before you assume you can’t afford marketing & design, read this.

Erikka Shockley
Sep 15
3 min read

let’s be real: you’re not actually afraid of my prices

Picture this ... You slide into my DMs, message me, or fill out that “Contact” form.

You say you love my style.

You ask for pricing.

Then . . . crickets.🦗

Vanished.

Ghosted.

Backed out.

It’s not weird. It’s not just you. And you’re not alone.

What often happens isn’t that you can’t afford it ... it’s that you don’t understand the full picture. And that fear? It grows in the dark. Because you’re unsure, so you hesitate. And then you bail...

what you think you’re paying for vs. what you’re actually getting

what you *think* you’re paying for	what you’re *actually* paying for
A logo / a website / a “look”	strategy, planning, revisions, experience, branding consistency
Time at the computer	Research, brand voice, UX, backend stuff, problem‐solving
Pretty graphics	Copy, proofreading, user psychology, ensuring your site works well, not just “pretty”
A delivery + files	Support, adaptability, someone who cares about your success

Here’s the thing: good marketing/design is not cheap. It can be expensive because it takes skill, time, investment, frustration, learning curves, and yes, sometimes late nights. It’s the difference between something meh and something that pulls in leads, converts, builds trust, and makes you look pro.

'Good design ain't cheap & cheap design ain't good!'

my pricing reflects value ... & i’m still one of the most flexible in the game.

Trust me, I get it. Price tags sometimes sting. However, I always try to bend over backwards because I want my clients to win.

I DO offer payment plans ... spread out the investment so you’re not eating ramen for weeks.
I build custom solutions ... because your business isn’t generic & neither should your branding or marketing.
I’m transparent ... NO shady add‐ons later. What you see is what you get (with clarity on what “extras” cost up front).

But “flexible” doesn’t mean I compromise my standards.

It doesn’t mean “cheap.”

Think of it like investing in a damn good car versus a beat‐up one that barely runs.

One gets you where you want to go, impresses people, doesn’t break down.

The other… well ... you know.

can we normalize talking about money like adults?

Ok, serious talk time...

If something about the price confuses you, ask. Don’t ghost. Ask for clarification. “What is this item here?” “What’s the difference between package A and package B?”
Communication is your secret weapon. A good designer/marketing person should expect your questions. It shows you care.
Know your priorities. If you want the fanciest bells & whistles, be ready to invest. If your budget is tighter, you can scale or phase things.

Ghosting over money? That’s leaving money on the table for both of us.

Because sometimes, you just needed a breakdown.

Or a payment plan.

Or a better understanding of what you’re getting.

Let’s ditch the shame.

Money is real. Work is real. Value is real.

real talk: you’re not just buying a logo or website

When you hire me, you’re buying more than visuals. You’re buying...

Confidence in how your brand shows up
Clarity in your messaging so people know what you do
Trust from your audience so they believe in you sooner
Systems + Foundations so you don’t have to redo it later

That’s not fluff. That’s why good design and marketing pay you back over time.

want to work together? let’s talk like humans.

If you stepped in here thinking, “I can’t afford it”, I want you to walk out thinking, “I’m ready to invest ... but I want to understand what I’m investing in.”

Here’s what to do next ...

Hit me up if you want a breakdown of my packages + what each includes
Ask about payment plan options ... no pressure, just clarity
Don’t be scared to say “This is above my budget.” Let’s see what we can do that still gives a lot of value!

You deserve someone who gets you, sees your vision, and helps you elevate it!