Do you use this copy fee strategy?

Hi abugah,

You're absolutely right, the nature of your relationship with a client plays a big part in how much you can raise your fees at any one given time.

Here's what I've noticed:

Let's say for example that you've been at the $500 price level for a few months, and you've got some happy clients under your belt.

Out of the blue, you decide to jack your rates up to $1,000... with the same people.

What happens?

Some will stay with you... some will leave.

Once you've worked with somebody at a certain price level, they've got you 'pegged' at that price in their mind.

Now, assuming that you've done a good job for them... and they've been raking in more money then ever before because of what YOU have done...

...then you're in good shape, and the act of putting your foot down for higher rates is totally justified.

Remember, though... this is assuming you go for a 200% increase (or $1,000 instead of $500, in my example).

If you were to increase your rates at smaller increments, there would be less 'sticker shock' with your current clients... and you'll likely notice that more of them will stick with you.

So that's one of the 'trends' that I've seen -- some clients will always drop off the map if and when you dramatically increase your fees... but that's fine, because any feedback you've gained at the lower price level can be used to get NEW clients at the higher price.

Make sense?

In the end, it comes down to 1) how much the client can afford to spend, and 2) what they think you're worth.

Go at 'em with a confident attitude and plenty of proof as to why you're worth more -- and it's smooth sailing.

If you KNOW you're worth it, you can get it.

Best,


Jake

After doing this business for over 10 years it has been my
experience that you're basically locked in with the introduction
price for your client. If you wrote copy for $500, then they
would expect the same price from you always. You would
also be labeled as a "$500 copywriter" in their minds.

Raising rates with present clients is a delicate issue and if
you try to do this you'll lose most of those clients. When
you leave old prices behind you are leaving old clients behind
as well. (Not necessarily a bad thing.)

As you grow in your copywriting skills and business you'll
want to abandon your bottom 20% about every 2 years
or so anyway. Lower paying clients are often more trouble
than they are worth.

-Ray Edwards