Hellooooooo!
How have you been?
I’ve decided to take my content creation journey seriously, and by seriously, I mean figuring out how to make actual money from it (yep, Q4 goals coming through ✨).
Some of this is still “in the works,” some is just me daydreaming, but as always, you get the full behind-the-scenes.
And today’s behind-the-scenes? Let’s talk about charging more.
From ₹1 per word to ₹6 per word
When I first quoted ₹2 per word, the client negotiated me down to ₹1. We finally settled at ₹1.5. Honestly, I was just thrilled someone said yes.
With two clients at ₹1.5, I started quoting ₹2 to new ones. If they said no, I let them go.
The first time a client agreed to ₹2, I circled back to my 1.5 client after three months and asked for a raise. He refused 2.5 but said yes to 2. Win! (This is where consistent delivery and zero complaints worked in my favor.)
Soon, I had two clients at ₹2. So I began quoting ₹2.5. But confidence? Still shaky.
Then came the turning point: I was fully booked when an inbound lead showed up. Just for fun, I quoted ₹4. He said yes. I nearly fell off my chair.
Yesterday, I quoted ₹5. They agreed. Confidence = unlocked.
My highest so far has been $150 for 1500–2000 words (~₹6 per word). Rare, but becoming more common.
Now that I’ve hit ₹5 with one client and ₹6 with another, that’s my new baseline.
So how do you raise rates without losing all your clients?
Here’s what worked for me:
1. Test higher rates with new leads
When I was fully booked, I quoted ₹4 to a new inbound lead, just to see what would happen. They said yes. That was my biggest signal.
Try this: Even if you’re busy, still take calls with new leads. When you share your rate, add +0.5 to your current baseline. Worst case: they walk. Best case: you just raised your floor.
Pro tip: write it down somewhere. e.g., “Current baseline = 2.5. Quoting new = 3.”
It keeps you from backsliding when doubting yourself.)
2. Revisit prices with existing clients
At the 3-month mark with my 1.5 client, I asked for 2.5. He said no but agreed to 2. Still progress.
👉 Try this: Pick a timeline (3–6 months of consistent work) and send a simple check-in:
“I’ve loved working on X for you. Given the consistency and value delivered, I’d like to revise my rate from ₹X to ₹Y starting next month. Does that work for you?”
I do it every six months (ideally), you pick yours!
3. Make yourself hard to replace
The only reason my 1.5 client didn’t ghost me when I asked for a raise? I always delivered on time, with zero drama. Replacing me would’ve been a bigger headache than paying me more.
👉 Try this: Pick one “non-writing” strength and nail it.
For me, it was timely delivery. For you, it might be proactive ideas or super-smooth communication.
Make the client think: “Paying her 0.5 more is cheaper than finding someone else.”
4. Stack small wins to build confidence
Confidence doesn’t just show up one morning.
Mine built slowly: 1.5 → 2 → 2.5 → 4 → 5.
Each “yes” was proof that I wasn’t overcharging.
👉 Try this: Create a “Rate Wins” folder. Every time someone agrees to a higher quote, screenshot it and save it. On days you feel shaky, open that folder. Instant confidence boost.
Next time you quote, add 0.5 more than usual.
Next time you deliver a project, slightly overdeliver
Next time you get good feedback, save it somewhere.
These habits will help you build good confidence and better relationships with your clients.
Let me know if you found this helpful. If you want me to share exact messages I sent (with screenshots) and how we came to terms, I can do a case study too!
I’d love to know if you’d like to see that or any other topic I could help you with!!
Wishing you a Happy October!!
Love,
Nikita