When setting up in business as a web designer, the very first object you must do is draw up a written contract, so that both you and your clients know exactly where you both stand. Many designers often state that they learned the significance of a agreement the hard way, don't wait until you get 'stung', before deciding you need one.

Below are also a few more significant points:

Don't do more than you are being paid to do - This may sound obvious, however at some period you are likely to meet a client who will try to get you to do extra work at no extra cost, remember this is your job, and like any other job your time is money.

Stick to your contract - If a client originally comes to you with a exact set of necessities, once you have completed the work, must the client suddenly choose that they have changed their mind or that they now want additional features or functions, you require to explain clearly to them that this was not in your original quote, therefore you will have to charge extra for the additional work. Remember, if you did the work to the client’s early requirements, you can't be expected to keep on working for nothing. Going back to my earlier point regarding the significance of a written contract, you must clearly state in your contract that must the client change their minds or must their necessities change, that you have the right to bill for work already undertaken. Most clients fully understand and expect to pay for your additional time and work, but you are likely to get the odd one or two, that will ask you to do 'this one little more thing, at no extra charge', and whilst you may be happy to do so, just keep in mind that 'one little extra thing', can quickly lead to another and another.

Don't be tempted to undervalue your work or time - Professional web design is a skill/art. If your pricing is fair to begin with, don't be tempted to lower it in order to get a exact job, you will always get some people who are just looking for the cheapest option, therefore you are never going to get every single job that you quote for (unless you are extremely lucky), so knowing that you quoted a fair price is actually all you can do.