As a freelancer, managing your time isn’t just important—it’s essential. Between juggling multiple clients, trying to gain clients, handling admin tasks, and (lest we forget) actually delivering your work, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. That’s where the right tools come in.
Productivity tools can help you streamline your workload, stay organised, and, most importantly, free up your time to focus on what you do best.
We’ve put together what we think are some of the best platforms out there to help you work smarter, not harder.
1. Payment Bear – Take the Stress Out of Invoicing
You didn't think we wouldn’t mention Payment Bear did you? We may be biased, but we really do think our product really is incredibly useful for freelancers.
We all know invoicing can be a headache. But Payment Bear makes it simple, fast, and hassle-free, helping you get paid on time without all the admin stress (nifty, eh?)
Why freelancers love it:
- Automated reminders: Never chase a payment again—Payment Bear does it for you.
- Customised invoices: Add your logo and branding to keep things professional.
- Save on fees: More of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket with our fee-free payment options.
We’ve literally specifically designed our platform with freelancers in mind, giving you the tools to focus less on admin and more on growing your business.
2. Trello – A Visual Way to Stay on Top of Projects
Keeping track of deadlines and deliverables can be overwhelming, especially when you’re managing multiple clients. Trello’s simple board-and-card system helps you organise your tasks and stay on track.
Features we think are worth shouting about:
- Visual boards for each project.
- Checklists to keep track of small tasks.
- Easy collaboration with clients or teammates.
If you like a clear visual overview of your workload, Trello might just be your new best friend.
3. Grammarly – Write Like a Pro
Stop asking your colleague/partner/parent/pet to check that important email you need to send out.
From client emails to project proposals, clear communication is everything. Grammarly’s writing assistant helps you catch typos, improve your tone, and sound professional—every time.
Why we think it’s a game-changer:
- Fixes grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Enhances your writing style to match the tone you’re going for.
- Works seamlessly with apps like Gmail, Word, and Google Docs.
Perfect for freelancers who rely on their writing to make a great impression.
4. Toggl Track – Know Where Your Time Goes
Ever wonder where all your time goes? Toggl Track is a simple tool to track how long you spend on different projects or tasks. It’s ideal for freelancers who bill by the hour or generally want to accurately calculate how long different tasks take (you’d be surprised how long those pesky invoices end up taking!)
What makes it great:
- Easy time tracking for accurate billing.
- Clear reports to share with clients.
- Insights into how you’re spending your day.
You’ll never second-guess your invoices or schedules again.
5. Canva – Design Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)
Our entire marketing team relies on Canva to basically create anything that looks good... needless to say, we’re fans.
Need to create something visual, but don’t have design experience? Canva is a fantastic tool for everything from social media graphics to client presentations.
Why freelancers rave about it:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
- Pre-designed templates for everything from social media posts to resumes.
- Custom branding options to align with your business.
Canva is a must-have for freelancers who need polished visuals—without the hefty price tag.
6. Slack – Stay Connected
Sick of searching through your emails to find that one specific email from a client? Well stop what you’re doing and sign up to Slack.
Whether you’re working with a remote team or just want to keep client communication organised, Slack makes staying in touch simple.
Why it works:
- Channels for specific projects or clients.
- Real-time messaging to keep things moving.
- Integration with tools like Google Drive and Trello.
For freelancers working collaboratively, Slack is a productivity lifesaver.
7. Notion – All-in-One Workspace
To say we’re obsessed with Notion would be an understatement.
Notion is the ultimate multi-tool for freelancers. Whether it’s keeping track of your to-do list, creating a content calendar, or planning a big project, Notion can handle it all.
Why you’ll love it just as much as us:
- Completely customisable to suit your workflow.
- Combines notes, tasks, and projects in one space.
- Easy collaboration options for sharing with clients.
For freelancers who need one tool to do it all, Notion delivers.
8. Zoom – Easy, Reliable Video Calls
Client calls are part and parcel of freelancing life, and Zoom is the tool of choice for clear, professional video meetings.
Why it’s a must-have:
- High-quality video and audio.
- Screen sharing for presentations and walkthroughs.
- Recording options for keeping track of important conversations.
Believe us when we say how useful it can be for those important calls to record them for future reference – there's only so many notes you might be able to take!
The Bottom Line
Freelancing isn’t just about delivering great work—it’s about managing your time and your business efficiently. By using tools like Payment Bear, Trello, and Toggl Track, you can simplify your workflow and focus on what matters most: growing your business.
Ready to streamline your invoicing and get paid faster?
Sign up for Payment Bear today!
