Email marketing has a direct revenue attribution that most freelance disciplines lack. That is leverage you should price into your rate. This calculator helps you find a number that reflects both your costs and your output's measurable value.
// frequently asked questions
Should I charge per campaign or by retainer?
Per campaign works for clients with irregular sending schedules. Retainers work when clients send consistently: weekly newsletters, monthly promotions, seasonal campaigns. Retainers are better for cash flow and allow you to plan capacity. When quoting a retainer, define how many campaigns and flows are included. "Unlimited" campaigns is not a retainer, it is an open-ended contract that will undervalue your time.
How do I price Klaviyo automation setup?
Automation setup is a project, not a retainer. Estimate the flows required (welcome series, abandoned cart, post-purchase, win-back), multiply by 6-12 hours per flow depending on complexity, and apply your hourly rate. A full ecommerce setup for a mid-size brand typically runs 40-80 hours. Price it as a project with a 30% deposit upfront.
How do I price ongoing list management and deliverability work?
List hygiene, suppression management, and deliverability monitoring are ongoing operational tasks. They are good candidates for a monthly retainer separate from campaign production. Price them based on list size and sending frequency: a 50,000-subscriber list with weekly sends requires meaningfully more management than a 5,000-subscriber monthly newsletter.
How many billable hours should I plan for?
Email marketers typically bill 55-65% of their working hours. Template building, platform troubleshooting, and A/B test analysis take real time that clients do not always see. Account for these in your rate, not as a surprise add-on.