If this is your first time freelancing, you must ensure that you receive your first payment. That way, you may get your freelancing career off to a good start. Whether you simply perform one freelancing job per month or operate it full-time, you must know how to measure your time and bill your clients correctly. That implies you should be able to create a freelancing invoice.
If you're new to freelance work, you might be unsure where to begin or how to construct a professional-looking invoice in the first place. You may also be wondering when and how you should send it to your client. I know you have a lot of questions, so let's get started—here's everything you need to know about preparing your first freelance invoice.
Consider investing in an invoice generator or an online invoicing system like Blinksale if you want to invoice your clients on a regular basis. We'll go over it further afterward.
For the time being, let's focus on the fundamental components of a freelancing invoice. You'll know what to put in your first invoice this way.
How to Create Your First Freelance Invoice
Here's what you should include:
Although it may appear scary, producing your freelancing invoice is rather simple. The difficult thing is that you are working for your customer. It's time to reap the benefits of all your hard work and be compensated. Your invoice does not have to be complicated. What is important is that it seems professional and has all of the relevant details and information.
That being said, here's how you should create and manage your invoice:
1. The Invoice Header
The first thing you should notice on your freelancing invoice is your business name and your complete name. It should also be written in a clear, easy-to-read font.
Do you have a logo for your professional business? Make that a part of your header. Remember that a logo is optional, so don't stress over it. The font size of your complete name or business name on the invoice should be noticeably larger than the rest of the test. It should also be bolded to emphasize its importance.
2. Contact Details
Your contact details are the next thing you should include in your freelancing invoice. In the very first paragraph, mention your mailing address, phone number, email address, and website. This information should be displayed just beneath your freelancing business name. To make it much simpler to read, type the information on numerous pages, as seen below:
Professional Freelance
1781 Welch Ave
Niagara Falls, New York(NY), 14303
support@myprofessionalfreelancebiz.com
1-841-88-5777
myprofessionalfreelancebiz.com
3. Contact Information for the Client
The contact information for your client is the next thing you should provide in your freelancing invoice. You define who the invoice is for by adding your client's contact information. Include the client's name, address, phone number, email address, website, and any other information that is pertinent. If you need to trace payment, you will go back and reread this part. As a result, including all of the client's contact information in your freelancing invoice would be beneficial.
4. Invoice Number
Every freelancing invoice should be given a distinct invoice number. What exactly is this number? It acts as an identifier for the document, making it easier to keep track of your invoices. It makes no difference what numbering system you employ. What is important is that it is in chronological sequence. You won't be mystified while delivering your professional invoice this way.
For example, if this is your first invoice, you may begin with #001. Then your next invoice, even if for a different client, would be #002. Always remember that each invoice you send will be assigned a number. This allows you to simply track which invoices have or have not been paid.
The arrangement will make it easy for you and the receiver to keep track of all important information. Remember that professional invoices are necessary for your company to be recognized and acknowledged. Your clients will know you're the real deal if you submit invoices like this one.
5. Invoice Date
Add the date you sent your freelancing invoice to the customer. The date prepared line is critical since you will need to refer to it if payment is delayed. This will be covered in further depth in the payment conditions section.
6. Due Date / Deadline
Make sure to include the payment due date. It is totally up to you to set a deadline. However, most freelancers and invoicing systems employ a Net 15 (15 Days), Net 30 (30 Days), Net 45 (45 Days), or Net 60 (60 Days) schedule. You may also include a note in your invoice that states "Due upon receipt," which indicates the receiver is obligated to pay the invoice as soon as possible.
Furthermore, this should not be the first time your customer has heard about the deadline. When you agree to execute the task, you will sign a contract agreement outlining your and your client's expectations.
If your consumer does not pay on time, you can refer back to this deadline and, if required, the date set.
7. Options for Payment
If you want to be paid quickly, you must provide numerous payment alternatives. Your clients will appreciate you even more if you include numerous payment options on your invoice. You must specify whether you would like to be paid in cash, check, credit card, payment methods such as PayPal, Stripe ACH, or all of the above in your invoice.
If you work with a company on a regular basis, they may provide direct deposit to their bank accounts. However, it is more probable that you will be required to produce an invoice to request payment each time you complete a job.
8. Payment Conditions
Along with the payment timeframe, you should state if you impose a late fee for freelancing invoices paid after the due date. Some freelancers employ this method to ensure that they get paid on time. A late fee is typically 15% to 20% of the total invoice fee. If you use a late fee, we strongly advise you to notify your client at least once or twice that the invoice they gave you is past due. That way, you'll give customers the option of paying it without incurring any fees. While you must get compensated, you must also maintain a solid and unbroken customer connection. As a result, you will be invited to collaborate with the client on future projects.
9. The Breakdown
Include a breakdown of the services you've provided. The client will then understand exactly what the invoice is about and what products or services they are paying for. If the client hired you for a variety of services, make sure you include them all. It will be simpler to scan and absorb in this manner. Your client will commend the clarity of your invoice as well.
10. Due Amount
Of course, you should also specify how much money is due. Always remember to include the amount your client owes you.
If you split down your services, make sure that each line has a matching amount, with the overall sum at the bottom. Make the whole sum visible for emphasis. This makes it easy to read the invoice and avoids any errors or mistakes when payment is completed.
Some people, particularly the elderly, will struggle to read tiny letters. They will be able to pay you in full if you highlight and make the font of the total amount larger.
11. "Thank you note"
The thank you sentence comes last but not least. This is where you will add a personal touch in order to keep your client happy. It should be located under the comments section or thank you notes section. In that space, provide a thank you letter. The "thank you" note section is an excellent area to insert further information or reminders.
What Is the Best Way to Send an Invoice?
If you write your invoice by hand, we strongly advise you to convert it to PDF format. That way, the receiver will be unable to change it. As an attachment to your invoice email, send the invoice PDF file to your client.
When sending an invoice through email, remember to include the invoice number and amount in the subject line. This will make it easy for you and your client to find it. This will also enhance the likelihood that you will be paid on schedule.
You may also utilize a billing system such as Blinksale. More on it when we talk about how to follow up on your invoices.
How Should You Follow-Up After Sending an Invoice?
It is not difficult to create a professional-looking invoice, especially if you use online invoicing solutions. What is difficult is assuring that your clients will only pay you once.
Following up with your clients as the invoice due date approaches is a great way to refresh their recollection of your pending invoice. You can follow up with an email inquiring how the customer is doing. You should also inquire if they require anything else.
If there is no mention of the invoice in the client's answer, you can send a courteous reminder email. Inquire whether they got the invoice and whether they have any problems or confusion about the invoice, or the contents given.
How Can Blinksale Greatly Help You With Invoicing?
You believe invoicing is difficult because you haven't found Blinksale and its outstanding invoicing solution. Blinksale is a free invoicing system with extensive features that you should look at right now. It allows for complete invoice customization, as well as recurring invoices and alerts. You can then produce professional-looking invoices, schedule them to be delivered at a specific time, and be alerted if you are paid.
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