Cutting loose into the world of freelancing can be daunting.
The whole practice often means you're going it alone, so there's no PA to book meetings, legal support to get clarifications on documents, or tech support to fix your 'broken-not-broken' computer.
Whatever your skillset or profession, you will be chomping at the bit to find clients, promote your skills and obviously earn money.
But whilst the pressure is almost instantly on to find ways to ensure the cash comes rolling in, there are some tools you can utilise to help get the basics of your business off the ground quickly.
The following ideas alone won't necessarily move the needle on profits but it's beneficial to be aware of them so you can spend more time on the areas you are comfortable with and that will (think positive) make you the next millionaire.
Scroll down for some inspiration and remember to share your ideas to help other freelancers or small businesses.
Without a task manager, many freelancers can become overwhelmed very quickly. There's just so much to do when you're running a business - and since you're the sole member of that business, barring any subcontractors who take on excess work, you can't afford to miss a thing.
Evernote a great web and app based task manager so you can access it from anywhere.
It works brilliantly for not only organising your tasks but also jotting down ideas, notes, and any nuggets of inspiration you might find while out and about.
You can then access any of that information/brain-dump by logging on via either your computer or a phone while on the go.
It's super easy to use and you can set alarms for urgent deadlines, so no need for confusion and stress.
Evernote Website
DocuSign is great easy way to get contracts signed over the Internet. No need to print a contract, sign it and scan it again every time you start a new job with a new client. This enables you to manage the whole process online on both ends, and saves time, as well as actual paperwork.
The key thing is it makes any workflow or contracts simple and secure. And best of all, it's digital, so no need to print anything.
The workflow can be used on any devices and DocuSign is combined with Google to make it even easier as you can sign contracts using your Gmail account (Gmail and Google Drive).
The service means you can fill out, sign and send documents online within minutes while eliminating the costs, hassle and lack of security in traditional paper-based transactions.
Docusign Website
Skype has become way more than just a way to call your mates from overseas. It's a total VoIP app that allows you to claim a number, make cheap calls locally and abroad, and free calls to other users. It's also got great instant messaging features. So when you're working alone, Skype can connect you with clients and businesses quickly and cost efficiently.
The ease of use and the fact it can be installed on your mobile devices as well as your computers means it is an effective way to set up your 'call center'. You can then have access to it anywhere and everywhere, (assuming you have some sort of internet connection of course).
Skype Website
OK, so you probably have social media accounts for personal use across multiple profiles, but don't forget as a freelancer, these are great ways to work on some early marketing and engagement.
Instagram is an excellent and current way to make yourself marketable and well known. The site can help your design and portfolio, and will be shown publicly for potential customers to look at.
Being active through social media will engage people worldwide who in turn can become your influencers doing some promotion for you.
It's also great to show your personality, as you are your own brand. Sure, you can build it out moving forward with advertising spend, but initially, it can be your first shop front to the world, for free. To ramp up for your followers, you could maximize Instagram follower trackers. Or, better yet, just enjoy creating high quality content and the rave and hype will come
Instagram Website
Everyone needs a good old text editor, and these days, everyone who works online needs to be able to edit a HTML file or even dig into some CSS or WordPress files.
Coda is a great Mac text editor which can be used locally and remotely.
It's really easy to use and is designed for web designers as well as developers. It also gives you the choice to improve code readability (e.g. syntax can be different colours).
With a clean and well-organized interface, it provides everything you need to build websites in one screen, meaning you don't need to go back and forth between different programs.
The auto completion and automatic tag closing functionality helps you get confusing code done quicker and more efficiently.
Coda Website
Conclusion
The tools suggested here are only a guide to help your often hectic life as a freelancer. It's not an official endorsement of the products, and some might not be right for everyone.
What is important as a freelancer is to find the tools and programmes that can make your life easier. For example, using VoIP services can streamline communication with clients, especially if you're working with international contacts.
There are so many options out there, it is worth doing your research into the most practical for your skills and needs.
The sooner you are comfortable with the tools you use to manage certain aspects of your business, the sooner you will be able to start satisfying clients and growing your business into a big brand.
Want More?
Starting out in the design industry can be challenging, but here are some of our top articles and resources you may find useful:
13 Top Tips For How To Freelance From Home
BrandCrowd's Logo Maker Tool
10 of the Best Productivity Apps for Designers
How Joining The DesignCrowd Community Can Help Fast-Track Your Design Career
Ten Inspiring Work Spaces for Freelancers
Written by DesignCrowd on Wednesday, July 13, 2016
DesignCrowd is an online marketplace providing logo, website, print and graphic design services by providing access to freelance graphic designers and design studios around the world.
