There’s a moment in almost every freelancer’s journey when you stare at your pricing spreadsheet (or scribbled notebook margin) and wonder: Am I charging enough? Could my freelance rates be higher?
Raising your rates isn’t just about earning more money—it’s about recognizing your growth, your value, and your right to run a sustainable business. But it’s also scary. What if you lose clients? What if no one says yes? What if you’re not actually worth more?
Spoiler: you probably are.
But let’s start with some signs that it might be time to raise your freelance rates.
1. You’re booked solid, but still stressed about money
If your schedule is full but your bank account still makes you anxious, it’s not a hustle problem—it’s a pricing problem. Consistent work without financial breathing room is a major red flag.
2. You’re more experienced than when you started—but still charging beginner rates
If your skills have grown, your processes are smoother, and your clients are getting better results, your rates should reflect that. Experience matters—and yes, that includes the messy trial-and-error lessons you’ve learned along the way.
🎯 Need help setting the foundation before you raise your rates?
Grab my Freelance Success Toolkit—it’s packed with practical templates, checklists, and guides to help you run your business like a pro. Whether you’re just starting out or levelling up, it’ll give you the structure and confidence to make smart, sustainable moves—including charging what you’re really worth.
3. You’ve improved your client experience
Maybe you now deliver projects faster, with more polish, and your feedback rounds are practically nonexistent. That kind of service is worth more. Clients aren’t just paying for your time—they’re paying for your value.
4. You’re saying yes to everything just to keep up
If you’re taking on every project that comes your way, even the ones that drain you or underpay you, your rates might be part of the problem. Higher rates give you more room to say no—to make space for better work and better clients.
5. Clients are saying yes to your freelance rates too quickly
If no one has flinched at your pricing in a while, or every prospect says “Yes!” immediately… you might be undercharging. Some resistance is normal. Instant agreement can mean you’ve priced yourself too low.
So… now what?
Knowing it’s time to raise your rates is one thing. Actually doing it is another. If you’re wondering how to go about it without alienating your clients or second-guessing your entire life, I’ve got you.
I wrote a full post on this very topic over on my Happy Freelancing newsletter:
👉 Stop Undercharging. Start Earning What You’re Worth.
It covers how to reframe your thinking around pricing, what to do if you’re afraid clients will walk away, and how to increase your freelance rates with confidence (not apology).
You deserve to be paid well for the work you do. Let’s make sure your pricing reflects that.
Want more advice like this? Subscribe to the Happy Freelancing newsletter for realistic encouragement, smart strategy, and the occasional nudge to raise your freelance rates already. 💸
Looking for more tips on a successful freelance writing career? See my other posts:
How to get comfortable networking as a freelancer
How to set boundaries with clients
Why do you want to start freelancing?