Lauren has more than 10 years of digital marketing and editorial experience. She has a journalistic approach to writing, providing audiences with educational and informative insights for their careers.
Freelance work is a liberating way to make a living. But when it comes down to it, getting paid for freelancing can sometimes be a hassle. Having a professional invoicing process in place is key for this line of work. Our sample freelance invoice template provide you with the perfect framework to send off professional-looking invoices that get paid quickly and consistently.
Our freelancer invoice template is simple, intuitive, and free to use. Perfect for freelance writing and freelance designers alike, it is fully customizable to your specific needs. Once downloaded, you’re ready to go:
As a freelancer, you may charge by the hour for your services, or simply choose to work at a flat rate. Your preferences regarding this decision will determine the specific qualities of your invoicing process. Depending on the project, the way you factor your rates may be more complicated than that. In general, you’ll want to make sure you clearly outline what you’re charging for along with the price you’re charging. Specificity is always a good thing when invoicing as a freelancer.
Since you alone are responsible for your invoicing, be sure your individual terms are spelled out clearly within the invoice. An example invoice for freelance work may include:
Given the individualized nature of the activity, a freelancer invoice template can take many forms – our how to create invoice article gives more guidance on the element and types of invoice you can use.
If the project is being billed as a simple flat or hourly rate, the invoice may reflect that with a similarly simple format. If the project is more nuanced, it’s important to note this consideration in the invoice. A project that required a great deal of research will be billed with that in mind. For clarity, it’s important to let the client know the different aspects of the project they’re being charged for and how they’re being billed accordingly for these services to produce the finished product.
The ideal time to send your invoice may vary from client to client, or on a project to project basis. Generally, you want to send your invoice when you know the client is satisfied with the work you’ve provided. Many freelancers like to follow a system across the board for every client to keep things simple—the busier you are, the more important this will become. Just keep in mind that when you’re starting out, there will be some trial and error involved in finding what works best for you.
Invoicing at the start of the engagement may not be well received by all clients, especially if you don’t already have a relationship. However, in the case of a new client or large project, it isn’t unreasonable to require partial payment before your work is completed.
Invoicing upon completion of the project is common in freelance work and helps to foster a sense of trust between you and the client. As your relationships with clients develop, you may see your invoicing process adapt as well.
Freelancing is essentially outsourced work. Clients who reach out to freelancers are outsourcing business to them as an extension of their own company. So it’s important for you to appear professional and experienced if you want to gain the trust of your clients and earn repeat business. Invoicing like a pro will ensure you get paid like a pro—quickly and efficiently. These tips will help put you on the right track.
If you really want to streamline your invoicing process, you should consider automation.
As a freelancer, you are your own business. And that’s a beautiful thing. But that independence also leaves you to learn good business practices without anyone’s help. So we’ve compiled some tips for crafting your invoicing process to exude professionalism and ensure prompt payment.
