Being in the freelance industry can be very competitive. With the benefits of time flexibility, ability to choose your clients, and to scale your income, people are now beginning to see how much better they can achieve work-life balance by pursuing this career path. The most prolific types of freelancers are writers, IT professionals and graphic designers.
Being new to this field of work, you may be wondering how you can increase your rates without upsetting your present clients. Jeff English NYC, a well-known graphic designer, shares how he was able to set higher rates and provide a more stable income for himself even as a freelancer.
Jeffrey English NYC Shares 4 Things He Did to Raise He Graphic Design Rates
Provide quality output.
The first step to being able to negotiate a higher rate starts all the way back to the quality of work you provide. According to Jeff English NYC, he made sure that the output he gives his clients always goes beyond their expectations. When you’re swamped with clients, it is easy to think of ways just to get the job done.
The key to providing quality output is to assess your work if it is something you’re satisfied if you were to switch places with your clients. Is it something that you’re happy with? Will you retain services based on the output you make, if you were your own client? These are questions you have to think about realistically about the quality you provide.
Have a set of stable clients.
Jeffrey English NYC emphasizes the importance of quality work because this is what leads to having a stable set of clients. When you present consistent high-quality output every time, it is easier for you have a steady client base who will regularly ask for orders from you.
These stable clients may come to a point where they “can’t function” without your role. This means that they have perceived your work as a valuable resource to their business. The only way to reach this level of trust within your client base is to provide quality work and service, which can be achieved with the following strategies:
- Understanding client needs: Listening well to instructions, providing creative ideas, and combining them to make a lasting impression
- Providing output in a reasonable timeframe: Almost all clients will agree that speedy, quality work is important. Learning how to manage your time for each client helps you get the edge to charge higher rates.
- Knowing the current best practices for your field: Whether you’re in the graphic design business, writing, or any other freelance industry, knowing the best practices can help you become set apart from other mediocre workers.
Negotiate with each client.
If it is your first time trying to set higher rates in your business, it may be best to negotiate a rate and gauge what each client can tolerate. Some clients will say yes on a whim because they like your service so much, but others will be hesitant if you set a firm new rate right away.
To avoid this potential issue, you can be open with negotiations especially for those who may not take your rate increase happily. Explain your reasons for doing so, and emphasize the need to increase your rates to help you provide quality work. You may set a firm price, but if a client asks to negotiate, be open to compromise as well if you see that customer as a valuable resource to you.
Justify your rate increase.
Although not all clients will demand an explanation for your rate increase, it is best to go ahead and provide a clear, detailed reason as to why you’re doing so.
Jeffrey English NYC states that it is better to focus on what the client will receive in exchange for this higher rate, rather than your personal needs. For example, saying that higher rates will help you deliver better quality work as you invest on a new software may help justify your action. Saying that you need to increase your rates because you’re in debt, or other financial-related issues may work for some clients, but others may build the notion that you will always come from a point of need.
In these strategies, Jeff English NYC stresses the importance of quality work and good client relationships. When you established these two main characteristics, it is easier for you to raise your rates without client complaints