Who says being a freelancer is easy? Sure, you have all the work-from-home or anywhere-you-want benefits, and you’re your own boss. But you can only achieve this with the right tools to help you do your work.
If you’re planning to be a freelance or you are currently one, here are the tools you need for you to become an effective freelancer.
1] Invoice Generator
You are not only responsible for the work you have to put out, but you will also need to learn how to manage your invoice. For some clients, an invoice is required before payment should be made.
Some freelancers donot make it a practice to send invoices, but it is recommended that you take some time to find an invoice generator that will cater to your needs. You have to keep track of your finances!
2] Productivity tracker
The hardest part of being a freelancer is that you are responsible for your time. Deadlines are set, and you just have to manage your time to cater to the deadlines. A productivity tracker will be your best friend!
Sure, you can rely on your to-do lists, but nothing beats a tracker that will sync how much you have accomplished, how you are keeping to your schedule, and if you are on track according to your clients’ deadlines.
If you are working with milestones, then a productivity tracker is even more useful for you to track your progress. At the same time, you can use it as a confidence boost. Seeing a task being ticked off can be very rewarding and motivating.
3] Cloud Storage
As a freelancer, your files are everything! Always upload or send your files through a cloud storage application. There are cases when most clients lose your files, so it is good that you have a backup file retrievable online in an instant!
There are some cases when you might not have your laptop with you, and you are not in front of your desktop. If you have saved the file in any cloud storage, you can easily retrieve it right away, even if all you have is your smartphone.
4] Accounting and Bookkeeping Tools
You know that you’re doing well with your business when you have multiple clients. Sure, you can keep track and send your invoices using an invoice generator.
However, you’ll need a better tool to keep track of your large database of cash flow. Look for tools that give you a real-time picture of your cash flow. Some applications let you import all of your banking histories including your expenses and withdrawals.
5] Time Tracker
Have you ever come across a client who asks how much time you spend working on one article? Chances are, you estimate the time. But if you’re a smart freelancer, you’d know that the best way for you to keep track of your time is through a time tracker. This will also be a requirement for some clients who are very particular with the time you have spent on the project.
Being a freelancer is challenging. Sure, it may be hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, your business will be as smooth-sailing as you have imagined it to be. These three tools – the invoice generator, productivity tracker, and cloud storage – are the most important things you need to have as a freelancer.
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