Being a freelancer is a great way to make up your hours and take control of your career. But if you’re just getting started, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to navigate working independently. You might be asking: what tools do I need as a freelancer? From time management and communication apps to project management solutions, accounting software, and productivity hacks – there are so many choices! In this guide, we’ll cover the most useful tools for new, intermediate, or experienced freelancers who want to stay organized while working from home. Let’s take a look and answer: what tools do I need as a freelancer?
Table of Contents
Time Management Tools
Time management is an important skill for freelancers to master. It allows them to maximize their productivity and stay on top of their workload. If you’re a new freelancer asking “what tools do I need as a freelancer,” here are some time management tools that you might find handy.
Calendar Apps
Calendar apps are a great way for freelancers to keep track of deadlines, meetings, appointments, and other commitments. Popular options include Google Calendar and Apple’s built-in Calendar app, which syncs with other devices so you can access your schedule from anywhere. Other popular choices include Fantastical 2 or Sunrise which offer additional features like natural language input for quickly adding events or reminders based on location.
Task Management Apps
Task management apps are essential tools for staying organized and managing projects efficiently. Popular options include Trello which offers boards where users can create tasks in columns labeled “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Done.” There’s also Asana which has project templates designed specifically for freelance workflows. And finally, Todoist lets users set due dates with recurring tasks that repeat weekly or monthly.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a popular time management technique developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s that helps people focus better by breaking down work into 25-minute intervals separated by short breaks (5 minutes). To use this technique all you need is a timer – either a physical one or an app like Focus Keeper – then simply break up your day into 25-minute chunks followed by 5-minute breaks until you reach 4 Pomodoros (2 hours). By that point, it’s recommended to take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
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Time management tools are essential for freelancers to stay organized and productive. Next, let’s look at communication tools to help you collaborate with clients.
Communication Tools
What tools do I need as a freelancer? Communication tools are one of the most essential, especially since you are dealing with clients and other suppliers directly. Here are some of the essential tools that you need in your freelance journey.
Email Tools
When it comes to staying in touch with clients and colleagues, email is still the go-to communication tool for many freelancers. Popular email clients like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail offer a range of features that make managing emails easier. With these services, you can organize your inbox into folders, create rules to automatically sort incoming messages, set up reminders for important tasks or deadlines, and even use labels or tags to quickly find specific emails.
Video Conferencing Software
For more interactive conversations with clients or team members who are located remotely from one another, video conferencing software is an invaluable tool. Services such as Zoom and Skype allow users to host virtual meetings where they can see each other’s faces while talking about projects or discussing ideas. Video conferencing also offers additional features such as screen sharing so participants can show documents or presentations during their meetings without having to send them out beforehand.
Instant Messaging Platforms
Instant messaging platforms are great options for quick back-and-forth conversations between freelancers and their contacts, as they provide near real-time communication without the need for lengthy emails. Slack has become popular among teams due to its ability to integrate with third-party apps like Dropbox, making it easy for people on different teams to collaborate on projects together in one place. Most IM services also offer voice calls, so if time is limited you don’t always have to type out what you want to say. Effective communication is essential for freelancers to succeed, and the right tools can make all the difference. Next up, we’ll look at project management tools that can help keep your projects organized and on track.
Project Management Tools
Project management tools are essential for freelancers to stay organized and on top of their workload. Here are some project management tools that you can use as a freelancer.
Collaboration Software
Collaboration software is a great way to keep track of tasks, communicate with clients, and share files securely. Popular collaboration software includes Asana, Trello, and Basecamp which all offer features such as task lists, project timelines, file-sharing capabilities, and team messaging options.
File Sharing Services
File-sharing services are also essential for freelancers who need to send large files or collaborate with others in real-time. Services like Dropbox and Google Drive provide secure storage solutions that allow users to store documents online so they can be accessed from any device at any time. They also have the added benefit of allowing multiple people to work on the same document simultaneously without worrying about version control issues.
Online Whiteboards
Online whiteboards are another useful tool for freelancers who need an easy way to brainstorm ideas or plan out projects visually. Whiteboard apps like Miro and Stormboard allow users to create virtual boards where they can add notes, images, videos, links – anything that helps them visualize their project better! These tools make it easier for teams (or individuals) working remotely to stay connected even when they’re not physically together in one room discussing ideas face-to-face. Project management tools are essential for freelancers to keep their projects organized and running smoothly.
Productivity Tools
Of course, answering “what tools do I need as a freelancer” would not be complete without productivity tools. These are the actual tools that allow you to produce your products and services.
Note-Taking Apps
Note-taking apps are essential for freelancers who need to keep track of ideas, tasks, and notes. Popular note-taking apps include Evernote, OneNote, Notion, and Bear. These apps allow users to store text notes, images, audio recordings, and more in an organized way so that they can easily access the information when needed. They also provide features such as tagging and search capabilities which make it easy to find specific notes quickly.
Writing and Editing Software
Writing software is a must-have for any freelance writer or editor looking to produce high-quality work efficiently. Popular writing programs include Microsoft Word, Google Docs/Drive Suite (Docs/Sheets/Slides), Scrivener, and Ulysses. All of these programs offer powerful tools like spell checkers, auto-correctors, and formatting options that help streamline the writing process while ensuring accuracy in spelling grammar, etc.
Research Tools
Research tools are invaluable for any freelancer who needs to stay up-to-date on industry trends or gather data from reliable sources quickly. Popular research tools include:
- Online databases such as JSTOR or LexisNexis Academic
- Web search engines like Google Scholar.
- Citation management software like Zotero.
- Reference managers like Mendeley; and survey platforms such as SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics.
With these resources at their fingertips, freelancers can easily find accurate information on almost any topic with just a few clicks of the mouse. Productivity tools can help freelancers stay organized, streamline their workflow, and manage their time more efficiently. With the right tools, it’s easier to focus on what matters most: creating great work. Next up is how to market your freelance services.
Conclusion: What Tools Do I Need as a Freelancer?
What tools do I need as a freelancer? Freelancers need to have the right tools to be successful. While the specific device may vary, there are common tool types that all freelancers should have. Whether you’re a new or experienced freelancer, having the best time management, communication, project management, and productivity apps can help make your life easier. With all of these tools available at your fingertips, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to succeed in this ever-changing industry.