Top Invoicing Tips for Small Businesses & Freelancers

THE TOPINVOICING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS &FREELANCERS



IntroductionFor freelancers and small business owners, you may enjoyyour work but you know that there’s more to your businessthan just that. You also need to get paid.That’s why it’s important for you to send out and receivepayment on your invoices in a short amount of time.The financial aspect of your business is crucial for success,so today we’ll look at some surefire invoicing tips for smallbusinesses and freelancers. You’ll be able to employ theseeffective invoice tips so you can get paid faster.

Use invoicing software Use invoicing software such as InvoiceBerry because: • it helps simplify the invoicing process • you can track invoices paid and those that are late • all your information is stored online for easy access • you’ll never have to search for client information again This is a simple no-brainer: you’ll no longer have to go looking around your home or checking your bank account history to keep up on your invoices and payments.

Determine policiesDetermine policies for all clients beforehand, and decide: • will you take payment upfront or afterwards • how long will the project take • what are the late fees • will you deliver before or after paymentWithout these, there will be lots of invoicing and client problemsthat will arise from time to time.

Send quotes beforeDifferent from your policy, you need to send specific quotes as: • you’ll clarify your and the client’s expectations • you’ll clear up and avoid any surprises or confusion • you’ll know clearly what you’re being paid forThese specific agreements on a case-by-case basis determineexactly what your services are and what your clients pay for.With InvoiceBerry’s software, you can easily turn your quote intoan invoice with just one click.

Number invoicesIf you’re not using invoicing software, number your invoices: • it will help with your record keeping • use numbers, letters, dates, or any consistent system • do not start with “001” as you’ll look inexperienced • start with your favorite number, such as “0024”These will help you by keeping good records and also, withthe numbering system, making you look more professional andexperienced.

Use simplicityDon’t be too creative in your language or invoice layout: • don’t use strange language that will confuse the client • if it’s for wedding pictures, write “wedding pictures” • don’t use unpleasant layout - remain simple • balance color, individuality, and simplicityIt’s fine and advisable to have a personality and remainindividual, but don’t take it too far. You can check out our list offree downloadable invoice templates and choose your favorite.

Add overdue feesInclude, as part of your policies, charges for late payment: • it can be a specific amount or a percentage • it can be gradual; e.g. after 15 days, 30 days, 35 days • use shorter terms - not 30 days late fee, but 15 days • charge yourself if you’re late in the form of a discountThis will help both you and your client to stay on track andmake for much happier clients - which means more business foryou.

Invoice as marketing You can use your invoice as a marketing tool. Check out the infographic below to find out more:

Record paymentsIf you don’t have a system, you won’t really know who’s paid orwhen. Record all payments receive: • don’t rely on memory or bank account credit • mark invoice as paid immediatley after receiving it • keep track of late payers and apply late chargesInvoiceBerry’s online invoicing software does this on its site, soit’s easy for you to do it as soon as you get payment.

Payment reminders Send polite payment reminders to your late clients, always: • don’t feel guilty about reminding them • lateness could be due to possible oversight by them • use polite, professional, non-pushy language When you use polite language, people are more willing to send payment. It is easy to send payment reminders through InvoiceBerry, so you don’t have to spend too much time wondering about how to formulate it.

Call if necessaryWhen the second late payment email is unanswered, and nowthe third, it may be time to call the client directly: • be polite throughout emails and phone calls • however, do not be afraid to be firm but professional • again, do not be ashamed - it is only businessServices rendered equals money paid, so be firm in yourattempts to get paid, and do not give too much leeway to verylate customers.

Read our full article by following the link below: Top Invoicing Tips for Small Business and Freelancers

LEARN MORE ABOUT INVOICEBERRY’S ONLINE INVOICING SOFTWARE InvoiceBerry simplifies invoicing and expense tracking, helping you save your time and money. You can create your first invoice in under 60 seconds. Send Track Create Manage Track Multi-invoices expenses reports clients payments currency LEARN MORE SIGN UP