Freelance writing can be a fun and rewarding way for gifted wordsmiths to earn their livelihood. However, as is the case with other forms of freelancing, a reliable stable of regular clients is often essential to one’s success in this field. Writers who wish to be compensated for their services in a timely manner would be wise to learn the ins and outs of invoicing. While some clients will keep track of your hours and assignments for you, others will expect you to catalogue this information and draw up invoices accordingly. Fledgling freelancers on the hunt for practical invoicing tips would be wise to heed the following pointers.
Don’t Sit on Your Invoices
If you want to receive your payments in an expedient manner, it’s in your best interest to submit your invoices as soon as possible. You may think you’re being polite by waiting days – or even weeks – to invoice a client, but more often than not, this is viewed as an inconvenience rather than a courtesy. With this in mind, make a point of submitting each invoice within 48 hours of completing your work. This will provide clients with sufficient time in which to contact you about any errors they find or revisions they wish to see made.
Giving your invoices an air of professionalism doesn’t have to be a cumbersome chore. With the help of an Aynax.com free online estimate template or invoice template, you can whip up professional-caliber invoices in a matter of minutes.
Don’t Be Afraid to Resend
If a payment isn’t processed by an agreed-upon date, don’t be afraid to resend the corresponding invoice. After all, you’ve fulfilled your end of the bargain, and the least your client can do is release your payment. When resubmitting an invoice, it’s important to avoid adopting a combative tone. In all likelihood, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for your late payment, and accusing your client of intentionally holding the payment back will diminish your chances of receiving repeat business.
Don’t Be Afraid to Communicate Your Expectations
While it’s important to avoid conflict with clients, writers shouldn’t be afraid to communicate their needs and expectations. As such, if multiple attempts at submitting an invoice fail to produce the desired result, inform the client in no uncertain terms that you will cease any outstanding work if you don’t receive an explanation and/or payment for your services within 48 hours. Clients who can’t be trusted to provide compensation aren’t worth your valuable time.
As any seasoned freelancer can attest, dependable clients are an invaluable resource. However, you can’t expect every client to keep track of your assignments and billable hours. This is where invoicing comes into play. Brushing up on the mechanics of invoicing will do you a world of good when it comes to making your mark as a freelancer. Whether you’re new to freelancing or have been working as a writer for years, the tips discussed above will help you receive compensation in a timely and stress-free manner.
