How to Raise Your Freelance Rates (And When)

Almost every freelancer starts too cheap. I’ve done it. You’ve probably done it too.

It feels safer. You want to win the deal, build your portfolio, and get some cash in the door. So you quote low. And if you’re lucky, that client sticks around.

But then comes the hard part: what happens when you want to raise your rates?

The truth is, timing and context matter more than confidence. Raise your price too soon and you risk losing trust. Wait too long and you resent the work. Let’s talk about how to do it right.

Why most freelancers underprice (and why it’s not always bad)

No one hits the perfect number out the gate. You price low because you’re still learning. Maybe it’s your first client. Maybe you’re trying to prove yourself in a new industry. Or maybe you’re just trying to close someone — anyone — to get momentum.

That’s fine. Your first few clients aren’t about the money. They’re about reps. Experience. Getting a feel for what clients actually need and how long it takes you to deliver.

But this only works if you treat those early clients as a stepping stone — not a forever deal.

What happens when you stay underpriced

Staying underpriced too long comes at a cost. You end up working more hours than you scoped. You get stuck doing low-leverage work. You feel undervalued.

Worse: you lose growth opportunities. Every hour spent on a low-paying client is an hour you’re not spending on someone who could pay double.

And pricing low can actually backfire. It makes some clients question your quality. A $500/month retainer doesn’t scream “premium.” It screams “newbie.” That’s not the perception you want if you’re trying to build a reputation.

When it’s the right time to raise your freelance rates

You don’t need permission to raise your rates. But you do need a reason. The best time is when one (or more) of these things happen:

You’ve been working with a client for at least six months. You’ve delivered consistent results. The scope has increased. You’ve become more valuable. Or your calendar is full and demand is rising.

The more of those boxes you check, the stronger your case.

What doesn’t count? Wanting to raise your price just because you quoted too low and now regret it. That’s a tough sell unless the client sees tangible value in your work.

How to do raise your freelance rate without losing trust

This is where most people get stuck. You don’t want to come off as greedy or unreliable. So here’s the approach I’ve seen work best:

Start by reframing the conversation. It’s not about “raising rates” — it’s about aligning value. You’re doing more. You’re better at what you do. And you’re helping their business grow.

You could say something like: “We’ve been working together for a while now, and I really value our partnership. As the scope has evolved and I’ve been able to contribute more, I’d like to revisit the rate to reflect that growth.”

If you’ve delivered measurable results, now’s the time to show them. Revenue lifted. Hours saved. New clients brought in. This makes the conversation feel less emotional and more like a business decision.

If they push back, you can always offer options. Maybe a phased increase. Maybe a smaller scope. Or, if they can’t meet the new rate, you help them transition to someone else.

You’ll lose some clients this way. That’s okay. You’re creating room for better ones.

How to avoid awkward renegotiations in the future

This part’s simple: write it into your contract. Add a clause that says something like “Rates are valid for 6 months and subject to review thereafter.”

This sets the expectation from day one. It also gives you a natural point to review the engagement, evaluate scope, and have the rate conversation without surprises.

Some freelancers also include an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). You could tie your rate to inflation, or just a standard 3% annual increase. Most clients won’t push back on that — it’s standard business practice.

The smarter way to raise your freelance prices

Don’t start with your current clients. Start with new ones. Every new engagement is a chance to test a higher price point. Once your calendar fills at that rate, go back to older clients and renegotiate.

If they say no? No problem. You’ve already got demand. Now you’re making room for someone who can afford you. That’s how you level up.

A quick example of raising freelance pricing

Let’s say you signed your first client at $1,000/month. You’ve been with them a year. You’ve helped them double their pipeline. You’re now booked out.

You raise your price to $2,000/month with new clients and get zero pushback. That’s your new floor. Then you go back to your original client and say: “My standard rate is now $2,000. I’d love to keep working together — but I understand if it’s no longer a fit.”

Now it’s their move. You’ve earned the right to ask.

The takeaway for freelancers

Pricing isn’t static. Your rates should evolve as your skills grow and your demand increases. But raising them well is more art than science.

It’s not about guts. It’s about leverage. Build trust. Deliver results. Let demand do the talking.

Then ask for what you’re worth.

How we can help

At Column, we work with freelancers, consultants, and agency owners who want to position themselves as experts and raise their rates — without having to sell harder.

We help you build a strong LinkedIn presence that pre-sells your value before you ever get on a call. So when someone reaches out, they already know what you do, how you think, and why you charge what you charge.

We turn your insights into content that builds trust, attracts clients, and shortens your sales cycle.

If you’re tired of awkward pricing conversations and ready to level up, let’s talk.