Athena Santora writes copy that (actually) sells for startups and small shops. She is the founder of Bevy, a courageous digital agency that builds websites for clients in the US, EU and Australia. Over the course of the last year, the company has grown to span five countries and to craft digital marketing assets of all kinds.

Born in the States, Athena now splits time between her hometown of New York City and her new town of Barcelona because she can’t bear to give up residency in either one. An Ivy League graduate and lifetime learner, she is driven by the idea that intentional design and savvy sales copy can meaningfully connect people, even through a screen.

On this episode of the podcast, Athena shares her approach to identifying ideal clients and pricing based on the value she provides. Learn to trust your intuition and get paid what you’re worth!

 

Key Takeaways

The pros and cons of platforms like Upwork

• Competing in a world economy means you may have to charge less to land projects
• Unless you learn a new way to present your services, you may not make enough to keep the lights on
• Bidding teaches you what clients are looking for and what they need to hear to buy in
• Writing proposals helps you understand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to pitching clients
• Searching open jobs allows freelancers to do market research (demand, pricing, etc.)

 

The value-based pricing model

• Explore what the client is trying to accomplish
• Determine what reaching that goal will mean for their bottom line
• Charge accordingly

 

The advantages of a value-based pricing model

• The freelancer has a better chance of charging appropriately
• It builds a relationship with the client rather than focusing on an endpoint to the project

 

The common pricing mistakes freelancers make

• Getting stuck at a rate based on what other freelancers are charging
• Failing to realize their own value

 

Athena’s principles of negotiating price

• Start from an uncomfortable place
• Hold strong unless you are working to land an ideal client
• Consider the value the client can offer you (exposure, contract length, etc.)
• Offer incentives to guarantee additional work

 

Characteristics of an ideal client

• Like any relationship, the ideal client brings out the best in you and allows you to do your best work
• Ideal clients don’t take more than they give back

 

Athena’s best advice for new freelancers

• If you can be proud of the work you’ve done because you trusted yourself, that will guide you in the right direction

 

 

Resources

Laura’s Ideal Client Blog Post & Workbook

 

Connect with Athena Santora

Website

Bevy Digital