If you've ever thought that retainer work wouldn't fit your business model, or that it would complicate your workflow, this episode might change your mind.

We're breaking down what retainer clients actually look like in real life, how we've each structured our retainer programs differently (as a designer and copywriter), and why adding retainers might be exactly what your business has been missing.

A lot of project-based service providers never even consider offering retainer work. They assume it means being on call 24/7 or that it'll throw off their existing systems. But what if it actually does the opposite? What if it creates more stability, more predictable income, and deeper relationships with clients you already love working with?

In this episode, we're sharing our honest experiences with retainer clients. We're covering how we structure our programs, how we price them, how we manage boundaries, and when a retainer relationship might not be the right fit.

Topics We Cover

• What a retainer client actually is
• How retainers differ from project-based work
• Common misconceptions about retainer work
• Why we started offering retainers
• How retainers affect monthly scheduling
• When a retainer program might not work
• Setting client commitment timeframes
• Managing client requests and turnaround times
• Preventing "unlimited access" expectations
• Pricing retainer work vs. project rates
• How retainers create more stable income
• What makes a retainer relationship work well

Time Stamps

05:39 – What is a retainer client?

07:18 – Biggest differences between project work and retainer work

08:51 – Common misconceptions about retainers

09:31 – Why we started offering retainers

12:20 – How retainers affect monthly scheduling

13:49 – When a retainer program might not work

18:27 – Managing client requests and turnaround

22:02 – Setting boundaries with retainer clients

24:33 – Resetting expectations mid-retainer

26:54 – Why clients want to be on retainer

28:21 – Tips for clients to maximize retainer value

29:29 – Do retainers suit established or newer businesses?

30:36 – Pricing retainer work

33:05 – How retainers stabilize income

33:44 – When to sell retainer services

35:28 – Working with new clients on retainer

36:58 – Is retainer work for every business?

37:06 – What makes a retainer relationship work well

Links & Resources Mentioned

Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com

Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com

Episodes Referenced:

• Episode 8: Setting Boundaries

Tools Mentioned:

• Calendly (scheduling for retainer clients)
• Honeybook (client questionnaires and forms)
• Basecamp (client communication)
• Workflow (managing client design edits)