Let’s be real—talking about money can be awkward. Whether you’re a seasoned digital marketing pro or just finding your groove, asking for a pay rise can feel like navigating a minefield. But here’s the truth: if you’ve been delivering the goods, you absolutely deserve to be paid what you’re worth.
At Happy Sunday, we talk to marketing professionals every day—SEO specialists, PPC wizards, content strategists, and social media maestros—who are smashing targets, growing businesses, and still underpaid. And the main reason they haven’t had a pay bump? They haven’t asked.
So, let’s change that. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to ask for a salary increase in a way that’s professional, well-timed, and (mostly) stress-free. Ready? Let’s go.
Why It’s Okay to Ask for a Raise
First off, let’s shake off the guilt. You are not being greedy, demanding, or “too much” for wanting your salary to reflect your contribution. Your role exists to add value to the business. If you’ve been doing that consistently, it’s fair to expect recognition—both in words and in numbers.
Plus, with inflation, evolving responsibilities, and the competitive nature of the digital marketing industry, what was a fair salary two years ago might not cut it anymore.
Step 1: Know Your Worth
Before you even think about setting a meeting with your manager, do your homework. You need to walk into that conversation armed with facts.
Research Market Rates
Use sites like:
Glassdoor
Payscale
LinkedIn Salary Insights
Look for similar roles in your city, with similar responsibilities and experience levels. Are you managing a team? Owning campaign strategy? Reporting on KPIs monthly? Factor all that in.
Benchmark Yourself
Then, reflect on your own value:
What campaigns have you led that directly contributed to business growth?
Have you taken on extra responsibilities?
Have you learned new tools or certifications?
Are you mentoring junior team members?
Write it all down. It’s easy to forget the wins when you’re deep in the day-to-day.
Step 2: Timing Is Everything
You could have the perfect pitch, but if your timing is off, it won’t land. Here’s when not to ask:
When the company has just had layoffs or financial losses
Right after a big mistake (even if it wasn’t your fault)
On a Monday morning or Friday afternoon (seriously—bad vibes)
So When Is the Best Time?
After a successful campaign or project wrap-up
During performance reviews
When new budgets are being set (often Q4 or Q1)
When you’ve hit a work anniversary or promotion milestone
Pro tip: if your company doesn’t do regular reviews, create your own “check-in” cadence. It’s okay to initiate these conversations yourself.
Step 3: Book a Proper Meeting
Don’t casually drop it in a Slack message or spring it on your boss during a team sync. Asking for a raise deserves a dedicated conversation.
Say something like:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’d like to schedule a quick meeting to discuss my current role and compensation. I’ve really enjoyed the challenges over the past year, and I’d love to talk about how my responsibilities have evolved. Would you have 30 minutes next week?”
This gives your manager a heads-up and time to prepare. No one likes being blindsided—especially when budgets are involved.
Step 4: Present Your Case (With Confidence)
Now comes the big moment. Here’s how to structure your ask:
1. Start with Gratitude
“Thanks for making time to chat. I really appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here to grow.”
2. Outline Your Contributions
“Since stepping into the role, I’ve taken ownership of [X], led [Y], and helped the team achieve [Z]. I’ve also upskilled in [Tool or Area], which has allowed me to [specific result].”
Keep it factual. Think numbers, outcomes, and impact.
3. Make the Ask Clear
“Based on my contributions and market research, I believe a salary of £[amount] would be more reflective of my role and impact.”
Make sure you’re asking for a specific figure. Vague statements like “I’d like a raise” put the ball in your manager’s court—and it could land anywhere.
4. Stay Open and Professional
End with something like:
“Of course, I’m open to your thoughts on this and happy to discuss next steps.”
Step 5: Be Prepared for All Outcomes
There are three ways this conversation could go:
✅ You Get the Raise
Amazing. Say thank you, and ask when it’ll take effect. You’ve earned it—literally.
🕰️ They Need Time to Consider
That’s normal. Don’t panic. Ask when you can follow up and if there’s anything additional they need from you.
“I completely understand. Let me know if there’s anything I can provide to support the request. Would it be okay to check back in after [timeframe]?”
❌ They Say No
This sucks, but it’s not the end of the road. Ask for clarity:
Is it a budget issue?
Is it performance-related?
Are there targets you can hit to unlock an increase?
Get specifics. Then you have a roadmap.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Be Paid Fairly
You don’t need to wait for someone to hand you what you deserve. In the world of digital marketing—where roles evolve quickly and results speak volumes—your value should never be taken for granted.
At Happy Sunday, we’re all about helping great talent find great opportunities. Whether you’re negotiating internally or thinking about exploring new roles, we’ve got your back.
Need advice on benchmarking your salary? Or ready to make a move? Drop us a message. We’re here to help you get paid what you’re worth.
Stay bold, stay brilliant, and never be afraid to ask.
— The Happy Sunday Team
