How to Use FreshBooks

Getting started with FreshBooks

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up FreshBooks and create your first invoice in under five minutes. By the end, you’ll be able to manage your finances more efficiently and streamline your invoicing process.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to FreshBooks.
2. Click on the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner.
3. Enter your email address, create a password, and follow the prompts to fill in your business details.
4. Choose the Lite plan (free trial available) to start with, which allows you to manage up to 5 clients.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your account setup.

Step 2: Your first invoice

1. Once logged in, click on the "Invoices" tab from the left sidebar.
2. Click the "Create Invoice" button.
3. Fill in your client’s details by either selecting an existing client or clicking "Add a New Client".
4. Enter the invoice details: item description, quantity, and rate. FreshBooks will automatically calculate the total.
5. Set the invoice due date and any applicable taxes.
6. Click "Save Invoice" and then "Send Invoice" to email it directly to your client.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the "Recurring Invoices" feature for regular clients by clicking on the "More Options" dropdown when creating an invoice and selecting "Make Recurring".
2. Explore the "Reports" section to track your income and expenses by clicking on the "Reports" tab.
3. Integrate with payment processors like PayPal or Stripe for faster payments by navigating to "Settings", then "Payments".

Pro tip

Set up your "Expense Tracking" immediately by clicking on the "Expenses" tab and then the "Add Expense" button. This allows you to keep all your financial records in one place and generate better reports.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid skipping the client setup step. If you don’t add your clients before creating invoices, you’ll have to re-enter their details each time, wasting time and effort. Always set up your client list first.