Quarterly Check-In: Are You Charging Enough?
Let’s be honest: talking about money as a freelancer can feel like a minefield. We want to be fairly compensated, but we also want to be booked. We crave freedom, but we also need stability. We want to grow, but sometimes we’re scared to rock the boat.
That’s why it’s so important to regularly check in with yourself, your pricing, and your business goals. Rates aren’t meant to stay static—they should evolve as you do.
This blog is your quarterly nudge to take stock of your numbers, revisit what you're charging, and make sure your pricing actually supports the life you want to live. We’re also sharing tools, stories from the Freelancing Females community, and actionable steps to help you raise your rates with confidence.
Why This Check-In Matters
If you’ve been freelancing for a while, it’s easy to settle into a rhythm and forget to check if your rates are still serving you. You’re not alone. So many freelancers set their rates early on and rarely revisit them—even after gaining new skills, raising their quality of work, or taking on more responsibilities.
But here’s the thing: your rate isn’t just a number. It’s the foundation of your business. It affects how many hours you need to work, whether you can take time off, how secure your finances feel, and how sustainable your business really is.
And if you’re undercharging, it will show up in burnout, resentment, or worse: feeling stuck in a cycle of hustle with little reward.
Step 1: Run the Numbers (Seriously)
Let’s start with something concrete. Before you even think about pitching new rates, you need to understand where you currently stand.
Use the Freelancing Females Rate Calculator to get an accurate picture of what you should be charging based on:
Your monthly expenses (business + personal)
How many hours you want to work
How much time you want off per year
Taxes, admin time, and other overhead
This tool helps you move from arbitrary numbers to intentional ones. Spoiler alert: it might show you that you’re charging way less than you should be.
Step 2: Benchmark with the Community
Want to know what others are charging? We’ve got you. The Freelancing Females Rate Transparency Database gives you access to anonymous, real-world data from freelancers around the world.
You can filter by industry, location, and years of experience to compare your rates and identify opportunities for growth. It’s empowering to see that freelancers with similar skills and backgrounds are charging more—and it gives you permission to raise yours, too.
Pro tip: Add your rates to the database to help normalize transparent pricing. When we all share, we all rise.
Step 3: Spot the Signs It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
Still unsure if you really need to increase your rates? Here are some signs:
You’re fully booked but barely hitting your income goals
You feel burnt out or stretched too thin
Clients say “yes” to your proposals too fast
You’ve added skills, certifications, or a more specialized niche
You haven’t increased your prices in over a year
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to evaluate.
Built by Freelancers, for freelancers
Step 4: Plan Your New Rate Structure
Don’t just tack on 10% randomly (unless that feels aligned). Take time to build a rate structure that supports your lifestyle and goals. That might include:
Moving from hourly to project-based pricing
Creating packages that reflect the full value of your work
Charging more for rush jobs, extra rounds of edits, or scope creep
Including buffer time for admin, meetings, or creative prep
Think beyond the task and toward the transformation you provide.
Step 5: Practice the Raise (Without the Panic)
Raising your rates can feel vulnerable, especially with existing clients. But here’s the thing: raising your rates is part of running a business. Most clients will understand—especially if you approach the conversation with transparency.
Script for Notifying Current Clients:
“Hi [Client Name], I wanted to give you a heads-up that starting [date], my rates will be increasing to reflect my current experience and the value I bring to our work together. I appreciate our collaboration and am happy to answer any questions you may have.”
You can offer to honour your current rate for the next project or give them a grace period—whatever feels good to you.
With new clients, it’s even easier. You don’t need to explain. Just confidently quote the new rate.
Step 6: Update Everything
Once you’ve chosen your new rate, make sure it’s reflected everywhere:
Website
Social media bios (if relevant)
Proposal templates
Service guides or packages
Intake forms or discovery call scripts
The more consistent and clear you are, the easier it becomes to stick to your pricing.
Real Talk from the Freelancing Females Community
We asked our community to share their real experiences around raising their rates. Here’s what they said:
“I raised my rates by 30% after realizing I wasn’t even covering my expenses. The first month felt scary, but then I booked two clients who didn’t blink. Best decision I made.” — Chloe, Brand Designer
“I used the FF calculator and realized I needed to be charging double to hit my income goal without burning out. It gave me the clarity to make a real change.” — Marissa, Copywriter
“Once I started treating my freelance work like a business instead of a side hustle, it made total sense to charge more. I wish I’d done it sooner.” — Taylor, Developer
You Deserve to Thrive, Not Just Survive
If reading this blog made your stomach flip or your palms sweat—that’s totally normal. Money stuff can bring up all the feelings.
But here’s what we want you to know:
Charging more doesn’t make you greedy. It makes you smart.
Wanting to rest and still earn? That’s not lazy. That’s sustainable.
Raising your rates? That’s not risky. That’s growth.
This is your quarterly permission slip to revisit your worth, adjust your pricing, and align your business with the life you actually want to live. You’ve got this.
Ready to check your rates? Start with our Rate Calculator, browse the Rate Database, and know that you are never in this alone.
We’re rooting for you. Always.
xo,
The Freelancing Females Team
