Freelancing is a great way to make extra cash and build your portfolio. However, it can also be difficult to keep track of all the expenses you incur as a freelancer. If you want to create an invoice for your clients, you can save time and effort by using a simple template. In this article, you will learn how to create invoice as a freelancer.
What is an invoice?
An invoice is an official document sent to customers with a list of services and/or products that you provide to your client. It details the items or time spent on each task, along with any additional costs incurred.
Invoices are a valuable record-keeping tool that help freelancers keep track of how much money they have earned so far in a given month. This allows them to estimate their monthly earnings accurately. Many clients require invoices before paying their freelancer’s fees, but others will pay simply upon request—so be sure to check if this applies for yours!
What to include in your invoice?
Here’s a quick list of what should be included in each of your invoices:
- An invoice number: This makes it easier for clients to pay you by referencing the proper invoice, and it also makes it easier for you to arrange or search for those invoices. Depending on how you use invoice numbers, they can also tell you how many invoices you’ve sent in a year.
- The invoice’s due date: The invoice’s due date is crucial for both your own and the client’s records, as well as for calculating the payment due date.
- The following is the date on which the services were completed: This date informs both you and the client about the purpose of the invoice. This should ideally be a date that is close to the invoice date (you should always send invoices promptly).
- The invoice is due on: This is another element that is very self-explanatory. You should let your client know when you expect payment from them. Invoices are typically due 30 days after they’re sent, however your contract may specify otherwise.
- Your name and contact information are as follows: This one is self-evident: clients need to know who is billing them and who they should contact if they have questions.
- Name and contact information for your client: This is primarily for your own records, but it also ensures that the client receives the correct invoice.
- The following are the services provided: This could be more or less thorough depending on how you charge for your services. It should also specify whether the payment is for a portion of the project or for the complete project.
- The total due for each service : This will differ based on how you bill for your work and may or may not include a single item.
- The entire amount owing is: Make it simple for your client to determine how much they owe you. It also makes it simple to keep track of your earnings, how much you’ve been paid, and how much you still owe.
- Terms and Conditions of Payment: If the payment is not made on time, this should be specified. Is there a late fee or penalty (for example, keeping the rights to the work until full payment is made)? Perhaps a discount for paying on time?
- Payment Methods: Make it simple for customers to pay you by offering a variety of payment choices. Mailing checks, bank transfers, and credit card payments are examples of these. The simpler it is to pay you, the more probable it is that you will be paid quickly.
Use an invoice template to get started.
For a free option, Google Docs offers a great invoice template for one-off invoicing needs or if you’re just starting out in the freelancing world and don’t want to commit to a full suite of tools. Simply edit each line item in the Google Docs template to reflect completed services and overall cost. Save the invoice as a PDF, then download and email it to your customers.
Conclusion
I hope you have found the information in this article helpful, and that it has helped answer any questions you may have had about how to create an invoice as a freelancer. If not, please feel free to reach out via email or social media with your specific question; we are always happy to help! Finally, if you’re looking for more clients then head over to Artmeet Freelance Marketplace. We’ll connect you with talented digital creators like yourself who need projects completed too!