The do's and don'ts of freelancer VIP days
VIP days are fast becoming one of my fave ways to work with clients as a freelance copywriter. I love being able to get in and out quickly, deliver high-impact work, and stay 100% focused on one thing at a time (single-tasking baby)! Here are some things to consider if you want to start building day rates (aka VIP days) into your biz. By Haley Berryman.
What are VIP days
VIP days are a way of offering your freelance services as a bulk of hours to make up a day. Traditionally you’d take your hourly rate, times that by 8hrs, and perhaps offer a discount to your fave agency partner or clients. But this is an old school way with day dates. As a seasoned pro, you need to move beyond the time for money exchange. This model is flawed as it doesn’t take into account the true value you provide and the expertise you bring to that day. This is why they’re better positioned as VIP days or something else that sounds a little more ‘premium’.
Why day rates are great
For clients, they get your undivided attention for a full or half day. If you’re often booked out in advance for your signature services, it can be easier to find a half day or full day available in the calendar so clients can access you sooner (and avoid a waitlist depending on what they need). Clients get results quickly as you’re turning around work on the same day. And clients can bundle a mixture of work into the day, it doesn’t have to be a full project.
For you as the freelancer, your client will know exactly when you’re working on their stuff, which means they can be available for quick calls, emails and messages. You’re never left waiting for things and project timelines can’t drag out! This can also lead to greater collaboration. And it’s one invoice, one item in the calendar, and less admin for you—hooray!
Things to be aware of
Your client is paying for a block of time, not a set of deliverables. So you need to figure out realistically how much you think you can achieve within any given timeframe. This helps manage expectations. I like to get the client to rank their priorities so I can move through them in that order with the most important things getting done first.
You’ll want to make sure your onboarding process is seamless so you have everything you need in advance of the day…or run the risk of rocking up to nothing and wasting time waiting the worst. I always get clients to pay upfront to secure their spot, and I find clients take their role of getting everything to me by that date seriously *if not it’s a waste of time and money *. I always have a consult call with my clients within 48-hours of their day booking. This is a great chance to follow up on anything they should send and ask any further questions to hit the ground running.
You can be selective with who can access your VIP day. For me, past clients always get top priority. I find these VIP days a great way for me to continue supporting them after we’ve already completed a bigger project like a brand strategy or full website copy. But when I know there is a good fit with someone new, I’ll say yes too.
How to price day rates
Your day rates should be priced well and based on value. Check out all of the benefits the clients get above—undivided attention, a fast turnaround, and your expertise which they may normally have to wait weeks or months for. Add on top your qualifications, years of experience and portfolio of epic work and that’s a stack of value. .
I can’t tell you know to price them ultimately, but I highly recommend you make it more than your hourly rate x 8 (remember we’re moving away from that time for money model)! And honestly, 8 hours is a huge day! I make my full days 6 hours + a 1hr consult and my half days 3 hours + a 30min consult. Check them out here if you want to snoop. At the end of the day, you are the boss, don’t overcomplicate it, make sure you feel well compensated for the value you provide.
Another thing to remember is that the work you do for them could generate them thousands of dollars in business or sales. It will most certainly save them hours and hours of time too. Always keep that in mind if you’re backing down on price. You are adding value to their biz!
What not to do
Don’t offer your top tier services. For example, if you’re a graphic designer and your signature service is brand identity, do not offer that in day rates. If you’re a copywriter and your premium offer is brand voice guidelines, do not offer that in day rates. Day rates are ideal for smaller items that don’t fit under a proven service offering.
Ready to get started with day rates? Follow these three steps:
Price it. Set your rate based on value delivered vs time. And stand behind it with confidence. Your experience has led you here.
Prepare your onboarding process. Make sure you have your pre-work ready which may include an intake questionnaire and a consult call before the booked day.
Tell people about it! Add day rates to your price list, services guide and create a sales page. On your sales page make sure you’re demonstrating the value to the client clearly alongside your experience.
Over to you!
What are your experiences with day rates or VIP days? Is it love or hate? Have you tried them yet or not?
Written by Haley Berryman
Almond latte drinking, nature lovin’, mama of two. Endlessly coming up with ideas for others. Hippy at heart. Says ‘babe’ way too much. Shares personal musings on topics including freelancing, marketing, wellbeing and happiness. Connect @haleyberryman__ or haleyberryman.com.