Increase Your Income: No Sleazy Shortcuts, Just Solid Strategy

Predictable revenue may not have the adrenaline rush of a six-figure launch or the instant gratification of a viral moment.

But here’s the thing—boring businesses are the ones that last, and they’re built on predictable revenue.

While everyone else is caught up in the endless cycle of chasing trends, scrambling for clients, and burning themselves out, you’ll be the one with a steady income, reliable clients, and actual peace of mind

A business that pays you consistently isn’t boring—it’s profitable, peaceful and predictable. It means no more unpredictable income, no more scrambling to fill gaps with last-minute deals, and no more feeling like you’re constantly starting over. 

So, if you’re ready to trade chaos for consistency, stop chasing quick wins, and start building income you can count on, let’s get into it.

The Myth of the Next Big Thing: Why Chasing Trends Won’t Save You

Every week, a new “must-try” tactic promises to be the magic bullet for getting more clients and making more money.

• One day, it’s high-ticket sales calls.
• The next is leveraging AI to automate your entire business.
• Then, it’s low-ticket offers with an endless funnel.
• Let’s not forget the personal brand playbook—post more vulnerable content, and the clients will magically appear.

Everyone’s chasing the latest shiny object, but here’s the catch: none of it matters if you’re ignoring the basics.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the latest sales trick, the newest content hack, or the next viral marketing strategy when returning to basics is the real key to making more money.

Unfortunately, business owners are constantly distracted by shiny objects that promise fast results but don’t build long-term success. They cycle through tactics, feeling frustrated when nothing “works” and missing out on the needed stability.

The truth is that the only people making money off these trends are the ones selling them. They’re not out here implementing them; they’re out here cashing in.

So, instead of chasing the next business fad, let’s focus on what works.

Proven strategies that will increase your income far more than any fleeting trend—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.

Why Predictable Income is the Holy Grail

Nobody starts a business thinking, “I can’t wait to stress about money every month.” But that’s where so many people end up.

Predictable revenue isn’t just about money but freedom and control. You make smarter business decisions when you know exactly what’s coming in.

Instead of the stress-induced hustle, imagine your business runs smoothly enough to leave you time for a nap—or dare I say, an actual vacation?

Predictability is the key to a boring business because if you’re always searching for the next client, you’ll be stuck in a never-ending hustle loop.

When you finish a project, it’s back to the starting line. That’s exhausting, unsustainable, and not why you started this business.

Instead of constantly chasing revenue, let’s create a foundation where clients come to you—and stay.

#1. Lock In Predictable Income: Retainers & Recurring Revenue

If you want to increase your income without constantly chasing new clients, retainers and recurring revenue are the answer. Instead of selling one-off projects, you’re locking in ongoing, guaranteed work and income.

Think of a retainer as a subscription model for your business. Clients get continued support, and you get predictable revenue instead of starting every month at zero.

As much as I believe there’s a time and place for project-based work, retainers offer a level of stability that’s ideal for solo, service business owners: 

• Eliminates the stress of constantly finding new clients.
• Creates steady cash flow so you can plan.
• It lets you focus on the work, not constant marketing and sales.
• Builds deeper client relationships that lead to more referrals.

Stop treating every project as a one-off. Start stacking predictable, recurring revenue.

Find clients you like working with and offer them ongoing support. Depending on the type of work you do, a retainer option may not seem feasible, but there’s likely some type of option you can come up with.

For example, one of my clients who does project-based website design wanted to generate recurring revenue, so she created a maintenance subscription for her existing clients. Now, she has a baseline monthly revenue and her project work. 

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to your favorite clients. You may find that they want consistent support and the confidence that they’re on your monthly roster.

#2. Make Longer Commitments for Consistency and Stability

For your retainers or recurring revenue, look for opportunities to get your clients to commit for longer periods. If you lock in clients for six months, extend that to a year. 

Longer contracts help create more predictability for you and your client. You’ll spend less time worrying about whether the client will continue and build stronger, long-term client relationships.

Think your clients won’t commit to a year? Think again!

One of my clients who offers social media services had her clients on 90-day contracts, which created a lot of needless stress. She’d barely start a new project before stressing about securing the next contract.

On my recommendation, she reduced her contracts to a minimum of six months and is now signing clients for a year at a time.

#3. Productizing Your Services

If you’re drowning in custom proposals that go nowhere or dealing with scope creep, it’s time to productize.

Productizing turns your repeatable services into structured packages with clear deliverables, fixed pricing, and a process that practically runs itself. Instead of constantly reinventing the wheel, you create predictable, easy-to-sell offers that benefit you and your clients.

Productizing your services eliminates the frustration of endless proposals by giving clients a clear, structured offer so they know exactly what they’re getting. With defined deliverables, you avoid scope creep and keep projects on track without constant renegotiation.

Standard pricing smooths the sales process, reduces friction, and makes it easier for clients to say yes, which increases income.

Plus, streamlining your process increases efficiency, saving you time and energy while allowing you to focus on delivering great work instead of constantly customizing offers.

Start by identifying your most repeatable services, standardizing your offers and making them easy to understand and buy. Productizing your services eliminates the guesswork, eliminates unnecessary admin work, and helps you work less while making more.

#4. Set Clear Payment Terms to Keep Revenue Flowing

Let’s talk about money. Clients can walk over you if you don’t set firm payment terms.

Too many service providers end up with delayed payments, chasing invoices, or getting stuck in awkward money conversations simply because they didn’t establish clear terms.

I get it. I’ve been there, and it’s exhausting. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way forever.

Before you begin any work, get a deposit or payment in full. This secures the project, ensures client commitment, and protects your time. If you’re working on longer projects, structured payment plans help you avoid significant gaps between paychecks and keep cash flow steady.

You’re not a bank—get paid upfront. Clients should not pay you whenever they feel like it. Set expectations upfront so you never wonder when your next payment will come.

Honestly, most clients aren’t trying to dodge payments; they’re busy, and you’re not the only thing on their list. Consider automating reminders so invoices don’t slip through the cracks.

Ensure your contracts have clauses regarding payment terms and associated late fees. These clauses act as both a deterrent and compensation for the hassle of chasing down money.

And if a client doesn’t pay? Pause the work. No exceptions. Continuing work for a non-paying client only reinforces bad behavior. 

Clear payment terms mean fewer awkward conversations, more predictable income, and no more chasing money you’ve already earned.

#5. Stop the Revolving Door: Keep Clients for the Long Haul

Client retention is a seriously underrated strategy for increasing your income or at least keeping it stable.

Most service providers focus too much on landing new clients and not enough on keeping the great ones they already have.

Less client churn = more predictable revenue. The more you focus on keeping and growing your clients, the less time you’ll spend chasing new business.

As someone who’s had clients stay on retainers for five or more years, I can tell you—it’s much easier than most people think. The secret? Consistency and not taking your clients for granted.

It’s not uncommon for service providers to start letting things slide—missing check-ins, becoming less responsive, or assuming a long-term client will always stick around. Or stop delivering the same level of value they did initially, thinking the relationship is secure.

But the truth is, client retention isn’t automatic—it’s earned.

When you treat a long-term client with the same energy and professionalism as a new one, they’re far more likely to stay. That requires:

• Consistent and regular communication. Don’t make assumptions because they’re familiar with your process.
• Delivering continued value by looking for ways to improve or refine your delivery over time.
• Proactive problem-solving so you’re anticipating their needs instead of just reacting.

Long-term clients don’t stick around because of habit. They stay because you make their life easier and consistently prove your value. Plus, when a client trusts you like this, there’s always room to increase your income.

Increase Your Income with Simple Strategies That Work

Building a sustainable business isn’t about chasing the next big thing; it’s about setting up revenue you can count on.

Let’s recap: Retainers, long-term contracts, productized services, clear payment terms, and client retention—all lead to predictable revenue. Sounds like the kind of business you want, right?

It may not be the most exciting part of running a business, but predictability beats constantly scrambling for clients. A steady income lets you make smarter decisions, sleep better, and actually enjoy the boring but profitable business you’ve built.

This week, take one strategic step forward—secure a retainer, refine your service packages, or update your payment terms. Small shifts like these add up over time, so pick one and make it happen!

If you’re ready to increase your income without working more or getting trapped in the endless cycle of scaling for the sake of it, the Staying Solo Squad is exactly where you need to be.

This isn’t about hustle or hype—it’s about building a profitable, sustainable solo business that works for you. Whether you need to refine your pricing, lock in more consistent revenue, or finally stop undercharging, the Squad gives you the support and strategy to make it happen.

We’re opening for new members in mid-March, and now’s the time to get on the waitlist!

Sign up now to be the first to know when doors open—because more income (without more hours) starts with the right moves.