5 Ways to Position Yourself as a Premium Designer and Attract High-Value Clients

Hey Premium Designer!

You might have noticed that The Friday Freelancer has been quiet for a while—there’s a good reason for that.

I’ve rebranded and launched The Premium Designer Academy, my new coaching program that helps designers attract high-value clients and charge what they truly deserve.

As part of this exciting shift, I’ve also started a new free newsletter under the same name, offering even more value-packed insights specifically for premium designers.

If you’ve enjoyed The Friday Freelancer, you’ll love what’s coming next.

Plus, read to the bottom for a free gift!

Now, let’s get into this week's post:

Isn’t it frustrating when you keep landing clients who haggle over price?

You know what I’m talking about: spending hours on a project only to feel underpaid and undervalued. It’s exhausting. And if you keep going like this, you’ll end up working more hours for less money.

What if you could attract clients who see your value right away—and pay you what you’re worth?

Instead of competing on price, you could position yourself as a premium designer and land high-value clients.

Sound good?

Let’s see how.

1. Shift Your Mindset: Don’t Be “Just Another Freelancer”

Let’s start with this: stop calling yourself a "freelancer."

The term is overused and implies that you’re available for anything and everything, like a jack-of-all-trades. Instead, think of yourself as a premium service provider—a designer who brings unique insights and creative problem-solving to clients.

What does this do for you? It instantly elevates your perceived value. Clients no longer see you as just another designer. They see someone who understands their business challenges and delivers high-impact solutions. That’s how you command higher rates.

Example: Instead of saying, “I design websites,” try saying, “I help tech startups create digital experiences that drive conversions.” See the difference?

Action Step (5 Minutes): Take 5 minutes to update your LinkedIn headline or social media bio. Replace “Freelance Designer” with a statement that reflects your unique value and expertise.

2. Niche Down: Specialize in Solving a Specific Problem

Offering “everything for everyone” waters down your value.

The real power lies in specialization. When you focus on solving one specific problem for one specific type of client, you become the go-to expert in that niche.

What does this do for you?

It helps you stand out in a crowded market.

When clients are looking for a designer, they don’t want a generalist—they want someone who specializes in their industry or problem. Specialization allows you to charge more because you’re seen as a highly valuable expert.

Example

Instead of being a generic designer, focus on a specific niche like “branding for luxury fashion brands” or “UX design for SaaS companies.” This positions you as the expert in that field, making you a premium choice.

Action Step (5 Minutes):

Spend 5 minutes brainstorming industries or problems you enjoy solving. Choose one niche to focus on and write it down. This will guide your marketing and outreach efforts going forward.

3. Build a Portfolio That Speaks to Premium Clients

Your portfolio is your proof of concept.

If it’s filled with random projects that don’t align with the premium clients you want, it’s time to rethink what you’re showcasing. Premium clients want to see work that solves their specific problems, not just pretty designs.

What does this do for you?

A well-curated portfolio that aligns with the needs of high-ticket clients makes them trust you faster. They see that you understand their industry and have a proven track record of delivering results.

Example:

Instead of displaying a variety of unrelated projects, focus on three high-quality case studies that showcase your strategic thinking and business outcomes—like how your design improved client sales or user engagement.

Action Step (5 Minutes):

Go through your portfolio and remove one or two projects that don’t reflect the type of work you want to attract. Focus on showcasing work that speaks to your ideal, high-value client.

4. Speak the Language of Business, Not Design

Clients care about business outcomes, not design jargon.

You might love discussing fonts and color palettes, but premium clients want to know how your design will increase their revenue, build their brand, or engage their target audience.

What does this do for you?

When you start talking in terms of business value, you instantly separate yourself from the sea of designers who focus on aesthetics alone. Clients will view you as a strategic partner, not just a designer.

Example:

Instead of saying, “I’ll design a sleek, modern logo,” say, “I’ll create a brand identity that builds trust with your target audience and helps you scale.”

Action Step (5 Minutes):

Take 5 minutes to rewrite one of your pitches or website service descriptions. Shift the focus from design details to the business value you provide.

5. Use Value-First Outreach to Attract Clients

Cold pitching doesn’t have to feel salesy.

In fact, if you lead with value instead of asking for work, you’ll start building relationships with premium clients much faster. Offer something useful upfront—a free design audit or a quick branding suggestion—so they can experience your expertise firsthand.

What does this do for you?

This approach builds trust and opens the door to bigger conversations. By providing value first, you’re showing clients that you understand their needs and can deliver solutions without them feeling pressured.

Example:

Instead of, “Do you need a designer?” try, “I noticed a few ways your website could improve its conversion rate. Would you like a free 10-minute audit?”

Action Step (5 Minutes):

Identify one potential client you’d love to work with. Spend 5 minutes reviewing their website or social media presence, and send them a quick email offering value upfront—like a free tip or audit.

As you get used to the new mindset of thinking like and being a Premium Designer, you’ll find that you’ll start to attract high-paying and higher-quality clients.

It worked for me, so I know this can work for you.

And once you start moving in that ‘premium’ direction the clients (and income) will follow.

That’s it!

P.S. If you’re ready to take your design business to the next level, I invite you to join my Premium Designer Academy newsletter on Beehiiv.

When you subscribe, you’ll not only get the latest strategies for attracting high-value clients and scaling your business, but you’ll also receive a free copy of the Premium Designer Playbook—my go-to guide for positioning yourself as a premium designer and securing those $5,000+ clients. (this has helped dozens of designers get results with just this FREE information)

In the newsletter, I’ll share exclusive tips and resources that go even deeper than what I’ve shared here.

Click the link below to join and claim your free Premium Designer Playbook now. Don’t miss out!

[Join The Premium Designer Academy Newsletter]

Huw

Founder , Premium Designer Academy