If you’re feeling a little queasy at the thought of raising your prices, you’re not alone.
When I made the jump from the $400s to the $600s (spoiler: I’ve raised my prices even more since), it wasn’t just a numbers decision. It was a survival one. I was deep in burnout, trying to serve everyone without leaving anything for myself or my family. I had to stop putting emotion over the equation and get honest with myself: this version of my pricing was not sustainable.
The truth is, raising your rates isn’t just about charging more. It’s about honoring your growth, your capacity, your expertise, and your health…all while elevating the experience you’re giving your clients.
And yep, I’ve done it all:
- Sent intentional emails to my client list.
- Given discounts when I felt like I “owed it” to people.
- Committed to things I knew wouldn’t serve me well because I didn’t know how to say no.
Here’s what I’ve learned from raising my prices:
1. Lead with clarity, not apology.
When I finally drafted the email to let my clients know I was raising my pricing, I made a conscious effort not to apologize. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. This wasn’t personal. It was a decision I made for my health, for my business, and for my family.
Here’s a little excerpt of what I said:
“This was not a choice I made lightly, but it’s a necessary one. I hope you’re able to continue working with me, but I completely understand if it’s no longer feasible. Here are my remaining dates for the year… If you’d like to move forward at the new rate, simply reply with your preferred date and I’ll send over a proposal.”
The responses? Overwhelming support. Clients cheering me on. People telling me how proud they were. That’s how you know you’ve found your people.
2. You don’t owe everyone access.
One of the biggest mindset blocks I had was: “But what if they can’t afford me anymore?”
And to be honest? Some couldn’t.
But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t worth it.
If you’re constantly undercharging for fear of losing loyal clients, I get it. It’s emotional. You care about them. But your business cannot thrive if it’s rooted in guilt. You’re allowed to grow. You’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to charge prices that reflect your value and capacity.
3. Elevate the experience alongside your pricing.
If you’re going to charge more, make sure it feels like more. You don’t need to overhaul your entire business, but adding intentional touches goes a long way.
Here are a few suggestions for how you could elevate your client experience:
- A beautiful welcome guide clients receive the minute they pay their retainer (automated using HoneyBook. Here’s a link for 30% off your first year).
- A consultation call before the session to prep and answer any lingering questions.
- Help with styling and coordination so clients feel confident and taken care of.
It’s not about throwing in freebies. It’s about enhancing the value, comfort, and connection your clients feel when they work with you.
4. Need help working through your own ifs, ands, and buts?
If your head is spinning with questions like:
- “But what if nobody books me at this price?”
- “But I’ve always done it this way…”
- “What even is my client experience right now?”
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
Inside my mentorship and coaching programs, we dive deep into the pricing strategy that actually supports the business you want to build…not just the one you’re stuck maintaining. Together, we’ll map out what feels aligned, sustainable, and true to your value, while also making sure your client experience rises to meet it.
No more second-guessing. No more late-night math (and let’s ditch late night editing while we’re at it). Just clarity, confidence, and a pricing structure that reflects the season you’re in …and where you’re going next.
Ready to work through it together? Learn more about my mentorship and coaching offerings!
P.S. Raising your prices won’t scare away your dream clients. It’ll attract more of them. And you deserve every single one.
