How to Negotiate for More Money as a Freelancer

There’s a level of freedom you want in your hours, the people you work with, the type of work you do for them, how you receive your money, and also your creativity. While all of these are attainable, there’s always a bigger conversation and issue— knowing your worth and bullishly going for it. You always want to ensure that you aren’t getting cheated by yourself or your clients. 

One of the biggest challenges freelancers face is negotiating higher rates, especially when dealing with long-term clients, new clients who undervalue their time, or industries where underpricing is common.

Negotiation is not a skill everyone possesses, but thankfully, it is learnable.  With the right strategy, you can confidently ask for more money without fear, guilt, or risking your working partnership.

So, how do you negotiate for more money as a freelancer, you might ask. This article has all you need to know. 

1. Know your worth

Before asking for more money, be clear on why you deserve it. Clients respond better when you can point to a measurable value. Negotiations become easier when you can prove your worth.

Think about and document:

• What results you deliver (traffic, conversions, sales, engagement, revenue, time saved)
  
  
• How your skills compare to industry standards
  
  
• The experience, specialisation, or unique advantage you bring
  
  
• Past outcomes you can quantify
  
  
• How reliable and consistent you’ve been
  
  

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2. Research market rates for your industry

Every industry has an average price. You should never enter a negotiation without knowing what others charge. Understanding where you stand helps you set competitive yet profitable pricing. If you’re undercharging, that’s your first signal to increase your rates.

Check rates on:

• Industry reports
  
  
• Freelance communities
  
  
• Local pricing in the client’s country
  
  
• Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr Pro, Contra, or Glassdoor
  
  

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3. Choose the right time to bring it up

There are always times better than others to bring up money conversations, and that usually affects how well the client receives your request. Never bring up price increases in the middle of a crisis, a rushed deadline, or an urgent request.

Ideal moments to negotiate:

• After completing a major project successfully
  
  
• When a contract is up for renewal
  
  
• When you’re taking on additional responsibilities
  
  
• When a client’s business has grown with your help
  
  
• When you’ve gained new skills, certifications, or experience
  
  

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4. Confidently raise your rates

You should never apologise for what you think you’re worth. And never excessively justify what you’re asking for.  State what you want professionally, firmly, and respectfully. 

Take this, for example:

“Based on the results we've achieved together and the current scope of work, my updated rate for this service will be $___ starting on ___. I'm excited to continue supporting your goals.”

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5. Offer pricing options 

People, especially clients, love feeling like they have a choice. Offering two or three options can reduce resistance. Clients are more likely to choose an option rather than reject the increase altogether.

Example:

• Option A: Standard package (higher price, fewer deliverables)
  
  
• Option B: Premium package (your ideal rate with expanded deliverables)
  
  
• Option C: Retainer model (discounted hourly rate for consistent monthly work)
  
  

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6. Focus on the value you’re offering

Avoid making the negotiation about what you need; focus more on the value they’ll receive from you. People want to have an idea of the result and know the purpose of what they are paying for.  

For example:

• “This helps us maintain quality and faster turnaround.”
  
  
• “This better reflects the expertise required for the project.”
  
  
• “With this rate, I can dedicate more focused time to your goals.”
  
  

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7. Always use data

Where possible, support your conversation with numbers. Numbers strengthen your argument and remove the feeling that you're “just asking for more”.

Examples of data that help you negotiate:

• Percentage increase in engagement or sales
  
  
• Number of leads generated
  
  
• The amount of time you save them
  
  
• Industry benchmarking
  
  
• Project ROI
  
  

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8. Know when to stop a project

At the end of the day, not everyone might understand or appreciate your value, and it’s always good to know when it’s time to quit and walk away.  Underpaid work leads to burnout, resentment, and poor financial growth. Walking away respectfully is part of business,  and often creates space for clients who will pay you properly.

If a client cannot meet your new rate, you can respond with:

“I completely understand. If the budget changes in the future, I’d be happy to revisit this conversation. For now, it may be best for us to pause work after our current deliverables.”

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9. Document everything 

Once you’ve agreed on new terms, document them. This avoids misunderstandings and protects both you and the client.

• Updated rate
  
  
• Scope of work
  
  
• Payment schedule
  
  
• Deliverables
  
  
• Start date of the new rate
  
  

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10. Stay consistent with your rates

Once your rates go up, they should not come back down, unless you choose to offer a special discount. Consistency builds credibility and ensures clients respect your pricing.

Every year, review your rate card and adjust for:

• Inflation
  
  
• Skill improvements
  
  
• Industry shifts
  
  
• Market conditions
  
  
• Demand for your services
  
  

Getting paid globally

Negotiating higher rates means nothing if you struggle to receive your payments,  especially across borders. As a freelancer working with international clients, you need a payment solution that’s fast, reliable, and transparent.

That’s where Pesa comes in.
With Pesa, you can:

• Receive money from clients in multiple countries.
  
  
• Hold funds in different currencies with a multi-currency account.
  
  
• Convert and withdraw your earnings instantly.
  
  
• Avoid high transfer fees or long waiting times.
  
  

No matter where your clients are —in the US, UK, Canada, or Europe —Pesa ensures your payments reach you quickly and securely.

As a freelancer, your time is money, and you shouldn’t lose either by waiting for payments to clear.

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Negotiating higher rates as a freelancer is not about being aggressive; it’s about understanding your value and communicating it clearly. With the right timing, preparation, confidence, and communication, you can secure higher-paying clients and build a sustainable freelance career.

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