After thinking about the top bits of equipment you might need as a freelancer, next up is the accounts and apps. There’s a whole host of options for almost every area of business (and life), so what are the real corkers if you’re starting out, whether you’re looking to simplify your admin or elevate your work?
- Office 365 – documents/storage/online meetings
Now a lot of freelancers I know use Google, but since I’ve always been an Microsoft user, I erred on sticking with what I knew. It also gave me storage and security, as well as the ability to create a domain-based email, which meant I felt professional from the get go. It also meant I haven’t had to pay separately for a Zoom account. - Insurance – peace of mind
Only one client so far has needed it (and asked for proof), but from my first project I got professional indemnity insurance for piece of mind. Call me a worrier but I hated the idea of ruining my family’s stability should the worst happen - LinkedIn – networking & advertising
I dusted my account off when I went freelance I haven’t looked back – it’s a great way to connect with colleagues, clients and people who are doing great stuff. It can be a bit of a rabbit hole to fall into with content but there’s some great stuff on there too - Wix – website
There are loads of website providers – but I’ve really loved Wix. For someone who isn’t confident on the technical build side, options like WordPress can feel a bit overwhelming. Wix has a great set up designed for people who aren’t traditional website builders - Canva – design
An absolute hero of a website. Designed for non-designers, it allows you to create all sorts of beautiful art/documents/design, download and use across any platform. - Cal.com – calendar booking
If you want to avoid email tennis in setting a meeting date, this account is for you. They pull through your availability to a public calendar, enabling someone outside your organisation to easily book an available slot without seeing the detail of your diary – genius. - Miro – collaboration/brainstorming/sharing
There are a ton of these out there – Mural etc and they’re great as online collaboration platforms for events, learning, design and innovation - Trainline and railcard – travel
If your role involves being out and about, this is a must. I get a % off using a Network railcard, and since they’re now digital, you’ve always got it with you - Spotify – music
Whether you need energy, relaxation or something to put you in the zone, its on my must have list - Slack – messaging
An increasing number of networks I’m part of use it as their messaging/collaboration platform - Bank account – financial separation
A left field one perhaps in this list but a separate (even non-business if you’re a sole trader) one is an absolute must. In fact I have two – one current account to be paid into, and one to hold my tax/national insurance/pension through the year so I don’t get tempted into thinking I can spend it. - Clockify – time tracking
A recent addition for me but its been a game changer. I love understanding the spread of my time across the week and the biggest insights are capturing total project hours for invoicing, my split of billable versus non billable and how well I’m keeping within my part-time hours. - Buffer – social scheduling
Another recent one for me, and that’s about helping me organise my business admin better. I’ve always been fairly reactionary with my social media and a goal for 2023 was to do more planning and alleviate a weekly stress of suddenly generating content. Buffer’s got my vote so far.
Accounts/apps I haven’t tried yet but some people swear by include:
- Project management: Trello or ClickUp
- Client management: Moxie
- Accounting/Invoicing: Wave or Xero
- Banking: Starling
- Website: Google analytics and Hotjar
- Transcribing: Otter
Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash