How to Use QuickBooks

Getting started with QuickBooks

After reading this guide, you'll be able to set up QuickBooks, manage your bookkeeping, and create invoices efficiently.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Visit QuickBooks' website.
2. Click on the "Start Free Trial" button.
3. Choose your plan (Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, or Advanced) and click "Select Plan".
4. Fill in your details, including email and password, then click "Create Account".
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your business information, such as business name and type.

Step 2: Your first invoice

1. Once logged in, navigate to the "Sales" tab in the left sidebar.
2. Click on "Invoices".
3. Select the "New Invoice" button at the top right.
4. Fill in the customer details (you can add a new customer if needed).
5. Enter the products or services you are invoicing for, including quantity and price.
6. Click "Save and send" to email the invoice directly to your customer or "Save and close" to keep it for later.

Step 3: Get better results

• To automate your bookkeeping, go to the "Banking" tab. Connect your bank account by clicking "Link Account" and follow the prompts.
• Set up recurring invoices by selecting "New Invoice" and checking the "Make recurring" option before saving.
• Use the "Reports" section to generate financial summaries and insights. Customise your reports by clicking "Customise" in the top right corner.

Pro tip

Use the mobile app to snap photos of your receipts. This feature automatically categorises expenses, saving you time on data entry.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid skipping the initial business setup prompts. Completing these ensures that QuickBooks tailors its features to your specific business needs, making your experience smoother.