If you've ever wanted to raise a client's rate and felt sick about it — this guide is for you. This is the exact structure my students use to reprice long-standing clients without ultimatums, awkwardness, or losing the client.
The mindset shift first: you are not asking for a raise. You are realigning scope and price that drifted apart. There's a difference, and your client can feel it.
Why hourly pricing keeps you broke
Hourly pricing punishes you for being good. The faster and better you get, the less you earn for the same outcome. Click buttons for a client and you get paid like the help — understand the strategy underneath, and the number is completely different.
- Hourly caps your income at the hours you can survive working
- It frames you as a cost, not an investment
- It hides the actual value of what you deliver
Check your leverage before you open your mouth
Before any repricing conversation, score yourself on the three Rs:
- Reliance — how embedded are you in their business? Do things break without you?
- Results — can you point at visible outcomes you've created?
- Relationship — how long, how much trust?
Two out of three and you're in a strong position. Three out of three and honestly, they can't afford to lose you.
The two-path structure
Never give an ultimatum. Give two desirable paths and let the client choose:
- Path A — reduced scope, same rate. "We keep the budget where it is, and focus my hours on the highest-impact work only."
- Path B — full support, higher rate. "Everything stays as it is (and more), priced to match what it actually involves."
Real example: one of my students was on £350/month "doing 30 minutes a day" for a skin clinic. Path A: £750/month with projects spaced out. Path B: £1,500/month for three months to build everything, then £750 ongoing. The client picked B.
The sequence (do not skip steps)
- 1. Plant the seed. A casual mention that scope has grown — no numbers yet.
- 2. Discovery call. Understand what they actually need next quarter.
- 3. Send both paths in writing. Two options, clearly priced, no pressure.
- 4. Go silent. Let them sit with it. Silence is not rejection.
- 5. Reconvene. Answer questions, agree a start date.
What to say, word for word
The opener: "When we started, my role was X. Over the last few months it's grown into Y — which I love. I want to put a proper structure around it so it works for both of us. Can I send you two options?"
The close: "Whichever path you pick, nothing changes until [date], and I'll make the transition seamless. Which one feels right for where the business is going?"
You're not a task-doer asking for a raise. You're an operational partner realigning your value. Go get repriced. 👑
this is the free stuff — imagine what we'd build together
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