I have done this several times in my career and have learned a few things along the way that hopefully can help you. It can be stressful! As echoed below, your best strategy is to outline your arguments in order to be persuasive. It's a negotiation. They need something from you, you need something from them. For the company, you are also a valuable investment. They want a "return" on their investment. Show them what that return is.

It's always a smart idea to start with the good. Highlight you appreciation for the company, why you like your position, how you see your future developing with that company, and what you plan to accomplish. What did you successfully change for the better? How did you implement that change? How have you influenced people or your team to achieve better results? How have you expanded your knowledge base to become more valuable? What have you done on a personal or professional level to grow? Finally, where do you fall in relation to other professionals in the industry with regards to your pay and benefits?

Then, outline your expectations for a pay raise and also have some ideas in mind with what your employer may get in return. Show the company you want to stay and grow with them but help them understand in a very reasonable manner that your salary doesn't quite meet your expectations.

Hope this helps!

I’ve never actually asked for a raise, but to echo what Michael said, definitely crate some sort of paper trail for yourself. There’s also plenty of resources online that outline what your salary should be vs experience. Also check out this thread posted on SK a while back: https://www.safetyknights.com/post?id=5f651ad33b7e810017221e77

I would make a document of things you did to this point. Hours you put in any savings you did through your job. Plus actually show the numbers. Hard documented facts and does not hurt to compare position with other employers in your area.