You’ve landed a new client. The project’s in motion. But what if you could increase your earnings from that client without pitching harder or sounding like a salesperson?
That’s the power of upselling. Smart freelancers know it’s not about squeezing more money from people. It’s about delivering more value while increasing your own.
Here’s how to do it right.
Why Upselling Is One of the Smartest Moves a Freelancer Can Make
You don’t need more clients. You need more value per client.
Upselling helps you:
Increase project revenue
Deliver deeper results
Strengthen client relationships
Upselling vs. Cross-Selling
Upselling enhances the original service.
Cross-selling adds related services.
Both work. But in freelancing, upsells are often more natural.
When Is the Best Time to Upsell?
1. During Onboarding
When the client is excited and ready to go, offer them a package upgrade or bonus service.
2. Mid-Project
If things are going well, clients are open to deeper support or faster turnaround.
3. At Completion
Offer maintenance, retainer work, or next-step support once the project wraps.
How to Upsell Without Feeling Salesy
Anchor to Their Goal
Your upsell should align with their original objective. Make it a logical next step.
Package It
Avoid piecemeal add-ons. Wrap your upsells in a bundle that makes sense.
Let Your Work Sell It
Once they see results, they’re more likely to upgrade.
Smart Upsell Ideas You Can Use Today
Extended License or Usage Rights
Charge more for broader or commercial use of your work.
Rush Delivery or Priority Booking
Clients will pay more for speed and certainty.
Strategy or Consultation Call
Offer a 30–60 minute session to guide their next move.
Maintenance or Retainer
Monthly ongoing support for edits, updates, or analytics.
Bonus Content
Behind-the-scenes assets, extra photos, or alternate versions.
Editable Templates
Convert your deliverables into reusable tools.
Subscription-Based Deliverables
Turn your service into a repeatable package: monthly blog posts, weekly edits, etc.
Upsell Examples by Creative Role
Photographers
Add advanced retouching
Offer physical prints
Upsell an Instagram-ready version
Videographers
Add reels or vertical cutdowns
Include subtitle files
Offer monthly content packages
Designers
Add brand guidelines
Upsell editable social templates
Offer premium design packs
Copywriters
Add email sequences
Repurpose blogs for social
Offer SEO audits or strategy calls
Marketers
Add analytics setup
Create A/B testing reports
Offer conversion optimization
Tools That Make Upselling Easy
HoneyBook
Build add-ons directly into proposals and invoices. GET 30% OFF HERE →
Notion
Create branded upsell menus or internal trackers.
TidyCal
Offer paid consultations or upgrades via your calendar.
Zapier
Trigger upsell sequences based on client behavior.
Teachable / Podia
Sell templates, resources, or bonus content as products.
Why Clients Say Yes to Upsells
The Foot-in-the-Door Effect
Once they’ve said yes once, they’re more likely to say yes again.
Simplicity Sells
The clearer the offer, the easier the decision.
Framing Matters
Saying “Want to include this for just $X?” feels better than selling something new.
Final Tips for Upselling
Keep it optional. Don’t force it.
Use data. Show how the upsell helps them.
Lead with value. Always tie it back to what helps them win.
