Andrew Casademunt
Want to make your freelance income more stable? Tired of chasing one-off gigs? Say hello to retainer packages — your new best friend in the creative world. In this article, you’ll learn how to build creative retainer packages that not only sell but also build long-term client relationships.
And yep, we’ll explore 7 real package ideas that work like a charm!
Let’s get into it 👇
What Is a Retainer Package and Why It Matters
Think of a retainer like a subscription to you — your brain, your skills, your time. Clients pay you monthly (or quarterly) for a consistent set of deliverables.
The Freelancing Shift Toward Recurring Income
Freelancers are moving away from the feast-or-famine cycle. By offering retainer packages, you create predictable income. It’s like planting seeds every month — eventually, you grow a forest.
Why Clients Love Retainers (Hint: Peace of Mind)
Clients get consistent, priority access to your services. No scrambling to hire. No surprises in pricing. Just results and creative flow.
💡 Check out more about the creative freelancing lifestyle and how it can reshape your business.
How to Build Retainer Packages That Actually Sell
It’s not enough to just slap together a list of services. You’ve got to be strategic.
Understand Your Niche and Value
Are you a brand designer? Web strategist? Creative marketing expert? Focus on the core value you provide — that’s what clients want monthly.
Explore tips for identifying your creative branding niche and standing out.
Set Clear Expectations and Deliverables
No one likes vague promises. Spell out exactly what’s included. Is it 5 design edits? 4 strategy calls? A set number of social media posts? Be crystal clear.
Retainer Package Idea #1: Ongoing Brand Strategy & Creative Consulting
Perfect for freelancers and consultants who help brands grow and evolve over time.
The Branding Advantage
Branding is never really done. Businesses need monthly refinement to stay relevant. Offer regular strategy calls, audits, and content reviews.
Explore the power of creative strategy and how it builds long-term client relationships.
Deliverables to Include
- 2x Strategy Zoom Calls
- Monthly Brand Moodboard
- Brand Voice Refinement
- Creative Campaign Ideas
Pair this with advice from the creative marketing world.
Retainer Package Idea #2: Monthly Design Maintenance & Updates
This one’s a winner for graphic and web designers.
Ideal for Web Designers & Graphic Artists
Design doesn’t stop after launch. Clients need new banners, website tweaks, and visual updates constantly.
Example Services in the Package
- 5 Graphic Updates (banners, social, promos)
- Website tweaks (layout changes, formatting)
- Monthly Design Audit Report
Connect this with web design trends and layout habits that drive results.
Retainer Package Idea #3: Social Media Content & Creative Marketing
Be your client’s full creative content team, minus the overhead.
Visual Strategy + Copy = Powerful
Offer creative assets + captions + scheduling help. That’s a win for busy brands.
Best Platforms to Include
- Instagram (carousels, reels)
- LinkedIn (branded content)
- Pinterest or TikTok (if relevant)
Tap into insights from creative marketing and content productivity hacks.
Retainer Package Idea #4: Website Content, Layout, and SEO Updates
Ideal for those with a mix of content + web skills.
Website Owners Need Monthly Love
Websites are living things. SEO, user experience, and conversions need constant care.
Services That Fit Well
- Monthly blog post (SEO-optimized)
- Landing page redesign
- Analytics + UX review
- SEO maintenance and alt text refresh
Use this with your favorite creative design strategies.
Retainer Package Idea #5: VIP Creative Lifestyle Coaching
Help solopreneurs and creatives live a life they love — while building their business.
Combining Freelance & Lifestyle Branding
This retainer merges branding, mindset, and business. It’s big-picture value, delivered monthly.
Key Coaching Deliverables
- 2x Lifestyle Coaching Calls
- Content Planning Templates
- Daily Habit Tracker (customized)
- Creative Mindset Journals
Connect this idea to the creative lifestyle and habits that move the needle.
Retainer Package Idea #6: Product Launch Creative Strategy
Launching a course, product, or brand? Help clients prep months in advance.
Perfect for Business Coaches & Brand Experts
Plan the roadmap, design the assets, guide the messaging.
Pre-Launch and Post-Launch Services
- Launch Strategy Planning
- Email & Social Content
- Sales Page Design
- Debrief & Optimization Reports
Explore tips from the branding world and clients success habits.
Retainer Package Idea #7: Full-Service Creative Growth Partner
Your premium package. Be their all-in-one creative team.
Bundle + Upsell + Long-Term Results
High-touch. Big value. Ideal for established businesses.
Example Monthly Scope
- Brand Strategy Call
- Web & Content Updates
- Social Assets + Copy
- Analytics Dashboard
- Access to VIP Slack Group
This idea taps into every element of creative growth.
Pricing Strategies for Your Creative Retainers
How do you price these packages smartly? Let’s break it down.
Flat Fee vs Hourly vs Value-Based
Flat fees are simple and predictable. Hourly models can burn you out. Value-based? That’s where the gold is — price based on impact, not time.
How to Price Based on Results
If your social package brings in 10K views or 100 leads, it’s worth more than just time spent. Think like a creative strategist, not just a task doer.
Selling Your Retainer Package with Confidence
Most freelancers struggle to sell the idea of a monthly retainer. Here’s how to do it without sounding pushy.
Overcoming Sales Objections
“I’m not sure we’ll need you every month…” 👉 Show them the long-term value. Break it down with a roadmap and case studies.
Using Branding to Build Trust
People buy from brands they trust. Use your portfolio, testimonials, and personal story to build that bridge.
Learn more about branding and creative mindset techniques that help build credibility.
Wrapping It All Up: Final Thoughts
Creative retainers are more than just monthly contracts — they’re relationship builders, income stabilizers, and value multipliers. Whether you’re offering brand strategy, lifestyle coaching, or design updates, there’s a retainer package that fits your style and serves your audience.
The key? Keep it simple, make it valuable, and sell it with confidence.
Want more ideas and mindset tips? Check out Andrew Casademunt for everything from creative inspiration to freelancing advice.
FAQs
1. What should I include in a creative retainer package?
Include recurring deliverables, monthly strategy or check-ins, and trackable results like design updates, content, or coaching sessions.
2. How do I price my retainer packages?
Price based on value, not just hours. Consider flat-rate or value-based pricing models for more predictability.
3. How can I pitch retainer packages to clients?
Show the long-term benefits like consistency, priority access, and strategic growth. Offer a sample month if needed.
4. Are retainers better than project work?
For stability, yes. Retainers create recurring revenue and deeper client relationships — but mixing both can also work well.
5. Can I offer creative coaching as a retainer?
Absolutely. Packages that mix strategy, mindset, and creative guidance are becoming very popular with solopreneurs.
6. What’s the best way to present my retainer offers?
Create a clean, branded PDF or web page. Use visuals, breakdowns, and testimonials to sell the value clearly.
7. How can I get started with retainer clients fast?
Pitch current or past clients first. Offer a limited-time beta retainer deal to test and gather testimonials quickly.