Invoices: Satisfying the Deep Human Urge for Customization
When a certain shoe company started offering the option to fully customize a pair, I would spend HOURS on the design platform imagining my perfect shoes. Was I ever going to afford a pair? Not on federal minimum wage! Every customization (and all the good colors) seemed to incur a new upcharge. But that never stopped me from playing.
I think the deep human urge to customize is second only to the need to take online quizzes. Please tell me what my ideal perfume is based on my favorite color! So what a delight it was to grow up and become an accountant and discover that I can customize everything: spreadsheets, financial models, and invoices. Here are some of my favorite items to customize within an invoice: some cosmetic and some functional.
Logo - Great for recognizability
Design - Great for accessibility
Message - Great for memorability
Terms - Great for payability
Each of these items could be their own post, but let’s quickly define them here. A personalized logo reinforces brand identity and builds recognition. If you already have one you love, pop it on your invoice template. A tailored message adds a personal touch, fostering customer relationships. Studies have shown that personalizing a restaurant check with something as simple as a smiley face can increase tips by 11%, so why not experiment with the messages on your own invoices! The design— intentionally using colors, fonts, and custom layouts—creates a visually appealing and organized document that’s easy for clients to read and process. Finally, clear and customized terms ensure that payment expectations, deadlines, and any applicable discounts are transparent, reducing misunderstandings and improving payment speed. Together, these elements make the invoice more functional and engaging.
Customizing invoices is fun for business owners and also GREAT for clients. Plus, it’s easy to set up templates and workflows in a software like Quickbooks Online and use them consistently. Try customizing different elements of your invoices to make them more accessible, memorable, and payable to your clients.
Want Even More Ways to Get Paid Faster?
If you’re ready to get your invoices paid even faster, I’ve put together a free pdf checklist of unique strategies and practical tips to improve your invoicing process and collect payments faster without risking the client relationship.
Click here to view or download the checklist.
TL;DR
Customizing invoices can be just as fun as it is functional!
Ready to get personalized? Grab your free checklist or reach out with any questions!