You’ve been working with a client for over a year now. The work is steady, the communication is smooth, and the deadlines are reasonable. But there’s one problem… You’re still charging the same rate you did when you first started. Back then, you were eager to land clients, gain experience, and fill your portfolio. Now, you’ve grown. Your writing is sharper, your turnaround time is faster, and your understanding of SEO, voice, and content strategy is far deeper. So why are you still charging beginner rates?
For many freelancers, raising rates feels risky. What if the client says no? What if they walk away entirely? These fears are valid but staying underpaid isn’t the solution. In fact, it can lead to burnout, resentment, and a stalled career.
The good news: it’s absolutely possible to raise your rates without losing clients, if you do it strategically and professionally. In this post, we’ll cover the signs it’s time to raise your rates, how much of an increase makes sense, and how to communicate your new pricing confidently. Let’s talk about how to start earning what you’re actually worth.
Why Freelancers Undervalue Themselves
One of the biggest reasons freelancers undercharge is simple: doubt. Imposter syndrome creeps in, whispering that you’re not “experienced enough” or “talented enough” to charge more. Pair that with the fear of rejection, of hearing “that’s too expensive” or, worse, getting ghosted, and it’s no surprise many writers settle for less than they’re worth. Add in the lack of transparency around industry rates, it becomes even harder to know what’s fair.
But undercharging doesn’t just hurt your bank account, it hurts your business long term. When you’re consistently working for less than you deserve, burnout sets in faster. You take on too many low-paying gigs just to stay afloat. That leaves little time for marketing yourself, improving your craft, or pursuing better-paying clients. You’re stuck in survival mode.
Here’s something to consider: would you work a full-time job that never gave you a raise? Probably not. Yet many freelancers go years without adjusting their rates. If you’ve gained experience, improved your skills, and consistently delivered quality work, it’s time to recognize that your value has increased and your pricing should reflect that.
Signs It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
Not sure if now’s the right time to raise your rates? Here are some clear signs that you’ve outgrown your current pricing, and that your business is ready for a bump.
1. You’re fully booked or turning away work.
If your calendar is constantly packed and you’re saying no to new projects, it’s a strong indicator that demand for your services has increased. A rate increase can help you work with fewer clients while earning more per project.
2. Your skills and experience have grown.
Have you added SEO expertise, learned new tools like SurferSEO or Grammarly Business, or mastered a specific niche? Clients aren’t just paying for words. They’re paying for knowledge, efficiency, and results.
3. You’re consistently delivering high value.
If clients are seeing measurable results from your work, such as increased traffic, conversions, or engagement, it’s time your rates reflect that ROI.
4. Market rates have increased.
The freelance landscape shifts. If others in your niche are charging significantly more, it may be time to realign your pricing with current standards.
5. Clients aren’t pushing back on your quotes.
When clients accept your rate without hesitation, or mention you’re “a bargain,” it’s a sign you’re priced below market value.
Raising your rates isn’t just about earning more, but rather it’s about respecting your growth and ensuring your business is sustainable.
How Much Should You Raise Your Rates?
Once you’ve decided it’s time to raise your rates, the next big question is: by how much? The answer depends on a few factors, such as your niche, experience, demand, and how long it’s been since your last increase.
A typical rate increase falls between 10% and 30%, especially for ongoing clients. For example, if you’re charging $0.10 per word, bumping to $0.12 or $0.13 is a reasonable next step. For project-based work, you might add a flat fee or hourly bump, depending on the scope and deliverables.
If you’ve made significant improvements to your skills or shifted into a more specialized niche (like SaaS or medical writing), a larger jump may be justified. Just be sure the value you bring is clearly communicated when you propose the new rate.
Some freelancers prefer a tiered approach, slowly increasing rates with each new client while maintaining existing client rates, at least temporarily. Others set a firm baseline and let all clients know at once. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy, but consistency and confidence are key.
Whatever you decide, avoid arbitrary jumps. Make sure your new rates reflect your experience, the results you deliver, and the market you’re operating in.
How to Communicate a Rate Increase Professionally
Raising your rates is one thing but communicating it to clients is where most freelancers freeze. But a well-worded, respectful message can maintain your working relationship while setting clearer boundaries around your value.
1. Time it thoughtfully
Avoid dropping a rate increase in the middle of a high-pressure deadline or right before a holiday. Aim to deliver the news at least 30 days in advance, especially for ongoing clients. This gives them time to adjust budgets or discuss new terms.
2. Keep it confident and client-focused
Your message shouldn’t sound like an apology. You’re not asking for a favor. You’re updating your pricing to match your value. Frame it as a natural progression of your growth and success working together.
3. Emphasize continued value
Reinforce what you’ve accomplished together. Mention the quality of work delivered, consistency, and any measurable results, if applicable. This reminds clients that your new rate still offers strong ROI.
Sample Email Template:
Subject: Upcoming Rate Adjustment – [Your Name]
Hi [Client’s Name],
I’ve really enjoyed working with you over the past [X months/years], and I appreciate the partnership we’ve built. As my business continues to grow and I take on more specialized projects, I’ve updated my rates to reflect the increased value I bring to my clients.
Effective [insert date], my new rate will be [new rate or structure]. I’m happy to discuss any adjustments needed to stay aligned with your goals and budget.
I truly value our collaboration and hope to continue working together. Let me know if you’d like to schedule a quick call to discuss.
Thanks again,
[Your Name]
Professional. Direct. Respectful. And most importantly—confident.
What If They Say No? Handling Pushback Gracefully
Even when you handle a rate increase professionally, not every client will be able, or willing, to accept it. That’s okay. How you respond makes all the difference between burning a bridge and leaving the door open for future work.
First, acknowledge their budget constraints without backing down. You don’t need to justify your worth, but showing empathy can go a long way. If they truly value your work, they might be willing to adjust the project scope to stay within budget.
You can also offer alternative solutions, such as:
- A smaller monthly package
- Fewer deliverables
- Referring them to a more junior writer in your network
If it becomes clear that the client can’t continue at your new rate, it may be time to part ways. As difficult as that sounds, it’s often for the best because saying no to underpaying work creates space for higher-quality, better-paying clients.
And remember: a client who balks at a fair, well-earned rate increase may not be the kind of partner you want long term.
Tips to Justify and Reinforce Higher Rates
Raising your rates is just the first step. Backing them up with clear, demonstrable value helps ensure clients see your pricing as justified. The stronger your positioning, the easier it is to command (and keep) higher fees.
1. Showcase results
If your writing helped drive traffic, boost conversions, or improve engagement, use those wins. Even small metrics, like increased newsletter open rates or improved bounce rates, can demonstrate your value.
2. Update your portfolio
Highlight high-quality, recent work that aligns with your new pricing level. If you’ve worked with recognizable brands, include those names (with permission) to boost credibility.
3. Collect testimonials and case studies
Ask happy clients for feedback. A few strong testimonials can give potential clients confidence that you’re worth the investment.
4. Position yourself as a partner, not a commodity
Shift your messaging to focus on strategy, outcomes, and problem-solving, not just deliverables. Clients are willing to pay more for a writer who thinks like a strategist.
Pro Tip: Keep a “success file” where you track praise, metrics, and case studies. It’ll make justifying your next rate hike that much easier.
Conclusion: Know Your Worth, Then Own It
Raising your rates isn’t just about making more money, it’s about aligning your pricing with the value you bring to the table. As your skills, experience, and results grow, so should your compensation. Staying stuck at beginner rates only leads to burnout, frustration, and missed opportunities.
Yes, raising rates can feel uncomfortable. But when you approach it with clarity, professionalism, and confidence, clients will respect your decision, even if a few choose not to continue. The ones who stick around are the ones who truly value your work.
How often do you raise your rates and how do clients respond? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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