Among the finest methods for freelancers to handle their time is by using free and paid digital purposes to assist them run their enterprise extra easily. There are tons of various choices on the market, so it may be arduous to separate the very best apps for freelancers from the unhealthy ones.
I’ve been freelancing full-time for virtually a yr now, however have been freelancing as a facet hustle for rather a lot longer than that. With out a few of these useful apps for freelancers, my enterprise actually wouldn’t be what it’s at present.
Whether or not you’re simply beginning in your corporation otherwise you’ve been doing it for some time now, you’ll want to look carefully by way of this record of apps — which can assist your corporation run extra easily and effectively.
Listed here are the very best 25 apps for freelancers this yr.
Best Time Administration and Productiveness Apps For Freelancers
First up on this record are a number of the finest apps for freelancers who wish to handle their time and productiveness. These are a number of the most vital apps that I at the moment use or have tried in my enterprise. For those who solely attempt one part of apps on this submit, make it these!
1. Clockify
Clockify is a time monitoring software that’s good whether or not you cost hourly or not. I’ve used it for fairly a number of hourly tasks, however I nonetheless discover myself monitoring time simply for myself since switching to project-based pricing.
That is important with the intention to see if you happen to’re charging the best value for your work.
If one thing is taking you approach longer than you initially thought it could, it could be time to lift your charges. There’s each a paid and free model of Clockify, however as a freelancer, the free model is all you’ll want to trace time.
2. ClickUp
Subsequent up: ClickUp. If you’re somebody who struggles with staying on prime of all of your tasks, then that is the app for you.
You’ll be able to create separate workspaces for every a part of your corporation or preserve all of them collectively. I’ve discovered that having a distinct calendar for every of my purchasers appears to work finest for my very own productiveness.
What makes ClickUp higher than different productiveness and mission administration apps out there’s which you could get far more out of the free model than different apps. You’ll almost definitely by no means want the paid model until you begin rising your crew and want so as to add extra customers.
3. Todoist
Todoist is a extra easy productiveness app that many freelancers use and closely depend on. It really works rather a lot just like the reminders or note-taking app in your telephone, so it’s rather a lot simpler to make use of if you happen to don’t have time to be taught a brand new app.
Todoist was launched again in 2007 however has constantly remained a favorite for process administration. There’s no higher technique to enhance your productiveness as a freelancer than by making certain every part you need to do for the day is clearly outlined and written out someplace.
4. Asana
Asana is among the hottest productiveness instruments amongst freelancers, which is why it deserves a spot on this record of finest apps for freelancers.
It’s easy to make use of, and you possibly can add some customers or friends for free, which will be nice if it’s good to talk with purchasers or crew members.
They’re all the time updating the app, with new options rolling out virtually each different month. The free model is ideal for freelancers. For those who’re a social media supervisor, Asana is a good software that will help you plan out content material months upfront for your purchasers.
5. Toggl
Toggl, whereas it’s Clockify’s greatest rival, continues to be price mentioning on this record. They basically do the identical factor: monitor your time.
You’ll be able to add tasks and shopper names, and on the finish of the week, you possibly can test the charts to see simply how a lot time you spent on every mission. That is nice for you to reassess and consider the place your time is being spent.
For those who’re trying for a time monitoring app, I counsel spending one week on Toggl and one week on Clockify to see which interface you most choose! As soon as once more, the free model is all you want as a freelancer.
☞ SEE ALSO: 20 Best Time Administration Suggestions and Instruments For Freelancers
Best Well being Apps
As a freelancer, well being is extremely vital. You not have a commute to work the place you may get in some further steps, and you’ll almost definitely be working from dwelling, which will be difficult with the fridge close by…
Listed here are a number of the prime apps for freelancers that may provide help to keep wholesome whereas working from dwelling.
1. Nike Coaching Membership
For those who hate developing with your personal exercise routines and would relatively somebody simply inform you exactly what to do, you then’ll have to take a look at Nike Coaching Membership.
I’ve been utilizing this app for virtually ten years now, and it’s crammed with tons of various trainings.
The free model is all you’ll must exercise from dwelling. What’s so nice about it’s that there are some exercises the place all you want is your self — no tools mandatory. Though, there’s an possibility for workout routines with weights and different tools as nicely.
2. Peloton
Freelancers can simply make use of Peloton’s exercise app if they’ve a motorbike at dwelling. I’ve just lately began utilizing it and need to say that it’s fairly unbelievable.
Not solely does Peloton have cycle exercises, however additionally they have stretching, meditation, and extra. Plus, if you happen to’re a first-time person of the app, you may get two months for free whenever you enroll. For those who determine it’s a very good match, you possibly can change to the paid model after the trial for simply $12.99.
3. Yoga For Newbies
Yoga is the proper technique to begin the day. As a freelancer, I understand how nerve-racking some days will be, particularly if you find yourself with a shopper that’s troublesome to work with. Yoga will help relieve that stress!
Yoga for Newbies is among the top-rated apps for at-home yoga. Each single exercise is free, so that you received’t be compelled to start out paying or something.
It’s also possible to combine it with Apple Well being when you have an iPhone or use an Apple Watch. This fashion, you possibly can preserve all of your health-related info in a single spot.
4. WHOOP
Overlook Fitbit – WHOOP is the brand new child on the block. This health and well being monitoring band will inform you far more about your physiological state than different bands available on the market will.
Plus, there are all kinds of straps which you could change out to match no matter temper you’re in that day.
There’s a month-to-month membership payment of $30, however you get despatched the band for free with the membership value. This model can also be gaining recognition amongst skilled athletes, so you recognize it’s one thing price investing in.
As a freelancer, I like having the ability to test in on how my physique is doing, and WHOOP permits me to take action.
5. My Health Pal
Whilst you’ve in all probability heard of My Health Pal, it’s possible you’ll not have realized how useful it may be to freelancers. Since freelancers are all the time working remotely, it may be difficult to remain wholesome and keep on prime of the meals and substances we’re consuming.
That’s why My Health Pal is so useful. You’ll be able to join it to different apps it’s possible you’ll use, just like the Well being app on the iPhone and even Fitbit. It’ll additionally provide help to monitor the meals you’re consuming through the day, so you possibly can keep on with your most well-liked weight-reduction plan/way of life plan.
☞ SEE ALSO: How To Keep Wholesome Whereas Working From House
Best Invoicing Apps
As a freelancer, it’s extremely pertinent to remain on prime of invoicing. You want to have the ability to monitor if fee has been made, if it’s late, or if it’s overdue. You additionally want a dependable platform to ship invoices on within the first place.
Listed here are a number of the prime freelance apps for invoicing.
1. HoneyBook
HoneyBook is very rated and is among the finest apps for freelance jobs. In contrast to Dubsado (under), it has a telephone utility, so you possibly can keep on prime of all your communication with purchasers as an alternative of getting to test an internet site every single day.
HoneyBook permits you to arrange recurring invoices for purchasers which will have you ever on retainer, and you possibly can customise how a lot every fee is and when it’s due.
Plus, it’ll mechanically ship reminders to your purchasers in your behalf, so that you don’t have to trace funds as carefully as you might need to with different invoicing software program.
HoneyBook is what I exploit in my very own enterprise. They at the moment have a deal the place you solely need to pay $1 a month for your first eight months with them! In any other case, it’s $40 per thirty days.
2. PayPal
This record of finest apps for freelancers wouldn’t be full with out together with good ol’ PayPal. As a result of PayPal is so trusted by shoppers worldwide (particularly as a result of it’s used on Shopify web sites), purchasers already know tips on how to use it, and they belief it.
PayPal permits you to arrange and ship invoices to purchasers, however it does take a small proportion of every bill.
Whereas I exploit HoneyBook for my social media administration and graphic design companies, I truly use PayPal for all my freelance writing gigs. It’s easy, simple to make use of, and you possibly can ship an bill in minutes.
3. Wave
Wave is a top-rated invoicing app amongst freelancers, particularly those that like to trace every part carefully. It sends invoices and is a monetary accounting software program, so if you wish to keep on prime of your numbers, that is the proper app for you.
Many freelancers love Wave as a result of it additionally integrates seamlessly with different apps. You’ll be able to join it with Sq., Stripe, Shopify, QuickBooks, HubSpot, MailChimp, Calendly, Acuity… just about all of the apps that freelancers use often.
Wave has a number of fee plan choices, starting from free to a month-to-month payment. Relying on what you propose on utilizing inside Wave, you would possibly get away with simply utilizing the free model!
4. QuickBooks
QuickBooks actually probably the greatest apps for freelancers, however do you know that it additionally has invoicing? You’ll be able to ship invoices on to your prospects by way of it, which generally is a lifesaver if you happen to’re already paying the QuickBooks payment.
It’s easy to ship one and is a bit much like PayPal in that approach.
What’s so nice about QuickBooks is you may also see your bill’s standing at any time. This implies you possibly can monitor whether or not an bill has been seen, unopen, is paid, or overdue.
5. Dubsado
Final however not least is a prevalent invoicing software program amongst designers of all kinds: Dubsado. I’ve used Dubsado myself and have thought of switching over, however it may be very time-consuming to arrange.
In contrast to different invoicing software program, you can also make your invoices personalized to your model inside Dubsado, which is why designers find it irresistible a lot.
Just like HoneyBook, Dubsado can also be an all-in-one shopper administration system. You’ll be able to monitor your upcoming session calls, your financials, proposals, and shopper emails multi function place.
If you wish to give Dubsado a attempt, first-time customers can use it for free for their first three purchasers. After that, you’ll get switched to a $35 per thirty days payment.
Best Communication Apps
One of many important elements of getting a contract enterprise is staying on prime of shopper communications. Each freelancer has their very own opinion on tips on how to finest be in contact with purchasers, however these are a number of the finest apps on the market for shopper communication.
1. Voxer
First up: Voxer. This app isn’t well-known however has just lately began to make a comeback within the on-line enterprise neighborhood, making it probably the greatest apps for freelance jobs.
Whereas the corporate opened in 2007, I hadn’t even heard of Voxer till final yr.
Consider it as sort of like a walkie talkie. You’ll be able to ship voice messages and kind messages out, making it simple to remain on prime of shopper communication.
Many freelancers use Voxer to host workplace hours with their purchasers as a result of it’s simple to reply with a voice message.
Plus, Voxer is free! That is the very best app for freelance work if you’d like fast communication.
2. Gmail
Gmail is a traditional communication app that shouldn’t be neglected. Purchasers are all the time sending emails, generally even a number of inside a day to you, and you’ll must just remember to have some type of mail app to remain on prime of all of it.
The Gmail app is free. The one motive you’d need to pay is if you’d like extra storage or want to make use of your area’s electronic mail tackle, making you look much more skilled to your purchasers.
3. Slack
Slack has shortly grow to be some of the fashionable communication apps as a result of it’s virtually immediate messaging. It’s higher than texting although since you don’t have to offer your shopper your telephone quantity.
Inside Slack, you possibly can have personal messages together with your purchasers and have group messages if you happen to’re working with a bigger group.
This may also be useful if you happen to’ve began rising your crew, and it’s good to have one house the place all communication lives.
Slack has completely different pricing tiers, however if you happen to don’t have a big crew and aren’t constantly working with a excessive variety of purchasers every month, you may get away with simply utilizing the free model.
4. Zoom
Zoom has boomed into recognition the final yr, and the freelancing house isn’t any exception.
I exploit Zoom constantly for session calls with new potential purchasers. This fashion, we will briefly meet face-to-face for 15 minutes to see if we could be a very good match for one another.
I’ve discovered that communication can occur much more seamlessly when speaking to somebody (relatively than emailing), which is why I like Zoom a lot. It’s also possible to combine it with a calendar schedule software that you simply could be utilizing, like Calendly, HoneyBook, or Acuity Scheduling.
5. Loom
As a freelancer, I’m often getting requested by purchasers tips on how to do one thing. It may well even be one thing so simple as including me as an Admin to their Fb Web page in order that I can monitor their analytics from month to month.
Whilst you can merely ship over a written-out tutorial, I discover that it’s a lot simpler to ship a video tutorial. Loom is an app which you could connect with Google Chrome that does simply that!
Inside Loom, you possibly can file your display and your face concurrently, so you possibly can stroll your purchasers by way of completely something. There’s a paid model, however if you happen to aren’t making movies longer than 5 minutes, the free model ought to work completely.
Out of every part on this entire record, Loom is actually the very best app for freelance work. It’s a hidden gem.
Best Group Apps
Time for the very best group apps. For those who aren’t organized inside your freelance enterprise, there isn’t a approach that you simply’ll achieve success. I’ll be the primary to inform you that!
1. Google Drive
Nearly everybody makes use of Google or its apps every single day. Whether or not you’re looking out the web or checking your electronic mail, you’re almost definitely utilizing Google.
As a result of so many individuals use Google, I can’t advocate sufficient that you simply make the most of Google Drive for storage. I’ve discovered that purchasers already know tips on how to use it, so if I share one thing with them, they already know tips on how to entry it themselves.
This makes it one of many best organizational instruments on the market for client-facing tasks. Plus, if you happen to received’t be utilizing a ton of storage otherwise you’re a newbie, you possibly can simply use the free model of it.
2. Goodnotes
If in case you have an iPad or one other pill, it’s best to 100% make the most of Goodnotes in your corporation. It’s a note-taking app, however it’s nice for graphic designers as a result of you may also attract it.
There are tons of nice planners which you could buy from Etsy, and even make your personal, to save lots of paper and have a digital planner too. I just lately began doing this in my very own enterprise, and it’s saved me very up to the mark!
I additionally whip out my Goodnotes app each time I’m in a shopper assembly as a result of it’s simply really easy to take notes.
3. Evernote
As with the Clockify vs Toggle debate, Evernote and Goodnotes are related, but have completely different interfaces.
Evernote is one other note-taking app that’s good for shopper conferences or jotting your concepts down whenever you’re in a rush. There are tons of various pens and markers which you could make your Apple Pen seem like, which solely provides to the enjoyable.
There are paid variations, however as a freelancer, you possibly can in all probability simply use the free model.
4. Dropbox
Whereas Google Drive is great for client-facing tasks and sharing paperwork with individuals you’re working with, I a lot choose Dropbox for organizing my very own paperwork.
Inside Dropbox, you may also now use Paper Docs, that are much like Google Docs. You’ll be able to write phrase paperwork and hyperlink them to your different Dropbox paperwork, making it nice to make use of if you happen to’re working with an inside crew.
There are paid variations of Dropbox, however I’ve been simply nice utilizing the free model for the previous eight months. The following tier up is simply $15 a month however provides you as much as 5 TB of storage, which is a lot.
5. LastPass
LastPass is among the finest apps for freelancers if you happen to constantly share passwords together with your crew or purchasers. As a social media supervisor, I exploit LastPass to obtain and retailer social media logins from my purchasers safely.
Whereas it may be a bit troublesome for your purchasers to make use of in the event that they haven’t ever used it earlier than, you can also make a fast video utilizing Loom (on this record!) and educate your shopper tips on how to use it seamlessly.
LastPass is a Google Chrome app and may also be downloaded in your telephone with the intention to log in to something cell. Oh, and did I point out it’s free?
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Conclusion
It’s crucial for freelancers to remain on prime of every part since you’re working for your self. Oftentimes, freelancers are groups of only one, like me.
There’s no higher technique to keep organized, productive, and talk together with your purchasers than by using the apps and applications on this record — they’ll change your corporation for the higher.
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