Whether you are a professional freelancer or a beginner, you may not manage your business well if you don't create invoices for your clients.
With so many things at hand, you may forget to create invoices. But, don't you think it's important that your billings should be well organised? And that you may have all your payments in one place, with just a few clicks?
It's really important that you create invoices to bill your clients. This is why we’ve prepared a way for you to understand the importance of freelance invoices. We'll also tell you how to create a basic freelance invoice template.
Rest assured, you are going to solve your freelance invoice-related problems here unless you are working on one of the freelancing platforms.
At the end of this content, you will be able to get answers for:
- How can I create an invoice template?
- How do I write a basic invoice?
- How can I use an invoice template for my freelancing business?
- How creating a professional freelance invoice template can help me grow my business?
- What should I include in an invoice template to give it a professional feel?
- Who should use the invoice template?
And much more. So, here we go!
What is an Invoice Template?
A freelance invoice template is an adjustable bill that makes it easy to customise each invoice for your orders, enabling you to work efficiently.
The template includes some necessary fields for each invoice like; adding information about the client, a brief of completed works, the amount owed, payment terms, etc.
You can customise invoices for freelance work as per your requirements. And these are super easy to send, and thus remind your clients to receive your payments.
Why do You Need it?
Putting it up in simple terms, the primary purpose of creating a freelance invoice template is to save your time. That is, to get rid of remembering who and how much you have paid. And to keep a record of your sales.
Moreover, creating an invoice enables the client to make payments faster. So this way, you get a fantastic output in your business by working systematically and smartly.
Types of Freelance Invoices
Freelance invoices fall under three basic categories. They are based on the type of service provided, the work done, and the time taken.
1. Based on the Service Provided
Standard practice for freelance workers is to charge clients a lump sum amount for the particular service provided. Most freelance workers, such as accountants, tutors, and photographers, use this type of invoice.
It would be best to issue a quotation first for such business deals and then send the final invoice at the time of completion of the services. It also includes the charges for materials used sometimes.
2. Based on the Time Taken
Freelancers like web developers, video editors, and consultants mostly use the method of an hourly rate invoice. This is because they are likely to be paid for the time taken to complete a task.
3. Based on the Work Done
Some of the professional freelancers like writers, proofreaders, and editors get paid for actual work done. So, for example, they would prefer to get paid per word amount.
Such type of freelance business owners falls under this category. So they have to bill the clients on the amount of work done.
Have you found what your category is?
How to Make an Invoice Template
As a freelancer, you can use various methods to make the very 1st invoice. You can create a customisable freelance invoice template by using:
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Microsoft Word
- Notion
Or you may download an invoice template online and edit it as per your needs.
What should a Freelance Invoice Template Include?
While creating an invoice template for your freelance business clients, you may wonder what to add and what not.
Well, the brief of work done and its amount are two essential things to include. Additionally, you may include some related stuff like:
- Buyer Information: Name, email address, phone number, URL, mailing address, etc.
- Your Information: Name, email address, phone number, URL, mailing address, etc.
- Invoice number: A system to record your invoices (e.g., Invoice 3, 2022-08, Client C-02, etc.).
- Services Rendered: A list of what you’re charging for, including VAT (Value-Added-Tax), discounts, etc.
- Total Amount Due: Make a note of the type of currency like USD, CAD, etc.
- Payment Methods: Methods like PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfer, etc.
- Payment Terms: Agreement with the client before you complete the work. It includes- half upfront payment, late fees, other payment policies, Line items, pricing, etc.
- Issue Date and Due date.
- A description
“Thank you”, or a note of expressing your gratitude.
You can organize these points based on your preferences and what your clients might expect to see in your invoice. You may take some invoice samples from the internet. That will give you a fair idea of how to create one for yourself.
Invoicing Tips for Freelancers
- Indicate if it is a milestone.
- Add more than one payment method for the convenience of your client.
- If you own a company, add your logo to the project invoice template.
- Track records of the payments after receiving.
- Communicate with the client if you had to face any problem.
- Don’t be late. Send the invoice as soon as possible after completing and getting reviewed your work.
Summing up Everything
We understand that billing clients can be a hassle. That's why we discussed how you can bill clients easily with freelance invoice templates.
We also told you how to create a basic freelance invoice template. And for your convenience, we have created a free freelance invoice template in word and pdf file so that your billing is smooth and easy.
With a little practice and effort, you can create an impressive invoice template for your clients. Just try to implement the tips provided here.
We hope you’ve found our article helpful. If you wish to grow your freelance business, consider subscribing to our blogs. We’re all in for your freelancing success.
Questions to answer
What is the Best Invoice Template?
A single invoice template cannot fit everyone’s needs. Therefore you have to create an invoice template yourself for your freelance business as per your requirements. It should include all the essential details.
Need more help? Don’t worry; scroll through some downloadable Freelance Invoice Template pdf over the internet to get an idea to design one for you. You will find many templates that you can edit as per your needs, or you may get an idea about creating a new one for yourself.
Who should use the invoice template?
Any freelancer who has started her career should use the invoicing template to save time. Using a freelance invoice template will also enable you to be more efficient.
How should I send invoices?
Sending invoices is easy with a pre-made freelance invoicing template. You can use any file type that suits your and your client’s needs.
Can I add my logo to an invoice template?
If you have your company logo, then you should add it to your invoice template. This will help your client know about your brand value.
Can I edit the invoice template?
Yes, you can easily edit your invoice template as per your requirements every time. Word doc or CSV file lets you edit every time you want.
