Should you raise prices mid-year? Yes—and here’s why it’s not only okay, but often necessary.
Many creative professionals hesitate to increase their rates mid-year. You worry about losing clients, sounding greedy, or disrupting your workflow. But when your costs go up or your value outpaces your pricing, sticking with outdated rates can quietly drain your profits.
Here’s what the numbers—and smart business practices—say about why and how to raise prices mid-year with confidence.
The Case for a Mid-Year Price Increase
You don’t need permission to value your time. But if you’re looking for signs, your numbers will give them to you.
• Your profits are shrinking. If your bank balance looks the same (or worse) despite steady client work, that’s a red flag. Rising costs for software, assistants, or gear often go unnoticed until the numbers reveal the slow leak.
• You’re consistently booked out. If you’re turning away new projects or working overtime to keep up, your rates are probably too low. That’s basic supply and demand. High demand should come with higher prices.
• You’re delivering more than you’re paid for. If your scope has expanded but your rates haven’t, you’re giving away work for free. Look at the actual time spent on each project and compare it to what you charged.
• You’ve improved your skills. Growth deserves compensation. If your work is faster, better, and more valuable than it was six months ago, your rates should reflect that.
• Your industry has shifted. Clients are raising their budgets. Your competitors are charging more. Creative tools cost more. Everything is moving—don’t let your prices stay stuck.
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. These signs are more common than you think. If this resonates, it might be time for a change. Let’s dig into what to do next.
5 Steps to Raise Prices Mid-Year (Without the Stress)
Raising prices doesn’t have to feel awkward. These steps will help you communicate clearly and position the change as a benefit to your clients.
1. Review your numbers first
Look at your net income, time tracking, and project costs over the last 3–6 months.
Don’t rely on your gut—let your numbers confirm what needs to change.
Pro Tip: Use project reports in FreshBooks, Xero, or QBO to get a clear view of profitability.
For deeper insights, check out Project Profitability Hacks for Design Studios.
2. Set a fair, strategic new rate
Don’t just tack on 10% randomly. Think about where your current price falls in the market and what your updated value is.
Consider bundling services or creating new packages to give your new rates structure.
Pro Tip: Pricing tiers can make upgrades easier for clients and help them self-select the right level of service. If you find clients often have trouble choosing between a package, add enhancement services that they can purchase along with your standard package.
3. Communicate the change in advance
Let your existing clients know at least 30 days ahead. Be clear, confident, and warm.
Tell them what’s changing, when it takes effect, and why it’s happening.
Pro Tip: Focus on benefits. Higher prices support better service, more availability, and even better creative work. Charging more doesn’t just help your bottom line – it changes how people see you. People tend to associate higher rates with higher quality, expertise, and professionalism. When your prices reflect your skill and experience, clients take you more seriously and are more likely to trust you and respect your time, your process, and your boundaries.
4. Keep it simple
You don’t need to justify every penny. Avoid long explanations or apologies.
Stick to one clear message: your prices are going up to match your value and rising costs.
Pro Tip: This is a mindset hurdle for a LOT of solo business owners. It’s normal to feel uneasy about raising prices, especially when you work closely with your clients. But remember, you’re not asking for a favor – you’re running a business. And they chose you for a reason. If you’re delivering real results, you don’t need to explain every detail. Confident, clear, fair pricing shows that you value your time and theirs. It sends the message that your work is worth it – and that confidence makes clients feel more secure too.
5. Update your proposals, website, and onboarding materials
Don’t forget to reflect your new pricing everywhere.
Inconsistency leads to confusion—and lost opportunities.
Pro Tip: Create a template email and pricing PDF you can quickly update as needed throughout the year.
What If You’re Still Unsure?
This is a common sticking point for many entrepreneurs. Pricing is one of the hardest parts of running a creative business. But if your gut says it’s time and your numbers back it up, trust yourself.
If you delay, you risk burnout, resentment, and shrinking margins.
Need a reality check? According to SCORE’s guide on How to Think More Strategically About Pricing, one of the most common mistakes small business owners make is setting prices without fully understanding their value. Underpricing—especially out of fear—can quietly erode your profits and position your services as less valuable than they truly are. Over time, it also takes an emotional toll, leading to burnout, resentment, and a growing sense that your work isn’t being taken seriously.
Pro Tip 1: Even worse, it can start to chip away at your confidence, making you question your worth and second-guess the quality of your own work. Over time, it can feed imposter syndrome, making you question your skills, doubt your worth, and hesitate to take on bigger opportunities.
Pro Tip 2: When your pricing reflects your true value, your confidence grows – and so does the kind of work and clients you attract.
When NOT to Raise Prices
While mid-year can be a great time to increase your rates, it’s not always the right move.
• You haven’t reviewed your numbers. Make sure you’re not reacting emotionally. Let data lead the decision.
• You’re underdelivering. If clients are unhappy or quality has slipped, fix that first. Then raise your rates from a place of strength.
• You’re unsure about your offer. If your packages are confusing or inconsistent, clean that up before you make pricing changes.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Numbers, Trust Yourself
Your business should evolve with your experience, your goals, and the economy. If everything else is growing—your skills, demand, costs—it’s only fair to increase your rates too.
Don’t wait for January.
Don’t wait for permission.
Don’t wait until burnout forces you to do it.
Should you raise prices mid-year? If the numbers say yes, then yes—do it with confidence.
Want support reviewing your numbers? Start with a simple review of your recent project profits. You might be surprised by what you find hiding in plain sight.
Would you like help running the numbers before you make the leap? Let’s Get Acquainted
