Finance Tips

How to Get Paid Faster as a Freelancer

Oluwaferanmi Famuyiwa
4 min read
How to Get Paid Faster as a Freelancer

Are you tired of waiting for late payments as a freelancer? Learn actionable tips on how to get paid faster as a freelancer especially using the Bitnob App.

Every freelancer you meet might probably have two or more stories of almost crossing the seven seas just to receive their payments from clients. In the words of a popular freelancer, ‘It’s a jungle out there’. However, there are tips and tricks to getting paid faster as a freelancer. So, if you’re a freelancer reading this, take your pen and jot things down.

For the sake of intending freelancers, first, let’s define who a freelancer is. According to Upwork, a freelancer does specific work for clients without committing to full-time employment. They often take on multiple projects with different clients simultaneouslyDepending on the agreement, the client may pay per project, per task, or per hour. With freelancing, you have greater control as you can either choose to accept or decline a project. 

However, late payments can significantly impact your cash flow and overall financial stability as a freelancer. Let’s dive further into this article while we discuss practical tips and strategies on how to get paid faster as a freelancer. 

Tips for Freelancers to Get Paid Faster

As a freelancer, getting paid early and promptly is essential for maintaining a steady income and reducing financial stress. Here are some effective tips to help you with your payments;

Clear and Concise Contract

Your contract as a freelancer is the only legally binding agreement you have with your client. Ensure your contracts clearly outline payment terms, including the due date, payment method, and any late payment penalties. It’s a great chance to protect yourself and set clear expectations from the onset. 

Include your accepted payment method but most importantly include a clause specifying a late payment fee, such as a percentage of the outstanding amount, to discourage delays. Outline the terms for contract termination in case of repeated late payments or other breaches of the agreement. By incorporating these clauses into your contracts, you can protect yourself from payment delays and provide a clear framework for addressing any disputes.

Have a Professional Invoice

Another way to get paid faster as a freelancer is to have a professional and detailed invoice. Use professional invoicing software or online templates to create well-detailed invoices. Include your business information, the client’s details, a breakdown of services rendered, and the total amount due. Online invoicing tools help to send invoices efficiently and quickly. 

Use a Reliable Payment Method 

This is an important way to get paid faster as a freelancer. To ensure that you serve your clients both locally and internationally, you need to have a reliable payment platform that can cater to all your clients. One such is the Bitnob App. With the Bitnob App, you can receive your payments in the form of USD, USDT, or Bitcoin. 

Have a Good Follow Up Strategy

Having a good follow-up strategy will always keep you top of mind in your client’s mind. In the popular Nigerian Language, it also means ‘apply pressure’. Set up friendly reminders, emails, texts, etc. A gentle nudge here and there won’t hurt anyone. 

However, whatever channel you decide to employ for your reminders, keep in mind to maintain professionalism. Don’t sound rude and uncouth. 

How to Accept Bitcoin Payments as a Freelancer

Two ways to accept Bitcoin as a payment method as a freelancer on Bitnob are via Lightning and on-chain [external wallet]. Lightning Network is a second-layer scaling solution for Bitcoin that facilitates faster and cheaper transactions. With Bitnob's Lightning integration, you can enjoy the benefits of near-instant payments and reduced transaction fees.

To receive Bitcoin via the lightning network on Bitnob, follow the steps below -

  • Tap the “Actions” tab at the bottom of your home page
  • The app actions will pop up on your screen
  • Tap "Receive"
  • Tap "Receive via Lightning"
  • Input the transaction details, and complete it with a description
  • Tap "Create Invoice"
  • Tap the green squares to copy the Lightning Invoice or Tap "Share" to send the Lightning Invoice directly

Onchain transactions, on the other hand, involve direct transfers on the Bitcoin blockchain. Your customer might not be used to the Lightning Network. To accept Bitcoin payments, you need to create a Bitnob account, as you will be automatically provided with both a USD wallet and a BTC wallet. Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to receive BTC via onchain.

  • Tap “Actions” at the bottom of your app's home page
  • Tap "Accounts"
  • Swipe left to your BTC Wallet
  • Tap “Receive”
  • Tap “Receive Onchain”
  • Copy and share the generated BTC wallet address.

There’s more for you….

By leveraging the Bitnob App, freelancers can streamline their financial processes, get paid faster, save in Bitcoin, receive USDT, and budget appropriately. 

Ready to start your freelance journey using the Bitnob App? Download the Bitnob app and activate your account to get started.