Running a creative freelance business is not easy. It takes time, dedication and resources. Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can do and tools (free and paid) that make managing your freelance business a little easier, without breaking your budget.
In this article, we’ll go through our top tips to help you to take charge of different parts of your freelance business, with suggested resources or tools to help with each aspect. For a more comprehensive list, check out our run down of 20 top tools for freelancers.
1. Keep track of your projects
Trello helps you juggle multiple projects at once
As a freelancer, it’s not uncommon to work on more than one project at once. With tools such as Trello, you can keep track of everything in one place using boards, lists and cards.
Trello is a free online collaboration tool that allows you to add multiple users, all of whom can track changes in real-time. You can add images and files, set due dates and keep things organised and colour-coded. There’s even a mobile companion app for when you’re on the go!
2. Manage your money
Keeping tabs on your money is another key part of running a successful freelancing business. Using tools such as Xero, you’ll be able to do just that.
Xero helps you focus on the things that matter most, running your business.
3. Get the word out
You can have the best product or service on the planet, but if nobody knows about it, it’ll never sell. One of the best ways to advertise what you do is by having a website. With a website, people can find out what you offer, and more importantly, how to contact you.
Set up a website to help people find you. This does not have to be that difficult. You can easily get a WordPress website up and running by signing up for a hosting account with GreenGeeks, HostGator, or Blue Host and following their guides and one-click installers to get your new WordPress website up and running in minutes.
WordPress is a great platform for this, and there are plenty of WordPress tutorials to help you get up and running. Alternatively, take look at out roundup of the best free blogging platforms and also consider setting up Facebook Pages for business.
