Imagine saving $14 to $20 after each of your invoices effortlessly, while avoiding invoicing errors and streamlining your invoicing process? Well, it can be done by using invoicing software.
Automated invoicing softwares has come into the scene of freelancing and revolutionized everything. It helps freelancers manage their finances through various features. These tools help various tasks like managing multiple invoicing tasks, eliminating errors, and therefore, saving invaluable time. Once you get your mind off the hassle of billing and freelance invoicing, you'll be able to focus on your growth more than anything.
However, with numerous invoicing software for freelancers in the market, the search for the best software can be daunting.
In an attempt to help you, we've done half of the work for you. This article mentions a list of the 8 best invoicing software for freelancers, each with a unique set of features and benefits. From intuitive interfaces to seamless payment integrations, these software options promise to be the ultimate help that you need. Going through the features of this software, you'll be able to choose the best one for yourself.
So, let's dive into the article to find the perfect software, and see how to send an invoice as a freelancer!
Why Do Freelancers Need Invoicing Software?
As freelancers, staying on top of the game means not just excelling in your craft but also mastering the art of finances. One of the most important things about freelancing is that it often gets overlooked in managing finances. Yet, it's an area that can significantly impact your success. That's where invoicing software for freelancers can come in to save the day.
Think about this: According to a survey by GlobeNewswire, freelancers globally faced an average of 72% in unpaid invoices in 2022 alone. That's a hefty sum, right? If they had implemented effective invoicing systems, just think of the potential effects that might have had on their companies.
The best freelancer invoicing software helps you in tracking the payment easily. It notifies you who has paid and who hasn't, and it gently reminds those who aren't paying attention. In the long run, it actually helps you focus more on your work and less time worrying about freelance billing. And of course, these software are accurate. The best freelancer invoicing software ensures your digits are spot-on, saving you from embarrassing invoice errors.
This is exactly why freelancers need invoicing software. These tools help freelancers witness a reduction in overdue payments and a noticeable increase in timely payments. This shift significantly contributes to financial stability, allowing freelancers to concentrate on their work without worrying about financial problems.
Also, once the software is set up, you don't need to wrestle with Word templates or Google Docs layouts. Freelance invoicing software provides professional-looking invoices in a flash. Your brand gets to shine without you breaking a sweat over design details.
So, while we may be experts at our crafts, managing finances is a different task. That is when invoicing software for freelancers becomes a valuable tool, ensuring we get paid for the hard work we do.
Features of an Ideal Invoicing Software For Freelancers
There are a number of features that come associated with invoicing software for freelancers. However, in order to get the best results one must choose the top quality among those features. It is therefore necessary to choose the best invoicing software for freelancers, something that possesses the most ideal features according to the needs.
Easy to use: A user-friendly interface is a must for any software. Especially for busy freelancers who often manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Affordability: Cost plays a significant role for freelancers. Software that offers free alternatives for basic functions or scaled pricing might be helpful, particularly for new users or those on a tight budget.
Integration and Compatibility: Best invoicing software for freelancers can help streamline processes and increase productivity by integrating with other products like accounting software, payment gateways.
Payments: Payment integrations and multiple payment options like Credit and Debit Cards, and ACH features provided by invoicing software for freelancers are important to receive money on time.
Invoice Tracking: Freelance invoicing software should provide an ability to track the invoices sent whether they are paid or not. Also, offer an ability to send payment reminders automatically.
Payment reminders: Effectively manage payment follow-ups to ensure timely collection and improve cash flow.
Accounting Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with QBO, Xero, and Zoho Books to automatically sync customers, invoices, and payments.
Proposal Integration: The best invoicing software for freelancers should also have seamless integration with proposals to automate the invoicing process, ensuring that once the proposal is signed, all processes related to collecting money become automated.
Customization: Finally, freelance billing software that allows for customization and personalization of workflows and features can cater to specific freelancer needs, enhancing productivity.
Security and Privacy: Freelancers may handle confidential customer data. So software with severe security measures and data encryption ensures the safety of personal and client data.
8 Best Invoicing Software For Freelancers
There are so many free invoicing software for freelancers available in the market. So how can you pick the right one? No worries. We have picked the top 8 tools and got you covered.
Free Invoicing Software for Freelancers
First, let us look at a few of the free invoicing software for freelancers.
Zoho Invoice
A flexible cloud-based billing and invoicing tool, Zoho Invoice helps optimize the financial processes. Because it is accessible from wherever teams and freelancers can work effectively even when there is no internet connection.
Features:
Custom Templates: Create personalized freelance invoice templates to reflect your brand identity, ensuring professional and consistent billing.
Billing and Tracking: Efficiently manage billing cycles, track expenses, and monitor payments, providing comprehensive control over financial operations.
Reporting Tools: Access robust reporting tools to gain insights into financial data, aiding in informed decision-making and performance analysis.
Pricing: For basic features like reports, credit notes, and invoices, Zoho Invoice offers a free plan. Pricing for more sophisticated capabilities, like project budgeting and automated billing, begins at $15 per organization per month.
Invoice Ninja
Freelancers and companies looking for invoicing software for freelancers free can choose from a variety of options offered by Invoice Ninja. The platform is a compelling option for those looking for professional-grade invoicing without financial restraints because it offers a range of advanced capabilities inside its free plan.
Features:
Free tier: Provides limitless quotations and invoices for a maximum of 50 clients. In addition, it provides advanced analytics, time monitoring, vendor setup, project management, and more.
Payment flexibility: Invoice Ninja facilitates a range of company models and improves cash flow management by supporting estimations, deposits, and partial payments.
Payment Gateways and Integration: Allows for smooth integration enabling bulk email invoicing, auto-billing, repeating bills, and invoice status alerts.
Pricing:
Free Plan: Unlimited invoices for up to 20 clients, recurring invoices, proposal creation, integration with various payment gateways, and limited time tracking capabilities.
Pro Plan: Priced at $12 per month, offering unlimited clients, additional templates for invoices and quotes, enhanced features, and expanded client management.
Harvest
Harvest stands as a comprehensive time-tracking and invoicing software for freelancers aimed at enhancing team productivity and providing actionable insights. It offers features geared toward improving efficiency, generating reports, and facilitating organized invoicing and payment management. Harvest caters to teams across industries, sizes, and global locations,
Features:
Time Tracking: Harvest enables precise tracking of work hours that aids in works related to performance assessment and project time management.
Payments and Invoicing: It provides functionalities for seamless invoicing and payment processing. Overall, it ensures smooth financial transactions.
Reports and Analysis: It also offers instant reports and analytical tools. This results in empowering users with insights to identify areas for improvement.
Pricing:
Free Plan: Includes 1 user and 2 projects, offering only basic functionalities.
Pro Plan: Priced at $10.80 (billed annually) per user per month or $12.00 per user per month (billed monthly).
Paid Invoicing Software for Freelancers
Now let us look at some of the best invoicing software for freelancers who are paid.
Cone
Cone’s Proposal and Billing Software offers an all-in-one platform for automating proposals, invoices, and payments. Cone's array of features is a freelance powerhouse, empowering you to close deals faster, save time, automate invoices, streamline payments, and ensure a steady flow of revenue without breaking a sweat.
Features:
Cone’s Proposal and Billing Software offers you these features that make the best invoicing software for freelancers:
Create and send invoices: Provides an ability to create and send invoices for one-off or recurring monthly services.
Automated Invoicing: Provides an ability to create recurring invoices, so no more manual invoicing at regular intervals. Don’t want to create an invoice manually every time after the proposal is signed? No worries - Cone’s Proposal and Billing software ensures timely invoicing based on Proposal payment schedule.
Invoice tracking: Provides visibility into due invoices, and automates payment reminders.
Payment follow-ups: Effectively manage payment follow-ups to ensure timely collection and improve cash flow.
Payment Gateways and Integration: Cone integrates with payment gateways like Stripe to make it easier to collect money.
Flexible payment options: Supports multiple payment options including credit and debit card payments, direct debit, and ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers to provide the best experience to your customers, thus helping get paid faster.
Pricing methods: Cone also supports different pricing methods well suited for freelancers like one-off, milestone based pricing(like part of amount in advance) or recurring(like monthly) making it one of the best invoicing software for freelancers.
Reporting Tools: Access to robust reporting tools to gain insights into financial data, aiding in informed decision-making and performance analysis.
Accounting Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with QBO, Xero, and Zoho Books to automatically sync customers, invoices, and payments.
CRM and Sales Pipeline Management: Cone’s proposal-to-payment software organizes and manages your client interactions and project progress in a centralized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This enables you to track leads, manage prospects, and visualize the sales pipeline, enhancing your efficiency in converting leads to projects.
Proposals Creation: Craft stunning proposals using a flexible editor and a library of premium freelance invoice templates, customizable to suit your style. Cone Proposal-to-Payment software allows you to create and add videos making your proposal memorable to your clients.
Templates: Cone provides over 10+ templates for freelancers like Freelance Graphic Design Proposal Template, Social Media Management Template, Digital Marketing Proposal Template, etc., curated for freelancers.
Pricing:
Paid plans start at 10$ per user/month. Additional user add-on: 5$. Try for free.
It's the best choice when it comes to the price and value it offers.
Plans:
Essential
10$ per user/month
Quickbooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based financial management tool made to make profit analysis, spending tracking, and tax preparation easier. Its primary functionalities center around spending tracking, e-commerce management, and invoicing.
Features:
Invoicing: Customized invoicing with logo integration, varied payment acceptance, automated reminders, status tracking, and invoice history.
Accounting: Generate financial reports like income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Track transactions, connect bank accounts, and manage sales tax.
Expenses: Capture receipts via camera or email, track mileage, and categorize expenses by project or client. Users can also create project-centric management, track time, and expenses, collaborate, and set budgets.
Pricing:
Simple Start Plan - $18/month
Essentials Plan - $27/month
Plus Plan - $38/month
But for the first 3 months, all these plans can be tried at $1 for 3 months if you are a new user.
Bonsai
Bonsai positions itself as a platform offering many contracts, freelance invoice templates, e-signing capabilities, and invoicing utilized by over 40,000 freelancers. It emphasizes read-receipt notifications, auto reminders, client and project management, secured messaging, multiple currency payments, and data export.
Features:
ACH Payment Option: Allows clients to pay via ACH, potentially saving freelancers on transaction fees compared to other gateways like PayPal or Stripe.
E-Signing & Invoicing: Enables seamless e-signing and auto-generation of invoices, saving time and avoiding the need for additional e-signing software.
Time Tracking: Includes features for tracking work hours.
Pricing:
Starter Package: Tailored for freelancers or small contractors, offering templates, scheduling, unlimited invoicing, and payments.
Monthly Payment: Starts at $25 per user per month.
Annual Payment: Reduced to $21 per user per month when billed annually.
Honeybook
HoneyBook serves as a client flow platform tailored for independent small freelancers and professionals, offering project and payment management. It emphasizes features for scheduling meetings, time tracking, and invoicing software for freelancers, facilitating payments, and providing a holistic project management experience. HoneyBooks caters to freelancers seeking varying degrees of functionality and team collaboration.
Features:
Online Contracts: Offers tools for creating and managing contracts online.
Online Payments: Facilitates online payment processing for client transactions.
Online Invoices: Allows creation and management of invoices online.
Pricing:
Starter Plan: Offers basic functionalities for starting freelancers.
Essentials Plan: Popular plan including features for up to 2 team members, standard reports, and automation.
Annual Billing: Pricing states at $8 per month for started pack.
Monthly Billing: You can the software at just $1 for two months and then it is priced at $19 per month.
Freshbooks
FreshBooks is highly favored among freelancers and small freelancers due to its emphasis on robust accounting functionalities intertwined with invoicing capabilities. From balance sheets and general ledgers to time tracking and project management, FreshBooks is the best invoicing software for freelancers offering a comprehensive set of tools.
Features:
FreshBooks excels in streamlining document creation, offering one-click generation for invoices, estimates, and proposals. Its time tracking feature simplifies the tracking of project hours, automatically integrating tracked time into invoices. Online payments are seamlessly facilitated, supporting various methods like credit cards and automating recurring billing. Multi-currency invoicing allows for billing in clients' local currencies, ensuring hassle-free transactions. Moreover, customizable invoice messages allow personalization with branding elements, terms, and thank-you notes.
Pricing:
FreshBooks offers the Lite plan, starting at $4.25/month
Stepping up to the Plus plan can cost $7.50/month
The Premium plan is priced at $13.75/month
You can also customize the plan according to your needs after talking to a specialist.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Invoicing Software for Freelancers
Having some filters is always a good practice when you are choosing invoice software. Here are some top factors to consider.
- Invoice tracking: Provides visibility into due invoices, and automates payment reminders.
- Recurring billing: Efficiency matters. Finding software that automates recurring invoices or payment reminders can save you heaps of time and keep your cash flow steady.
- Payments: The more payment options, the better. Check if the software supports various payment gateways or methods like Credit cards, debit cards or bank transfers to cater to your client's preferences.
- Reporting: Data can be your best friend. Software that provides insights into overdue payments, income reports, or client payment histories can help you manage finances better.
- Customer service: When things go sideways, responsive customer service can be a lifesaver. Check reviews or trial the software to gauge the level of support they offer.
- Price: Lastly, the price matters. Balance the features you need with what you can afford. Some software might offer a lot, but you might not need all those bells and whistles.
If you want to learn how to send an invoice as a freelancer, you can learn here.
What Is The Best Invoicing Software For Freelancers?
Check out Cone’s Proposal and Billing— the best invoicing software for freelancers! It's a one-stop shop, bundling proposals, invoices, and payments into one neat package.
With Cone, you can craft personalized proposals, get signatures in a snap, and let invoices practically write themselves. It's a lifesaver for freelancers, making work smoother, payments secure, and clients happier.
Moreover, it’s completely FREE.
Tips For Freelancers When Invoicing
Attention Freelancers! Wondering how to send an invoice as a freelancer? Here are the most important things that you need to consider while preparing your invoices.
Clear and Detailed Invoices: Make sure your invoices are crystal clear. Include your name or business name, contact details, invoice number, issue date, payment due date, and a detailed breakdown of services or items provided.
Use Professional Templates: There are plenty of freelance invoice templates available online or through invoicing software. Pick one that aligns with your brand and looks clean and professional.
Set Clear Payment Terms: Explicitly state your payment terms on the invoice—whether it's Net 30, due on receipt, or any other agreement. This helps manage client expectations regarding payment timelines.
Provide Payment Methods: Offer multiple payment options to make it convenient for your clients. Include details for bank transfers, PayPal, credit card payments, or any other method you accept.
Invoice Promptly and Consistently: Don’t delay Be Prompt and Consistent: Make it a habit of being on time in the case of invoicing. Send invoices promptly after completing the work or according to the agreed schedule. Consistency in invoicing helps maintain a steady cash flow.
Follow Up on Overdue Payments: If a payment becomes overdue, don't hesitate to follow up. Send polite reminders or inquire about the payment status. Sometimes, it's just an oversight on the client's end.
Maintain Records: Keeping records is an important role in the long run. You must maintain a record of all your invoices and received payments. It helps in tracking finances, filing taxes, and resolving discrepancies if they arise.
Practice Early Payment Incentives or Late Fees: No one wants to seem unprofessional and prompt payment. One way to still excel it is by offering discounts for early payments. Similarly, one can also include late fees in your terms to incentivize clients to pay on time.
Ready To Get Started?
Invoicing, often perceived as a mundane task, is a crucial aspect of freelancing that holds the key to financial success. That's where the right freelance billing software comes in for help. It turns invoicing into a strategic advantage, propelling your freelance business toward efficiency and success. The best software aligns seamlessly with your workflow, offers customization, and simplifies the invoicing journey.
From the versatility of Zoho Invoices to the innovative all-in-one solutions like Cone Proposal-to-Payment, there's something for every freelancer.
Speaking of which, Cone’s proposal-to-payment comes out as the best invoicing software for freelancers revolutionizing invoicing by amalgamating proposals, invoices, and payments into one powerful package. It’s the ultimate time tracking and invoicing software for freelancers streamlining processes, and ensuring a steady revenue flow – all for free! Try out Cone today!
So choose wisely, and watch your invoicing problems disappear!
FAQS
- What do freelancers use for invoicing?
Freelancers commonly use invoicing software like Cone, FreshBooks, and QuickBooks for creating and managing invoices efficiently. These platforms offer customizable freelance invoice templates, automated features, and ease of use, streamlining the invoicing process.
- Why do freelancers need invoicing software?
There can be multiple uses of invoicing software for freelancers. They are most frequently used for organizing, creating, and sending professional invoices quickly. Moreover, it can also be used to streamline payment tracking, ensure timely billing, and often integrate with accounting tools, enabling better financial management.
- Should you add tax to your invoice?
Yes, if applicable. It not only ensures transparency but also compliance. One can determine which taxes apply to your services by checking your local tax regulations.
- Is there a free app to make invoices for freelancers?
Yes, there are several that adhere to the needs. Examples include Zoho Invoice Free Plan, or Invoice Ninja's free tier. These offer basic features like invoice creation, customization, and limited clients without a cost.
- How do I bill someone as a freelancer?
Billing as a freelancer involves a few key steps:
1.Create an Invoice: Use invoicing software.
2.Enter right details in Invoice: Services rendered, Payment terms etc.
3.Payment methods: Add payment methods for your client to pay.
4.Send invoice: Send invoice manually or using invoicing software like Cone.
5.Follow-up: Follow-up on the invoice before and after the due date.