Creating simple invoice templates is an important part of running a successful freelancing business. A well-organized and professional invoice will ensure that customers understand what they owe, while also helping to make sure you get paid in a timely manner.
There are several ways to go about developing a freelance invoice template–you can create one from scratch or customize an existing template. Using a pre-made template has the added advantage of saving you considerable time and effort, as the hard work of formatting your invoice is already done for you. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you’ll be able to create and send professional-looking invoices in no time!
Steps for Making a Freelance Invoice From Scratch
If you want to create your invoice from scratch, follow these six steps:
1. Create a Professional Header
Start your invoice with a professional header. This should include your name or the name of your business as well as your contact information, like your name, address, phone number, and email address.
By creating a professional-looking header on each invoice, businesses can project a sense of legitimacy and gain client confidence in their services. Invest some time in creating a meaningful header with your company logo.
2. Number and Date the Invoice
After creating a header, add an invoice number (in case you need to reference it later) and the date. This is important because it allows businesses to track their invoices and keep better records of payments.
You can create an invoice number in any format, such as a numerical sequence (e.g., 00001, 00002) or with letters and numbers (e.g., INV2020-01, INV2020-02).
3. Provide a Detailed Breakdown of the Work
In the body of your invoice, provide a detailed breakdown of the work you completed and how much you’re charging. Include each item or service and its price (with any applicable taxes). Clients will appreciate the transparency, which may increase the likelihood that you’ll get paid quickly. You can create a table or list to make the breakdown easier to read.
4. Payment Method and Terms
At the bottom of your invoice, provide payment methods and terms. This should include what type of payments you accept, how customers can pay you (e.g., bank transfer, credit card, PayPal, etc.), when payments are due, and any late-payment penalties.
If you are using a SaaS invoicing platform like Invoice Ninja, you’ll have payment gateway integrations so clients can pay their invoices with one click. With over ten secure payment methods, your clients will be able to complete their payments quickly and safely.
5. Include Your Details
Include your name or the business name, address, email, and phone number at the end of the invoice. This helps customers who have any questions or concerns and provides a way for clients to follow up, if needed.
Using an Online Template for Invoices
Now that you know how to create a freelance invoice from scratch, you may want to consider creating a template for future invoices using invoicing software. This will save you time and effort in the future by allowing you to leverage a customized template and send invoices in just a few clicks.
Invoice Ninja is an invoicing platform that makes it easy to create professional-looking invoices with a company logo, contact information, payment terms, and more. Once you create a template, you can quickly fill it in with your client’s information and send out invoices in just a few clicks.
In addition to creating and sending invoices, Invoice Ninja makes it easy to track payments, view client profiles, and generate reports. This makes it easier to keep track of your finances and make sure you get paid on time.
Follow these steps if you want to set up invoices for your business using Invoice Ninja:
- Create an Invoice Ninja account.
- Upload your logo and choose an invoice design.
- Integrate your payment gateway.
- Create client invoices—and get paid.
In Conclusion
Creating a professional invoice is an important part of any business. By following these steps, you can easily create custom invoices with the help of Invoice Ninja to streamline the process. Doing so will help you get paid on time and make sure your clients have all the information they need to pay your bill. Sign up for a free Invoice Ninja account today!
