Ask Christa! How Do I Raise My Freelance Rates (without Chickening Out!)? Ask Christa! podcast

Ask Christa! How Do I Raise My Freelance Rates (without chickening out!)?

5d ago 28:23

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Summary

In this conversation, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges freelancers face when considering raising their rates. She emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself as a business, mindset, preparation, and effective communication strategies to navigate these discussions with clients. Christa provides practical advice on how to overcome fears and anxieties about “money talk,” options for approaching rate adjustments, the significance of knowing one's worth, and navigating client reactions. She also shares resources for further learning and encourages freelancers to view these conversations as business decisions rather than personal ones.

Key Take Aways

· Raising your rates is a business decision, not a personal one.

· Start the conversation by framing it as an adjustment.

· Know your worth and prepare evidence for your value.

· Practice is essential to build confidence for discussions.

· Silence is okay; don't rush to fill the space.

· Don't apologize for raising your rates; you're not hurting anyone-- it’s a business decision.

· Be strategic about timing, client relationships, and your needs.

· Consider offering transition rates to ease clients into new pricing.

· Reframe the conversation to focus on value and sustainability.

· Utilize resources and practice to enhance negotiation skills.

Additional Resources

evidence based negotiation skills - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?q=evidence+based+negotiation+skills

Jung, M. (n.d.). {Moxie Blogs}. Moxie. https://www.withmoxie.com/blog/how-to-know-when-to-increase-your-freelance-rates-and-by-how-much

The Futur. (2023, October 19). Don’t justify your prices. do this instead. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abi8kwkfZbA

WP Minute Podcasts. (2025, May 6). How to discuss price increases with your freelance clients [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMS57dvMCi0

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Chapters

1. Starting the Conversation on Rate Increases (00:00:00)

2. Mindset Shift: From Freelancer to Business Owner (00:02:52)

3. Preparation: The Key to Courage in Negotiation (00:05:46)

4. Effective Communication Strategies for Rate Adjustments (00:09:07)

5. Navigating Client Reactions and Responses (00:11:59)

6. Rules for Discussing Rate Increases (00:15:12)

7. Transition Strategies for Rate Adjustments (00:18:14)

8. Overcoming the Fear of Negotiation (00:21:10)

9. Resources and Final Thoughts (00:23:57)

10 episodes