Still charging by the hour? Let’s talk.
As creatives, we’ve all been there:
You might think hourly rates are fair, simple, or what clients expect. Maybe value-based pricing sounds complicated or risky.
Let’s cut to the chase: Sticking with hourly rates is like using a flip phone in the age of smartphones. You’re missing out on features you didn’t even know you needed.
Value-based pricing isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a whole new way to showcase your talent and boost your bottom line.
That’s why I’m here to introduce you to your new best friend: value-based pricing. It’s not just a pricing strategy—it’s a mindset shift that puts your expertise front and center, where it belongs.
Skeptical? I get it. But here’s why value-based pricing is the future for savvy creative entrepreneurs like you:
Let’s pull back the curtain on your creative work for a second. When you’re crafting a stunning brand identity, creating a piece of artwork, or writing a website that converts like crazy, you’re not just putting in hours – you’re pouring years of experience, countless moments of inspiration, and your unique creative genius into every project.
Think about it this way: Imagine you’re a photographer who captures the perfect wedding shot in a split second.
That image becomes the couple’s favorite memory, proudly displayed in their home for decades. Should you charge for that split second, or for the priceless moment you’ve preserved forever?
The same principle applies to all creative work:
That logo you designed in three hours? It’s not valuable because it took three hours. It’s valuable because it will represent a brand for years to come, attract customers, and boost your client’s bottom line.
The web copy you wrote in a day? Its worth isn’t in the hours spent typing, but in the conversions it’ll drive for months or years.
When you price based on value, you’re acknowledging the true impact of your work – and that’s something no timesheet can capture.
Here’s a mind-bender: with hourly rates, the better you get at your craft, the less you earn.
Doesn’t that sound backwards to you?
It should, because it is! I call it the hourly pricing penalty.
Now, you might be thinking, “Can’t I just charge more per hour as I get better?” Sure, you can—to a point. But there’s a ceiling to how much clients will pay per hour, no matter how skilled you are. Plus, you’re still tying your worth to time, not results.
Let’s break this down with a real-world scenario:
Imagine you’re a web designer who used to take 40 hours to build a site. Now, with your improved skills and a fantastic tech stack, you can create an even better site in 20 hours. Should you earn less because you’re more skilled? Absolutely not!
Value-based pricing ensures you’re rewarded for your expertise, not penalized for it.
When you shift to value-based pricing, you’re not just changing numbers – you’re changing the entire conversation with your clients. And trust me, it’s a much more exciting conversation to have.
Your process is part of your secret sauce – it’s what sets you apart and contributes to those amazing results. Don’t shy away from it. Instead, make it a selling point.
Let’s say you’re a copywriter. Instead of just talking about how many hours it’ll take to write a sales page, you’re discussing:
Suddenly, your $2,000 fee doesn’t seem so high when it’s framed against both your expert process and a potential $20,000 in additional revenue, does it?
By showcasing both your process and the outcomes, you’re painting a full picture of the value you bring to the table. This helps clients understand not just what they’re getting, but why your unique approach is worth the investment.
It’s time to put an end to the feast-or-famine cycle that plagues so many creatives. Value-based pricing is your key to financial stability and growth.
Consider this: A brand strategist I know used to charge $75/hour for her services. She’d work on a brand strategy for about 20 hours, earning $1,500.
After switching to value-based pricing, she now charges $5,000 for the same service.
Why?
Because she realized her strategies were helping clients 10x their revenue. Now, she’s earning more while working less, and her clients are thrilled with the results, all because she decided to focus on value instead of time.
Here’s a little-known secret: value-based pricing doesn’t just benefit you – it’s actually better for your clients too. (I know, mind blown, right?)
When you charge by the hour, there’s always a bit of tension. Clients might hesitate to ask for revisions or additional ideas, fearing the clock will keep ticking (and the bill will keep growing). But with value-based pricing, you’re both invested in creating the best possible outcome.
It’s not about time anymore – it’s about results.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – transitioning to value-based pricing takes some guts and strategy. It’s a mindset shift for both you and your clients.
But trust me, it’s worth every ounce of effort.
Here’s why:
Ready to shift your pricing strategy and unleash your creative business’s full potential?
Let’s make it happen!
Dive into my “Pricing for Profit” mini-course.
It’s the kick in the pants your business needs to go from “scraping by” to “holy moly, I can’t believe my creative business finally adds up.“
It’s packed with practical strategies to help you:
Don’t let another day go by undervaluing your incredible talent when you could be…
✔️ Booking high-ticket clients who adore your work
✔️ Finally paying yourself a salary that doesn’t make you wince
✔️ Heck, maybe even taking a vacation without your laptop (gasp!)
Invest in yourself and your business’s future – enroll in “Pricing for Profit” now and start commanding the fees you deserve!
Your creativity isn’t just a hobby. It’s not a “nice to have.” It’s the whole dang reason clients come to you in the first place.It’s time your pricing reflected that.