind (custom meta descriptions, optimized images, etc.)
And if you’re like most of my clients, you see the value in a long-term partner invested in the health and care of your website. I detail exactly what you can expect in my website care plans right here. If you opt for a monthly payment plan over paying in full, the website care plan discussed above is also included.
Step 2: Decide what approach feels right for your business or nonprofit organization
We have covered a number of options here—which I recognize can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to not only consider what you need but how you prefer to go about your marketing engagement with a StoryBrand Certified Guide like me (or any agency of your choice).
Here are my recommendations:
- Prioritize your most immediate needs first.
Need a website? Let’s tackle that first. Not currently emailing a large list? Let’s start nurturing your audience.
- Factor in your superpowers and goals
If you’re an English Lit major with a passion for writing, perhaps we can coach you through creating the right message and website copy instead of doing it for you. Have a designer on staff? Great! Let’s write the copy and then hand off to them to execute.
Doing nothing is the biggest risk you could take. You’re clearly invested in building your business or nonprofit. If any of the prices to hire me as your StoryBrand Guide feel daunting, there are always opportunities to start small and get a quick win.
Step 3: Determine your available budget
It’s easy for a free consultation to feel like a standoff when it comes to talking price. No one wants to tip their hand or show their cards. But here’s the thing: I believe in the importance of you making an informed decision (which is why I created this post). It’s also why every experienced StoryBrand Guide or marketing agency is going to ask you about your budget.
We’re here to help you create realistic goals in alignment with your resources. And here’s my commitment to you: If you come to me with a $35,000 budget and we agree on a scope of work that only takes $20,000, you’ll walk away with marketing that works and additional funding to invest back into your business.
I believe deeply in the importance of integrity and creating long-lasting relationships with my clients.
Step 4: Have a conversation
If you’ve read this far, I know your marketing efforts are important and would love to have a conversation with you. Thankfully, after reading this you know exactly what to expect, what you need to make an informed decision, and what to avoid.
Seriously, if a marketer or agency doesn’t listen to you, learn about your needs, cover a timeline, and clearly outline a price—run.
Oh! One more thing: After our call I’ll deliver an official proposal (typically within 24-48 hours) and walk through it with you live on a super quick follow-up call so we customize where needed, talk next steps, and ensure you feel confident in the path forward.
No hard sell, surprises, or sleazy tactics. Marketing is simply the art of telling a story that leads to new relationships. I’m cheering you on in your pursuit of this mission and hope your time here is the beginning of our friendship too.
