I worked for almost two years with my very first freelance rate. I was so grateful to have clients that I was terrified to ask for more money. I had this voice in my head that kept telling me, “You should just be happy with what you have. What if you ask for more and they just leave? You’ll have nothing.”
That fear kept me stuck. I was getting better, faster, and more skilled at my job, but my income stayed exactly the same. I was working more, but I wasn’t earning more. I knew something had to change, but the thought of sending that email to my long term clients made me feel sick to my stomach.
Today, I want to talk about this because I know so many Filipino freelancers are in the same boat. We are so afraid of losing what we have that we forget to ask for what we deserve. Raising your rates is one of the most nerve wracking things you can do, but it is absolutely necessary for your growth. I want to share how I finally did it, and how it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
When Do You Know It’s Time for a Raise?
It’s not just about time. You don’t automatically deserve a raise just because a year has passed. You need to look for real signs that you’ve grown.
First, you’re getting much faster. A task that used to take you four hours now only takes you two. This means you are more efficient and your skill has improved. Your time is now more valuable.
Second, you have new skills. Maybe you took an online course, or you learned a new software for a project. If you can offer more value to your clients now than you could a year ago, it’s time for your rate to reflect that.
Third, you are fully booked. If you are constantly turning down new projects because you don’t have time, that is a clear sign that the demand for your service is higher than your supply. In any business, when demand is high, the price goes up.
How to Write “The Email”
This is the scary part. But it doesn’t have to be a confrontation. It should be a calm, professional business conversation. I’ve learned that the best way to do it is to make it about the future, not just about the money.
Here’s a simple template that I have used successfully:
“Hi [Client Name],
I’m writing to you today with some exciting news. As my business continues to grow, I’m investing in new skills and tools to provide even better service to my clients. To reflect this, I’ll be adjusting my rates for all new projects starting on [Date, usually 30-60 days in the future]. My new rate will be [Your New Rate].
Because you’re one of my most valued clients, I want to offer you my current rate for the next [Number] months before the new rate applies to our work together.
I’m so grateful for our partnership and I’m excited to continue helping your business grow. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
Why This Email Works
This approach does a few very important things. It gives them advance notice, which is professional. It frames the price increase as a positive thing connected to your growth and improved service. And most importantly, it shows them that you value them by giving them a special extension. This makes them feel appreciated, not targeted.
What happened when I sent that email? I was expecting the worst. But every single one of my clients understood. Some didn’t even reply, they just accepted it. One of them actually congratulated me. I didn’t lose a single client. I just started earning what I was worth.
You are providing a valuable service. You are helping businesses all over the world. You deserve to be paid fairly for the skills you have today, not the skills you had a year ago. It’s scary, I know. But your future self will thank you for it.