How to Send Invoices as a Freelancer

Invoicing as a freelancer can feel confusing at first — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re working with a new client or trying to streamline your payment process, sending a clear, professional invoice is key to getting paid on time.

🧾 What is an invoice?

An invoice is a formal document you send to a client requesting payment for your services. It should clearly outline what you did, how much it costs, and how your client can pay you.

📋 What should be included?

A good freelancer invoice includes:

• Your name or business name and contact info
• The client’s name and contact info
• A unique invoice number
• The invoice date and payment due date
• A breakdown of services provided and their cost
• Total amount due
• Accepted payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)

⏱️ When should you send an invoice?

This depends on your agreement with the client. Common times to invoice include:

• After completing the work
• At the end of a billing period (weekly/monthly)
• After hitting a project milestone

Make sure expectations around timing and payment terms are clear in your initial agreement or contract.

📨 How to send your invoice

There are a few ways to send your invoice:

• Email (PDF attached): The most common and professional method.
• Through an invoicing tool: Some platforms let clients pay directly from the invoice.
• Shared drive link: For repeat clients, a shared folder with invoices can work.

To keep things simple, you can use a free PDF invoice generator like InvoiceDen — fill out your details, download the invoice, and attach it to an email.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to include payment terms
• Leaving off key details like your name or client contact
• Using unprofessional formats (e.g., messy Word docs or screenshots)

✅ Get started now

You don’t need expensive software or complex systems to get paid. InvoiceDen makes it fast and easy to create beautiful, downloadable invoices for free.

👉 Create your first invoice