How to Create a Professional Invoice
How Freelancers Can Boost the Image of their Services Invoices
Mar 5, 2009
An invoice is a document soliciting payment for a product or service. It therefore should appear to be professional and concise, containing all pertinent information with respect to the freelancer, the services rendered and the payment levied upon the client. Here are a few steps to creating a professional invoice for a self-employed freelancer.
The Letterhead of the Freelancer's Enterprise or Service
The letterhead of a freelancer's enterprise of service is usually his or her name - which, essentially represents his or her brand name. Of course, some freelancers do set up their own companies and design their logo. Either way, the brand name or logo or both should be inserted into the invoice letterhead for a polished, professional appearance.
The Layout of the Invoice
Invoice layouts are unique for each freelancer. Templates can be found at Microsoft.com for easy download or reference. This definitely saves time in designing the layout of the invoice.
Generally layouts can either be horizontal or vertical, depending on the choice of the freelancer. However, for easy filing, vertical layouts will work better for clients, who keep records of their transactions. There has to be a space kept free in the top left corner of the invoice such as freelance information and correspondences.
The pertinent information would be illustrated below in a tablature form. Important columns of the table would include:
- Item number (of product or service),
- Description of product or service,
- Amount payable of each item, and
- Total amount payable at the bottom.
Other Important Content in an Invoice
At the top left of the invoice, freelancers should include their information, company name (if applicable), contact details and an invoice reference number. The invoice reference number can also be inserted into the header of the document for easy reference. The date of the invoice should also be located here.
Clientele information (including the client's contact information) should be located directly under the information above, including the department who should privy to the invoice in the first place.
This is followed by the table in the segment above.
At the bottom, freelancers should provide brief but accurate information as to how payment should be made. This would include mode of payment, account numbers (if any) and any other piece of important information with regards to payment.
If there are terms and conditions to the invoice, this should go at the very bottom.
The Footer of the InvoiceMany freelancers include a confidential clause in the foot of the document, with their name and date.
The Professional Look
Freelancers, like corporations, should have their own set of professional documents. Invoices are included in this set of documents as it is an important element of any business. Creating a professional invoice boosts credibility and warrants serious attention for clients to make payments. Freelancers should levy on the presentation of documents to garner and retain keen clientele.
