Landing Your First Retainer

After finishing a project, ask: "Would ongoing support be valuable? I could reserve monthly hours for your team at a preferred rate."

Frame it as convenience for them and stability for you. Most clients prefer a trusted freelancer on retainer over re-hiring someone new every time a need arises. Sweeten it with priority access: "Your retainer reserves monthly hours and priority scheduling for your team." That adds value beyond the rate alone without implying you are on call all month.