More and more people are deciding to take on side hustles and gigs for extra income and flexibility – or even just to pursue their passions. But the gig economy isn’t easy to master, and it involves wearing different hats, from manager to accountant. Having the right tools and resources on hand can make the life of a freelancer much easier.
Here are some of our top recommendations.
The Best Time Management and Productivity Tools
One of the biggest challenges of working in the gig economy is holding yourself accountable and meeting deadlines. However, there is a huge range of digital tools that can help keep you focused and on top of things. Here are some of our top picks:
Trello – If you’re someone who needs to see your schedule mapped out directly in front of you, this app is fantastic for visual task management. You’re able to plan out projects in a way that makes sense for you, whether that’s through boards, lists, or cards. It’s great if you need to juggle multiple clients and tasks at once.
Clockify – This is a time-tracking software that shows you how you spend your time across tasks. Clockify quite literally clocks which projects are worth your time and which aren’t. If you’re a freelancer who bills by the hour, this is a tool you need.
Google Calendar – If you’re looking for something super simple, then Google Calendar is your tool. Schedule meetings, block out time, and keep track of deadlines. Everything’s in one place, which means you’re not jumping between apps and views. It’ll make hitting your goals easier than ever.
The Best Financial and Invoicing Platforms
If you’re a freelancer, you’re likely managing your own finances. That’s why you need financial software you can rely on, from budgeting to invoicing clients. Here’s what we recommend to keep your bank account in check:
Wave – If you’re looking for free accounting software, Wave should be your number 1 choice. This app is perfect for freelancers and small business owners alike. It can help you create professional invoices and track expenses. And if your side hustle grows into a full team? Wave can even manage payroll.
QuickBooks Self-Employed – This app has been created specifically for independent contractors. It creates a system where they can sort expenses, track mileage, and also prepare their tax (including estimating quarterly taxes). You can sync it with your bank account, which makes life much easier.
YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Freelancers who are juggling multiple incomes will appreciate this app. It has a budgeting model that helps you allocate all your money and helps keep you in control, even through fluctuating incomes.
The Best Platforms to Discover New Gigs
If you’re new to freelancing, or even if you’ve been at it for a while, you’ll know that the hardest part of it is finding consistent and reliable work. Luckily, there are many different platforms you can use to your advantage to find the right job for you, whether you’re a writer, video editor, graphic designer, or something else entirely.
Upwork – If you’re a freelancer, you’ve probably heard of this website, and there’s a reason for that. Upwork is a popular platform where creatives and professionals can offer their services, from writing to marketing. However, it’s worth noting that the competition can be fierce on this platform. That said, there are a high number of jobs.
Fiverr – This is another popular platform for freelancers wanting to offer their services. You can create gigs and set your own prices. If you’re a beginner to freelancing in any niche, this is a great one to start off with. You can set your prices low as you build a client base and move them up as your talent, experience, and recommendations grow.
TaskRabbit – If you’re someone who offers local services, such as cleaning, furniture assembly, or even moving help, there’s an app for that! TaskRabbit is a reliable platform designed to connect you with people in your area in need of your specific services.
Toptal – If you’re looking for a platform that suits more experienced freelancers, Toptal is a great shout. It’ll give you access to high-paying and real gigs. Please note that there’s a rigorous application process, but that’s a good thing. It means you get less competition and much higher pay rates than the other options on this list.
The Best Marketing and Branding Tools
Being a freelancer, whether that’s in writing or design, means building a brand. You yourself are the company. But building a brand doesn’t have to be complicated. The following tools can help make it much easier to market yourself professionally and attract clients.
Canva – If your talents lie far from the world of designing, don’t worry – Canva has got you covered. It’s home to thousands of templates, and you can create business cards and social media graphics without design expertise. There’s a free version, but the paid version is reasonable, making it a must-have platform for any serious freelancer.
Linktree – Organize your full online presence with Linktree. This allows you to link to all your most important online places, from your website to social media, in one place.
Mailchimp – Email marketing is a fantastic way to build a loyal following, and Mailchimp helps you do just that. Launch and manage email campaigns without the hassle.
The Best Learning Platforms to Sharpen Your Skills
If you’re a freelancer, keeping your skills is so important for staying ahead of the curve. Increasing your knowledge within your area of expertise can help you add a new service or even improve your workflow. Here are some great options to help you do just that.
Coursera and edX – Join courses from top universities. You can find a course in just about anything, from coding to marketing. Many courses are free to audit, but there’s the option to pay for certificates.
Skillshare – This is a fantastic platform, especially for creatives like designers and writers. If you’re looking to learn practical skills quickly, Skillshare is the platform for you.
YouTube – We know what you’re thinking, but don’t underestimate the power of YouTube. This platform offers a huge pool of knowledge, with thousands of videos on a single topic, from learning SEO to mastering Excel. And the best thing about it is that it’s completely free.
The Best Ways to Minimize Personal Costs and Monetize Space
A big part of growing your own freelance business or taking on side hustles is learning how and when to cut costs, especially if you’re just starting out and building your client list. Here are some simple ways you can save big and pour that money back into your business.
SpareRoom – This is a fantastic app for finding reliable roommates or new affordable accommodation. If you have a spare room you don’t use at home, why not turn it into a source of income? Alternatively, downsizing and choosing to rent a room can also save you hundreds of dollars every single month. Either way, SpareRoom is a smart way to ease financial pressure.
Splitwise – If you’re already living with roommates or planning to, Splitwise can help you track and split bills. This means you don’t have to chase your roommates for missed payments, helping you bypass those awkward conversations completely.
Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp – These are great platforms if you have old gear, tech, or furniture that you need to sell. They provide the perfect way to declutter your living space and turn unused items into cash.
Final Thoughts
When done right, the gig economy can give you freedom, independence, and a work-life balance that’s more in line with your goals compared to the traditional nine-to-five. However, being a freelancer involves much more work than people realise, such as securing new gigs and marketing yourself. Luckily, the tools and resources above can make the life of a freelancer much easier, helping you to work smarter and not harder.
