How to scope, quote, and share website projects with clients.
Overview
This tool lets you build a professional website proposal for a client in minutes — no involvement from Jacob required. You scope the project, save it, and share a link. Here's the full workflow:
- Scope the project — Use the calculator to set quantities for each deliverable.
- Add recurring services — Optionally attach an SEO package or Website Care plan.
- Fill in client details — Business name, contact, email, and any project notes.
- Save the quote — Stores everything in the system and generates a shareable link.
- Share the link — Copy and paste it into your email. The client sees a polished proposal with payment options and a printable PDF.
- Track status — Update quotes from Draft → Sent → Accepted or Declined from the dashboard.
Using the Calculator
Line Items
Every row in the calculator is a billable deliverable. Set the quantity for each one that applies to your project. Items with a "1" that can't be edited (like the Base Website Fee) are always included.
TIP
The Base Website Fee ($1,750) covers project setup, DNS management, dev server, SEO configuration, navigation, and launch deliverables — it's always included in every quote.
Common Scope Scenarios
Small Brochure Site
Base Fee + 4–6 single pages + specialty home page + standard component templates
Typically $3,500–$5,000
Standard Business Site
Base Fee + 6–10 pages + specialty pages + dynamic templates (services, blog) + form integrations
Typically $5,000–$9,000
E-Commerce / Custom
Base Fee + pages + payment gateway + CMS integration + custom tools
Typically $9,000–$15,000+
Existing Site Migration
Base Fee + pages + blog post migration + media library migration + blog cleanup hours
Varies by site size
Project Management %
Defaults to 9% of the subtotal. This covers project coordination, communication, and delivery management. You can adjust it if needed — leave it at 9% for most quotes.
Pricing Note
The grand total is floored to the nearest $100 — so a $7,264 subtotal becomes $7,200. This keeps pricing clean and avoids awkward figures in the proposal.
Add-On Services
Add-ons are recurring monthly services that appear as a separate section on the proposal. They're not included in the project total — they're billed monthly starting after launch.
SEO Package
Three categories: Local (single-market businesses), National (competing nationally), and Franchise (per-location pricing). Select one tier. The client will see the package name and monthly price on their proposal.
TIP
Most E&G clients will be in the Local tier. Start with Local Starter ($1,000/mo) for new clients and upsell from there.
Website Care
Ongoing maintenance: plugin updates, security patches, backups, uptime monitoring, and priority support. Select the tier that matches the client's site complexity.
Saving a Quote
The Save Quote button stores the quote in the system and generates a unique ID. A quote number is assigned automatically (e.g., EG-2026-0001).
First Save vs. Re-Save
- First save: Creates a new quote with a new quote number. Status defaults to Draft.
- Re-save (same session): Updates the existing quote in place — same quote number, no new entry created.
- Starting over: Hit Reset to clear all fields. The next save will create a new quote with a new number.
Quote Numbers
Quote numbers use the format EG-YYYY-XXXX (or 762-YYYY-XXXX for 762 Media flavor). They increment automatically. The shareable link includes a random suffix so the URL is not guessable by outsiders.
Project Notes
The optional Project Notes field lets you add context that appears on the client's proposal — for example: "Includes migration from Squarespace. Client is providing all copy and images." Use this to set expectations or explain any out-of-scope items.
Managing Quotes (Dashboard)
Go to Saved Quotes to see all quotes, update statuses, and manage client links.
Quote Statuses
Draft Saved but not yet shared with the client. You're still working on it.
Sent Link has been shared with the client. Automatically set when you copy the link.
Accepted Client said yes. Update manually once you have confirmation.
Declined Client passed. Keep for reference — useful for spotting pricing patterns.
Dashboard Actions
- View — Opens the client-facing quote page to see exactly what the client sees.
- Copy Link — Copies the shareable URL to your clipboard and marks the quote as Sent.
- Edit — Loads the quote back into the calculator so you can adjust and re-save it.
- Delete — Permanently removes the quote. You'll be asked to confirm first.
Sharing with Clients
After saving, use Copy Link on the dashboard to get the client-facing URL. Paste it directly into an email.
EXAMPLE
"Hi [Client], here's the website proposal we put together for you. You can view the full scope, pricing options, and next steps at the link below. Let me know if you have any questions!"
What the Client Sees
The client link opens a polished, branded proposal page showing:
- Their business name, contact info, and quote date
- Full list of deliverables (no individual pricing — just what's included)
- Grand total with 5 payment plan options
- What's Included standard list
- Project timeline
- Terms & Conditions
- Signature / acceptance section
- A button to download a fillable PDF
NOTE
The client link does not require a login. Anyone with the link can view the quote. The URL includes a random ID that makes it non-guessable — don't post it publicly.
The PDF
Both you and the client can download a PDF from any quote page. It matches the on-screen proposal exactly and includes fillable signature fields for collecting sign-off. The PDF is generated fresh each time — it always reflects the current quote data.
Quote Brand (E&G vs 762)
The Quote Brand toggle in the Generate Quote section controls which brand appears on the proposal.
- Ebb & Grow Marketing — Light green theme. Use this for all standard E&G client quotes. The proposal shows E&G branding and the E&G contact email.
- 762 Media — Dark blue theme. Use this when Jacob is quoting a client directly (not through E&G).
When in doubt, use the Ebb & Grow flavor.
FAQ
What if I need to change a quote after sharing it?
Edit the quote from the dashboard. This updates the existing quote — if the client revisits their link, they'll see the new version. The quote number stays the same.
What if a client asks for a lower price?
Edit the quote, remove items from scope (or reduce quantities), and re-save. The updated proposal reflects the new scope and total. Then share the same link again — it's always the latest version.
How do I quote a project that doesn't fit the standard line items?
Use Custom Work (Hourly) at $150/hr for anything that doesn't fit a fixed-price item. Add context in the Project Notes field explaining what the hours cover.
What does "Specialty Page" mean vs. "Single Page"?
A Single Page is a standard page built from an existing wireframe or design — straightforward, one layout ($175). A Specialty Page is a more complex page requiring unique design or advanced development, like a home page or a feature-heavy landing page ($250).
Does the client see individual prices in the proposal?
No. The client only sees the deliverable names, the grand total, and payment plan options. Individual line item prices are internal to this calculator.
The client wants to sign the PDF digitally — can they?
Yes. The downloadable PDF includes fillable signature fields. The client can open it in Adobe Acrobat or any PDF viewer that supports forms, fill in their signature and details, and email it back.
Who do I contact if something is wrong with the tool?