How to Get Paid Faster Without Feeling Awkward

If you've ever sent an invoice and been met with total radio silence, you're in good company. For solopreneurs, especially creatives, consultants, and service providers—a single unpaid invoice can throw off your entire month.

But here’s the good news: you can nudge clients to pay without feeling like a debt collector.This guide will walk you through how to get paid faster using smart systems, kind-but-firm templates, and one ridiculously easy tool (yep, Cashflowy) that makes payment friction a thing of the past.

Why Clients Ghost (and How You Can Prevent It)

Late invoices aren’t just annoying, they’re common. According to QuickBooks, 25% of small biz owners have delayed paying themselves because of unpaid invoices. The Freelancers Union? They say 71% of freelancers have been stiffed at least once.

So, why are clients ghosting?

• They forgot. Life’s messy. Inboxes are worse.

• They're confused. Maybe the invoice isn’t clear—or it's just annoying to pay.

• They’re low on funds. And you're not their top priority (yet).

• No urgency. If you didn’t set deadlines, they won’t create one.

• They’re testing boundaries. If you don’t follow up, why should they rush?

The trick? Build a simple, repeatable system that keeps things professional, friendly, and easy to follow.

1. Set Expectations Before You Send an Invoice

Do This First:

• Talk about money early and often (without being weird).

• Include payment terms in your contract and welcome email.

• Break payments into milestones: 50/50 or deposit + final balance.

Client Message Template:

Hey [Client Name],

Before we get rolling, here’s how payment will work:

• I’ll send an invoice on [date], due within [X] days

• [50/50 breakdown or milestone schedule]

• You’ll be able to pay it in one click—no login hoops

Let me know if anything feels unclear. I want this to be smooth and simple!

Can’t wait to get started,
[Your Name]

Why It Works:

No surprises = no awkwardness. You’ve laid the groundwork for prompt payment—and set the tone for mutual respect.

2. Make Your Invoices Easy to Pay (and Hard to Ignore)

Ugly, outdated invoices kill your vibe and delay payments.

Avoid This:

• Boring, confusing templates

• Item lines with jargon

• Payment instructions buried in fine print

• Making clients log in or type out bank info

Instead, Do This:

• Use Cashflowy to send branded, clean invoices

• Add a quick personal note: “Thanks again—here’s the invoice for Phase 1.”

• Include one-click payment options (Stripe, PayPal, ACH)

Try Cashflowy free and watch those invoices get paid on time, every time.

3. Send Friendly, Non-Cringe Reminders

Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge.

Reminder Template #1: Just-in-Case

Subject: Quick Nudge: Invoice #204 still open
Hey [Client Name],
Just bumping this up in case it got lost in the shuffle.
Here’s that link again to pay the invoice: [insert link]
Let me know if you need anything from me!

Reminder Template #2: Heads-Up Before Due Date

Subject: Friendly Reminder — Invoice due soon
Hey [Client Name],
Just a heads-up, your invoice is due on [date].
Here’s the link to take care of it: [insert link]
Excited to keep this project moving along!

4. Add a Late Fee (That’s Still Friendly)

Yup, you’re allowed to have boundaries.

Example:

“After 7 days past due, a late fee of 2% per week applies. Totally understand if life happens, just keep me in the loop if you need more time!”

Why It Works:

It creates urgency without making you sound harsh. Plus, it trains clients to respect your terms.

Pro tip: Add this to both your onboarding email and invoice footer.

5. Automate Everything (Seriously)

Manual follow-ups = wasted time and awkward energy.

With Cashflowy, you can:

• Send clean, branded invoices

• Enable one-click payments

• Automate friendly reminders

• Track paid, unpaid, and overdue invoices at a glance

Forget spreadsheets. Say goodbye to ghosting.

Start your free trial of Cashflowy today

. Bonus Tips for Lightning-Fast Payments

Want to turn your invoice cycle into a well-oiled machine? Try these:

• Send invoices ASAP once work is delivered

• Offer a small discount for early payment (e.g., 5% off if paid within 48 hrs)

• Embed invoice links in deliverables like PDFs, decks, or emails

• Confirm receipt verbally or via DM: “Just checking that invoice came through okay?”

FAQ: Getting Paid Faster for Solopreneurs

How do I follow up on an unpaid invoice?
Send a polite reminder every 3–5 business days. Include the payment link. If it drags on, mention your late fee policy.

What’s the easiest way to invoice clients?
Use a tool like Cashflowy. It offers branded invoices, one-click payments, and automatic reminders.

Can I legally charge a late fee?
Yes—as long as it’s clearly stated in your contract or invoice terms. 1–2% per week is standard.

When should I follow up on an invoice?
Start 1–3 days after the due date. Keep it short, sweet, and professional.

How can I avoid late payments altogether?
Clear onboarding, upfront deposits, payment milestones, and automated reminders. Bonus points if you use Cashflowy.

What should my invoice include?
Your biz name and logo, client info, service breakdown, payment due date, total amount, and payment link.