When was the last time you raised your rates? If the answer isn’t “within the last 12 months,” you’re probably undercharging.
The market is competitive right now, and lots of clients are testing out AI as a way to cut costs from their marketing budget. This scares a lot of writers away from asking for a raise.
But wanting to be paid what you’re worth is simply good business practice. If you want to build a sustainable freelance career, one that funds your life and your goals, you need to master this skill.
Here’s how I go about asking my freelance writing clients for a raise in 2025.
Why Right Now is the Time to Revisit Your Rates
There’s no shortage of reasons to raise your writing rates. Seriously. Just look at this list:
- Inflation is high, and your expenses are higher.
- The market is polarized (ultra-cheap AI slop on one end, writers offering a human perspective and expert voice on the other).
- Clients expect more than just a draft.
- Your skills have expanded, and you know how to better deliver results clients want.
- If you don’t ask for the raise now, you’ll keep falling further behind.
You aren’t charging more just because. That’s what big companies do to keep the shareholders happy. You don’t have shareholders, right?
Raising your freelance rates is about aligning your pricing with the value you currently bring to the table. As time goes on and you become more experienced, that value increases, and your rates should, too!
When to Ask for a Raise
Though you are always justified in asking for a raise if you feel you deserve it, timing matters if you want to increase your odds of success.
I like to ask right after helping a client secure a win. Did you help double their traffic over six months? Did your white paper help them land a huge new contract? This is great time to highlight your impact and tie it to a raise.
Annual rate reviews are also great. Make it part of your standard process. You don’t need a “reason” other than the calendar turning over. I usually reset my rates in early February. This gives everyone time to catch up after the holidays without letting yearly budgets become set in stone.
Another fantastic time to raise your rates is when your calendar is fully booked. Think of it like supply and demand. If you’re turning down new clients or have a full plate, it’s time to raise your rates to match the demand.
Lastly, you should always renegotiate your rate after you’ve added a new skill to your offerings or your client has increased the scope of your work. If you started out writing blog posts, but now you do SEO research and social media writing, the new work should be reflected in your rate.
How to Frame the Conversation
Remember that the goal here is to show your client what they’re getting. Giving you a raise should feel like a no-brainer based on the value you provide.
Here’s a simple framework I use that has never once led to a rejection:
Lead with gratitude:
“I’ve really enjoyed working together over the past [X] months. It’s been rewarding to see the growth we’ve achieved, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Use evidence:
“Since we started, the blog’s organic traffic has grown by 40%, and our pillar content is ranking for more competitive keywords than our benchmark goal.”
Normalize the raise:
“As part of my annual review process, I’m updating rates across my client roster to better reflect the value I provide and the skills I bring to the table.”
Offer clarity and give them a generous lead time:
“Effective [date—typically 30 days out], my new rate for [service] will be [$X]. I’m happy to discuss any questions you may have in the meantime.”
What to Do if Your Client Pushes Back
If you follow everything up to this point, it’s very unlikely that the client will say no. Most professional clients understand that price increases are a natural part of doing business. They likely raise their own prices more often than you do.
That said, if you do get pushback, don’t stress it. It isn’t always a no. Nor have you done the wrong thing. Sometimes they need to clear it internally or think it over.
If the answer is still no, try this:
- Have options ready: Offer to scale down deliverables while maintaining your current rate.
- Know your walk-away point: If the client won’t meet your minimum sustainable rate, it may be time to move on and give yourself space to add a new client to your roster who will.
- Stay respectful: No matter what, keep it classy. A “no” today could be a “yes” in a few months or lead to a future referral.
Final Thoughts
Asking for a raise shouldn’t be scary. It’s professional, not personal. The best clients won’t be surprised, either. They see the value you bring and they’re going to want to keep you on board.
If you want a long-lasting freelance career, you need to get comfy raising your rates. It’s just a fact of life.
👉 Your next step:
Look at your client list. Pick one client who’s overdue for a rate adjustment. Set a date. Write the email. Send it.
