Invoicing for Independent Freelancers: How to Get Paid Faster

Published {$created} by Tina Blum

As an independent freelancer, you wear many hats — including accountant.

While doing the work is your focus, getting paid is what keeps you going.

And yet, invoicing can feel like a chore. Especially when it gets delayed, done manually, or worse — ignored by the client.

Here’s how to make invoicing faster, easier, and more professional — so you can spend less time chasing payments and more time doing what you love.

1. Set clear terms upfront

Avoid surprises by agreeing on:

Hourly rate or fixed price
Payment deadlines (e.g., “Net 14 days”)
What exactly will be delivered — and when

Put it in writing. Even simple email confirmation helps set expectations.

2. Track your time (accurately)

If you invoice by the hour, messy or incomplete time logs are your enemy. You don’t want to undercharge — or end up in disputes.

Use a reliable time tracking tool like Nureti:

Track time as you work (real-time stopwatch or calendar view)
Break down time by task or project
Export time logs directly into your invoices

stopwatch

3. Use professional invoice templates

Your invoice should include:

Your name, business info, and tax ID (if needed)
Client name and address
Date and unique invoice number
Itemized list of services
Total amount and due date
Preferred payment method (bank, PayPal, etc.)

invoicing module

4. Automate when possible

Tired of copying data from time logs to invoices?

Nureti will let you create invoices based directly on your tracked time — saving hours each month.

5. Follow up — nicely

Clients forget. Things get buried.

Set up polite reminder emails a few days before and after the due date. Keep it friendly, professional, and clear.

Example:

"Hi [Name], just a quick reminder that invoice #102 is due this week. Let me know if you need anything else from me. Thanks!"

Ready to streamline invoicing?

The easier you make it to get paid, the smoother your freelance business runs. With accurate time logs and clear invoices, you reduce friction — and get paid faster.

Try Nureti for free and start tracking time like a pro.