The different types of software that are useful for freelancers
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
Freelancing is a rapidly growing field that provides many people with the opportunity to work from home and make money on their own terms. Freelancers can operate as independent contractors, meaning they’re not part of an organization like a company or nonprofit, but instead work for themselves and find projects through word-of-mouth or by reaching out to companies directly.
Freelancers are using software to help get their work done. One of the most popular pieces of software for freelancers is Basecamp, which offers project management tools like inbox, task lists, and time tracking. Other freelancing tools include Google Drive (for sharing files with clients) and Slack (chat tool with in-app file sharing).
1) Invoicing and accounting software
If you’ve ever had a hard time keeping track of expenses or managing your accounts, this sort of software is definitely one to consider. From bank reconciliation to invoicing clients and getting paid faster, this software makes it easier to get everything done without having to manually input all the information. Look for one with a variety of features, that could be great for integrating into different accounting programs that people might already be using.
One of the most important features you need is for your invoices. You need to keep track of your time and send invoices to clients at the end of each month. At Hiveage, they recommend using software that can do it all in one – track your hours, branding, logo, items, currencies, taxes, discounts, and other details. These tools let you manage your clients, estimate jobs, and track time spent on projects, all from an online platform.
2) Project management software
This software lets you monitor your workflow and see where projects stand in the process. It also has a feature that makes it easy to go back and check out older versions of a project, which is great for saving a copy before accidentally updating something or if you want to go back and make changes. Many freelancers use Basecamp because it offers features that help them stay organized and share files with team members: inbox for messages, task lists, and time tracking. Other project management tools include Trello (which works well for collaborating in small teams), Teamwork Projects (with file-sharing capabilities), and Asana (for managing a team).
3) Communication tools
When you’re working with clients, it’s important to have a reliable communication tool. Slack is a chat tool that lets freelancers share files and stay in touch via instant message, while Skype is another option for video chats. Google Hangouts is also a good option when there are several people involved in the conversation. Wave talks are great when making phone calls from your computer, and Zoom brings all of these features together.
These free chat apps let people communicate through direct messaging or group chats. It has file-sharing capabilities, so you won’t have to upload files to other platforms to share with clients. It also has unlimited searchable history, so you don’t have to worry about losing data or having to meet up in person to discuss projects.
4) Professional proposal software
If you need to create proposals for clients but don’t want to use an ugly template, this software will help you create beautiful proposals in no time. You can also collaborate with others to get input when writing up a proposal, so if you need to run something by your team before sending it off, you have the option.
5) Time tracking apps
This is one of the most popular sorts of software freelancers use. Time is money and time tracking apps out there help freelancers track their time for clients and send reports to the end of the day. No more timesheets or having to remember when you worked on a project. You can also use it as a tool for client invoicing, so all the work is in one handy app!
6) Privacy software
For teams who prefer to work on projects privately, this software provides an easy way to store files in the cloud and manage permissions internally. If you’re looking for something that will let you collaborate with other companies or freelancers without having to worry about another person getting access to your client base, then this might be the right tool for you!
7) Real-time collaboration software
This app combines the familiarity of other word processors like Microsoft Word while adding in chat capabilities and calendar event linking. Rather than sending documents back and forth through email, use this tool for real-time collaboration on the same document. It also organizes all your files in one place, so it’s easier to manage everything together!
If you’ve been using Google Drive at school or work, then you’ll know how easy this software is to use. You can pull up about any file from anywhere with its universal search function, and you can collaborate with others through sharing documents. While it doesn’t have tools for time tracking or invoicing like some of the other software on this list, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to pick up and costs nothing, then Google Docs is one of your best options.
8) Data storage programs
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
For anyone who uses a lot of external sources, it might be worth investing in data storage software. This lets you save all your files offline, but still make them available if they were on the cloud or on another computer. Those working with large amounts of data might need more space than Google Drive or iCloud can provide, so these tools are helpful for archiving everything if you need to switch to new hardware. There are also different kinds of programs that let users manage content by making edits across multiple devices.
Freelancers need to be able to keep track of time, organize their work, and communicate with clients. This list will help you find the right software for your needs as a freelancer or remote worker. If you’re looking for more information on how these tools can help increase your productivity and ensure that everything is organized from start to finish, we’ve got some tips just waiting for you.
