Freelancing is a career that pairs well with freedom and flexibility. You can work from wherever you are, whenever you want to. Today, some individuals who call themselves digital nomads can even travel around the world and make money simultaneously. However, managing your work remotely can be challenging at times. Therefore, you should leverage the power of technology and the best tools available.
Today's article presents the best freelance tools you should start using today.
Top 8 Freelancing Tools to Make Work a Breeze
In this section, we shall see eight types of freelancing tools with some top recommendations from the experts.
Professional Communication
Good communication is necessary when it comes to leading a stress-free professional life. For this reason, you should only go for the best online communication software available. Tools in this category include instant messengers and video calling apps among fully-featured mail clients. When choosing a platform to chat with your clients and associates, you should check the reliability and features the platform provides. Here are the top software picks for secure and clear communication:
- Gmail and Google Meet
- Slack and Zoom
- Skype or FaceTime
- Microsoft Teams and Outlook
- Cisco Webex
- WhatsApp Business
Cloud Storage Solutions
With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has become the new normal. Hence, you should be able to access your data from any device at any time. Relying on your home PC is not ideal. Get the best cloud storage solutions with the best security protocols to upload, store, and access your business files effortlessly. Consider the following reputed providers:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Mega
- Microsoft OneDrive
Project Management
Freelancing means handling multiple projects from various clients. As a result, you need only the best project management tools to help you in your endeavor. Use the latest instruments to get the best results. The best software in this category will have project tracking, versioning, multi-device support, third-party software integration, and effortless collaboration, among other features. Our favorites are:
- Asana
- Basecamp
- Trello
Financial Tools
Being your boss may sound wonderful, but it comes with lots of responsibility. Being your own bookkeeper can sometimes be challenging. However, with the right tools, your job can no longer feel like a painful undertaking. Use these financial apps for the best results:
- PayPal
- Mint
- Quickbooks
- Gusto
- Bench
Productivity Software
Productivity is the key to a consistent workflow. It becomes even more significant when your working pipeline is full. For this reason, use the best industry-level productivity suites. These will provide you with the most essential and standard tools, all in one solution. Best examples are:
- Microsoft 365
- Google G Suite
- LibreOffice
- Calendly
- Evernote
- Toggl
- Harvest
Additionally, you can use tools to manage your social media accounts and delegate particular tasks through automation and helpful time tracking via notifications. Pick one of these:
- Buffer
- Sprout Social
- Hootsuite
Writing Tools
Whether you are a content writer or work in any other industry, you must utilize these writing tools for composing immaculate emails and other professional paperwork. Writing something free from grammatical errors is mandatory as far as building a good reputation as a freelancer is concerned. Here are the best writing tools you can bank on:
- Grammarly
- Outwrite
- Hemmingway App
Cyber Security Solutions
Navigating the digital space can come with unwarranted risks such as computer viruses, malware, ransomware, and identity theft. In order to steer clear of cybercriminals, you must opt for only the best security applications. Install reputed antivirus software to protect yourself from malicious files on the internet. Here are our recommendations:
- Kaspersky
- McAfee
- Bitdefender
- Norton
- Malwarebytes
While connecting to public Wi-Fi, hackers might aim to steal data from your device. To secure your IP address, you should mask it using a VPN or encrypted proxy. For example, if you live in the United States and buy UK IP proxies, your location will appear in the United Kingdom, which will secure your computer and let you access geo-restricted content.
Time Management Tools
You don't have to be a productivity geek to get started with time management. Simple tools can help you track and utilize your time better. Here are some best players in the market that you should consider to boost your freelance career:
- Hubstaff
- Harvest
- Time Doctor
Final Thoughts
To summarize, freelancers can access various tools that make their work more manageable. While you can have some of the tools at your disposal for free, some may cost you a monthly or yearly subscription. Either way, check your budget and get your hands on the top-notch quality apps today!