How to Use Retainers to Stabilize Your Freelance Writing Income

Publication Date

May 31, 2024

Summary

I’ll walk you through what a retainer is, why it works, how to use it in your freelance business, and how to set one up with confidence

🤔 What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a standard monthly agreement between you and a client. Usually, you’ll do the same amount of work each month for a flat monthly fee.

There are two common types:

Time-based: e.g., 15 hours per week (60 hours/month) for $4,000
Deliverable-based: e.g., 4 blog posts per month for $1,600

This setup gives both you and the client predictability. You know how much you’ll earn, and they know what they’re getting.

💡 Why Use a Retainer?

Here are a few reasons retainers are a game-changer for freelancers:

✅ Predictable income
✅ Steadier workflow
✅ Stronger client relationships
✅ Better time management
✅ Fewer admin tasks (no constant pitching or proposals)

If you’ve ever wished freelancing felt less feast-or-famine, a retainer might be your answer.

🕰️ When Should You Use a Retainer?

Retainers are best for:

Ongoing content or copywriting (like blog posts, newsletters, email campaigns)
Mixed marketing tasks (social media, strategy, SEO updates)
Consulting or coaching agreements

You can start using retainers any time—even from the very beginning of a client relationship. Some freelancers propose retainers after a few months of consistent work. Others build it into their proposal from day one.

🧾 How to Set Up a Retainer

Here’s my go-to approach:

Start with a 3-month agreement

This lets you feel out the client relationship without a huge commitment.

Invoice monthly

Clients typically pay on the first of the month, before work begins.

If the client insists on net terms

Some larger companies only pay after work is completed. I weigh this on a case-by-case basis—corporate red tape isn’t always worth the hassle.

🚩 Things to Watch Out For

Retainers aren’t all rainbows. A few things to keep in mind:

Boundaries matter. If you’re not clear, scope creep will happen.
Contracts are essential. Whether you write the contract or they do, read every word. Clarify deliverables, deadlines, communication, and payment terms.
You’re responsible for enforcement. No one else will protect your time for you.

🧠 FAQ: Freelance Retainers

What’s the difference between a retainer and a regular project?

A retainer is a recurring agreement (usually monthly). Projects are one-time engagements. Retainers build ongoing income—you don’t have to “rebook” work every month.

Can I offer a retainer to a brand-new client?

Yes, especially if they already know they’ll need consistent support. Just make sure your contract has a clear exit clause in case things don’t work out.

What happens if the client doesn’t use all the hours or deliverables?

That’s why it’s important to define in the contract what happens with unused time. Most freelancers include a “use it or lose it” clause or allow limited rollover.

Do I need to offer a discount for a retainer?

Nope! You’re offering consistency and convenience—no need to undercharge. However, you can position it as a win-win by simplifying admin and locking in priority work time.

Should I invoice before or after the work?

Always try to invoice before the work begins. If a client insists on paying later due to company policy, assess if that’s workable for you.

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