Ultimate Guide to Invoicing for Freelancers

INTRODUCTION

Doing the work that you love and working for yourself is one of the greatest perks of being a freelancer. However, that means you are responsible for getting yourself paid for that work that you love. Invoicing can be one of the most laborious and mundane tasks that a freelancer has to do. When done manually, it can take hours to create an invoice, communicate it to the client, and finally, remind them to pay up. While you might start by creating a simple invoice in Microsoft Word, eventually you’ll likely want to transition to an invoicing system or website that automates some of the work. We talk about professionalism, but in fact all you need is to do it right. Choosing the right invoicing software, implement the right policies and charge method, asking for a right payment method, manage the invoice record right is all you need to have a successful freelancing career. This article is all about sharing the right tips and guide to invoicing for freelancers.

1. Use a good Invoicing Software.

The first step to getting your invoicing right is to select good invoicing software. There are plenty of invoicing software in the market today but our innovative invoicing solution standout but in design and ease-to-use which makes it the best solution for business owners and freelancers. Carefully and wisely managed invoicing to keep your business going smooth without troubles from the financial side, or frustration from the client side. An online invoicing software has more benefit than just creating the invoice itself. With a solution like Invoice, you can send the invoice straight to your clients and track every step of the invoice approval process until you get paid.

2. Include all necessary information.

How many times have you received an invoice or bill that looks all mixed up with bad layout and information scattered all around? The most important information that must not be missing from your invoice includes your business details, clients details, itemised list services been billed for and payment terms. The invoice should speak for the client and the job you did for them. If the client cannot instantly identify what they are being charged for, it is very likely your invoice to end-up into the ‘deal-with-later’ pile. Always include your logo. Using logo on your invoices will not just make the invoice look more professional, but will make your brand more recognisable. One glimpse of it and the client will instantly know who’s on the other side, even can guess what he’s being charged for if he’s doing business with you on a regular basis.

3. Send your invoice frequently.

This is a valid trick to shortening the time it takes for you to get paid as a freelancer. The shorter the loop between sending out an invoice and getting paid, the better. A great way to deal with this kind of financial paperwork is to use an all-in-one invoicing app, such as Invoice. Invoice is actually completely free to use and can help get your invoices noticed and paid quickly. You can also easily send reminders for those clients who accidentally forget to pay.

4. Have an alternative payment method.

Do everything within your power to make it very simple for clients to pay you. Set yourself up to accept online payments — in addition to opening up a broader reach of customers, you won’t have to wait for a check to arrive in the mail. Invoice offers freelancers the opportunity to accept payments online from clients. All you have to do is to ensure your bank details is connected to your invoice account.

5. Have a policy and always stick to it.

It is normal to want to be paid after working for a client. However, in the real world not all clients pay on time. As a freelancer, you will come across stubborn clients who pay half the amount then disappears. Some of your clients will even refuse to pay you. To minimize the occurrences such cases, you need to come up with policies regarding payments (most importantly get paid upfront). Clients do not like surprises. Let the clients know about your policies, including your pricing structure. They should also be informed if any changes are made on the policies.

CONCLUSION

Lastly, you need to be systematic when dealing with invoicing issues raised by your clients. Responding in time to your client’s concerns portrays your professionalism and will increase the likelihood of them giving you more projects.

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