Please note that I will be on 2024 Christmas break from the COB 20th of December until the 9th of January.

What’s In My Freelancing Toolkit

As a freelancer, having the right tools at my disposal can make all the difference in managing my workload, enhancing my productivity, and delivering quality work to my clients. In this article, I’ll explore a range of tools that I personally use in my freelancing journey, spanning from design and development to project management, communication, and more.

Design and Development Tools

Adobe Photoshop

As a cornerstone of my design process, Photoshop allows me to create stunning web designs, edit images to perfection, and craft unique graphics that bring a website to life.

Elementor, WordPress and Shopify

These platforms are my go-to for web development and e-commerce solutions. Their user-friendly interfaces and extensive customisation options make it easy to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing.  Learn More.

ManageWP

This WordPress management tool helps me manage multiple WordPress sites from a single dashboard, streamlining updates, backups, and security checks.

Project Management and Communication Tools

Zoom

I find Zoom essential for maintaining clear communication with my clients, especially for discussing project details or screen sharing and going through a website together. It’s easy to use, and most people are familiar with it.

Trello

Trello is my digital organiser. It allows me to manage projects, assign tasks, and track progress.

WhatsApp

For quick and informal communication, WhatsApp is a handy tool. It allows for instant messaging, making it easier to stay connected and respond promptly.

Gmail

As one of the most popular email platforms, Gmail is an integral part of my communication toolkit. Its robust features allow for efficient email management, with options for snoozing, categorising, labelling, and filtering emails. Plus, with its seamless integration with other Google services like Google Drive and Google Calendar, it makes scheduling meetings, sharing files, and collaborating incredibly straightforward.

File Sharing and Collaboration Tools

Google Drive and Dropbox

Both these cloud storage services allow me to store, share, and collaborate on files with ease.  The choice between Google Drive and Dropbox often depends on the client’s preference, as I’m comfortable working with both.

Google Docs:

Real-time collaboration is a key feature of Google Docs. It allows multiple people to work on a document simultaneously, making it ideal for client feedback.

Finance and Administration Tools

Rounded

For invoicing, I rely on Rounded. It’s Australian, and designed for freelancers, making it easy to create, send, and track invoices, simplifying the financial side of freelancing.

Quotient

Quotient streamlines the process of creating and sending quotes to clients. It’s user-friendly and professional, leaving a good impression on clients. But the bit I really love is that it allows me to set up options that my clients can choose from, giving them flexibility.

Testing and Presentation Tools

Responsive Design Checker

This tool ensures my designs look great on all screen sizes. It’s essential for delivering responsive designs that provide a great user experience on any device.

MockUPhone

When presenting to clients, MockUPhone helps me create realistic device mock-ups.

Productivity Tools

Clockify

Time tracking is crucial in freelancing. Clockify helps me keep track of how much time I spend on different tasks, aiding in productivity analysis and accurate billing.

Over the years, I’ve found that having the right tools has significantly enhanced my efficiency and productivity as a freelancer. The tools I’ve shared have been instrumental in my freelancing journey, helping me manage my workload, communicate effectively, deliver quality work, and continuously learn and grow.

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