How to Send Invoices

Creating a perfect invoice is only half the job — how and when you send it has a significant impact on how quickly you get paid. Studies of payment behavior show that invoices sent within 24 hours of project completion are paid substantially faster than those sent days or weeks later, and invoices delivered via email with a PDF attachment have higher open and payment rates than invoices delivered through client portals clients have to log into. The method of delivery, the email subject line, the timing of follow-up reminders, and the payment options you make available all influence how quickly money moves from your client's account to yours. This guide covers every aspect of the invoice delivery process: choosing the right delivery method for different client types, writing subject lines and email body text that get action, timing your invoices for maximum impact, setting up automated payment reminders, handling overdue invoices professionally, and accepting multiple payment methods to reduce friction. Whether you're sending your first invoice or optimizing an established billing process, these practices will help you get paid faster, follow up more effectively, and maintain strong client relationships even when payments run late.