How to Create a Service Invoice Using Microsoft Word

If you are a self-employed service provider, then your income depends on how professionally you present yourself. The more professional your image, the more business you'll attract and the more respect your clients will have for your work. It's that simple. One of the ways in which you can make your image more professional is by creating service invoices using Microsoft Word to send to your clients.

An invoice is essentially a document that tells your client how much he or she owes, for which work and by what date. An invoice can be as simple as an e-mail requesting payment, but again, you want to look as professional as possible. Thankfully, it's quite easy to create a service invoice using Microsoft Word.

Step 1: Create a Letterhead

Since you are a self-employed service provider, it will probably be easiest if you use your letterhead to create your service invoice. Microsoft Word allows you to create a simple letterhead using textboxes or you can use a pre-created template from Microsoft.com.

A letterhead should contain your name, the name of your business (if applicable), your contact information (including your website) and your tagline if you have one. Letterhead can also contain your logo if you've created one. To see examples of letterhead, go to Google.com and run an image search for "Letterhead".

Step 2: Format the Page

After you've decided on a letterhead template for your service invoice, you can use Microsoft Word to format the page. It's easiest if you do this using the "Whole Page" radio button under View > Zoom.

Your service invoice format can be as simple or as ornate as you'd like. The information for your letterhead will go in the top 1/5 of the page and the rest is up to you. If you want to add a few "extras" to your service invoice format, use Microsoft Word to add a page border or a watermark or other details.

As far as color, I would advise using only one or two to make your service invoice look as professional as possible.

Step 3: Create a Table