Best Apps for Freelancers
As a freelancer, your to-do list seems never-ending at times – but you don’t have to do it all alone. There’s practically an app for any task you can think of these days, so whether you need support with bookkeeping or networking, help is at hand. Below we’ve listed some of the best apps for freelancers and the self-employed, so you can focus more on work and less on work admin.
App for… Bookkeeping
App: QuickBooks Self-Employed
Available: Android & iOS
Cost: Subscription-based
Unless you’re a freelance accountant or tax adviser, you’ll more than likely find accounting and tax for your freelance business somewhat tricky to keep on top of. That’s where QuickBooks Self-Employed comes in.
This useful app takes the hassle out of your Self-Assessment tax return, so you can confidently know where you stand financially. You can receive Income Tax and National Insurance estimates, claim every allowable expense, track your mileage for expenses, add receipts, and keep track of the performance of your business. Plus, there is support 7 days a week, should you need it.
The app itself is free, however, the service is subscription-based, with prices starting from £3 per month. There are 3 subscription options available, including Simple Start, Essentials, and Plus.
App for… Jobs
App: Fiverr
Available: Android & iOS
Cost: Free to join
From design to voice-over, and programming to copywriting – Fiverr is the one-stop shop for customers to search for and book a freelancer. So as a freelancer yourself, it’s a great place to upload your portfolio and get your business out there.
Sign up is simple, just add your Gig (essentially your profile and work), then wait for the work to come rolling in. Payment is simple; there’s no waiting around for invoices to be paid, you’ll receive the cash into your account when the job is complete.
Cost-wise Fiverr is free – meaning no subscription or fees to list your services. You pay per completed job, with Fiverr taking 20% of each transaction.
App for… Communicating
App: Slack
Available: Android & iOS
Cost: Free & paid options
Communication is key – yet as a freelancer, it can be hard to find a one-size-fits-all approach. Slack, however, is used by businesses big and small right across the UK – including the likes of Sky, Airbnb, and NatWest – so it’s a great app for self-employed people who are working collaboratively with different clients.
To get started, simply make a new Slack workspace then invite your co-workers to begin working on a new project. You’re also able to video call, share files, and connect other apps such as Google Drive and Office 365.
Slack offers a basic service for free, with limited features. They also offer Pro, Business+, and Enterprise Grid options, with prices starting from £5.25 per month. The more expensive packages include features such as secure collaboration with people outside your business and enterprise-grade security. Explore the packages to find out what’s best for you and your business.
App for… Networking
App: The Dots
Available: iOS
Cost: Free
Self-described as ‘a professional network for the people that don’t wear suits to work’, The Dots caters to the creative industries and is a great way to build your professional community, whether you work in TV, advertising, film, or design.
While it’s only currently available as an app for iOS, you can access The Dots via a web browser. Through The Dots, you’re able to apply for freelance, remote and full-time roles; get advice from other members of the community; share your creative portfolio using a template-based profile; as well as hear about virtual or in-person events.
If that wasn’t enough to draw you in, some of the biggest creative companies in the UK are on there, filling roles and sharing news, including BBC, Spotify, and Tate.
App for… Time management
App: Toggl Track
Available: Android & iOS
Cost: Free & paid options
Time is money for freelancers, and since we’re not all blessed with impeccable time management skills, it’s important to track billable hours. Record your daily tasks with Toggl Track and you’ll receive a customisable report that provides insight into your performance, to help maximise your time and money.
With Toggl Track, you’ll understand how long projects take, can create accurate invoices, stay accountable for your workday every day, and ultimately become much more efficient at managing your workload.
You’re able to use a basic free package, which still offers unlimited time tracking, unlimited projects, and more. For a more in-depth analysis of your time, there are 3 subscription options available including Starter, Premium, and Enterprise. These prices start from £10 per month, with a 10% discount applied for annual billing.
App for… Storage
App: Dropbox
Available: Android & iOS
Cost: Free & paid options
Dropbox isn’t new – it was founded in 2007 – but it’s stood the test of time as a reliable way to store and share files.
Available via the mobile app or web browser, Dropbox provides the tools you need to keep everything organised, secure, easy to access, and in sync. You’re able to back up your files, then access them anywhere and on any device. Dropbox also makes file sharing with co-workers and clients easy. Anyone can view your shared files – even if they don’t have Dropbox themselves.
You can get 2GB of basic storage space for free. The paid options start from £9.99 per month if billed monthly, or £7.99 per month if billed annually. The three subscription options include Plus, Standard, and Professional, and offer different storage capacities, as well as handy tools like watermarking and encryption.
Are you looking for a new phone to keep up with all your freelancing needs? We offer a range of SIM-free and contract deals on the latest handsets at Mobiles.co.uk, including Apple, Samsung, and more.
Please note: Prices are correct at the time of writing.