{"id":39657,"date":"2020-02-27T15:38:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T21:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getflywheel.com\/layout\/?p=39657"},"modified":"2023-10-31T09:41:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T14:41:07","slug":"web-design-invoice-how-to","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/resources\/web-design-invoice-how-to\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Web Design Invoice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you\u2019re new to web design or seasoned with experience, you may already know the importance of creating great web design invoices to bill your clients. Invoicing is the easiest way to get paid for the work you\u2019ve done and ensure that all parties involved are on the same page. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of when you invoice your client during the project, knowing the invoice process and how to create one is imperative!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In this article, we\u2019ll dive into the different components of a web design invoice<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#why\">Why You Need an Invoice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#howto\">How to Create an Invoice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#besttime\">The Best Time to Send an Invoice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\">Why You Need an Invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An invoice process is important for many reasons, but the first (and most important) is that it\u2019s the way you\u2019ll get paid by your clients! Especially as you begin to scale, you\u2019ll want a document or sheet that puts you and your client on the same page about how much money is due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Outline Essential Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a standard invoice keeps you and your client on the same page for what services you did for them, and how much they owe you. Typically, an invoice will include contact information for both you and your client, description of the services or charges, the total amount due, and a payment due date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An invoice is one of the best methods to get paid fully from clients, on time, each time. It serves as a method of communication, as both parties should understand the services, the amount due, and the payment due date.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Easily Track How Much Money You\u2019re Charging Clients<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Client communication differs from client to client, and trust me, it will only get more challenging as you scale your business. The last thing you want to do is bug a client about getting paid or double-checking that a check is made out to the correct name. Invoicing (especially automatically invoicing or using a template) cuts down extra client communication, which ultimately saves everyone time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spend Less Time Answering Questions About Payments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture this: A client that agrees with everything about a web design project and pays their bill on time. We can dream, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But seriously, let\u2019s say your business is booming and you need to invoice 10 clients around the same time. Instead of creating a brand new invoice for every client, you can use a template, adjust a few items, and send away. This also ensures that the information is correct and you\u2019re not missing anything important (like payment due date!) on your invoice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The better the invoicing process is for your client, the better your relationship will be, and the better your relationship is, the more likely they are to refer you! Did you know that over 92% of creatives find new clients through referrals? Invoicing is the most seamless way possible to grow your web design business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know the big reasons why you should have an invoice, let\u2019s dive in and learn how to create one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howto\">How to Create an Invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many different ways to create an invoice, so the first thing you\u2019ll want to decide is which invoicing method is a better fit for you and your business. But before we get too deep, let\u2019s break down this process!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Here are the Steps to Create an Invoice Using a Template:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Decide which invoice method you\u2019re using<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add contact information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include invoice tracking details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>List the services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calculate the total cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get paid<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Decide Which Invoice Method You\u2019re Using<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a new invoice for every new client sounds (and most likely is!) exhausting. Think about how much time you\u2019d save just by automating the process! Both of these invoicing methods, software and templates, are great options so let\u2019s review the pros and cons so you can decide which one is a better fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use an Invoice Software<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When you choose to invoice your clients using software, you\u2019ll save time and money because most software makes the process automated and easy to go in, edit the fields, and send to a client. This might be helpful if you have quite a few clients that you\u2019re typically billing for the usual services each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you may find that using an invoicing software is more money than you\u2019re willing to spend or may not be as intuitive if you have a special case client. Let\u2019s say you send a monthly invoice to a client for site maintenance, however this month you met for an additional hour and outlined a strategy for them. In this case, you\u2019d want an invoice option that is customizable for your clients, no matter how simple or complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another downfall of using invoicing software is the lack of creative freedom. You\u2019ll find that most invoice software options have editable fields and an area to add your company logo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you\u2019re a web designer so you most likely want the freedom to create your own look, feel, and add in your brand a bit more. Invoicing isn\u2019t the most exciting document you\u2019ll ever create, but it should be something you\u2019re proud to show and share.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you decide that invoice software is the better choice for you and your business, here are some solid options to get you started:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Invoice Generator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zoho<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/invoice-generator.com\/#\/1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><strong>Invoice Generator<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this online invoice generator to make beautifully branded invoices with one simple click! Invoice Generator lets you quickly make invoices straight from your web browser. The invoices you make can be sent and paid online or downloaded as a PDF.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have more than one invoice to create? Fear not! Invoiced lets you generate an unlimited number of invoices. Bonus: You can even add your logo to make your invoice look even better!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoho.com\/us\/invoice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><strong>Zoho<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoho offers a generator that couldn\u2019t be easier to use. You can easily fill in your billing address, your client\u2019s address, set an invoice number, and have as brief or as long of a description for the item you are charging for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also list multiple items for those larger projects that are billed all at one time, and add in a customized \u201cthank you\u201d note for the client that can be customized however you see fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use an Invoice Template<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another option is using one invoice template and updating it whenever you need to for any situation of client that comes your way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Templates give you the freedom to customize any invoice you want to. The best part: It\u2019s free! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s talk about the process of creating an invoice using a template.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Add Contact Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first piece of information you\u2019ll want to add to your web design invoice is your contact information. Since this is standard and won\u2019t change unless your business changes, you can add your business name, contact information such as email, phone number, and your logo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>Here\u2019s where you can hit save as the rest of the steps are for invoicing a specific client!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step is adding in your client\u2019s name and\/or business name and their contact information including an email address and phone number. Always double check to make sure this information is correct, as you don\u2019t want it to affect when you\u2019re getting paid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Include Invoice Tracking Details&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This step may or may not be relevant to you. If you have just one or two smaller clients, you may not feel the need to include invoice tracking details, such as a unique invoice number, date, and due date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, we\u2019d recommend adding some type of tracking details for your business\u2019 sake. It\u2019s better to be organized, and especially as you start to scale, you\u2019ll want a solid tracking system from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">List the Services and Payments for Each<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s time to list out all of the services you\u2019re billing your client for. You can be as vague or as detailed as you want (feel free to add descriptions!), however, the client should already know what services to expect on the invoice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be mindful of any acronyms or nicknames you\u2019re using to describe your services. Assume the client has little to no understanding of web design and make sure everything is laid out clearly, so you don\u2019t have to spend time explaining charges to the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calculate the Total Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Calculate the total cost for all the services you listed. All you have to do is make sure all individual item costs are correct, calculate the total cost, and double-check each of the numbers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bonus: <\/strong>We learned from <em>The business of web design report <\/em>that web designers also add payment terms and additional information to the bottom of the invoice. Feel free to try that out, however it\u2019s more of a nice to have and not a need to have for your web design invoice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Paid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the easiest step! The requires little to no work as your invoice is finished up, you\u2019ve sent it to the client, and now you wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Occasionally, invoicing issues come up with clients. Whether it\u2019s a client that isn\u2019t paying you or invoicing disputes, it\u2019s better to be prepared ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"besttime\">The Best Time to Send an Invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have a great invoice created for a client, the next step is to send it to them so they can pay it! You may be wondering when the best time to send an invoice is. Is it at the beginning of a project, the end of a project, monthly, or on another frequency?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honestly, it totally depends! Some clients may prefer to pay upfront, while others may want it after the work is completed. It\u2019s best to have that conversation before sending an invoice, as you don\u2019t want to send a client an invoice if they don\u2019t know it\u2019s coming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The more transparent the process, the easier it\u2019ll be to collect the payments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Invoicing is an important part of the web design process. While it\u2019s essential to create great work for clients, it\u2019s also necessary to get paid fairly for the work you\u2019re doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your invoice and other client-facing documents are correct so you can get back to doing what you do best: building beautiful websites!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another essential aspect of your client work is how well the sites you make for them will perform. Check out WP Engine for <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wordpress-hosting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WordPress hosting<\/a> without the stress!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re new to web design or seasoned with experience, you may already know the importance of creating great web design invoices to bill your clients. Invoicing is the easiest way to get paid for the work you\u2019ve done and ensure that all parties involved are on the same page. Regardless of when you invoice<span class=\"tile__ellipses\">&hellip;<\/span><span class=\"tile__ellipses--animated\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":140421,"template":"","resource-topic":[1396],"resource-role":[895,1397,906],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-39657","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Create a Web Design Invoice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you work in web design, you need to be paid by your clients. 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