While GoHighLevel is not accounting software, it has a decent feature set that makes it easy to invoice and bill clients.
This is how I use it to simplify my invoicing process.
Key Takeaways:
- Create templates and auto-schedule invoices for convenience
- Reminders and Text2Pay help you get paid faster
- You have to integrate GoHighLevel with Stripe to use the invoicing tools
5 Ways I Use GoHighLevel to Simplify Billing and Invoicing
1. Create an Invoice Template
One thing I know for sure is that I don’t have time to painstakingly create each invoice from scratch.
Therefore, I make full use of GoHighLevel’s invoice template tool to set everything up in advance.
Now, this in itself isn’t a unique feature. Adding logos, payment details, and terms are standard practices across all invoicing platforms. However, I find the ability to create as many templates as I want incredibly useful.
For example, I sell a few different products; therefore, I have created a template for each of them.
Then, whenever one of them is purchased, I simply select the relevant template, and I’m good to go.
If a client purchases more than one product, I just add them to the invoice in one click. It’s super convenient and makes the job way quicker than adding multiple line items manually.
2. Auto-Schedule Recurring Invoices
I also charge recurring fees for my services. Again, I don’t want to spend time creating invoices for these regular charges every month. Besides, I’m the type of person who would forget to do it!
Instead, I set up a recurring invoice that gets automatically sent on a day and time of my choosing.
I can set the date on which the payment is due and determine how many days before that date the invoice gets sent.
If the recurring payments are only due over a certain period, I can also input an end date, after which no more invoices will be sent. I find this super-useful for facilitating installment payments for my high-ticket offers.
3. Automated Reminders Are a Must!
Let’s face it: Your invoice isn’t always your client’s highest priority. Some are notoriously bad for paying on time, and some simply forget.
Therefore, a few nudges here and there can kick them into action and remind them they have a payment due.
I love how customizable GoHighLevel’s invoice reminders are. You can build a nice, eye-catching email or set up and send SMS alerts. You can also decide how many reminders will be sent over a certain period.
I prefer SMS because it has a higher open rate than email. People’s inboxes get flooded, but this is not typically the case for SMS.
4. Text2Pay Saved My Sanity
Traditional invoicing has its place, but as I said, clients have a habit of paying late.
That’s why I’ve found GoHighLevel’s Text2Pay feature an absolute lifesaver and stops me from plunging into the red each month.
Essentially, you set up a payment link that you can then text directly to the client.
These are incredibly easy to create, and you can use bespoke links for each client or template links for standard products and services.
All you do is head into the Conversations tab and message the client with the link. They click on it and pay. Voilà—you have your payment right away!
The ability to do this from the GoHighLevel mobile app is even more convenient. So, if a client is ready to pay and I’m on the road, I can send a link in a few clicks.
5. Include the Tipping Feature
Who doesn’t like to receive extra revenue? I know I do!
A great perk of the invoicing feature is the tipping tool. You can add a tip request to any type of invoice (one-off, recurring, etc.) and set the tip as a percentage or a monetary amount.
Of course, tipping is optional for the client, but if you’ve done a good job, then there’s no reason why they wouldn’t pay it.
Be sure to only add tips to suitable invoices and locations. For instance, it’s usual to tip for services in the US, but not so much in Europe. Additionally, you wouldn’t expect a tip for selling a self-paced course, but you might for consulting sessions.
You can manually switch the tipping section on or off for each invoice, so use your discretion and add a tip only when it makes sense.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
It’s Not Accounting Software (You’ll Need to Send the Data)
While GoHighLevel facilitates payments very well, it’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s not accounting software, and it doesn’t have the tools for regular bookkeeping practices such as transaction reconciliation and reporting.
To stay compliant in this area, you’ll need to integrate GoHighLevel with accounting software. It features a direct integration with QuickBooks. If you use another type of software like Xero, you can use Zapier to connect the two platforms.
Once connected, you can securely send all your financial data to the accounting platform and perform your bookkeeping tasks there.
You Have to Use a Payment Gateway
To receive payments of any kind, you have to integrate GoHighLevel with a payment gateway. Unfortunately, it does not have a native tool for this purpose.
Although the platform has several payment gateway integrations, you have to use Stripe to invoice clients.
While this does give clients the option to pay using Google or Apple Pay, I find the lack of choice annoying, especially if you have clients in areas where Stripe isn’t supported.
Limited Automated Tax Calculations
No one likes dealing with taxes, least of all me. Why are they so complicated?
GoHighLevel does have an automatic tax calculator, but it’s not great. First, it’s limited to the US. Second, you have to know the tax category and nexus state of the products you’re selling.
If you’re based outside the US or sell to customers outside the US, you have to manually add the tax rates for each and every country you sell in.
I do not recommend this feature to anyone outside the US because tax rates and thresholds can change. Plus, it’s an easy area in which to make an error.
Instead, accounting software like QuickBooks will do the job for you. Additionally, Stripe has an add-on tax management service that may suit your needs better.
How to Create an Invoice in GoHighLevel (A Quick Guide)
- Head to Payments > Invoices and Estimates > +New > New Invoice.
- Add the customer name (you must have already added them as a contact).
- Adjust the invoice number and dates as needed.
- Select which products to add to the invoice (you must have already set these up in GoHighLevel).
- Choose the additional options, such as including a discount, adding sales tax (if you’re in the US), late fees, and tips.
- If needed, you can also upload any attachments.
When you’re ready, hit “Send” and select how you want the invoice to be sent (email or text).
For recurring invoices, select the option from the dropdown when creating a new invoice.
The process for creating a recurring invoice is exactly the same as creating a standalone one. The only difference is you have to select how often the invoice is sent and over what period.
To configure all your invoice settings, click on the Settings tab to access them. Here you can:
- Add your business information
- Configure emails and reminders
- Set the title and terms of your invoices
- Configure payment settings (tips, taxes, etc.)
- Add custom fields and alerts
Once you have set all of this up, it will automatically apply to any of your subsequent invoices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Invoice for Physical Products in GoHighLevel?
Yes, you can invoice for physical products in GoHighLevel. It features the ability to include shipping costs and sales tax if you are based in the US and sell to US customers.
Can I Integrate GoHighLevel with Accounting Software?
Yes, you can integrate GoHighLevel directly with QuickBooks. To integrate with other accounting software, you must use Zapier.
