Shannon Mattern - Strategic Pricing for Service Providers
Pricing strategist Shannon Mattern joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss how to present pricing options in a project proposal based on the mindset of the buyer: investment-minded, expense-minded, and hustle-minded.
In this episode, we dive into Shannon's Package Matrix method, a framework she developed to offer clients different levels of service and pricing options. We explore how to implement this strategy, manage client expectations, and ensure timely payments.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 00:25 Shannon's Background
- 01:24 Overcoming Pricing Challenges
- 02:24 Package Matrix Method
- 06:23 Implementing Package Matrix
- 10:58 Sales Process and Payment Terms
- 17:21 Handling Client Delays
- 20:58 Sales Cycle and Proposal Strategy
- 28:03 Presenting Proposals
- 39:51 Follow-up and Decision Deadlines
- 47:19 Final Thoughts and Resources
Shannon Mattern is a pricing strategist and the creator of the Package Matrix™ Method. She's also the host of the Profitable Web Designer and Anchor High podcasts, and founder of Web Designer Academy, where she helps women web designers move from undercharging to premium pricing. You can connect with Shannon at https://shannonmattern.com or on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/shannonmattern
----
Are your prices secretly based on hours, effort, or market rates?
If so, buyers will treat you like labor, devalue your assistance, and try to negotiate lower rates.
On Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at noon Eastern Time, I'm running a live workshop called Stop Pricing Like a Freelancer.
In this workshop, we'll move toward prices based on the buyer's desired outcome instead.
It's the first session of my Fall 2026 Soloist Growth Workshop series for expertise-based business owners just like you.
Live attendance is limited to 20, so don't wait.
Learn more at: https://jonathanstark.com/sgs
Enroll in “Stop Pricing Like a Freelancer” now »
Hope to see you live in Zoom on Wednesday.
Are your prices secretly based on hours, effort, or market rates?
If so, buyers will treat you like labor, devalue your assistance, and try to negotiate lower rates.
On Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at noon Eastern Time, I'm running a live workshop called Stop Pricing Like a Freelancer.
In this workshop, we'll move toward prices based on the buyer's desired outcome instead.
It's the first session of my Fall 2026 Soloist Growth Workshop series for expertise-based business owners just like you.
Live attendance is limited to 20, so don't wait.
Learn more at: https://jonathanstark.com/sgs
Enroll in “Stop Pricing Like a Freelancer” now »
Hope to see you live in Zoom on Wednesday.
Creators and Guests
Host
Jonathan Stark
The Ditching Hourly Guy • For freelancers, consultants, and other experts who want to make more and work less w/o hiring
