If you want to get paid, it’s important to bill your clients. Creating a professional invoice can ensure that you see business success. After all, if you don’t get paid, your business won’t last too long.
Creating a professional invoice improves how quickly you get paid, and ensure that you are more likely to get paid the amount you asked for.
When you create your invoice template, here are five tips you can use to make it more professional:
1. Start with Good Invoicing Software
One of the best ways to make sure you are creating a professional invoice each time is to use good software. Good invoicing software can allow you to create templates that follow the best invoicing practices.
Your software can also help you stay on top of your schedule. Set up recurring invoices for some clients. Also, consider setting up to automatically remind clients and customers to pay.
Templates ensure you include vital information on each invoice you send. This makes the invoices more uniform and more professional-looking.
2. Create Consistent Invoicing Policies
When you have invoicing policies that are consistent and spelled out, you appear as a professional. Of course, you need to agree on the invoicing parameters with your clients and customers. Create policies that you can share with your clients ahead of time so there are no surprises.
Include some of your invoicing policies on the invoice. These policies might include a provision to charge interest or a fee on late payments. Also, figure out how often you will invoice. Invoice on time and set the expectation. When you invoice on time and regularly, you are more likely to get paid on time.
3. Accept a Variety of Payment Types
If you want to make sure that your clients pay on time, and pay quickly, it helps to accept a variety of payment types. Think about what your clients are likely to prefer. Payment companies like Due can help you accept credit cards in a cost-efficient manner, and allow your clients to pay by clicking a button right on the invoice.
You can also use a digital wallet or accept PayPal. The more types of payment you accept, the easier you will be to work with. Plus, in today’s world, being able to accept online payment is considered professional and part of a business.
4. Number Your Invoices
Numbering your invoices can go a long way toward appearing professional. It provides a reference point for your clients. Consider adding an identifier to your invoice numbers, based on the client. You don’t need to do this, though.
Some invoicing programs, like Due, will automatically number the invoices for you. This allows you to keep track easily.
5. Don’t Forget Your Contact Details
As you’re creating a professional invoice, don’t forget to include contact details. Your business name, email, and phone number should appear on the invoice. On top of that, make sure that clients can reach out if they have questions. Finally, don’t forget to include the information your clients need to send payment.
In the end, creating a professional invoice can help you get paid faster. Plus, your clients and customers will see you as a legitimate business.
