Best Invoice Software for SMMA Freelancers in 2025

If you're running an SMMA as a freelancer, you know the struggle: You've just landed a new client, delivered killer results, and now you're stuck creating invoices in Google Docs or worse—sending awkward payment requests via email. Meanwhile, you're losing track of who's paid, who hasn't, and which invoices are overdue.

Sound familiar? The right invoicing software can transform this chaos into a streamlined system that gets you paid faster, looks professional, and saves hours every month.

In this post, we'll cover the top 3 invoicing tools specifically for SMMA freelancers in 2025, what features actually matter when you're managing multiple clients, and how to choose software that scales with your business. Let's get into it.

Top 3 Invoice Software Tools for SMMA Freelancers in 2025

1. GoHighLevel

GoHighLevel isn't just a CRM—it's a complete business management platform that includes powerful invoicing and payment processing built right in. What makes it exceptional for SMMA freelancers is that it combines client management, project tracking, communication, and billing all in one place. No more switching between five different tools just to send an invoice.

Key Features:

• Automated invoicing: Create recurring invoices that send automatically on your schedule

• Payment processing: Accept credit cards, ACH transfers, and digital payments instantly

• Proposal builder: Send professional proposals that convert into invoices seamlessly

• Client portal: Give clients a branded space to view invoices, make payments, and track services

• Integrations: Connects with Stripe, PayPal, and other payment gateways for flexible processing

Pros:

• All-in-one solution eliminates juggling multiple subscriptions

• Automated payment reminders reduce late payments

• White-label capabilities let you brand everything as your own

• Built-in CRM tracks invoice status alongside client communication

• Create payment plans and subscription billing for retainer clients

• Comprehensive reporting shows exactly where your revenue comes from

Cons:

• Higher initial investment compared to basic invoicing tools

• More features than needed if you only want basic invoicing

• Learning curve to master all capabilities

Best For: SMMA freelancers who want an all-in-one platform that handles client management, invoicing, and automation in one place.

Start your GoHighLevel 14-day free trial

2. FreshBooks

FreshBooks has been a go-to accounting solution for freelancers and small businesses for years. It focuses specifically on invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting features. For SMMA freelancers who want simple, straightforward invoicing without the bells and whistles, it delivers solid functionality.

Key Features:

• Professional invoicing: Customizable invoice templates with your branding

• Payment processing: Accept credit cards and bank transfers

• Expense tracking: Snap photos of receipts and categorize expenses

• Time tracking: Built-in timer for hourly billing

• Integrations: Connects with PayPal, Stripe, and popular accounting software

Pros:

• Extremely user-friendly interface

• Great for tracking expenses and billable hours

• Mobile app for invoicing on-the-go

• Good customer support

Cons:

• Limited client management features

• No CRM or marketing automation

• Pricing increases quickly as you add clients

• Doesn't include proposal or contract features

• Need separate tools for client communication

Best For: Freelancers who only need invoicing and expense tracking without CRM functionality.

3. QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is the industry standard for small business accounting. It offers comprehensive invoicing features alongside full accounting capabilities including profit/loss statements, tax preparation, and financial reporting. It's powerful but can be overkill for freelancers just starting out.

Key Features:

• Invoice creation: Professional templates with automatic payment reminders

• Payment processing: Accept multiple payment methods with QuickBooks Payments

• Expense tracking: Connect bank accounts for automatic transaction importing

• Financial reporting: Detailed P&L statements, cash flow reports, and tax summaries

• Integrations: Massive ecosystem of third-party app integrations

Pros:

• Comprehensive accounting features

• Excellent for tax preparation and financial reporting

• Trusted by accountants and bookkeepers

• Strong mobile app functionality

Cons:

• Expensive compared to simple invoicing tools

• Steep learning curve for non-accountants

• No built-in CRM or client management

• Requires additional tools for proposals and contracts

• Complex interface that's overwhelming for basic invoicing needs

Best For: Established SMMA freelancers who need full accounting capabilities and work with a bookkeeper or accountant.

What to Look for in SMMA Invoice Software

When choosing invoicing software for your agency, these five factors will determine whether it actually makes your life easier:

1. Payment Processing Integration

Your invoicing software should let clients pay instantly with a click. Look for platforms that support multiple payment methods—credit cards, ACH, PayPal—and deposit funds directly into your account. The faster clients can pay, the faster you get paid.

2. Recurring Billing & Automation

If you have retainer clients (and you should), automated recurring invoices are essential. The software should handle monthly billing automatically, send payment reminders, and alert you when payments fail.

3. Professional Branding

Your invoices represent your agency. Look for customization options that let you add your logo, brand colors, and professional messaging. Bonus points if you can white-label the entire payment experience.

4. Client Management Features

The best invoicing tools integrate with client management. Being able to see invoice history, payment status, and client communication in one place saves massive time and prevents things from falling through the cracks.

5. Reporting & Analytics

You need visibility into your financials. Look for software that shows outstanding invoices, revenue trends, and client payment patterns. This data helps you identify slow payers and forecast cash flow.

Pro Tip: Before committing to any invoicing software, send yourself a test invoice and go through the entire payment process as a client would. This reveals friction points that might frustrate your clients or delay payment.

FAQ Section

Should I use separate tools for invoicing and CRM?

Not if you can avoid it. Using separate tools means manually updating information in multiple places, which wastes time and creates opportunities for errors. An all-in-one platform like GoHighLevel keeps everything synchronized automatically, saving hours each week.

Can I automate late payment reminders?

Yes, and you absolutely should. Most modern invoicing software sends automatic reminders when invoices are overdue. This eliminates the awkward task of chasing payments manually and significantly improves collection rates.

Do I need invoicing software if I only have a few clients?

Even with just a few clients, professional invoicing software pays for itself quickly. It saves time, reduces errors, ensures you get paid faster, and presents a professional image that justifies premium pricing. Starting with proper systems early makes scaling much easier later.

Conclusion

The right invoicing software can transform your freelance SMMA from chaotic payment chasing to a smooth, professional billing system that gets you paid on time, every time.

While FreshBooks and QuickBooks are solid choices for basic invoicing and accounting, GoHighLevel stands out as the best overall solution for SMMA freelancers. Here's why: It's the only platform that handles client management, invoicing, payment processing, automation, and communication all in one place. Instead of paying for and managing separate subscriptions for your CRM, invoicing software, email marketing, and scheduling tools, you get everything unified under one dashboard.

I personally use GoHighLevel for my agency because it has the best options I've seen—the ability to create branded client portals, automate recurring billing, send proposals that convert to invoices, and manage the entire client lifecycle without switching tools is unmatched. The time savings alone justify the investment, and having everything in one system means nothing falls through the cracks.

If you're serious about professionalizing your SMMA and scaling beyond the freelance grind, GoHighLevel is hands-down your best choice.

Get your GoHighLevel 14-day free trial here → and experience why thousands of SMMA freelancers have consolidated their entire tech stack into one powerful platform.