Tired of chasing payments? These 7 strategies will help you get paid faster without damaging client relationships or seeming pushy.
Strategy 1: Send invoices immediately
Don't wait to invoice. The longer you delay, the longer it takes to get paid. Send invoices within 24 hours of completing work or reaching a milestone. Immediate invoicing shows professionalism and keeps your business top-of-mind. Clients expect to be invoiced promptly—delays signal disorganization.
Strategy 2: Make payment incredibly easy
Friction kills payments. Include clickable payment links in invoices. Accept multiple payment methods (credit cards, ACH, PayPal, bank transfer). Save payment information for repeat clients. Use payment platforms that require minimal clicks. InvoiceFlow embeds payment buttons directly in invoices—clients can pay in under 30 seconds.
Strategy 3: Use strategic payment terms
Shorter terms get paid faster. Use Net 15 instead of Net 30 when possible. For new clients, try 'Due on Receipt' or Net 7. Offer early payment discounts (2% off if paid within 5 days). The discount cost is worth the improved cash flow and reduced administrative time.
Strategy 4: Automate reminders (without being annoying)
Manual follow-ups waste time and feel awkward. Set up automatic reminders: 3 days before due date (friendly heads-up), on due date (payment due today), 3 days after (past due notice), 7 days after (escalation). InvoiceFlow sends professional reminders automatically, maintaining relationships while ensuring payment.
Strategy 5: Perfect your invoice design
Clear, professional invoices get paid faster. Use your logo and brand colors. Make the total amount obvious (large, bold). Highlight the due date prominently. Include a clear call-to-action ('Pay Now'). Itemize services clearly. Include your contact info. Poorly designed invoices get overlooked or questioned.
Strategy 6: Request deposits for large projects
Protect cash flow with deposits. Request 25-50% upfront for new clients. Use milestone payments for long projects (30% start, 40% midpoint, 30% completion). Deposits filter out non-serious clients and reduce your financial risk. They're standard practice in professional services.
Strategy 7: Build accountability into your process
Create payment expectations upfront. Discuss payment terms in proposals and contracts. Send a project kickoff email restating payment schedule. Track invoice status in real-time. Follow up personally on large overdue invoices. Use late fees when appropriate (1.5% per month is standard). InvoiceFlow provides a complete payment dashboard showing exactly who owes what.
Keep momentum after every invoice
InvoiceFlow automates approvals, nudges clients when payments slip, and surfaces the metrics you need to stay cash-flow positive.