The Freelancer Blog

Practical guides on getting paid, chasing invoices, and protecting your freelance income — no fluff, just what works.

Freelancer Cash Flow Survival Guide: How to Stop Living Invoice to Invoice

Practical UK cash flow management for freelancers — map your money with a simple forecast, fix your invoice timing, build an emergency fund, and know exactly what to do when cash runs dry.

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The UK Freelancer's Guide to Retainer Agreements: Predictable Income, Every Month

How to set up a freelance retainer agreement in the UK — types of retainer, how to pitch one, what clauses to include, how to invoice retainer clients, and mistakes to avoid.

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Milestone Payments for Freelancers: How to Get Paid at Every Stage of a Project

Stop waiting until the end to invoice. Learn how to structure milestone payments for any freelance project — with ideal percentages, contract clauses, and scripts for handling disputes.

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How to Check If a Client Will Actually Pay You (Before You Start Work)

How to credit check a client before freelancing in the UK — free Companies House checks, paid credit reports, red flags to watch for, and what to do when something looks off.

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Scope Creep Is Costing You Thousands — How UK Freelancers Can Stop Working for Free

Scope creep costs the average UK freelancer ~£8,000/year. Learn how to prevent it, push back mid-project, and invoice for out-of-scope work — with scripts and templates.

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UK Late Payment Law Explained: Your Rights as a Freelancer (2026)

The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act gives you powerful rights. Here's what you can claim, how to calculate it, and how to enforce it.

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Should Freelancers Ask for a Deposit? Yes — Here's How Much and When

Why deposits matter, how much to charge, when to require them, and scripts for asking clients without feeling awkward.

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9 Freelance Invoice Mistakes That Cost You Money (And How to Fix Them)

Common invoicing errors that delay payment — from vague line items to missing payment terms. Plus a free invoice checklist.

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Small Claims Court for Freelancers: How to Sue for Unpaid Invoices (UK Guide 2026)

Everything you need to know about taking a non-paying client to Small Claims Court — fees, process, timelines, and what to expect.

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10 Red Flags a Client Won't Pay Your Invoice (Spot Them Before It's Too Late)

The warning signs that predict payment problems — and exactly what to do when you spot them before starting work.

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Net 30 vs Net 60 Payment Terms: What Freelancers Need to Know

Which payment terms should you use? A practical comparison of net 30, net 60, and other options — with advice on when to negotiate.

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How to Write a Letter Before Action for Unpaid Invoices (Free Template)

A free, ready-to-use Letter Before Action template with step-by-step instructions. The formal step before taking a client to court.

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How to Fire a Non-Paying Client (Without Burning Bridges or Losing Money)

When to walk away from a client who won't pay — and how to do it professionally while protecting your income and reputation.

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5 Best Automated Invoice Reminder Tools for Freelancers in 2026

Honest comparison of the top invoice reminder tools — pricing, pros, cons, and which is best for your workflow.

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Cash Flow for Freelancers: 9 Rules to Never Be Broke Between Projects

Straight-talking cash flow rules that actually work — from invoicing immediately to building a buffer that saves you.

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Invoice Like a Pro: 11 Best Practices to Get Paid Faster as a Freelancer

Actionable invoicing tips from seasoned freelancers — from sending same-day to automating reminders. Stop leaving money on the table.

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Freelance Payment Terms: How to Set Them So You Never Chase a Payment Again

Net-15 vs net-30, deposits, milestone payments, kill fees — with ready-to-use contract clause templates you can copy straight into your agreement.

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Client Ghosting Your Invoice? The Exact Escalation Playbook That Works

What to do when a freelance client ignores your invoice. A step-by-step escalation playbook with copy-paste email and WhatsApp templates — from gentle nudge to legal action.

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Can You Charge Late Fees as a Freelancer? Yes — Here's Exactly How

Find out when you're legally allowed to add late fees to freelance invoices, how much to charge, and the exact contract wording that protects you.

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Client Won't Pay Your Invoice? A UK Freelancer's Step-by-Step Guide

A clear escalation plan for UK freelancers dealing with non-paying clients — from friendly nudges all the way to Small Claims Court.

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The 5-Email Sequence That Gets Overdue Invoices Paid (Free Templates)

Copy-and-paste email templates that escalate from a gentle reminder to a firm final notice. Proven to recover overdue freelance payments.

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How to Chase Unpaid Invoices Without Burning Client Relationships

Learn how to follow up on late invoices firmly but professionally so you get paid without losing the client or your reputation.

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7 Polite Payment Reminder Emails That Actually Get You Paid (Copy & Paste)

Ready-to-send reminder emails for every stage of a late payment — from the day it's due to 60+ days overdue. Just fill in the blanks and hit send.

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