Payment Guide

Create a Payment Link in Seconds — UK Guide + Free Tool

Learn exactly how to create a payment link, send it to clients, and get paid instantly. This guide shows manual methods AND how Simply Link automates the whole process.

If you need to create a payment link for your business, this guide gives you a complete breakdown of what payment links are, how they work, and the fastest way for UK freelancers and small businesses to get paid online — without invoices, apps, or chasing clients.

Payment links are now the preferred way for tradespeople, mobile workers, and solo business owners to take card payments. Whether you're a dog walker, cleaner, barber, fitness coach, photographer, tattoo artist, or tradesperson — sending a payment link is often quicker than generating a full invoice.

In this guide, you'll learn:

How payment links work (simple explanation)
The fastest ways to create a payment link manually
When to use PayPal, Stripe, Square, or bank transfers
Why most businesses struggle with reminders & late payments
How Simply Link automates reminders so you don't chase clients

What Is a Payment Link?

A payment link is a unique URL you send to a client so they can pay you instantly using their card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. It works on:

SMS text messages
WhatsApp
Email
Instagram or Facebook Messenger
Your website or booking page

The client taps the link, enters their card details, and pays. You get notified instantly.

Example:

https://pay.example.com/abc123

Who Uses Payment Links?

Payment links are perfect for businesses that don't want the hassle of invoices, card terminals, or chasing clients manually. They're especially useful if you work on the go.

Mobile hairdressers & beauty professionals
Tradespeople (plumbing, electrics, repairs)
Cleaning companies
Dog walkers & pet sitters

Driving instructors
Freelancers (design, writing, photography)
Fitness coaches & PTs
Tattoo artists & barbers

If your client says "Can I pay you later?" then payment links solve that perfectly.

How to Create a Payment Link (Step-by-Step)

Here's how to create a payment link manually using most payment providers:

Choose a payment provider

Popular UK options include PayPal, Stripe, Square, SumUp, and bank transfers. Each platform has different fees and features.

Enter the amount and description

Example: "House clean — 2 hours" or "Dog walking session — 1 hour". Clarity reduces disputes.

Generate the payment link

The system will create a URL that your client can open on any device.

Send the link to your client

Use text, WhatsApp, email, or social media. Clients prefer mobile-friendly links.

Chase the payment (manually)

Most providers don't include automatic reminders — meaning you have to follow up yourself.

Payment Provider Comparison

Here's how common payment link tools compare:

Provider	Fees	Reminders	Branding	Ease of Use
PayPal	2.9% + 30p	None	Limited	Easy
Stripe	1.5% + 20p	None	Good (with dev work)	Medium
Square	1.75%	None	Basic	Easy
Simply Link	Standard Stripe fees

Why Manual Payment Links Cause Problems

Manual payment links work, but they come with common issues:

Clients forget to pay unless you chase them
You must manually track who has paid
PayPal/Square links look unprofessional
No deposit/balance options
No automation — everything is on you

For small businesses who rely on fast cashflow, this becomes exhausting.

A Better Way: Create a Payment Link in 10 Seconds

Simply Link is built specifically for UK freelancers, tradespeople, and small businesses who want faster payments without the admin. It solves the problems that PayPal, Stripe, and Square leave behind.