Consulting Invoice Templates

Every client has different needs and goals that you support as a consultant. Because of this, you need an invoice template that offers the proper flexibility to customize for different services. These professional and clean consultant invoice templates can be adjusted to suit your needs whether charging hourly or via a flat rate.

Prepare your invoice template first by personalizing it to your consulting business. Upload your business logo, adjust colors and fonts, and input information about your business. The invoice is part of your client’s experience working with you, and should represent your business well. Once you have prepared the template, save a copy of it that you may refer back to any time you need to create an invoice for a new or returning client.

Not sure what information your consulting invoice should include? Here are the essentials:

• Your Contact Information: Business Name, Address, Phone Number, Email, Website
• Your Client’s Information: Name or Business Name, Email, Phone Number, Address
• Unique Invoice Number
• Invoice Date: The date the invoice is sent, not the date payment is due
• Service Details: Description of service, date performed, billing rate (flat fee or hourly calculation), invoice terms (late fees, etc.)
• Due Date: The date payment is due
• Personal Note: Although not required, as a consultant this is a great way to boost client retention and leave the recipient with a positive impression
• Payment Details: How your client can fulfill the invoice

Ultimately, the goal of your invoice is to bill your client and receive payment for your consulting services. Include detailed steps guiding your client in submitting payment, whether through an external payment method or via ACH. With Lili, you can connect Stripe, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or share your banking information for clients to pay via ACH and receive money directly into your account rather than waiting on funds to transfer from another source.

Before sending an invoice, make sure your client is aware they will be receiving one. Blindsiding a client with an unexpectedly high invoice or urgent due date creates a negative experience that may make your client wary of continuing your consulting relationship. Communication is key, and this usually starts with a clear written agreement detailing the costs and services provided by you as a consultant.

Invoicing is another opportunity to elevate your consulting business and provide a phenomenal experience for your clients, whether consulting for large corporations or single business owners. By investing time and resources in client touch points like invoicing, you lend further authority and professionalism to your reputation—and reputation is vital in the consulting world! When you use a professional invoicing software rather than a simple, flat invoice, you’re creating a quality end-to-end journey for your clients and demonstrating your expertise beyond your direct consultations. With first-rate features like custom invoices and payment method integrations, your invoice software will reflect your mission to go the extra mile for your clients.

• Using different templates for the same client creates an inconsistent experience that can confuse and frustrate them. Choose a template that works for you and stick with it!
• Not including payment terms, especially if you’re billing after services are completed, may result in late payments (or not getting paid at all!)
• Invoicing the wrong contact may cause your invoice to be lost or delayed in reaching the party who is capable of fulfilling it. Confirm where to send the bill before invoicing your client!
• Not backing up invoices puts your business at risk in the event of a computer crash or natural disaster. In the cloud or on an external hard drive—make sure all of your consulting business’s assets are backed up, and that includes invoices!
• Not defining a due date means your client can pay you anytime. If you don’t want to be paid for your consulting services six months after completing them, provide a specific due date.
• Neglecting to proofread may result in you sending your client a sloppy invoice full of errors and typos. Make sure everything is as professional and clean as possible before sending an invoice.
• Not using invoice software makes it easy for invoices to get lost in the shuffle and may result in payment delays

Once you understand how to create an invoice, you should consider which format is best for you and your consulting clients. From word processors to spreadsheets, invoice templates are available in a variety of formats to suit your consulting business’s needs.

Word and Google Docs Invoice Templates

Customizable invoice templates in these word processing applications include pre-built fields and lines that are easy to fill and send, though you must manually input all information yourself due to a lack of formula capabilities. They can be more difficult to customize if you’re unfamiliar with the platform, making it more difficult to create a seamless experience with your consulting business.

Excel and Google Sheets Invoice Templates

These spreadsheet platforms have free invoice templates with an element of automation, as they include formulas to automatically calculate quantities and totals. This formula functionality will further streamline your invoice building process, making it easier to adjust your template to a wide variety of consulting services and billings.

PDF Invoice Templates

Your clients will vary, and some may not have the right software (or most up to date software) needed to properly view your invoice. That becomes a non-issue with PDF invoice templates, which can easily be downloaded, printed out, or emailed to your clients. Our PDF consulting invoice template is designed with simplicity and professionalism in mind to make billing your clients a breeze.

Ready to elevate your consulting business with an invoicing experience your clients will love? Here are just a few more ways Lili’s Invoicing software can level up your business:

• Easily integrates invoicing with your other financial software
• Showcases your branding with professional customization
• Automatically generates unique invoice numbers for accounting ease
• Saves details for ongoing consulting clients
• Deliverable via multiple channels to suit any client communication preference
• Connects with payment apps for ease of processing
• Makes it possible to create and store unlimited invoices all in one place