Recently switched to hourly billing and noticed how much clearer my invoices have become. It’s been a shift adjusting to a new system, and I’m still experimenting with ways to keep hour tracking simple without it getting in the way.
Hourly tracking’s been a game-changer for me too. Took a bit to get into the habit, but now it’s second nature.
My setup’s pretty basic:
- Spreadsheet for each project
- Timer on my computer
- Notes app for quick thoughts
I update the spreadsheet daily. Takes maybe 5 minutes. Clients love the detailed breakdowns.
One tip: round to the nearest 15 minutes. Makes math easier and clients don’t fuss over a few minutes here and there.
Also, don’t forget to track those small tasks. Emails, quick calls - they add up. Used to lose a bunch of billable time on those.
I use a basic spreadsheet for tracking hours. Update it daily, takes a minute.
For invoicing, I total up the hours and multiply by my rate. Simple math, clear for clients.
One tip: don’t forget those quick emails and calls. They add up fast. I used to lose money on those small tasks before I started tracking everything.
Hourly tracking’s been eye-opening for my business too. Started simple with a basic stopwatch and notepad. Now I use Toggl - it’s free and does the job well.
Key things I’ve learned:
- Be consistent. Track everything, even small tasks.
- Review daily. I spend 5 minutes each evening to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
- Keep good notes. Helps explain the invoice and refreshes my memory.
My invoices are way more accurate now. Clients appreciate the transparency, and I’m not losing money on forgotten work.
One unexpected benefit - seeing where my time really goes has helped me price my services better. Realized I was undercharging for some stuff that took longer than I thought.
Tried hourly tracking once. Too much work. I just charge a flat rate for each job. Keeps things simple for me and the customers. No fussing with timers or spreadsheets.
Hourly billing can be a pain at first, but it pays off. I use a simple timer app on my phone. Start it when I begin work, stop when I’m done. At the end of the day, I jot down the total in a notebook. Takes seconds.
For invoicing, I just add up the hours and multiply by my rate. Clients get a breakdown of days and hours worked. Keeps everything clear and avoids disputes. You’ll get used to it quick. Just find a system that works for you and stick with it.
Tracking hours? Too much hassle for me. I just bill for the whole job when it’s done.