How to Raise Your Rates With Existing Clients

A Quick Note Before You Use These

I chose to write these templates in a more corporate voice to make sure they match the tone most freelancers in my community need when working with corporations.

But feel free to adapt them to YOUR voice.

Unfortunately I do not call my clients hotties (and I will die crying about that), but maybe you do. Feel free to adapt.

Even though I mostly use the Next Project template, I included Annual Rate Review, Retainer, and Results-Driven Increase just so this is useful to everyone.

Enjoy, hotties.

Template 01

Annual Rate Review

Standard professional rate increase. Use this for clients you have worked with for a year or more. Direct and confident.

Hi [Client Name], I wanted to give you advance notice that my rates will be increasing to [New Rate] effective [Date]. I review my rates annually to reflect my growing experience and the market rate for my work. Since we started working together, I have [delivered X projects / helped you achieve Y results / grown my expertise in Z]. Your current project will be completed at our existing rate. Starting [Date], new projects will be billed at the updated rate. I value our working relationship and look forward to continuing to deliver great work for you. Let me know if you have any questions. [Your Name]

Template 02

Next Project Rate Increase

For clients you work with on individual projects rather than retainers. Frames the increase around the next engagement.

Hi [Client Name], Thanks for reaching out about [next project]. I would love to work on this with you. I wanted to let you know my rates have increased since our last project. My new rate is [New Rate]. This reflects the experience I have gained and the market rate for this type of work. I am confident I can deliver even better results for you than last time. If that works for you, I can send over a proposal this week. Let me know if you have any questions. [Your Name]

Template 03

Retainer Rate Adjustment

For ongoing retainer clients. Gives notice period and acknowledges the relationship. Offer options to keep things flexible.

Hi [Client Name], I wanted to give you [30/60/90] days notice that my retainer rate will be increasing to [New Rate] starting [Date]. I have loved working with you over the past [time period]. In that time, [we have accomplished X, my expertise has grown in Y, the scope has expanded to include Z]. This rate increase reflects the value I am providing and brings my pricing in line with market rates. I have a few options to make this work for your budget: - Continue at the new rate with our current scope - Adjust the scope to fit your existing budget - Move to a project-based arrangement instead of a retainer Let me know which makes the most sense for you. I am happy to discuss on a call if that is easier. [Your Name]

Template 04

Results-Driven Rate Increase

Ties the increase directly to results you have delivered. Best for clients where you can quantify impact.

Hi [Client Name], I wanted to share some updates on my pricing going forward. Over the past [time period], we have achieved some great results together: [specific results: increased revenue by X%, reduced costs by Y, delivered Z projects on time and under budget]. Based on the value I am providing and the expertise I bring to your projects, my rates will be increasing to [New Rate] starting [Date]. I am confident this is a fair rate for the results you are getting, and I am excited to continue delivering even more value. Let me know if you have any questions. [Your Name]

What to Do After You Send

Close your laptop and go for a walk

Seriously. Do not sit there refreshing your email. Give them time to process. Most will reply within 24 hours.

If they ask why

Refer back to the reasons in your email. Your experience has grown, your costs have increased, or your results justify it. Do not apologize or backtrack.

If they negotiate

You can adjust scope to meet their budget, but do not lower your rate. Trading less work for the same money is fine. Working for less is not.

If they say no

Thank them for the work you did together and move on. Clients who can not afford your new rate are not your clients anymore. That is okay. Make room for better ones.

If they ghost

Follow up once after a week. If still nothing, assume they are not interested and move forward. Do not chase people who do not value your work.