How to Invoice Brands and Get Paid Faster (Free Professional Template Included)

You did the work. The brand loved the content. The post went live and the engagement was incredible.

But it's been 45 days, and your business bank account is still empty. The dreaded "chasing the invoice" game has begun. You send a polite follow-up, then a slightly less polite one, all while feeling more like a bill collector than a creative professional.

Sound familiar? An unprofessional or unclear invoice is the #1 reason for payment delays from brands.

A professional invoice doesn't just tell a brand what they owe you; it tells them you are a serious business owner. It removes friction, eliminates confusion, and significantly speeds up your payment. This guide will break down the exact anatomy of a perfect invoice that gets you paid on time, every time.

Anatomy of a Perfect Creator Invoice

1. Your Professional Header

This is non-negotiable. It should clearly state your business name (e.g., "Your Creator Brand LLC"), your address, and your business contact information. And most importantly, include your EIN (Tax ID), not your personal Social Security Number.

2. The Client's Information

Include the brand's full name and the contact person you worked with in their accounts payable department. This ensures your invoice gets to the right person without getting lost.

3. Invoice Number & Dates

Invoice Number: A unique number for every invoice (e.g., 001, 002, 003). This is crucial for your records.
Invoice Date: The date you are sending the invoice.
Payment Due Date: The date by which you expect to be paid.

4. A Detailed Line-Item Breakdown

Don't just write "Sponsored Post - $2,000." Be specific to avoid any confusion about what they paid for.
Good Example: "Line Item 1: One (1) Dedicated YouTube Video Integration (as per agreement dated Aug 15, 2025) - $2,000"

5. Clear Payment Terms

This is where most creators lose money. Clearly state your payment terms.
"Net 30" means they have 30 days to pay. This is standard, but you can and should push for better.
"Net 15" or "Due on Receipt" are much better for your cash flow.

6. How to Get Paid

Make it incredibly easy for them to send you money. Include your business bank account details for an ACH or Wire Transfer (Account Number, Routing Number, Bank Name). You can also include a payment link from Stripe or PayPal.

7. The Magic Ingredient: A Late Fee Clause

This one sentence will dramatically increase your on-time payments. Add this to the bottom:
"A late fee of 5% of the total invoice amount will be charged for every 30 days an invoice is overdue."

From Invoice to Operation

A professional invoice is a non-negotiable part of a professional creator business. It communicates your value and ensures you're compensated for it promptly.

But an invoice is just one document in your business's operational system. Is the rest of your business just as professional? Are you legally protected in your contracts? Is your financial data being tracked for tax season?

How Professional Are Your Operations?

Find out in 2 minutes. Take the free Business Health Audit to see how your operational systems stack up and identify any critical gaps.

Audit Your Business Operations