Freelancing jobs have been in existence for a long time but with the emergence of Covid-19, they have been on the rise. Freelancing jobs are quite lucrative and ease one’s burden since you are allowed to work at your own pace.
There are various tools that help in different categories of work. Let us walk you through five categories where you would get the best and free freelancing tools to use. One thing to note is that, freelancing is not for everyone. Some people like to be under strict supervision whiles working, whereas others prefer a freer system. Let’s move on to some of the categories under which a freelancer will need the best and free tools to make work much simpler, faster and easier.
Table of Contents
Cloud Storage Tools
Cloud storage has made work much easier, since you are able to store, access, share, and even work on files from anywhere in the world provided you have a stable internet connection. Due to these useful features, a cloud storage tool is necessary for freelancers who collaborate remotely with clients and contractors from all over the world. Furthermore, cloud storage tools usually helps as a backup system, since hard drives always have viruses. Work done in the cloud is automatically saved. Examples of these tools are, Dropbox, and, Google drive.
Dropbox is a file hosting service operated by the American company Dropbox Inc, headquartered in San Francisco, It offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software.
Google drive is a cloud storage tool great for both work and home usage. It allows you to store, share, and collaborate on folders from different devices.
Time Tracking Tools
As a freelancer, time is your most valuable asset that transforms into the amount you earn at the end of every job done, either daily or monthly. These are some best and free tools that will help you with time tracking.
Desktime is a time tracking software that has powerful features that checks productivity, attendance and effective workflow management. It is the best tool for tracking time if you are working in teams. It offers a 14 day free trial, without the request of a credit card before the trial. Check out everything you need to know about Desktime. Remote Team tracks time using Desktime due to its efficiency.
Toggl offers online time tracking and reporting services through their website. It could be used on both mobile devices and desktop applications. You can actually start tracking time without opening a new tab.
Hubstaff is a free detailed time tracking software that is accompanied by various features such as reporting, invoicing, payments, automated payroll, online timesheets, etc. It can be accessed on web, mobile, desktop and chrome. It also has an automated team management feature. It was designed specifically for remote teams. Check out details on Hubstaff here
Communication Tools
Communication is important in deal processing, be it with an existing or potential client You need to be able to communicate in order to seal deals and make enquiries about what to do and what not. Communication Tools help connect freelancers with clients and/or with team members.
Slack: why work remotely without connecting your team members on slack? It is a timely and productive communication tool for most companies working using virtual means. It helps in organising conversations between two or more people. Find out how to use Slack and get ready to have a smoother workflow, Learn how to use slack here
Design Tools
A freelancer creating designs on her laptop
Part of freelancing means you end up doing design work on your own. There are really great design tools that can help you and the good news is most of them are free and effective.
Canva is widely known due to its ability to create exceptional graphics without any knowledge in graphic design. Lots of freelancers depend on Canva to create their own designs as well as create presentation slides. Click here to find out more about Canva.
Over is also a great app that freelancers can use for design. You don’t need to be a pro before you sign up for it.
Invoicing Tools
RemoteTeam is a simple invoicing tool which has a whole suite of tools for freelancers to use.When you send invoices through RemoteTeam, you get notified when the client has viewed the invoice and you can send payment reminders if they are late in paying. You can use one invoice template for all to manage vendor to vendor or vendor to client invoicing.
Payment Tools
Freelancers need to take care of their own finances, hence the need for a payment plan and a tool to make it easier. From managing budgets, to receiving payments (and chasing down late invoices), and dealing with their taxes. The best tools for freelancers make this part of the job a little easier!
PayPal
For freelancers with clients from other countries, getting paid via bank transfer can cost a lot in fees and the money can take a long time to arrive. PayPal is the most convenient way most freelancers get paid. It is available in over 200 countries, can support 25 currencies, and is generally considered as secure and flexible.
Social Media Management Tools
Our new mode of communication among both the young and old has become a much larger platform, and a great opportunity for freelancers as well. There are different tools which are best in scheduling posts and activities online, freeing you up to do other things. If your service offering is social media management, any of these tools will help you do a great job. Even if you are not offering that service to your clients, you can still use one of these tools to look after your personal social media pages.
Buffer is well known for its queue functionality; content can simply be added without assigning date or time to it. Buffer offers free and affordable paid plans depending on the package that will suit you or your client.
Hootsuite is another popular social media management tool with varied options scaled according to you or your clients’ needs.
If you are an independent contractor or set up a company, Remote Team is here to handle your teams’ payroll, compliance and contracts, invoicing without any hindrance. App marketplace allows you to use your favorite apps with RemoteTeam!
Conclusion
Strategizing how to get your freelance business done on time is awesome and much easier with these best and free tools at your disposal. All you need to do is make time to set up and get to know the most relevant options for your specific task, and see how your freelance business improves.
