Increase your Income by Asking for More Money
So you want to increase your freelance writing income? As you can imagine, there are many ways to do this. That being said, one of the easiest is to ask your clients for more money. This may sound bold, but it will work in your favor time after time if you know what you are doing.
The number one reason that many freelance writers do not ask for more money is fear. In other words, they are afraid that their client will either tell them no or get so mad that they end the relationship. Could this happen? Sure. But the chances, if you say the right things, are slim to none.
As noted above, you need to know how to ask for more money. While this will change with each client, here are some basic tips that you can use:
1. Do not insult the client. You can ask for more money without being overbearing, and coming across as unappreciative. Try this: “At the beginning of next month my rates will be increasing. The increase is nothing major, but I wanted to make you aware so that we can work out a deal that will allow us to work together well into the future.â€
2. Be open to negotiating. For instance, if you are earning $.10/word right now, you may want to increase this to $.20/word in the near future. You should ask for $.20/word, but be prepared to negotiate down if the client does not accept. At the very least, you should be able to meet in the middle which is still a nice increase when compared to your starting point. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with negotiating when it comes time to increase your rates.
One of the easiest ways to increase your freelance writing income is by working with the same clients but asking them to pay you more. It is common to get stuck in a rut with long term clients that pay you the same rate month in and month out. When you feel that you are worthy of an increase there is nothing wrong with asking. You may be surprised at how willing your client is to negotiate a higher rate. Â
