Most freelancers raise their rates far less often than they should. Your skills improve, your costs go up, and your clients get more value every year, but your rate stays frozen because the email feels scary. Done well, a rate increase is a routine business update, not a negotiation.
Signs it is time to raise your rates
- You are booked out for weeks and turning work away.
- New clients accept your quotes without any pushback.
- It has been 12 months or more since your last increase.
- The scope of work with a client has grown since you started.
- Your rate is below your minimum. Check with our hourly rate formula.
How much, and how much notice
| Decision | Common approach |
|---|---|
| Size of increase | 8–15% a year for existing clients (a one-time 20–25% correction if you are far below market) |
| Notice period | 30–60 days before the new rate applies (60 days is safest) |
| Best timing | Announce in autumn for a January 1 start, at contract renewals, or between projects |
| New clients | Get the new rate immediately |
Many clients set next year's budget in autumn, so announcing in October or early November for a January 1 start gives them time to plan. Wait until January and budgets may already be locked. For a retainer, the renewal date is the obvious point, and for project clients you can simply quote the new rate on the next proposal.
How to write the email
Keep it short, dated, and confident. State the new rate and the date it starts, give one brief reason, and confirm you are looking forward to continuing. The more you explain or apologize, the more it sounds like you are asking permission.
Subject: Update to my rates from [date] Hi [Name], I really enjoy working with you on [project/work]. I'm writing to let you know that from [date, 30 to 60 days away], my rate will be [new rate] (currently [old rate]). This reflects the growth in the scope of the work we do together and the demand on my time. Nothing else changes, and I'm looking forward to continuing our work. Let me know if you have any questions. Best, [Your name]
Subject: Your [month] retainer renewal Hi [Name], It's been a great [6 months / year] working together. Highlights include [result, e.g. launching 40 Reels and growing your account to X followers]. Your retainer renews on [date]. From then, the monthly fee will be [new fee] for the same [deliverables]. If you'd like to adjust the package at the same time, I'm happy to put together a couple of options. Looking forward to the next [period]! [Your name]
Subject: Rates update for [year] Hi [Name], You were one of my first clients, and I'm grateful for that. Over time my rates for new clients have increased to [new rate], while your rate has stayed at [old rate]. To keep things fair and sustainable, I'm moving to [transition rate] from [date], and to my standard rate of [new rate] from [later date]. I value working with you and want to keep doing great work for you. [Your name]
Handling pushback
Some clients will ask for a discount or say the budget is fixed. Before lowering your rate, offer less scope instead. Adjust what you deliver, not what you charge.
Thanks for being upfront, [Name], I appreciate it. My new rate applies from [date], but we can definitely keep the monthly cost close to your budget by adjusting the scope. For example, [8 Reels instead of 12 / 2 blog graphics per week instead of 4]. Would that work for you? Happy to talk through options.
What if a client leaves?
Some might, and that is often fine. If your lowest-paying client leaves, you free up time for work at your new rate. Before sending increases, make sure you have a pipeline. Our guides on finding clients for video editing and LinkedIn outreach for designers can help.
Mistakes to avoid
- Apologizing or over-explaining your reasons
- Raising prices in the middle of a fixed-price project
- Announcing an increase with less than 30 days of notice
- Offering a discount at the first sign of hesitation
- Waiting three years and then asking for 50% more at once
Frequently asked questions
How much should I raise my freelance rates?
Around 8 to 15% a year is a common range for existing clients, with a larger one-time correction if you are far below market. New clients can be quoted your new rate straight away.
How much notice should I give clients before raising rates?
Give 30 to 60 days of notice, and time it with a natural point: an autumn announcement for a January start, a contract renewal, or the next new project.
What if a client says they cannot afford my new rate?
Offer to reduce the scope so the total cost stays close to their budget while your rate increases. Lowering your rate should be a last resort.