How to create an invoice for small business.

Cash flow is crucial for small businesses. Follow these steps to create an invoice to keep your small business growing.

Modern technology enables small companies to run lean, often from anywhere. Keeping your small business profitable will take hard work and organization. To help you learn how to create an invoice for small businesses in a way that’s efficient and works smoothly with your other business tools, here are a few tips and guidelines.

How to create an invoice using a template.

If you’re a small business, creating an invoice will quickly become routine. Since you'll need to generate invoices quickly and frequently to keep up with ongoing transactions and ensure steady cash flow, using a template streamlines the process. This allows small businesses to fill in key details efficiently while maintaining a professional and consistent format. An invoice template not only saves time but also reduces errors, making invoicing smoother and more reliable.

Here are 5 steps to create a small business invoice using a template:

1. Choose a template: select a pre-designed invoice template that fits your business needs. You can find templates in word processors, spreadsheet software, or invoicing tools.
2. Enter your business information: add your business name, logo, address, contact details, and website (if applicable) to personalize the invoice and ensure professionalism.
3. Assign an invoice number and date: use a unique invoice number and include the issue date to keep records organized and make tracking easier.
4. Fill in all other details: an invoice template will mostly likely come with all the elements of an invoice such as client details, list of products or services, the total amount due, payment terms and due date, as well as a field for notes or special instructions.
5. Save and send the invoice: save the completed invoice as a PDF to maintain formatting and email it to the client, or use invoicing software to send it directly.

How to create an invoice without a template.

Sometimes, a small business invoice only needs the very basic information and has just one service provided, in which case you don’t need a template. Here are 4 easy steps on how to make an invoice from scratch:

1. Make a professional header for your invoice. Using your branding in a sleek and simple way is the best way to ensure it looks professional.
2. Determine what you’re itemizing in your invoice and make a simple chart. Are you invoicing at an hourly rate? You may be charging for specific services. Either way, make this clear to your customer and easy to read.
3. Calculate and include the total in a place that stands out on the page. This could also be an excellent place to showcase any discounts the customer got (which could help them feel happier about the total).
4. Include a signature line if you want the invoice to be a legal document, and close with a small note thanking your client for working with you.

You can easily create your own invoice in any word processing software and then convert it to PDF for a more professional and secure way to share.

Does a small business invoice need to be signed?

While learning how to create an invoice for a small business, it’s crucial to address the following question — do invoices have to be signed? Let’s delve into this important aspect of invoicing.

You might not automatically think of a signature when you think of an invoice, and your invoice can actually perform its primary function without a signature. Many invoices get paid without issues, regardless of a signature. But without a signature, your invoice is not technically a legal document.

Since a signature makes your invoice a legal document, requiring a signature could protect you and your business. If the invoice is signed, possible dispute or non-payment is easier to resolve. Fortunately, it can be effortless for your clients to sign your PDFs.

Best-in-class tools for creating a small business invoice template.

The number of business software programs and mobile apps available today is staggering. Choosing the right one is critical to keeping your workflow easy and hassle-free.

Adobe Acrobat for business offers all the tools you need to create proposals, invoices, contracts, and esign documents with ease. A custom and professional invoice will strengthen your existing relationships and allow your small business to grow.