As a freelancer, you have to constantly manage the business aspects of your job. These include finding new work, retaining existing clients, chasing due payments, and sending out invoices. You are mainly a problem-solver but you’re also your own accountant cum bookkeeper.
Invoicing is a major part of running a freelance business. While it does get complicated and inconvenient, it’s a critical part of getting paid for the work you’ve accomplished.
The good news is that there are plenty of tools for creating and managing invoices. These save you time, ensure your records are accurate, check that your information is complete, and keep you organised.
Top invoice software for freelancers
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best invoice software out there for freelancers. We hope that it gives you a good idea of the different options you have when it comes to invoicing.
1. Zoho Invoice
An intuitive invoicing tool that integrates a digital proposal option. This means you may create estimates that automatically roll over into invoices when the client accepts your terms. You may also send transactions through snail mail but you need to buy additional credits.
Even with the free basic plan, you’re able to set automatic reminders, create invoices for up to 5 customers, track time, and customise proposal templates. It also allows you to manage all of your invoicing on your phone through the app.
2. Freshbooks
One of the most well-known invoice software as it provides everything you need to manage the administrative part of your freelance business. It has an easy-to-use project management system where you set up payment reminders, recurring invoices, late fees, and so on.
There’s no longer a free option but the paid monthly plans start at a reasonable 6 USD or roughly 300 PHP. The Lite plan allows you to send unlimited invoices up to 5 billable clients. The ability to accept credit card payments and bank transfers adds to your convenience too.
3. Wave
If you’re looking for a complete suite that integrates functionality like expense tracking, recurring invoices, and payment receipts, this is the platform for you. Another interesting feature is being able to use hex color codes to customize your invoice accent colors.
It stands out for being the only hosted option that is completely free at the basic level. You get unlimited invoices and premium receipt scanning at zero charge. Invoices paid by credit card are subject to the standard fee though.
4. Harvest
The most impressive thing about this invoice software is its finished invoices. The total amount due is written in large numbers at the bottom and in normal-size within the document itself. You’ll also appreciate the reports that show how much time you’re taking on different clients and tasks.
The free plan is good for only one user but it enables you to send invoices to unlimited clients with 2 active projects. The app integrates with other project management tools like Trello, Basecamp, and Asana as well. It’s the best choice when you want something easy to use immediately.
5. Hubstaff
The billing and invoicing software is integrated into the app so you’re able to invoice clients for time tracked or individual items without using another tool. Its invoice generator makes automatic line items for tasks and projects too.
Every minute of work is accounted for as the software automates punch-ins based on location. It issues automatic reminders for time tracking with geofences and GPS as well. A free 14-day trial is available which you may upgrade for a Desk Starter plan that includes 2 users.
6. Paypal
This is the original invoice maker for good reason: it has an excellent search function for records and is transparent about the fees per transaction. Recently, it added features like reports offering sales insights and built-in estimates that any freelance virtual assistant is sure to enjoy.
While it doesn’t provide organizational functions like time tracking, it’s something that your clients are familiar with and may even request to use. It comes with no extra fees for sending out invoices but it does take out the usual fee out of your earnings once your clients pay.
7. Xero
Thanks to the extensive network of accounting professionals supporting it, it’s easy to find resources to learn about this software. Self-employed workers will appreciate the lack of technical jargon within the app, meaning no ‘credits’ or ‘debits’ to understand—just ‘money in’ and ‘money out’.
There’s also a free invoice template available to customize on the Xero website. Just add your business details and you’re ready to go. You may include notes for your client, such as late payment fees, bank account details, and types of payments accepted too.
8. Quickbooks
Here’s another bookkeeping tool you may use with a monthly subscription. Included in its many accountancy solutions are tax compliance organization, managing income and sales, tracking cash flow, and generating profit and loss reports. Online transactions are made faster through Intuit Payments too.
Get started with a free 30-day trial wherein you may connect your bank to view transactions as they happen. The platform is multi-currency too, enabling you to work with clients in their home currencies then convert to PHP. Transact in over 145 currencies and see exchange rates updated automatically.
9. Invoicely
Yet another invoice software offering lots of functionality, including expense tracking, digital estimates, and branding customization. It lets you choose from 4 plans though the Free one is already extensive as it allows up to 3 saved clients, multiple businesses, and 5 monthly invoices.
Though it only supports PayPal in its free plan, it enables you to bill in any currency so it’s easier to work with clients from around the world. It gives you the freedom to adjust your control panel, statements, and log-in screens to match your brand as well.
Get paid as a freelance virtual assistant
There are plenty of invoicing platforms for you to choose from if you’re self-employed. The 9 we’ve covered above have some of the best features that you’re sure to appreciate when you’re juggling administrative tasks along with your actual work.
If you think you know all there is about making and sending invoices, begin working as a freelancer then. We at Remote Workmate are ready to help you find an online role that you’d be suitable for.
Check our careers page for updated job listings and apply today.