I recently started freelancing and I’m looking for a straightforward invoicing solution that won’t break the bank. I don’t need fancy features or complicated setups, just something that works well and is beginner-friendly. I want to focus on my work instead of spending hours figuring out how to send a basic invoice. What tools do other freelancers recommend for someone who’s new to this? I’d prefer something that doesn’t require a steep learning curve and has reasonable pricing for someone just starting their freelance journey.
Invoice Simple works fine. Nothing fancy but gets the job done without headaches.
I just write invoices in Word and email them
Started with FreshBooks for my side business. Free version handles 5 clients - perfect when you’re starting out. Invoice customization is dead simple, plus they’ll process payments if you need that.
Hit my client limit and switched to Invoice Ninja. Open source, way cheaper than everything else. You’ll figure it out in 30 minutes.
If you’re doing under 10 invoices monthly, just use a Google Docs template. That’s what I did the first few months - make the invoice, save as PDF, done.
Zoho Invoice was a lifesaver when I started. Free for up to 5 clients and you can send your first invoice in 10 minutes.
What I loved:
- Actually professional templates
- Auto payment reminders (clients always forget)
- Built-in time tracking for hourly billing
- Mobile app for invoicing anywhere
Pricing’s fair when you upgrade. I used the free version for almost a year.
Pro tip - set it up right from the start. Add your logo, payment terms, everything. Makes you look legit instead of amateur.
Wave is a good choice for basic invoicing and it’s free. You can create invoices quickly without complicated software.
I have used it for years with no issues regarding payments or tracking. The simple interface helps you avoid unnecessary features.