Why Raising Your Rates is Non-Negotiable

Inflation rises. Your skills improve. Your tools become more expensive. So why are your rates the same?

Raising your freelance rates is not about greed. It’s about:

• Staying profitable
  
• Matching your value with your price
  
• Creating space for better clients
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Haven’t structured your rates yet? Start with the Pillar Blog: How to Set Freelance Rates or the Setting Freelance Rates Guide.

When Should You Raise Your Rates?

Here are key signs it’s time to increase your prices:

Pro Tip: Review your rates every 6–12 months.

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How Much Should You Raise Your Rates?

Industry Average:

Most freelancers raise rates by 10–25% annually. But your increase should depend on:

• The value you’ve added
  
• Market rates in your niche
  
• Your financial goals
  
• Client size (a startup vs an enterprise)
  
  

Example:
Current rate: $50/hr → 15% increase = $57.50/hr

Phrase it as a value shift, not just a new number.

See: How to Price My Services as a Freelancer

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How to Communicate a Rate Increase Professionally

A successful rate increase is all about timing and communication.

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Best Practices:

• Notify clients 30+ days in advance
  
• Justify with value or growth
  
• Be polite but confident
  
• Offer options (e.g., stay on old rate with reduced scope)
  
  

Template Timeline:

• Month 1: Give written notice
  
• Month 2: Apply new rates
  
  

Scripts You Can Use to Notify Clients

Script 1: For Long-Term Clients

Subject: Upcoming Change in My Rates
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Hi [Client Name],

I’ve really enjoyed working with you over the past [X months]. As my business grows and my services evolve, I’m adjusting my rates to better reflect the value and outcomes I now deliver.

Effective [Date], my new rate will be [New Rate]. This allows me to continue providing high-quality work and devote the attention each project deserves.

I’d be happy to discuss how this might impact our upcoming projects or suggest adjusted scopes to fit your budget.

Thank you for your continued trust.

Best,
[Your Name]

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Script 2: For Project-Based Clients

Subject: New Project Pricing Structure
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Hi [Client Name],

I wanted to let you know that I’ve recently updated my pricing to better reflect my expertise and the results I help clients achieve.

Starting from [Date], my project rates will follow the new structure attached. These adjustments support my commitment to quality and allow me to continue delivering strong outcomes.

Please let me know if you’d like to get a quote under the new terms!

Warmly,
[Your Name]

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Handling Pushback: What to Do If Clients Object

Client: “We love working with you, but the new rate is a stretch.”

Don’t:

• Panic and reduce your price
  
• Apologize unnecessarily
  
• Justify too much
  
  

Do:

• Offer value-based reasoning
• Suggest revised scope
• Create phased pricing (e.g. apply new rate in 3 months)
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Say this:
“I understand budget constraints. If you'd like, we can reduce the deliverables or explore a phased increase to make it more manageable.”

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How to Package Your Rate Increase with Value

If you're raising your rate, add something new to justify it.

Examples:

• Faster turnaround
  
• Monthly performance reporting
  
• Improved copy/design strategy
  
• Priority access or extra revision
  
  

Reframe your offer:

“My new rate includes full optimization, A/B testing support, and analytics—making your investment even more valuable.”

See: How to Communicate Your Value When Quoting a Price

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How to Keep Old Clients While Charging More

You don’t have to lose great clients to grow. Try:

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1. Loyalty Discount

“Your rate will stay the same until [date], after which we’ll transition to the new pricing.”

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2. Grandfathering

Let long-time clients keep the old rate—up to a limit.

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3. Custom Scope

Maintain their budget by reducing scope (e.g., fewer deliverables).

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4. Bonus Add-ons

Offer exclusive perks—early booking, priority support, extra edits.

Want to build better retainers? Read: Hourly vs Fixed Pricing: What’s Best for Freelancers?

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What to Do If You Lose a Client After a Rate Hike

It happens. Here’s how to handle it:

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1. Don’t Panic

Losing a low-paying client frees up time for higher-value ones.

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2. Track the Results

Note which clients stayed, which left, and who gave referrals.

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3. Refill Pipeline

Use the opportunity to:

• Pitch better-fit clients
  
• Refine your portfolio
  
• Improve proposals
  
  

Learn from: Pricing Mistakes Freelancers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Your pricing journey doesn’t end here. Explore these expert-written guides:

• How to Set Freelance Rates
  
• Setting Freelance Rates Guide
  
• How to Price My Services as a Freelancer
  
• Hourly vs Fixed Pricing
  
• Regional Pricing: How to Adjust Rates for Different Markets
  
• How to Communicate Your Value When Quoting a Price
  
  

Conclusion: Pricing with Confidence

Raising your freelance rates doesn’t have to be scary.

In fact, it’s often the moment when you start:

• Attracting better clients
  
• Making more in less time
  
• Taking control of your business
  
  

Remember:

• Give notice
  
• Communicate value
  
• Offer options
  
• Stay confident
  
  

Your best clients won’t just stay—they’ll respect you more.