124 Scale Your Design Business by Raising Your Rates

Have you ever wondered how saying “no” could actually double your income? It may sound strange, but turning down clients has been one of the most transformative strategies in my design business. When I stopped taking on projects that didn’t align with my goals or respect my worth, I opened the door to more profitable, fulfilling opportunities. In this episode, I share my journey of learning to say no and how it skyrocketed my business, giving me more freedom and better clients along the way. You will learn: How to spot red flags and avoid clients who undervalue your expertise Why setting boundaries can boost both your income and your creative energy The long-term benefits of focusing on quality over quantity Real-life examples of how saying no can lead to high-paying projects Settle in with your favorite drink, grab a pen, and get ready for this super valuable episode!   Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

Ready to position your design business for premium clients and elevate your brand to the next level? I’m breaking down exactly how you can identify your ideal clients, stand out in a crowded market, charge what you’re truly worth, and build a portfolio that attracts the kind of high-paying clients you’ve been dreaming of. If you’ve been struggling to make the leap from just another designer to a sought-after creative partner, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: How to pinpoint and connect with your ideal clients who are ready to invest in quality design. Strategies for crafting a unique value proposition that sets you apart from the competition. The key elements of a premium portfolio that showcases your best work and results. Pricing techniques that reflect the true value of your services and attract high-end clients. Ways to enhance the client experience, making your business the go-to choice for premium services. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

If you’ve ever wondered how to take your design business from freelance to something more sustainable, today’s episode is for you. I had a great conversation with Kiri Mohan, who helps women freelancers with corporate backgrounds grow their businesses and regain more time for themselves. We touched on everything from finding higher-paying clients to achieving a better work-life balance, and there are so many helpful takeaways. Whether you’re in the process of scaling or just looking for ways to refine your business, you’ll find some valuable insights here. You will learn: Key steps for transitioning from corporate life to a thriving freelance design business. How to attract high-paying clients and position yourself as a premium service provider. Strategies for setting and raising your rates confidently, without losing clients. Tips on maintaining work-life balance while scaling your design business. Mindset shifts that help freelancers break past income plateaus and avoid burnout. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! About Kiri: Kiri Mohan helps women freelancers who have a background in the corporate world take their contractor business from surviving to thriving. Her Corporate2Contract Core and Collective programs guide women growing their freelance business to set them up for success, earn an income over six figures and get more time back in their day. Kiri knows that there is a way to have a career, a flexible schedule, and get paid what you deserve, and her framework teaches you to do that. When not working on her courses or leading women, she is podcasting (Freelance to Freedom Podcast) drinking tea and reading books. Website: www.corporate2contract.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekirimohan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirimohan/ Money mapper - https://corporate2contract.thrivecart.com/money-mapper/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her-balanced-hustle-scale-your-business-with-work-life/id1634211553 Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit

Selling your design services shouldn’t feel overwhelming, but for many designers, it does. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Tyler, New Zealand’s top online sales coach, who’s here to help you shift your mindset around sales and close more deals with ease. With over 15 years of experience, Tyler has guided countless solopreneurs and creatives to success through simple, actionable sales techniques. Together, we’re diving into what’s holding you back from landing more clients, charging what you’re worth, and confidently closing deals that fuel your business growth. You will learn: How to overcome the fear of selling and build confidence Proven techniques for having effective sales conversations that convert Strategies to communicate the value of your design services without feeling pushy How to attract premium clients who see the value in what you offer Ways to consistently generate leads in the design industry Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! About Tyler Tyler is New Zealand’s most trusted online sales coach with 15 years of experience in sales. His extensive experience in corporate roles has set the foundation for his successful coaching business. Tyler specializes in helping online coaches and solopreneurs increase their sales by understanding the psychology of selling and building compelling offers and packages.   He empowers his clients with the confidence and skills to sell with ease, without feeling uncomfortable or forcing the sale. Living in a beautiful small town on the North Island of New Zealand with his wife and two young boys, Tyler enjoys cooking and occasionally playing online games with his son in his spare time. Connect with Tyler: https://offers.tylerarcherconsulting.com/sales-objections-made-easy https://www.instagram.com/thetylerarcher/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerarchersalescoaching/   Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Chasing leads is exhausting, and it’s holding you back from growing your design business to its full potential. I’m sharing my approach to consistently attracting high paying clients without the constant hustle. Imagine having clients seek you out, ready to pay what you’re worth, without you ever having to chase them down. It’s all about positioning yourself as an authority, creating a magnetic brand, and leveraging strategies that bring clients to you on autopilot. You will learn: How to establish yourself as the go-to expert in your niche and let clients come to you The secrets to building a brand identity that attracts high-value clients effortlessly Proven systems to generate leads automatically, so you can focus on designing Techniques to turn one-time clients into long-term relationships and consistent revenue Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! AventiveAcademy’s Resources: Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Scaling a graphic design business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I’m breaking down exactly how you can attract more premium clients, raise your rates, and start outsourcing so you can get your time back and grow your business without burning out. I’ll share the strategies that have worked for me, from refining your brand positioning to building a team that allows you to focus on the high-level work that drives your business forward. If you’re ready to stop being the bottleneck and start scaling your design business with confidence, this episode is for you. You will learn: How to position your brand to attract premium clients who are willing to pay top dollar Effective strategies to raise your rates and increase your revenue without losing clients The key steps to outsourcing and delegation that free up your time for growth-focused activities How to implement systems and processes that make your business scalable and sustainable Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Freelance design can feel like an endless grind - constantly hustling, wearing all the hats, and still not reaching the level of income or freedom you want. I’ve been there, and I know exactly how frustrating it is to be stuck in that cycle. The reality is that the key to working less and earning more isn’t about pushing yourself harder; it’s about transforming how you run your business. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to move from a solo freelancer to a true agency owner. And I’m not just talking about the traditional agency model with employees—I’ll also share insights on the “floating agency” approach, where you bring in contractors only when you need them. It’s a flexible, scalable way to grow without the overwhelm, and it’s a strategy that nobody’s talking about. You will learn: The biggest reasons freelance designers stay stuck and overworked The difference between a traditional agency and a floating agency, and which might be right for you How to start delegating tasks without needing full-time employees The mindset shifts that will help you step into a true leadership role Practical tips for structuring your services and processes to work less and make more Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! The Designer to Agency Bootcamp: https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/

Why do so many talented freelance designers get stuck in a constant cycle of hustling for clients, overworking themselves, and never quite hitting the income goals they’ve set? In this episode, I’m breaking down the root causes behind why freelancers struggle to grow and, more importantly, how you can break free from this trap. I’ll be sharing the exact steps that helped me move from being a solo freelancer to running a thriving design agency. We’ll talk about the mindset shifts, business model changes, and systems you need to unlock sustainable growth and finally step into your role as the Creative CEO of your business. You will learn: The three main growth blockers that keep freelance designers stuck How to shift from a freelancer mindset to thinking like a business owner Strategies to package your services and move beyond the one-to-one model How I grew my design business and significantly increased what I charge The importance of systems and automation in scaling your design business How to position yourself to attract high-value clients who see you as a strategic partner Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Designer to Agency Bootcamp, Sep 10-12th, 2024: https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/

You’re doing all the things in your design business—designing, managing clients, handling marketing, and everything else on your plate—but the more you take on, the harder it is to actually scale. You know something has to change, but letting go of control feels risky. In this episode, I’m breaking down what you need to do to shift from being a solo designer to running a thriving agency. From setting up systems to refining your positioning and preparing to hire, we’ll cover the steps that will help you stop doing it all yourself and start building a business that supports your growth. You will learn: The biggest mindset blocks that keep designers stuck at a solo level. Why positioning your services is key for attracting premium clients as an agency. Practical steps to prepare for hiring and expanding your team. Marketing strategies that align with an agency business model. Systems you can implement now to streamline your processes. Grab your coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you run your design business! Designer to Agency Bootcamp: https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/

Ever wondered how you can charge more for your web design projects? In this episode, I’ll share my journey from charging $500 for a website to landing $10k+ web projects. Building on the insights from Part 1 (Episode #119), you’ll learn how to price your web projects for maximum profitability by understanding client needs, communicating value, and building a high-value portfolio. I'll also share tips on specializing, advanced sales techniques, and leveraging case studies to boost your credibility and rates. If you haven't yet, make sure to listen to Episode 119 for more foundational strategies. You will learn: How to transition from low-priced websites to high-value web projects. The importance of understanding client needs and communicating value. Effective strategies for building a high-value portfolio. Advanced sales techniques to close high-paying deals. Grab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to redefine how you run your design business! Aventive Academy’s Resources: LIVE Designer to Agency Bootcamp (Sep 10th - 12th): https://aventiveacademy.com/designer-to-agency-bootcamp/ Free Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ $12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/ Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator