4 Signs You’re Underpricing Your Creative Services (And How to Fix It)

This is the first blog of my 6-week pricing series specifically for creative businesses! Be sure to join my email list to get each week’s pricing blog delivered straight to your inbox!

Let’s talk about a topic that makes many of us squirm: pricing.

You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you send a quote? The one that makes you want to add “but we can negotiate” at the end of every proposal? 

Yeah, that’s the feeling we’re tackling today.

As a business coach who exclusively works with creative entrepreneurs and businesses, I’ve seen it all. 

  • The late-night anxiety over whether you’re charging too much. 
  • The internal struggle between wanting to be accessible and needing to pay your bills. 
  • The fear that if you raise your prices, all your clients will vanish into thin air.

Sound like your current situation?

Trouble is, if you’re not confident and strategic in your pricing, you’re probably leaving money on the table. 

And it’s not just about the money. It’s about the stress of constantly hustling for new clients. It’s about the frustration of working yourself to the bone and still struggling to make ends meet. It’s about the resentment that creeps in when you realize you’re pouring your heart and soul into projects that barely cover your costs.

But here’s the good news: 

  • You can charge what you’re worth and still have clients lining up to work with you. 
  • You can raise your prices and watch your business (and your bank account) flourish. 
  • You can finally breathe easy knowing that your pricing reflects your true value.

Ready to find out if you’re selling yourself short? Here are 4 signs you’re underpricing your services:

#1 You’re Always Booked Solid

Constantly overbooked? It might be time to raise your rates.

I know that the idea of being “booked out” is often glamorized in our industry, but the truth is, being constantly overbooked isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a red flag waving frantically in your face, screaming, “Raise Your Rates!”

Why? Because:

  • Demand is outstripping supply. You’re in high demand, my friend. That’s valuable.
  • You’re risking burnout. All work and no play makes for a drained creative.
  • Quality suffers when quantity takes over. Your best work needs space to breathe.

Quality clients value quality work. They’re willing to pay premium prices for premium results. By raising your rates, you’re not just making more money – you’re attracting clients who truly appreciate your expertise.

So, if your calendar is bursting at the seams, it’s time to give your prices a well-deserved boost.

#2 You Dread New Projects

You started your creative business to do the work you love. That means, it SHOULD spark joy! But, if new project inquiries make you want to crawl under your desk instead of doing a happy dance, it’s time for a change. 

But hey, don’t panic! This doesn’t mean you need to burn your business to the ground and start over.

The reality is, if you’re not excited about new work, your prices might be too low.

It’s more like your business is telling you it’s ready for an upgrade. Think of it as your creativity asking for a raise.

Here’s the truth:

  • Low prices often attract high-maintenance clients. (You know the type).
  • Undercharging leads to resentment. Suddenly, your passion feels like a chore.
  • You can’t pour from an empty cup. Burnout is creativity’s kryptonite.

Here’s the good news. Higher rates can make all the difference for you and your business!

This is why:

Remember: When you’re excited about your work, it shows. And that enthusiasm? It’s contagious. Clients feel it, and they’re willing to pay for it.

So, if the thought of new projects makes you want to hide, something’s unaligned and the solution might be to raise those rates!

#3 You’re Not Meeting Your Financial Goals

Picture your ideal financial scenario: comfortable savings, room for business investments, maybe a dream vacation fund. Now, look at your current bank balance. 

Feeling a disconnect? That’s your pricing talking.

Let’s cut to the chase: If you’re constantly stressed about making ends meet, your rates aren’t doing their job.

Consider this:

  • Your prices should be your business’s fuel, not just its fumes.
  • Underpricing is like running on a treadmill. Lots of effort, no real progress.
  • Financial stress is a creativity killer. Period.

Here’s the mindset shift you need:

  • Your rates reflect more than just the time you put into a project. They encompass your expertise, unique perspective, and the transformation you provide.
  • Pricing for profit isn’t selfish – it’s essential for sustainable success.
  • Financial stability frees you to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional work to your clients.

At the end of the day, your prices should support both your lifestyle AND your business growth. If you’re struggling financially, it’s time to reassess your pricing.

You deserve a business that not only covers expenses but propels you towards your dreams.

#4 You’re Attracting Budget-Focused Clients

Let’s talk about the clients currently filling up your roster. Are they constantly haggling over every dollar? Do they expect the moon but only want to pay for a pebble? If so, it’s time for a pricing intervention.

  • Quality clients focus on value, not just price. They understand that expertise comes at a premium.
  • Higher prices often attract clients who appreciate your expertise. They’re investing in results, not just buying time.
  • Budget-focused clients can drain your energy and resources, leaving you frustrated and undervalued.

By raising your prices, you’re not just increasing your income. You’re curating a client list that appreciates your worth. And trust me, that’s priceless.

Remember, pricing isn’t just about numbers – it’s about valuing your skills and time. It’s about attracting the right clients who respect your expertise and are willing to invest in quality work.

Now, let’s get real for a second:

You didn’t pour your heart and soul into honing your craft just to be treated like a bargain-bin find. You’re a premium, can’t-find-anywhere-else, worth-every-penny creative powerhouse. It’s time your prices reflected that.

Imagine a world where your clients are as excited about your work as you are. Where they see your invoice and think, “Heck yes, this is going to be amazing!” not “How can I haggle this down?”

That world exists. And the ticket to get there? It’s your pricing strategy.

You deserve clients who light you up, who challenge you to grow, who see your true value. And guess what? Those clients are out there, ready to invest in what you offer. 

But they won’t find you if your prices are screaming “bargain basement” instead of “premium expertise.”

Pricing For Profit

If you’re ready to attract the clients you deserve and finally feel valued for your incredible talents, it’s time to level up your pricing game. And I’m here to help you do just that.

Ready to take your pricing (and your business) to the next level?  Let’s make it happen.

  1. DIY Pricing Mastery: “Pricing Mini Course for Creative Entrepreneurs”

Perfect for self-starters who want a comprehensive toolkit and step-by-step guidance.

In this laser-focused digital program, you’ll:

  • Learn to confidently set prices that reflect your true value
  • Master strategies to attract high-quality, value-focused clients
  • Gain tools to calculate your rates for maximum profitability

Dive in at your own pace and build a solid pricing foundation you can return to again and again.

  1. Personalized Pricing Strategy: 90-Minute Clarity Call

Ideal for creatives looking for collaborative, tailored solutions to immediate pricing challenges.

In our one-on-one session, we’ll:

  • Tackle your specific pricing hurdles head-on
  • Craft a personalized pricing strategy for your unique business
  • Provide you with actionable steps for quick implementation

Get the personalized guidance you need to jumpstart your pricing transformation.

Whether you’re a self-guided learner or prefer personalized coaching, your future as a thriving, well-paid creative is waiting. It’s time to price your services effectively and build the business of your dreams.

Don’t let underpricing hold you back another day. 

Choose your path and take the first step towards profitable pricing now!

Wish You Had a Business Coach in Your Back Pocket?

Psst… Want more pricing secrets?

This is just the tip of the iceberg, friend. I’ve got 5 more juicy pricing blogs coming your way.

Wanna be first in line when they drop?

Slip into my inbox, and I’ll slip these profit-boosting gems into yours.

^ That button up there? It’s your ticket to pricing mastery. Click it.

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