5 Essential Tools for Every Freelancer

Freelancing is an excellent opportunity to explore your passions without the need for a traditional, 9-5 job. Freelancers can work remotely and can be more flexible with their schedules. However, freelancing isn't all worry-free.

There are many tools you'll need to run your business from home successfully – that's why we've lined up the five best tools for freelancers.

1 - LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for any job seeker. People often use LinkedIn to find their next career opportunity, and it can be an excellent way of getting your name in front of hiring managers when you're looking for work.

But how do you make the most out of this social media site?

• Optimize your profile – use professional photos both for your profile and background photos. Customize your URL and create a powerful headline. Your About section should tell a story, don't just tell people what you can do. It is the perfect space to explain why you're the problem solver they need to add to their company.

• Connect the right way – LinkedIn is also the place to grow your career by learning from thought leaders and remarkable career seekers alike. You would want to connect with people that will fill your newsfeed with relevant content for your career growth.

• Post consistently – while searching for your next client, post content consistently that shows how much of an expert you are in your field. Post content that talks about value by teaching and sharing knowledge instead of talking only about yourself.

Then set up your LinkedIn Service Page when you're ready to go public with your profile. LinkedIn Service page is your landing page to showcase your business or service for free.

Here's how you can set up your LinkedIn Service page:

• Click the profile icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.

• Click the "Open to" button.

• Select "Providing services".

• Click the "Continue" button after reviewing "How it works".

• Complete the "Service Page setup" information.

• Click the "Next" button.

• Preview the information that will appear on your Service Page.

• Click the Make changes button to adjust your Service Page or click the Publish button to make your Service Page viewable by members.

2 - Goals in Google Calendar

One of the best tools for freelancers in terms of calendar management—especially now that they've added new features geared toward business use cases to their already robust offering.

Google Calendar is a useful tool for scheduling events.

• You can set how many minutes you can be alerted before your schedule.

• Allows you to enter the location of your meeting as well as any other pertinent information.

• Allows for rich formatting and hyperlinks, share notes, files, and presentations prior to the meeting with other participants.

Events in Google Calendar can be shared with other team members, allowing you to manage multiple calendars at the same time if you're working as a virtual assistant for multiple clients.

Other noteworthy calendar tools you can check are Calendly , nTask, and Zoho Calendar .

3 - Create Legal Paperworks with BONSAI

Having contracts with clients is essential when you are a freelancer because it will safeguard your work from being taken for free. In the form of an agreement, all parties know exactly what they want and when it will arrive, which means that any confusion can be quickly straightened up before too much time has passed or money has been lost. And that's where Bonsai becomes a helpful tool for you.

When it comes time for payments with clients or customers who need invoices sent out, Bonsai can handle these transactions seamlessly by integrating with popular finance tools like PayPal and Stripe to avoid complicating things any further than necessary.

Bonsai is one of the most popular tools for freelancers, but it also does a lot more than just accept payments. Bonsai has an invoicing system that integrates with Stripe, Paypal, and Coinbase, which means you can get paid using ACH—which many other similar tools don't offer. This means lower payment processing fees for high-earning freelance work!

Noteworthy Bonsai alternatives you can check: Invoice Ninja, FreshBooks, and Hiveage

4 - PayPal

Paypal has set the standard for sending and receiving money all over the world. Small to big companies, organizations, eCommerce stores, and freelancers alike use Paypal as their primary means of payment because of the following benefits it gives to its users

• Money transfer within minutes (does not apply with bank transfers)

• Used in more than 200 countries and accept 25 different currencies.

• Receive your payment just by using your email.

• Buyer Protection Policies

Paypal alternatives worth checking are Payoneer, Stripe, and Wise (formerly Transferwise)

5 - Trello

In your freelancing journey, you will be handling multiple clients at once, and having productivity tools like Trello is a must. Mental note-taking will get you nowhere.

Trello is a simple, yet effective way to organize your tasks and keep track of your progress. From personal task management to commercial initiatives, create boards and add cards for items you need or are assigned to perform! You can also utilize Trello in any setting, so get creative with how you use it!

Other project management tools to discover are Notion, Bootcamp, and Asana.

The Bottom Line

Freelancing is easier when you have the right tools at your disposal. Make a list of the tools you require, compare your options, and take your time setting things up. Enjoy freelancing and watch your revenue improve with these tools. However, to get started with your freelancing career, you need more than just these tools. You'll also need capital financing.

Workers, independent contractors, consultants, app-based freelancers, and the self-employed can access working capital financing through Giggle's working capital financing service. We help entrepreneurs achieve their goals by providing financial peace of mind, helping when accidents happen, or to invest when business opportunities arise; our automated platform provides instant cash 24 hours a day, seven days a week.