By text (SMS): fastest to open, fastest to pay
Text messages have a ~98% open rate and are read within 3 minutes on average. Compare that to email at 20% open in 90 minutes. If speed to payment matters — and it always does — text is the winner.
Send a link to a public invoice page rather than a PDF. Customers can pay by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay in one tap without downloading anything. Glo Invoice's SMS invoices ship with a pay button built in.
By email: standard, but write a subject line that lands
Email works for business customers, larger clients, and anyone who wants a paper trail. But the subject line matters. 'Invoice #1042 — Due Jan 15' beats 'Invoice from ACME' — the number tells the AP clerk it's a specific bill to log, and the date signals urgency.
Body text should be short: three lines with the total, due date, and pay link. Don't hide the pay button behind pleasantries.
Share link: the fallback that works everywhere
For customers who prefer WhatsApp, Messenger, or something else, copy the invoice's public share link and paste it into whatever they use. The link opens the same invoice page, works on any phone, and takes card payments the same way.
By mail: only when required
Government agencies, some large corporations, and older customers still need paper. Print, sign if you want, and mail via first-class. Include a return envelope for a check if that's their preference.
For every mailed invoice, also send the digital version — many customers pay online even when they receive paper.
What to include no matter the channel
Every send should carry:
- A subject/preview line with the invoice number and due date
- The total amount due (don't make them open to find it)
- A direct pay link (not a PDF-only)
- Payment method options
- A short, friendly note about the work