Creating an invoice is more than just a quick way to get paid. An invoice should be something that represents your brand or business, just like everything else. If your website and business cards help represent your brand, so should your invoices! Maintaining brand consistency should be the top priority for any business, especially when it comes to getting paid.
Why You Need A Customized Branded Invoice Template
Build Credibility
Your invoice isn’t simply just a payment request; it’s more than that. It’s a reflection of your brand and credibility. Clients or customers are more likely to respond positively to a customized invoice template like the ones provided by online invoicing tools, rather than a generic template that lacks a company’s personal touch and brand.
As noted by invoicing expert Petr Marek, “Digital tools can also provide businesses with enhanced security and fraud protection.” (Source: Forbes)
This is important in more recent years, as many businesses and customers can fall victim to fake invoices.
Stand Out from Competitors
In competitive industries, as well as those who are freelancing and own small businesses, standing out from the competition can help differentiate your business from others. A well-designed, fully branded invoice can help you stand out from those that are using the more basic invoice templates that lack color, logos, and other design styles.
Customizing your Invoice Template
Choosing the Right Template
The first step to creating your customized invoice is to choose a template. There is no correct answer as to what template should be used, so this part is relative to many different types of businesses. When choosing an invoice template, it should have all the qualities that represent your brand.
- If your business is more minimalistic, you might want to go with a more minimal template with a solid color rather than one with geometric designs
- If you are a landscaping company, you might want more green design elements within the template
- Creative businesses might opt for a template with more geometric designs
Add your Logo
Adding your logo to your invoice is one of the most important details. Your logo is the visual anchor of your brand. When it is added to your template, your brand is immediately recognized, and customers or clients know exactly who the invoice is coming from without having to even read the “from” section.
If you do not have a logo, some invoice template services provide a library with dozens of pre-designed logos that you can use on your invoice.
Personalize with a Thank You Message and Payment Terms
A thank you message, along with other info in your terms and conditions, can further personalize your invoice. It is the extra step that allows you the creative freedom to speak with your customer through the invoice. It is also most common to outline any specific payment terms as well as instructions on how to pay the invoice.
Taking the time to customize your invoice template to fit your brand might seem like a small detail, but the value it can bring to your brand’s image has unlimited potential. As you can see, with just a few thoughtful tweaks by adding a uniquely designed template, adding your logo, and adding your message in the terms and conditions, you can have a fully polished and well-designed invoice.
Photo by Testeur de CBD; Unsplash
