A retainer fee is an upfront payment that a client makes to a freelancer for ongoing work over a set period of time, usually a month. Retainer fees are commonly used by freelancers who provide services such as graphic design, copywriting, marketing, or web development, where clients require ongoing work that is difficult to estimate in advance.
Freelancers use retainer fees to grow their business in several ways including providing freelancers with predictable income, which helps them plan their cash flow and budget for their business expenses. This helps freelancers avoid the feast-famine cycle that can be common in the freelance world.
Retainer fees can also help freelancers build stronger client relationships. By providing ongoing support and services, freelancers can become a trusted partner for their clients and develop a long-term working relationship.
They also allow freelancers to work more efficiently by providing a steady stream of work. This helps freelancers avoid the time-consuming process of finding new clients and pitching their services. And retainer fees provide freelancers with opportunities to upsell their services. As they work with clients over time, they may identify additional services or projects that could benefit the client, leading to more work and increased revenue.
See also: Rate Card, Project-Based Pricing
