If you want to raise your prices, you need to start with a plan and let clients know far enough in advance to prepare themselves and their budgets.
In this post, we’ll review ‘how to have the conversation‘ with the client and I’ll share email wording in a template you can use.
This template has worked with photographers who I’ve coached in raising their prices.
Raising Prices with Existing Clients
When it comes to existing clients, you want to go about this in the most efficient and professional manner, so that clients will keep coming back for your work.
Your goal is to:
- Share why your prices are increasing
- Let the client know you have their best interests in mind
- Advise of any price increase or package changes
- Give the client the ability to purchase at the current price prior to the increase
- Invite the client to negotiate options
My biggest tip when it comes to raising prices is reworking your packages are often received more positively than simple price increases.
Examples of Emails for Clients
Now, a lot of these tips I’ve shared in this series are valuable but, the execution of talking with clients about price increases probably has you stumped.
I’m going to give you two examples of emails to send to clients. You can use this as a template to help you formulate communication around increasing your pricing.
I’ve left this as text, so you can copy and paste it into your email software.
Let’s go!
Example A
Hi <client name>,
I’m excited to share with you that I have been doing a lot of professional development this year, expanding my skill set, investing in new gear and improving the quality of my work to better serve you, a valued client.
I wanted to thank you for being a client of mine and supporting my business this year. I have loved working with <you or brand name> to create your food images and content. <Make a note here about a project you enjoyed working with them on>.
As a result of my increased skill set, my prices will be increasing from January 2025. For my existing clients, I will only increase my rates for <INSERT SERVICES> to $X. <OR point clients to a new rate card or packages they can view>.
My priority is to make sure that this change doesn’t impact our ability to work together as I have enjoyed working with you and value our relationship. This rate would still include, <List the value here, highlighting important photography services your clients want>.
New clients will be charged $X for these services. <Include if you feel is relevant>.
I also wanted to give you the opportunity to lock in my current rates before the end of the year if you know you have an upcoming project. If you know you need XYZ, you can schedule <INSERT SERVICES> to secure the existing rates, (to be used before 31 March 2025).
Please let me know if you have any questions at all or would like to book an upcoming shoot.
Example B
Hi <client name>,
I’m excited to share with you that I am taking that next step in my business and working towards my goal of becoming a full-time photographer! I just wanted to say thank you for being a client of mine and supporting my business. I have loved working with <brand name> to create your food content. <Make a note here about a project you enjoyed working with them on>.
Over the past X months, I have been doing a lot of professional development, expanding my skill set and improving the quality of my work to better serve my clients. As a result, my prices will be increasing from January 2025.
Because I have really enjoyed working with you and I know you already increased your budget to work with me (which I am so grateful for), I wanted to open a conversation with you about how I can support you and <brand name>.
As an existing client, I will only be increasing my rates for <INSERT SERVICES> by $X.
This rate would still include, <LIST THE VALUE HERE>. New clients will be charged $X for these services.
If that’s not in your budget, would it be unreasonable for us to explore some options together for how I can support you with my new packages?
Are you ready?
So, do you feel prepared to raise your prices? Need help strategizing your package options and pricing? Let me know by commenting below in the comment section!
That’s the end of our four-part series on: establishing value with clients. If you are interested in the other posts check them out in the links below!
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