Congratulations! You’ve started your business and you’re on the verge of something great. You know that you can offer a creative solution to a common problem. Starting a business is exciting, but doing your own finances – especially invoicing clients – can feel overwhelming as you focus on growing your operations. Imagine being able to create and send professional invoices with little effort or financial burden…
There are so many tools for entrepreneurs that there is no excuse to get stuck. One great example I can think of is Wave. With Wave’s easy and free accounting software, you can spend more time focusing on scaling your business.
Why Choose Wave For Your Business Finances?
Wave is a fantastic choice for cash-strapped and/or fiscally sound small business owners and freelancers needing accounting software that removes the complexity of invoicing. Although Wave also offers things like free accounting payroll and other software, let’s focus on one of the most foundational tasks for any entrepreneur: creating invoices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Invoice with Wave
Step 1: Sign Up and Log In
First off, you’ll need a Wave account. If you already have an account, simply log in.
If you’re new to Wave, head over to Wave’s website and sign up for free. Once you’ve registered, log in to your account.
Step 2: Go to the Invoices Section
After logging in, you’ll arrive at the dashboard. Click “Sales” on the left-hand sidebar and a dropdown menu will open. Click “Invoices”.
Step 3: Create a New Invoice
Once you’re in the Invoices page, click “Create an invoice” to open a new invoice.
Step 4: Add Your Business Information
One of the features Wave offers is to customize invoices with your own business’s branding. Add your company name, address, and contact information. I suggest adding your company logo – keep it simple, but professional.
Step 5: Add Your Customer’s Information
Click “Add a customer”. This is where you will input their name, address, and email. If you’ve entered a customer’s information before, Wave makes invoicing these regular clients easy by allowing you to simply select their name from a list instead of entering their information again.
Step 6: Enter the Invoice Details
Click “Add an item” to enter the services or points of sale you’re invoicing for. You may also include a description, quantity, rate, and tax and can add multiple items to a single invoice.
Step 7: Customize Payment Terms and Notes
You get to set the payment terms according to your business’s needs. Some options are “Due on receipt”, “Net 15”, Net 30”, and more. Another useful feature is the ability to add notes or conditions you want your client to see about the invoice or agreement.
Step 8: Review and Save Your Invoice
You’re almost done! Make sure to review the invoice and details you entered, and don’t be afraid to double-check. Once you’re ready, click “Save and continue”.
Step 9: Send Your Invoice
Saving and continuing will then give you the option to send the invoice in an email directly from Wave. Next, click “Send this invoice” and choose the option that’s right for you. The email is also customizable, giving you more creative freedom when corresponding with your customer.
Step 10: Track Payments
This step flows into Wave’s larger accounting and bookkeeping ecosystem. Tracking payments is easy once your client pays the invoice by marking it as paid. Doing so will keep your payments organized and easily accessible.
Why Make Business Harder Than it Needs to Be?
Invoices should be the least of your worries. Wave’s free accounting software saves you time, money, and creative energy with its user-friendly design and interface. Wave is made for creators, entrepreneurs, and creatives; essentially for those without accounting or bookkeeping experience – we know. We use Wave ourselves.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a cost-effective way to create invoices really benefit from Wave. Just following these 10 steps will enable you and your business to enjoy the credibility of professional invoices made easy.
Are You Ready?
Sign up for Wave’s Free Accounting Software as you sit back, relax, and effortlessly keep your business finances sharp.
Happy invoicing!
