Freelancers Pro Guide:

For the Seasoned Pros Who’ve Seen Some Stuff

Chapter 5: Raise Your Damn Rates

Let’s start with a hard truth: you’re probably undercharging.

Not because you’re not good. But because you’re used to pricing based on what you think you deserve, not the value you actually deliver.

You’ve been playing it safe, “pricing to win the job,” and convincing yourself that “next quarter” is when you’ll finally bump your rates.

Spoiler: That’s how you stay stuck.

Let’s fix it.

Why You’re Not Charging Enough

Here’s the usual cocktail of self-sabotage:

“What if they say no?”
“I don’t want to scare off clients.”
“I just need more testimonials first.”
“I’m not that experienced.”

Sound familiar? Here’s the rebuttal:

If someone flakes because you raised your rates, they were never your long-term client.
You’re not scaring off good clients. You’re filtering out bad ones.
You’re already delivering more than you’re charging for.

Experienced freelancers solve real problems.

You bring clarity, speed, peace of mind—and those things are worth way more than just hourly math.

The Freelance Pricing Pyramid

Think of your pricing like a ladder. Here’s how it usually goes:

Base Level: Time-Based Pricing
You charge hourly or daily. You’re paid for effort. (AKA the “my back hurts and I’m still broke” level.)

Middle Level: Project-Based Pricing
You quote a flat fee. You’re paid for scope. Better, but still reactive.

Top Tier: Value-Based Pricing
You charge based on the outcome for the client. You’re paid for results. Fewer clients. Bigger wins.

Guess which one scales?

How to Actually Raise Your Rates (Without Breaking Into a Sweat)

1. Just do it.
Seriously. Adjust your numbers on your next proposal. No grand announcement. No self-doubt spiral. Just… add 20–30% and see what happens.

2. Price anchors work
Always include a higher-tier option. Even if no one picks it, it makes your “standard” rate look more reasonable.

3. Quote like a strategist
Explain the why behind your price.

Instead of saying: “It’ll be $2,500 for this website.”

Say: “I’m pricing this at $2,500 because we’re building a conversion-optimized experience that supports your sales process. My clients typically see increased signups or leads within the first 90 days.”

You’re not selling pixels. You’re selling outcomes.

4. Build the confidence bank
Raise your rates with new clients first. Then, slowly bring legacy clients up to speed. And don’t be afraid to let lowballers go.