Part of running a profitable business is having the right tools at your disposal. The right freelancing tools can help you automate your business, create systems, scale and make sure you get paid.
Fortunately, the internet has made it easy and cost effective to use freelancing tools in an effort to make sure that things run smoothly. Here’s a list of the top freelancing tools for running a profitable business.
Project Management System
Once you start juggling multiple projects and perhaps bringing on contractors like a VA, it’s time to get your hands on a project management system.
These systems help you delegate, plan out client projects and keep track of all the administrative stuff that needs to get done. They are a great way to organize yourself and all the multiple tasks you need to juggle as a freelancer.
My team and I are currently using Asana. It’s free for up to 15 people on your team and helps us create different sublists. This is super helpful as we manage writing projects, coaching clients, sponsorships and managing my own branded content.
Basecamp is also a great tool I used for many years. It’s especially good for designers and very affordable.
Accounting System
Another freelancing tool you absolutely need is some sort of accounting system to help you track invoices, client payments, expenses and more. Due has all of the above plus it helps you track the tax you’ve invoiced, overdue payments, tasks and a whole lot more.
Time Tracking
As a freelancer, it’s very important to track your time so that you know whether or not a project is worth it. It also helps you plan out specific tasks and projects based on your previous stats. It’s just one of the ways you can be strategic when running your freelancing business and that’s why it’s imperative that you have this as one of your freelancing tools.
Due offers a simple time tracker as well as reports so you can see exactly how long it’s taking you to complete projects and how much money you’re making.
Social Media Manager
Social media is an extremely important part of marketing yourself as a freelancer. It helps you build your brand, find clients and share your work with the world. Unfortunately, it’s also incredibly time consuming.
The good news is there’s no shortage of social media managers to help you automate the process. From Buffer and Hootsuite, to Edgar, there really is no excuse for not having a social media manager as one of your freelancing tools.
Email Tools
There are tons of email tools that every freelancer should have in their toolbox. From Gmail apps like Streak that help you schedule emails to email marketing systems that help you automatically stay in touch with leads.
Client Relationship Manager
As a freelancer, it’s imperative that you have some sort of client relationship manager so that you can keep track of client notes, projects, follow-ups and correspondence. A spreadsheet simply isn’t going to cut it.
Fortunately, some email apps like Streak come with a built-in CRM feature. You can also use something like Capsule for something a little more robust. Both options are free.
Final Thoughts
If you want to have a profitable business, it’s important to have the right freelancing tools at your fingertips. Otherwise, you can end up wasting a lot of time and losing some money.
