Are you looking for the best invoice generators in 2023?
If you need to send invoices for your work, whether you are a freelancer or a small business, using an online invoice generator will save you time, help you be more accurate and organized and assist with your taxes and compliance.
But with so many online invoice generators, how do you know which one to choose?
In this article we’ll cover:
Let’s dive in!
Not only can online invoice generators help speed up a crucial part of your business practice, but most online invoice-generation software enables you to access it from anywhere in the world.
That means even if you’re not at your physical desk, you can be at your virtual one, ensuring you get paid.
Here are some of the benefits of using an online invoice generator.
Manual invoicing is not only time-consuming – it’s a waste of resources for a small business!
Online invoicing can help you more efficiently and quickly send invoices so that you can receive payment for your work and get back to top-priority tasks.
If you’re doing things manually, human error is inevitable. However, invoice errors can be costly for your business and prevent outstanding payments from being made on time.
Invoice generators can save your invoices as pre-formulated templates and autofill options, meaning that invoicing can be as simple as a few clicks, even for new clients.
Every business knows that the main hurdle is often cash-flow management. Manual invoicing doesn’t just waste resources and time; it could also be costly if it takes too long for your invoices to reach your clients or if you have to follow up manually.
Instead, let an online platform take the burden off you. At a minimum, a successful online invoice generator should allow you to send automated follow-ups and reminders to clients in case of missed payments.
Are you still writing your invoices by hand in a logbook? With an online invoice generator’s customizable templates, you can ensure that your invoices are consistent and look professional without employing a graphic designer.
Most invoice generators will have many templates you can use as a starting point, and if they don’t have quite the right feel for your business, you can create your own from scratch.
Every business knows they should attempt to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally responsible. Traditionally, manual invoicing requires many items that do the opposite of this, including pens, ink, paper, stamps, envelopes, and transport.
However, online invoicing can remove these extra resources, making your business more eco-friendly. While this is excellent, it’s also appealing to customers and clients.
Manual invoicing or even desktop software-based invoicing can tie you to your desk. However, online invoicing allows you to be flexible and send invoices from anywhere worldwide when needed.
Need to look up a past invoice? You can access those easily, too, streamlining your business practices and speeding up your client response time.
What should you look for in an online invoice generator when options are saturated?
Firstly, remember what you hope to achieve in the long term for your business, as this will help you choose the right software and provider.
If you anticipate massive growth, pick something that will be able to grow with your business; switching software isn’t unheard of, but it can be frustrating to have to learn a new system (not to mention potentially costly).
You should also consider:
1. Overall invoicing needs
How often do you send invoices? How many clients do you have? Do you need to be able to customize different invoices?
Be sure to look at accessibility and whether or not the platform is user-friendly.
2. Can the software adapt and scale as necessary
Think about more than just the business you have now but the business you hope to have. While what you may need currently is minimal, will the software you choose be able to serve you in a year, five, or even ten?
3. Customizability
Can you add your company brand assets, including logos, colours, and signatures?
4. Your budget
While some free invoice creators are on the market, they offer limited functionality. If you’re a growing business, you may want to consider other paid options that can provide you with many more features.
Some online invoice generator providers charge flat rates — perfect if you send out many monthly invoices. But others will be based on the number of invoices you create or how extensive your client database is.
Investigate your options thoroughly to find the right software for your budget.
5. Can you integrate your other business tools into the software?
If you’re using other business tool software, i.e., accounting or e-commerce-based, your online invoice generator software should integrate.
For example, can you collect payments directly from your invoicing software, or do you need to set up a separate client billing solution? Look for an all-in-one solution. The less manual work you must do, the more efficient you’ll be.
6. Do your research correctly.
When looking for an effective online invoice generator that will work for your business, you should read reviews, ask for recommendations, and take advantage of free trial periods.
Don’t be afraid to “try before you buy” and look for software that allows you to do so! Don’t forget to check what support is available, too — you never know when you’ll need it.
Thanks to its automated features, Bonsai is a great way to manage multiple projects and deal with invoice generation all at once. It will also scale with you, as it has many more useful financial tools to assist your business and growth.
And let’s not forget that Bonsai has worked with in-house lawyers, meaning all documentation will hold up in court and is legally binding.
Quick and easy to sign up for and a breeze to use, it’s our top pick for online invoice generators.
Wave is an all-in-one accounting and invoicing solution that is great for businesses in the middle of growth. It offers built-in accounting capabilities, such as running payroll through it, setting it apart from solely invoiced-focused competitors.
PayPal is the most convenient online invoicing software on our list.
Not only is PayPal accepted and able to be used in most countries around the world, but it’s also mobile-friendly – allowing you to create and send invoices anywhere in the world from any digital device in minutes.
Zoho is best used for small businesses that only have a small client base and mini-CRM (customer-relationship management).
Packed with great features, if you’re a small business or freelancer, this may be the software for you.
Invoice Home caters to small to medium-sized businesses and is our top pick for ease of use.
If you’re a growing business that needs to hit the ground running, this software will allow you to do just that.
While, as you can see, there are many options available to you, in our opinion Bonsai is a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for businesses switching to online invoicing, whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or more.
This software contains many of the desirable features we’ve discussed, making it easier for you to get paid and run your business.
Incredibly easy to use, you’ll be off to a flying start with Bonsai in no time.
With a number of customizable templates and options, you’re sure to find one to suit all your business needs and preferences.
While some invoice generation software can only integrate with other same-brand software, Bonsai can integrate with multiple accounting software, as well as allow clients to pay directly through your invoice (i.e., no need to set up a separate payment solution).
Need to work across multiple states or countries? Bonsai supports multiple currencies and tax rates.
No need to worry about data leaks — Bonsai has strict security measures to protect your client’s data through encrypted storage.
Full reporting and analytics features in Bonsai will help you better your processes and keep your financial records up to date.
Don’t waste time chasing late payments — let Bonsai do it for you with automated reminders and follow-ups.
So, now that you know which online invoice generator software is going to give you the best bang for your buck, here are our top tips for effective invoicing.
A confused client is a guaranteed path to a late payment. Keep things simple and straightforward, and be clear and concise on your invoice in your description so that they know exactly what they’re paying for.
Don’t forget to include the basics when you’re invoicing to keep things nice and simple (and make sure you get paid promptly!). That includes:
Branding can be anything from brand colors to your logo. Not only will a properly branded invoice make you look professional, but it’ll also ensure brand cohesion.
Want to get paid on time? Be sure to send your invoices promptly!
There’s nothing worse than having to chase late payments, but you don’t have to hit the nuclear option if your invoice isn’t paid on time. Be clear on your initial invoice when payment is due and, if not paid by then, send gentle periodic reminders, before escalating if necessary. That’s where an automated follow-up system can come in handy!
Online invoice generators can greatly expedite your business processes and use your resources better, as well as help you get paid on time and manage cash flow.
While there are plenty of free and paid invoice creators available on the market, our top pick for online invoicing as well as an all-in-one business solution is Bonsai.
Bonsai allows users to bring automation, accuracy, and professionalism into their business, no matter the size. Plus, with your client billing built right into your invoices, you won’t have to worry about setting up another payment solution.
With comprehensive features, including a user-friendly interface and highly customizable templates, Bonsai will grow with you, allowing you to take control of your invoicing needs efficiently and quickly.
Why not give Bonsai’s free 7 trial a go today and revolutionize your invoicing!
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