Is your pricing strategy right?

About hourly rates and discounts

4/7/20252 min read

time lapse photography of several burning US dollar banknotes
time lapse photography of several burning US dollar banknotes

Have you priced yourself right – or too low?

For those of us who make a living from our knowledge, experience, and ability to create results, pricing isn’t just a number on an invoice. It’s a strategic decision that determines which clients we attract – and the value we are associated with.

Picture this:
A new client reaches out. They have the budget. They recognise your expertise. They need exactly what you offer.

Your current hourly rate is 1,200 DKK, but you have a strong feeling this client would easily pay 2,500 DKK – and might even feel more comfortable with it, because the price better reflects the value you deliver.

The client asks:

“What’s your usual rate?”
You answer honestly:
“1,200 DKK per hour.”

And now you’re locked in.

The solution?
Set your standard rate higher than you may feel entirely comfortable with at first. If 2,500 DKK an hour feels like a stretch, make it your starting point.

When you meet clients who can’t or won’t pay your standard rate, you can choose to offer a discount – intentionally, strategically, and gladly.

And here’s an important truth:
The clients who insist on paying less often demand more from you. They expect greater returns per krone, ask more questions, and push harder to get “as much as possible” for their money.

The clients who pay the higher rate, on the other hand, tend to show greater trust, have fewer detailed demands, and a clearer understanding of the value you bring. They’re not just buying your time – they’re buying your focus, your expertise, and your peace of mind.

When you start low, it’s almost impossible to negotiate upwards.
When you start high, you have the flexibility to meet the client at their level – without compromising your positioning.

This isn’t just about money – it’s about perception, self-worth, and attracting the kind of clients who value your expertise.

That’s how you move into a new client group. And that’s how you work with clients who aren’t just looking for the cheapest option – but who are ready to pay for quality, experience, and results.