How to Invoice as a Web Designer: Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step guide to invoicing as a web designer: what to include, the 3 line items most web designers use, Net 14 payment terms, 50% deposit norms, and licensing rules.

Avg invoice
$3,400
Net terms
14 days
Deposit
50%
Line items
3
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1. What every web designer invoice must include

A compliant web designer invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most web designers structure invoices around these 3 categories:

  • Design + build — billed by flat.
  • Hourly customization — billed by hour at a ~$95 default.
  • Hosting setup — billed by passthrough.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for web designers is Net 14 — payment due within 14 days of the invoice date. Most web designers also require a 50% deposit upfront before starting work. Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

No license required.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average web designer-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice
$3,400
Standard terms
Net 14
Typical deposit
50%
BLS code
15-1255

State-by-state web designer invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

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