Let’s talk about the conversation that makes most business owners squirm: raising your prices.

Yep. I said it.

You’ve poured your heart, brilliance, and late nights into what you offer and one day, after your monthly bookkeeping check in, you realize your rates for a few of your clients aren’t even covering your costs anymore. But the idea of raising them? Cue your panic and anxiety.

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to feel like a breakup text. With the right transparency and timing, raising your prices can actually build more trust with your clients.

Clients Crave Clarity

Your clients don’t mind paying more nearly as much as they mind being blindsided. 

When you tell them why your prices are going up, you give them clarity. And clarity builds respect. It also gives them the chance to appreciate the value you have brought to them.

Instead of, “Wait, what??” they’re more likely to say, “Oh, that makes sense.”

Transparency isn’t just a feel-good word. It’s a trust-building strategy.

Show Off the Value You Bring

Raising prices isn’t about being greedy and feeling guilty. Raising prices is about owning your growth, scaling responsibly, and being able to pay your team competitive wages.

When you review what has changed in your offer:

• Did you upgrade your software? 
• Add new features? 
• Offer more hands-on support than you did last year? 

Then say it. Clients need to see that you’re not just charging more “just because.” They want to know their investment is giving them more value and when you lay it out clearly, most will get it (and stay).

Timing is Your Best Friend

No one likes surprises, especially when it comes to money. That is why timing matters. 

Announce your price change early and give clients time to process it. Think of how you like to be made aware of a price increase. View it like telling a story. Start with the reason, highlight the benefits, and end with what it means for them moving forward. 

Give people time to process. Let them ask questions. Let them opt in or out. When you lead with explanation instead of surprise, the whole thing becomes a conversation, not a confrontation that causes them panic and anxiety for their budget..

Honesty Creates Loyalty

Here’s the plot twist most business owners miss: transparent price increases often increase loyalty. Price increases, when handled with honesty and care, can actually make your clients love you more. Transparency shows integrity, and clients are drawn to people who operate with integrity.

Confidence Makes the Conversation Easier

Here is the best part, transparency takes the pressure off you too. When your numbers are clear and your communication is honest, you stop overthinking. You stop sneaking in price bumps like you’re doing something wrong. You get to raise your prices and raise your standards, guilt free.

At My CFO, we help you back up your price decisions with real data from your bookkeeping. Inside Path to Profit, we teach you how to lead these conversations with confidence so your clients stay happy and your profit margin gets a well-deserved raise.

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Because cash flow isn’t luck, it’s strategy.
-Crystal