As the gig economy continues to grow in popularity, more and more businesses are looking for independent contractors to help with their projects. Freelancers can fulfill several roles and are hired to build websites, write content and create visual graphics.
Although freelancers vary greatly, all of the following tools will improve your finances, productivity, and communication.
1. Payroll Tools
Payroll is just one of those things your business has to deal with, which is a major letdown for several creatives who find managing their finances completely unbearable. However, if you can’t stand to look at your rising pile of tax receipts any longer, purchase a few payroll tools.
We recommend purchasing payroll freelance-specific payroll software like Deel, BambooHr, or WebHR because they offer customizable reports, a self-service portal, and compliance management. While you’re at it, use a free paystub maker to cut down on time and costs.
2. Marketing Software
It’s no secret that marketing has shifted since its use on the Internet. What was once a primarily creative profession has now been hijacked by data and analytics. To pull ahead of your competition, it’s better to use a scientific approach while marketing your products and services.
Marketing software can come in the form of social media management, email marketing, web analytics, and marketing automation, but the best systems combine all four through integration.
For example, Hubspot, a marketing automation software that combines social media management and web analytics on one platform, can integrate with Mailchimp to add what it’s missing. Hubspot customer relationship management (CRM) platform is also 100% free.
3. Project Management Tools
A project management tool allows project managers and freelancers the ability to manage projects. While simple tasks only need a checklist, more complicated projects require proper planning, deadlines, task allocation, and team monitoring to ensure your time is well spent.
If you need to objectify, quantify, delegate and segregate tasks, choose tools like Trello, Asana, Zoho Projects, and Monday.com. All of our examples are completely free, except for Monday.com, so if you want to dip your toe in the project management waters, try the others.
4. Productivity Tools
Productivity tools help freelancers manage and organize their time more effectively. The purpose of these tools is to make you better at your job. However, unlike the other tools on this list, there aren’t any apps in this section that are just used for one specific purpose.
Most of the software you use will increase your productivity, whether they’re for payroll or for marketing. Still, there are plenty of widgets and applications that can help you out.
Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Alerts help with collaborating and time management. Clockify tracks your time, while Evernote helps you take notes. LastPass is an easy-to-use password vault, FocalFIlter is a website block, and, finally, Freedom blocks distractions.
5. Communication Tools
Freelancers need to stay connected with their team members and clients to complete work tasks. Whether by phone, video, or text message, communication tools give freelancers the option to speak with anyone they need to at any time, leading to a lot of time saved.
Popular tools like Slack and Zoom are mainstays for all hybrid or remote workplaces. However, we also suggest using Google Meet, a real-time meeting browser and mobile application that integrates with Google apps.
On the other hand, you could try Twist, which is made explicitly for remote teams and organizes and prioritizes a distraction-free environment.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, it’s essential for you to deliver quality work in a timely manner. Otherwise, your shortfalls will be detrimental to your reputation. Take action and start managing your workload more efficiently by including the tools and software solutions we described in this article.