Hey there! 👋

I once worked with a creator who crushed a project for me - absolutely nailed it. When it came time to pay them their five-figure fee, I asked for an invoice.

They went silent for weeks.

When they finally replied, they admitted they didn't know how to create an invoice. They'd never done it before. And here's the kicker - they didn't even have a proper bank account set up to receive the payment.

This incredibly talented creator had done amazing work, but couldn't actually get paid for it because they didn't have the backend systems in place.

Here's the truth: If you can't get paid reliably and protect yourself legally, you don't have a business - you have an expensive hobby that occasionally pays you.

The backend stuff separates professionals from amateurs. And clients can tell the difference.

Contracts That Protect You

Every single project needs a contract. Yes, even for your best friend's cousin.

At minimum, your contract must include:

- Scope of work (be specific about deliverables)

- Timeline and payment terms

- Revision policy (how many rounds of edits)

- Kill fee (what happens if they cancel)

- Usage rights and late payment penalties

I use a standard template and customize it per project. Takes 10 minutes, saves thousands in headaches.

Quick disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, and this isn't legal advice. You should absolutely consult with an actual lawyer to make sure your contracts are solid for your specific situation and location. Think of this as a starting point, not the finish line.

Invoicing That Gets You Paid

Your invoice communicates professionalism and makes payment easy.

Every invoice needs:

- Invoice number and dates (issue and due)

- Both parties' business info

- Itemized services with clear descriptions

- Payment terms (start with your net at as low as possible and negotiate from there)

- Payment methods and late fee policy

Make it stupidly easy for clients to pay you.

I accept:

- Bank transfer/ACH (free, great for recurring clients)

- Credit card through Stripe (2.9% + 30¢ fee)

- PayPal (similar fees, some clients prefer it)

I include payment links directly in invoices. No extra steps, no delays.

Step 1: Signed contract before any work starts (Dropbox Sign for electronic signatures)

Step 2: Payment upfront for new clients (weeds out time-wasters)

Step 3: Invoice immediately upon delivery

Step 4: Automated reminders (7 days before due, on due date, 3 days after)

Step 5: 5% late fee after 5 days (stated in contract and on invoice)

Step 6: Work stops at 15 days overdue, no exceptions

This system runs itself. I rarely chase payments anymore.

Quick note: If you're creating content for established brands, they'll often have standard Net 30 payment terms from delivery. That's pretty normal in the industry. You need to decide what you're comfortable with - can your cash flow handle waiting 30 days? If not, try to negotiate. There's no right answer, just what works for your business.

"Can we start before the contract is signed?" - No.

"Can you invoice after we review the work?" - No, terms start at delivery.

"Can we pay Net 60?" - No, my terms are in the contract.

"Can you wait another month?" - No, but I can set up a payment plan.

These feel uncomfortable. They're also necessary.

Clients who respect you will respect your terms. Clients who don't aren't clients you want.

- Contracts & Invoicing: Quickbooks (~$60/month)

- Direct Payments: Stripe (percentage-based fees)

- Document signing: Dropbox Sign

This setup has saved me thousands in unpaid invoices and legal headaches.

You're allowed to have payment terms that protect you.

You're allowed to require contracts before starting work.

You're allowed to charge late fees and stop work if payment doesn't come through.

These aren't aggressive - they're standard professional boundaries.

The unsexy backend stuff is what allows you to actually make a living as a creator. Set up these systems once, use them forever, and never get burned again.

What's your worst "didn't get paid" story? Hit reply and let me know - I bet we all have at least one 😅

💜 Tara