Solo doesn’t mean working alone. It means making decisions that reflect your value, protect your livelihood, and strengthen your freelance career.
For many UK freelancers, attempting to raise your rates feels awkward. You might worry about coming across as greedy, upsetting loyal clients, or pricing yourself out of future work. But here’s the truth: your business cannot stay static. Costs rise, skills develop, and demand changes – and your pricing should reflect that.
When you raise your rates, it isn’t just about making more money. It’s about respect, sustainability, and positioning yourself as a professional who knows their worth.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven powerful ways to raise your rates in the UK with confidence, clarity, and without guilt.
1. Recognise When It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
Not sure if now is the right time? If any of these situations apply, then you’re probably overdue for a review.
You Have Upskilled or Gained New Qualifications
Clients don’t just pay for your time – they pay for your expertise. Completing a recognised course, earning a certification, or developing specialist skills makes your service more valuable.
For example, maybe you’ve completed the Google Digital Marketing Certificate or achieved a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification. These credentials add measurable value and justify charging more.
You Are Fully Booked or Turning Work Away
If your diary is packed and you’re turning away projects, that’s a clear signal from the market that demand exceeds supply. It’s the perfect time to raise your rates.
Your Costs Have Risen (Inflation in the UK)
With the rising cost of living, holding the same rates year after year is unsustainable. Many UK freelancers build in an annual increase of 5-10% to stay aligned with inflation.
👉 Use the ONS Inflation Calculator to benchmark how costs have changed and support your case when reviewing your pricing.
Your Experience Outweighs Your Current Rate
If you’re still charging what you did when you started freelancing, it’s time to update. As your portfolio grows and your reputation strengthens, your rates should reflect that maturity.
2. Give Clients Plenty of Notice
Transparency builds trust. Ideally, notify existing clients 30-60 days in advance of any rate change. This shows professionalism and respect for their budget cycle.
Example:
“From 1st October, my updated rates will apply to all new projects. I wanted to give you advance notice so we can plan accordingly.”
This simple step makes clients far more likely to accept your new terms.
3. Explain the Reason Briefly and Confidently
You don’t need to write an essay explaining your new rate – just a short, confident explanation.
Example:
“Since completing additional training and expanding my service offering, I’ve updated my pricing to reflect the increased value I now deliver.”
Avoid apologising or being hesitant. You’re not asking for permission. You’re simply updating your business terms.
4. Consider Grandfathering Loyal Clients
If you’re worried about losing long-term clients, offer them a phased increase. For example:
“As a loyal client, your current rate will remain for the next three months before gradually moving to my new pricing.”
This approach rewards loyalty while still moving your business forward.
5. Focus on Value, Not Just Cost
When discussing new rates, frame the conversation around client outcomes rather than just the figure.
For example:
“I now provide clearer reporting, faster turnaround times, and more strategic input. These improvements deliver greater results for your campaigns.”
By showing clients the return on investment, your new rate feels justified and even attractive.
👉 For more tips on presenting your freelance business as valuable and professional, check out Solo – the hub built to support UK freelancers with finance, compliance, and growth.
6. Explore Flexible Freelance Pricing Models
Sometimes it’s not just about raising your rate – it’s about changing how you charge.
Hourly Rates
Best for ad hoc tasks or consultancy. To protect your time, set a minimum block (e.g. one hour) or round up to 15-minute intervals.
Project-Based or Fixed Fees
When the scope is clear, fixed fees allow you to charge based on outcomes, not hours. This can be more profitable and easier for clients to budget.
Retainer Agreements
A retainer provides predictable monthly income and builds long-term relationships. Clients pay a set fee for guaranteed hours or deliverables.
👉 If you’re unsure how to set up retainer agreements, IPSE offers UK-specific guidance and contract templates.
7. Handle Pushback with Professionalism
Not every client will accept your new rates – and that’s okay.
- Stay Confident, Not Defensive: State your new rate clearly and calmly. Don’t treat it as negotiable unless you want it to be.
- Be Open to Adjusted Scope: If a client can’t meet your new rate, consider offering fewer deliverables to fit their budget.
- Be Willing to Walk Away: Letting go of underpaying clients creates space for better ones who value your expertise.
👉 Looking to attract higher-paying opportunities? Jobs in Ecology is the go-to job board for ecological professionals in the UK, helping specialists find roles that truly value their skills.
Final Thought
Raising your freelance rates in the UK is not just about money. It’s about respect, sustainability, and growth. It signals to clients – and yourself – that you take your business seriously.
If you’ve levelled up, if demand for your time has grown, or if inflation is biting, it’s time to review your rates. Communicate clearly, focus on value, and trust that the right clients will stay.
You’re not “just a freelancer.” You’re a business owner. And successful business owners know when it’s time to evolve their pricing.
👉 Need support with pricing, contracts, and client communication? Visit Solo to get expert help managing your freelance business.
👉 Want to compete for bigger contracts? Tendle supports small businesses and freelancers bidding for UK tenders and projects.
With the right approach, raising freelance rates in the UK becomes less about fear and more about empowerment.
