Remember the time I thought invoicing had to do with music? Perhaps one reason I had no idea what this meant for a business is due to its status as a tool that’s relegated to the background in most businesses.
True… invoicing may not be the most glamorous aspect of running a business, but it’s essential to keeping the cash flowing. And if we are keeping it real, no one wants to be known as the brand that sends shoddy invoices (let’s not even start with its effects on your brand perception).
This is why we’ve compiled a list of great tips for creating effective and professional invoices that will make your clients sit up and take notice, and most importantly, rate your brand highly.
- Keep it simple. No one wants to sift through pages of jargon and fine print to figure out how much they owe. Stick to the basics: a clear description of the goods or services provided, the total amount due, and the due date.
- Make it visually appealing. The design of your invoice can make a big impact on your receiver and your brand in general. Use clean, modern layouts, and include your company logo and branding. And if you like some extra design, you can add some nice illustrations or images to make it more attractive.
- Get personal. Add a touch of personality to your invoices by including a thank you note or a friendly message. You may think it’s a small thing, but trust me… gestures like this can go a long way in influencing the way clients perceive your brand and relate with it in the future.
- Be precise with your numbers. Double-check all calculations and ensure that your invoices are error-free. Nothing screams unprofessional like a mistake in the amount due.
- Be timely. Send your invoices promptly, and make sure to include a clear due date. This will help you get paid on time.
- Go digital. Electronic invoicing is what’s in vogue these days and for good reason too. It’s faster, more efficient, easier to share, and better for the environment. Plus, it’s a good way to save money on printer ink and paper.
- Get creative with your payment options. Offer a variety of payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrency coins, and bank transfers. The more options you offer, the more likely it is that your clients will pay on time.
- Make it easy to understand. Use simple language that is easy for your clients to understand. Avoid using unnecessarily big words and technical terms that only you and your accounting team understand.
- Get cheeky. Add a playful touch to your invoices by including a clever pun or joke. It will put a smile on your client’s face and make your invoice stand out from the rest. (but remember not to overdo it… this isn’t a flashcard at a stand-up comedy show)
- Be consistent. Keep your invoicing process consistent and organized, with a clear and easy-to-understand format. This will make it easier for your clients to understand and helps you keep track of payments.
So, there you have it, my people… our top 10 tips for creating effective and professional invoices.
Now the best part of this is… you don’t need to start from scratch to build great invoices. All you need to do is set up a Workstedi account.
A Workstedi account will help you create invoices, receive payments, set up a digital bank account, and best of all… get reviews and feedback from customers.
Remember, invoicing is not only about getting paid but also about making a good impression on your clients. With these tips, you’ll be invoicing like a pro in no time!
