Your palms are sweaty. Your heart’s racing. You open your mouth to speak, but the words catch in your throat.

No, you’re not about to skydive or give a TED talk.

You’re about to suggest an additional service to your client.

Welcome to the world of upselling – where many creative entrepreneurs fear to tread.

If just the thought of upselling your offers leaves you breaking out in a cold sweat, you’re not the only one.

The mere mention of upselling often brings to mind images of pushy salespeople, manipulative tactics, and that cliche moment when someone asks if you’d like fries with your order. 

It’s no wonder so many creatives shy away from it.

“I’m an artist, Erin, not a salesperson!” my coaching clients often protest.

I get it. Really, I do. 

The idea of pushing additional services or products onto your clients can feel totally uncomfortable. It goes against everything you stand for as a creative – authenticity, integrity, and genuine value.

But, that’s not what upselling is about at all. At least, not when it’s done ethically.

The truth is, many creatives are either upselling all wrong or they’re not even willing to try it. But there is a better way – one that feels good, serves your clients, and yes, increases your business revenue.

So, what exactly is ethical upselling in the creative world? 

• It’s about maximizing the value you provide to each client you already have.
• It’s offering solutions to problems they might not even know they have. 
• It’s about enhancing the product or service they are already investing in.
• It’s about being a true partner in their success.

When done right, upselling isn’t just a business strategy – it’s a way to serve your clients better. It’s a skill that can transform your business and your clients’ results.

In this post, we’re going to explore how you can go from cringing at the thought of upselling to actually loving it (or at least tolerating it). 

Ready to leave those upselling fears in the past and start serving your clients at an even higher level?

Let’s dive in and master the art of the upsell – the ethical, creative way.

Upselling Might Be The Missing Piece in Your Business Puzzle

Say you’re a graphic designer and you’ve just delivered a beautiful, strategic logo to your client. They’re thrilled. You’re proud. But there’s a nagging feeling that you could have done more.

That feeling? It’s your expertise trying to break free.

Because you know that a logo alone won’t make enough of an impact in their business. 

• They need brand guidelines to maintain consistency. 
• They need a social media strategy to showcase that beautiful new logo. 
• They need a website that brings their branding to life.

In short, they need more of what you have to offer.

That’s where ethical upselling comes in. It’s not about squeezing more money out of your clients. It’s about opening their eyes to possibilities they hadn’t considered—possibilities that could take their results from “good” to “transformative.”

Ready to learn how? Let’s break it down into 5 steps.

Step 1: Lay The Groundwork

Think about the last time you had a positive, memorable meal at a restaurant. 

Maybe the server started by suggesting this amazing wine that made your appetizer taste heavenly.

Then, you’re blown away by the main course. So when they swing by and mention this to-die-for chocolate lava cake, you’re pretty much drooling, right?

Why? Because by this point, you trust them. They’ve shown they know their stuff and they’re not just trying to push the priciest thing on the menu. They get you and your taste buds.

Your creative business works the same way:

• Exceed expectations with your core offering
• Pay attention to the details that delight your clients
• Build a foundation of trust and satisfaction

When you consistently deliver results that exceed your clients’ expectations, they’ll be ready and waiting to see what else you can do for them.

Step 2: Really Listen

The most successful upsellers aren’t necessarily smooth talkers. They’re the most attentive listeners. 

They’re constantly tuned in to:

• Challenges the client might not even realize they have
• Aspirations that go beyond the initial project scope
• Opportunities for even greater impact

How do you develop this skill? It’s simpler than you might think:

• Ask thoughtful questions throughout your project
• Really listen to the answers (and the stuff between the lines)
• Look for areas where your expertise could provide additional value

You’re not trying to invent problems. You’re uncovering genuine needs that your expanded services can address.

Step 3: Craft Offers That Fit Together

Whether you’re selling services or products, the key is to create complementary offerings that solve related problems for your clients or customers.

For service-based businesses 

Say you’re a web designer who creates stunning, conversion-focused websites. Your clients love the final product, but they often struggle with keeping their new site updated and visible online.

That’s your cue to develop complementary services:

• A monthly maintenance package
• Regular content creation
• Ongoing SEO optimization

For product-based businesses

Maybe you’re a stationery designer who creates beautiful, custom planners. Your customers adore the planners, but they sometimes struggle with staying consistent in their planning routine.

That’s when you introduce complementary products:

• Sticker sets to track habits and set goals
• A companion goal-setting journal
• How-to videos on effective planning techniques

By offering these additional services or products that naturally extend your main offering, you’re not only increasing your revenue. You’re also providing a more comprehensive solution that enhances your clients’ or customers’ experience and results. 

The key is to create offers that:

• Enhance the value of your core product or service
• Address common pain points or next steps
• Feel like a natural extension of what you already provide

This approach works across various creative fields. 

A photographer might offer photo books or framing services. A graphic designer could provide collateral packages like business cards, letterhead, email templates, and more. A handmade jewelry artist might introduce care kits or styling consultations.

Remember, the goal isn’t to push unnecessary add-ons. Instead, the goal is to anticipate needs and provide solutions that truly benefit your clients or customers. When done well, these complementary offers don’t just increase your bottom line—they solidify your reputation as a thoughtful solution provider.

Step 4: Guide, Don’t Push

Many creatives shy away from upselling because they worry about coming across as pushy or greedy. But, if you truly believe in the value of what you’re offering, you’re doing your clients a disservice by not telling them about it.

The secret is in how you present it:

• Frame it as a recommendation based on their specific needs
• Clearly explain the benefits and potential outcomes
• Share relevant case studies or examples
• Give them space to make their own decision

You’re not twisting arms. You’re the expert shining a light on paths to even greater success.

Step 5: Bundle with Purpose

Everyone loves a good deal, but as a creative, you might worry that bundling means discounting your hard-earned skills. Let’s dispel that myth right now.

Thoughtful bundling isn’t about slashing prices—it’s about strategically combining offerings to:

• Give more value to your clients
• Increase your average project size
• Simplify the decision-making process

The key is to create bundles that are worth more to the client when purchased together, allowing you to charge a premium for the comprehensive solution.

For instance, if you’re a brand strategist, you might offer:

• Bundle A: Brand strategy + logo design
• Bundle B: Everything in A + social media templates + brand guidelines
• Bundle C: Everything in both A and B + launch strategy + 3 months of consulting

Notice how each tier builds on the previous one, creating a clear value ladder. 

While the bundle price might be slightly less than if each component was purchased separately, the overall value (and price) increases with each tier.

Let’s break down why this works:

1. Perceived value: Clients see what  you’ve added as “bonuses,” increasing the perceived value of the package.
   
   
2. Convenience: The ease of getting everything in one place often justifies a higher price point.
   
   
3. Amplify results: Bundled services often produce better results, allowing you to charge a premium for the enhanced outcome.

For product-based businesses, the same principle applies. A jewelry designer might offer:

• Silver Essentials: A signature necklace + matching earrings
• Gold Luxe Set: Silver Essentials + a coordinating bracelet + care kit
• Platinum Collection: Gold Luxe Set + a custom ring + private styling session

Remember, the goal isn’t to discount your work. Instead you’re creating compelling offers that make clients want to invest more with you. When you bundle strategically, you’re not leaving money on the table—you’re expanding the table itself.

These bundles don’t just potentially increase your revenue. They provide a more comprehensive solution, making it easy for clients to say “yes” to added value while simplifying their decision-making process. It’s a win-win that respects your expertise and serves your clients at a higher level.

The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Upselling

When you master the art of ethical upselling, something remarkable happens. It’s like dropping a pebble in a pond – the impact ripples out, transforming not just a single transaction, but your entire business ecosystem.

This ripple effect touches every aspect of your work, whether you’re delivering services or creating products. 

Suddenly, you’re not just a task-completer or a product-seller.

You’re a lifeline.

For service-based businesses: That branding project? It’s now a long-term marketing partnership.

Product-based businesses: That first-time buyer? They’re now stalking your Instagram for your next drop.

What does this ripple effect look like in practice?

• Clients and customers receive solutions that address their broader needs and long-term goals.
  
  
• You build deeper, more meaningful relationships that extend well beyond single projects or purchases.
  
  
• Your business grows organically through increased client satisfaction, repeat business, and referrals.

You’re doing so much more than just selling more stuff. You’re opening doors your clients didn’t even know existed. You’re saying, “I believe in your vision (or style, or project) so much, I want to help you take it even further.”

And suddenly, your business isn’t just paying the bills. It’s making waves. 

Big, beautiful, profit-packed waves.

That’s the power of thoughtful upselling.

So, ready to make some ripples?

Great. Because I’ve got something for you.

It’s called “Pricing for Profit.” And it’s not your average mini-course.

How to Price Your Creative Work for Profit

But first, let me tell you a little story.

In my early days as a freelance graphic designer, I was that creative who constantly undercharged. You know the type. Always busy, barely scraping by, and secretly resenting clients who haggled over my already too-low prices.

Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.

One day, I had a client ask for a small addition to a project. No biggie, right? Except it was 11 PM, I was elbow-deep in chocolate ice cream (don’t judge), and I realized I was about to pull an all-nighter… for free.

That was my wake-up call. I knew something had to change.

Fast forward to today, and my business (and life) look totally different. And it all started with learning how to price and package my services the right way.

That’s exactly what I’m sharing in “Pricing for Profit.”

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. A trusted method for calculating your true value (no more guesswork)
2. Techniques for creating product pricing and service packages clients can’t resist
3. Guidance to help you confidently roll out your new prices (without breaking into a sweat)
4. Strategies for handling objections and closing with ease

This course is the key to fully owning your value and communicating it effectively to your clients.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. “But Erin, what if I’m not ready?” 

“What if my creative work isn’t good enough?”

“What if…”

Stop right there. 

I’m going to tell you what I wish someone had told me years ago:

You are ready. Your work is valuable. And you deserve to be paid well for it.

This course will allow you to start fully owning who you are as a creative and the amazing value you bring to your clients so you can wake up every day excited about your work, knowing you’re being paid what you need and deserve. Imagine actually having time for that yoga class, or that coffee date with a friend, or heck, just a full night’s sleep!

That’s what’s waiting for you on the other side of “Pricing for Profit.”

So, are you ready to transform your business through solid pricing?

Click below to Join “Pricing for Profit”