Let’s be honest: one-off projects are thrilling. New client, fresh brief, that sweet feeling of sending off a fat invoice. But you know what’s even better?
Getting paid every month without the whole song and dance.
If you’re still relying solely on project work, you’re essentially starting from zero every 30 days. It’s like Groundhog Day with less Bill Murray and more anxiety.
Time to graduate to Recurring Revenue.
What Is Recurring Revenue (and Why Should You Care)?
Recurring revenue is money that shows up every month like clockwork. No awkward sales calls. No custom quotes. Just dependable, predictable income.
Think:
- Monthly retainers for ongoing work
- Maintenance or support plans
- Consulting packages on a rolling basis
- Coaching, training, or mentoring sessions
- Subscriptions or digital products
It’s stability in a sea of unpredictability.
It’s the difference between feast-or-famine
and a real business with a baseline.
How to Make It Happen
1. Find the Need Behind the Project
Every freelance project has leftovers—the client will need updates, revisions, analytics, new content, seasonal refreshes, you name it. That’s your opportunity.
Did you build their website? Offer a care plan. Run their ad campaign? Keep optimizing it monthly. Design their brand? Offer content templates or quarterly refreshes.
If they trusted you once, odds are they’d rather keep working with you than start over with someone new. Make it easy for them to say yes.
2. Package It Like a Pro
Don’t just say “I’ll be around if you need anything.” That’s code for “I’ll do free work forever.”
Instead, say:
“Here’s a monthly support package that includes X, Y, and Z. It’s $900/month, cancel anytime.”
Keep it simple. Offer 1–3 tiers max. Price it for value, not hours.
3. Automate the Hell Out of It
Recurring revenue isn’t freedom if you have to chase payments every 30 days. Use tools like:
- Stripe for subscriptions
- Dubsado or Bonsai for automatic invoicing
- Calendly for retainer check-ins
Build a system once. Get paid forever (or at least until the client moves to Bali and starts a surf blog).
Common Pitfalls (and How to Dodge Them)
“What if they cancel?”
That’s life. But the goal is to have enough consistent clients that one dropping off doesn’t tank your income.
“I don’t know what to offer monthly.”
Ask your current clients what ongoing help they wish they had. Better yet—look at what you’re already doing for free post-launch and wrap that into a plan.
“Retainers feel restrictive.”
Only if you let them. Write clear boundaries into your scope, keep communication tight, and set regular checkpoints. This isn’t a 24/7 hotline. It’s structured, sustainable support.
Recurring revenue doesn’t mean you ditch big projects. It means those projects become bonuses—not lifelines.
And when you know the basics are covered every month? You make better decisions, work with better clients, and finally stop panicking every time QuickBooks pings you at 9 a.m.
Up next: Time to stop blending in and start branding yourself like the seasoned pro you are.
Calling Local Freelancers!
We’re always looking to team up with reliable, talented freelancers
who want real-world projects with Real Result$.
Apply now at thepalmbeachprinter.com/freelance and let’s make some magic.
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