The Challenge of Knowing Your Worth

Pricing is one of the most emotionally charged parts of freelancing. Early in my career, I made the mistake of charging what I thought people would pay—often far below what the work deserved. But I’ve since learned that pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s a reflection of value, clarity, and confidence. Clients aren’t just paying for your hours—they’re paying for your expertise, your process, and the impact your work will have on their business.

Value Over Hours

Now, I base my pricing on value and outcomes. I ask: what’s the client trying to achieve? How will my work support that goal? I also break down my deliverables clearly and offer packages with set prices, which removes ambiguity and builds trust. Remember, when you price your work fairly and transparently, you attract clients who respect your skills—and projects that energize rather than drain you.

Confidence Comes with Clarity

When you price clearly and fairly, you attract clients who respect your time. Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s clarity paired with kindness. And that clarity is what opens the door to better work, better clients, and better balance.

Transparency Builds Confidence

When pricing is vague, trust erodes. That’s why I break every proposal into clear, digestible parts—UX audit, wireframes, design system, development handoff, etc. Each phase has a purpose, each cost is explained.

It might sound overly formal, but it’s not about red tape—it’s about making the client feel safe and informed. When they understand what they’re paying for, they’re more willing to pay well.

Making Space for Growth

As I grew more confident in pricing, I noticed another benefit: I could reinvest in myself. Higher rates meant I could buy better tools, take design courses, and spend more time on craft rather than chasing volume. Pricing fairly creates space for excellence.