Online Tools I Actually Use
One of the first things I did when I became a freelancer was sign up for everything recommended to me. I read article after article about everything I needed to know about freelancing, finding jobs, online job boards, self-promotion, and clever tools to improve my writing.
You name it; I plugged my email in and hit the subscribe button.
Of course, this meant I was FLOODED with emails. All gave the same advice (or sometimes totally whacky advice). It also meant I suddenly had access to every online program, tool, trick and software possible.
I’ll be honest. I’ve since unsubscribed most of them when I realised a year had passed and I hadn’t used it once. But some tools I’ve used religiously.
If you’re not sure what you need and what’s worth the money and email spam, here’s my list of online platforms that are genuinely useful, and you should get to grips with them.
Grammarly
Pay for premium. Just do it. You’ll use it. Sure, Grammarly isn’t foolproof, but it will undoubtedly save you time and give you a second pair of eyes. I’m a qualified proofreader, and I still use Grammarly.
The basic, free account is acceptable, and if your budget is tight to begin with, it’s better than nothing. But as you start earning, investing in a Grammarly Premium account really will help you out. I first worked with a company that gave me access to their business account for free, and I used it for everything (they knew and were fine, please check!). When I stopped working with them, I missed it and had paid for my own account within a week.
WordPress
Even if you don’t have your own account or your own website through WordPress, it’s worth spending an afternoon getting to grips with how it works. You’ll undoubtedly work with lots of clients that use WordPress, and a working knowledge of the basics can be the difference between securing a job or not.
Sign up for an account and just play around with it. Use the two different editor styles and use the inbuilt SEO analysis tool to see what the website rates and what it doesn’t. Maybe make notes, so when you do work with a client, you can deliver text that’s ready to be plugged in.
SurferSEO
For long term projects or longer pieces that require actual planning and research, Surfer is incredibly useful. It stays with you from the beginning to the end. It can help create keywords and phrases, help you craft headings, FAQs, notes, and rate your writing. You can ever compare your work to the best web pages. For writing for the internet, it’s crucial. Like Grammarly, you have to pay for the really good stuff.
Google Trends
Another handy tool for anyone writing for the web. Pick your topic and search for the most popular related terms. See what’s trending now, what has been trending, see annual analysis, location trends, and more. It’s genuinely helpful if you’re trying to write to get on the first page of Google.
Squarespace
Getting a proper website changes everything. Even if you don’t put many examples of your work on it, having a website makes you look legit. I used Squarespace because it is super simple and easy to use, meaning I can make changes whenever I want, and I find the designs slightly more elevated than WordPress.
I originally had a WordPress site but never used it. Everything was too complicated and annoying. Now I pay for my Squarespace domain and use it all the time. I send the link to clients who want to know a bit more about me. It’s worth it.
Fiverr/ PeoplePerHour/ Upwork
When it comes to online job boards, these are the three that I always come back to. Sure, I’ve used other sites like Problogger, Indeed, Guru and more, but these three seem to get me the most work. They are the sites that I always come back to when I’m looking to pick up more clients. They do take a commission, but they make everything easy, and they can be relied upon to get you money if a client messes you around.
Paypal
As a freelancer, you will work with people from all around the world. This means transfers using different currencies across borders from foreign banks. Some clients won’t want to transfer internationally and would rather use a platform like Paypal. In the end, it’s easier for everyone.
Bonsai
For all the legal stuff. I’m a writer. Not a lawyer. But as a freelancer, I still need specific contracts in place, and I need to send legally correct invoices. I obviously know nothing about all this stuff. However, Bonsai makes it easy. There are templates, and you can make changes, collaborate with clients and sign online.
So, there you have it. All the stuff I signed up for and actually use. You may find yourself adding to this list as you find new tools that suit you. If you think I’ve missed something important, do get in touch and let me know.