Be a Better Freelancer!

How to be a better  freelancer? It's a difficult proposition but get ideas to be successful from the expert is a good idea, Isn't it? But let's find how it is as Heather Howell describes as under.


Freelancing is a great way to do the things you love on a schedule you can live with all, while taking more money home at the end of the day. That being said, freelancing also has its own set of expenses. When you work in an office environment, most of the tools to get the job done are already provided, but GetACoder freelancers have to fend for themselves when it come to building a productivity toolbox for their projects. New freelancers and veteran freelancers alike will tell you that saving money is always important in the business, so here is a list of resources that are reasonably priced that can help you be a better freelancer.

Google Apps

You can almost manage your entire freelance business via their apps without paying a dime. Calendars, document sharing, real time chats, free blogs and so on. The app store also has some nifty design tools for the more advanced freelancers.

Project Bubble

This is a great tool that allows you to create files for each client to track your progress on their assignment, invoice and communicate all in a bed based platform. The interface is easy to use and attractive to boot.

Creative Commons

This is a great place for sourcing stunning images for all of your projects. Not only can you get permission to use those images, but you can upload your creations for others to share and use as well.

Right Signature

Most client-freelancer relationships need contracts to be successful, not because there is no trust, but just because professionalism works better that way. But how do you get documents signed when you and your client are in different parts of the world-Right Signature of course. There is a free trial that allows you to create and have 5 docs signed before you need to purchase the service, and even after you go premium, the monthly fee is minimal. The documents are legally binding and copies are stored not only on the server, but also are given to all parties.

Vyew

Collaboration and communication are a big part of the freelancing world. Without effective tools, your project could be delayed or easily run off track. This free site allows you to have conferences online, set meeting with clients or team members and also has a premium options for video conferencing.

Free Contracts for Freelancers

Writing a contract is one of the hardest things to do, often, you will end up hiring some one versed in the field to do it for you. This resource gives you great templates that allow you to customize contracts and agreements according to your work and the project specs.

Zoho

This is another great site dedicated to applications for business management. Google has a lot, but Zoho has much more. Invoicing, presentation, database tools, doc management and much more are available for only $13 per month.

PayPal to Go

This is a new one that I think hasn’t hit most lists yet. Most freelancers already use PayPal for billing clients that they don’t see in person, but PayPal released a new gadget that allows you to process credit card payments in person with nothing but your mobile device. You attach to the top of your phone and it connects to the PayPal app. It is secured to your account lets you swipe a clients card for your services.

These are a few of the handy affordable tools that I use to make my freelancing business more successful, I would love to hear some of the tools you use in your daily lancing.



Heather Howell is a native Southern Californian. She currently resides in Washington, D.C. She devotes most of her time to rural development in Bangladesh. Having obtained a degree in from UCLA, she enjoys writing on a variety of topics that range from Infant health and International politics to fashion trends and health advice. Heather is one of several freelance writers on the GetACoder Blog team.


Courtesy: GetACoder