How do freelancers invoice their clients? A simple guide to getting paid

Did you know that 54% of freelancers say it takes too long for them to get paid after they invoice clients?

What's more, late payments aren't the only problem freelancers face. Research shows that the average amount freelances lose in a year to non-paying clients is around $5,968.

Now that's a hefty chunk of change in anybody's book, and definitely not an amount most freelancers can easily handle losing. 

Fortunately, although freelance work does come with the risk of non-payment, there are ways to reduce the chance of getting paid late or not at all. This is smart, professional invoicing. 

Ready to start invoicing like the pro you are? Let's go.

What to include on your invoice

The first thing to get right when it comes time to invoice clients is what to include on your invoices. 

Here are the main things that should always appear on a freelance invoice:

• The issue date
• The due date
• An invoice number
• Your name or business name
• Your contact information
• The client's name and address
• Methods of payment
• Your payment details
• Detailed line items
• Payment terms
• Information on late charges

If you utilize the Hectic platform's invoicing tool, it will include all of these fields for you.

How to create an invoice

There are many ways you can create an invoice. Most successful freelancers would recommend you do it digitally. 

We would take this a step further and recommend that you use Hectic. With Hectic's invoicing function you can effortlessly create, send, and track invoices. Add your own branding (Hectic branding is never on client facing documents).

No more sifting through emails to find out what you've already billed for, or going back and forth between spreadsheets and projects.

With Hectic, everything is in one place. With a few clicks, you see what projects and periods you haven't yet billed for. Quickly click to add unbilled items to the invoice or use your personal product and service library to add extra items not tied to a project.

Once you have done this, you can then also select the Stripe integration. This allows your clients to pay your invoice with just one click!

This speeds up the payment process, makes things easier for the client, and makes you look like a professional. 

These are just some of the advantages of using the Hectic platform. Not only can you invoice clients in a few clicks, and they can pay you instantly with zero effort, but all of your invoices will be stored in one place. 

This means better security for your record-keeping, and no need to constantly backup your computer and files. 

Additionally, our invoicing tool will also automatically pull terms and payment instructions directly from the project you're billing for, streamlining your workflow and cutting down on invoicing time. 

Excited to see our invoicing function in action? Check out this explainer video. 

Tips for ensuring you get paid

Creating a comprehensive freelance invoice is very simple with Hectic. Besides utilizing our industry-leading invoicing tool, there are also some other best practices you should implement when you invoice clients. 

Firstly, you should always create a contract for freelance projects to align your expectations and those of your client. In your contract, you might also want to stipulate that you do not release projects until full payment has been made. 

You should also consider including late payment charges when setting your freelance rates.

Lastly, always invoice as quickly as possible. The later you invoice, the later you get paid.

Invoice clients the easy way with Hectic

Do you want to invoice clients quickly, easily, with a minimum amount of hassle? If the answer's yes, then Hectic is for you. 

There are no two ways about it, Hectic is the platform that gets freelancers paid.

With Hectic, you can provide your clients with professional invoices and an effortless way to pay thanks to our Stripe integration. 

Not only do we provide easy invoicing and payment tracking, but you can also manage your time and projects and connect with other freelancers and experts, all from one easy-to-use dashboard. 

Send your first invoice with Hectic today.