Top Tools for Remote Freelancers in 2023

In December 2022, there were around 4.3 million self-employed workers in the UK. Nowadays, more and more people want to be their own boss. What’s more, with remote working now easier than ever more people are taking the leap of faith to become freelancers. From artists, and marketers to IT consultants and lawyers – freelancing remotely is likely to continue to take the working world by storm.

But, how can remote freelancers be more productive, and create the best home working environment all while being successful? Read on.

What Is Freelancing?

Freelancing is a type of self-employment. Instead of being employed by a company, freelancers work on their own terms. Depending on the agreement with the client or company, freelancers work by the hour, task or project. For example, a marketing company may outsource a freelance copywriter and pay them per article written or by how many hours worked. One of the most attractive parts of freelancing is that it can provide workers with greater flexibility, particularly those with other full-time responsibilities.

What Are the Benefits of Freelancing Remotely?

Many workers make the switch to freelancing remotely because it provides flexibility in many areas. For instance, working remotely as a freelancer can save on commute costs. According to data, an average hatchback commuter could spend £4,800 per year in commuting costs. Likewise, working remotely also saves freelancers time in commuting (which, can be spent on other things such as household tasks, caring responsibilities or even sleeping in a little longer). But, the benefits don’t stop there.

Another major benefit to working as a freelancer remotely means having a better work-life balance. Want to get up and go for a walk before lunch? You can do it. Feel like your project is nearly complete and want to have a coffee with a friend? Remote freelancers can do just that. Long gone are the days of being micromanaged, working by the hour and becoming burnt out thanks to remote freelancing.

The Top 5 Tools for Remote Freelancers

Alas, being a remote freelancer is not all rainbows and sunshine (despite freelancers who frequently travel on LinkedIn suggesting so through their weekly travel posts). Freelancing can be tough, especially in the initial stages of doing so. Working freelance remotely can result in a lack of socialising, productivity and even motivation if your setup isn’t suitable. But, fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top 5 remote tools remote freelancers need today.

1. Business Broadband

Nowadays, all you need is a reliable internet connection, a good workspace and the skills to work from home. However, a home broadband connection can hinder results. Instead, remote freelancers and small businesses should opt for business broadband. It essentially works in the same way as home broadband, however, it is faster, more secure and comes with added features.

For instance, business broadband has dedicated customer support. So, if a connection is lost business broadband users will be prioritised over home broadband users. As a result, downtime will be minimal and business can be back up and running in no time. Another great benefit to business broadband for freelancers is that it is simply faster than residential broadband. This may be particularly useful if your work relies on uploading large files, communicating with customers and working primarily online.

If you are looking for business broadband and are a freelancer or small business, we suggest using bOnline’s business broadband. Not only is it affordable, but is suitable for all types of remote workers and freelancers.

2. Management Tool

Freelancers often work on many projects at one time. Organising these projects can, nevertheless, be a challenging task. Luckily nowadays, remote freelancers can use management software tools to improve their work-life in many ways. For instance, Asana is useful for many reasons:

Accountability: Remote freelancers may struggle to hold themselves accountable, especially with distractions being nearer at home. However, a management tool can help provide a clear overview of any projects and their progress. This can keep freelancers motivated and ensure they are meeting client expectations.
Time Management: Managing time while working remotely can seem challenging. But, Asana can help freelancers prioritise tasks, set reminders, track progress and ensure they are meeting deadlines clearly.
Collaboration: Project management software tools like Asana can also help freelancers collaborate. Asana enables users to communicate, share files, assign work and even get feedback on tasks. This may also be beneficial for updating clients on project progress and staying connected with them.

Overall, management tools like Asana are a great purchase for remote freelancers. They are affordable yet can keep freelancers organised better quickly and efficiently!

3. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage, in short, is a cloud computing model that enables users to access, share and save files over the internet. This is especially important for remote freelancers who work with clients and team members in different locations, as it guarantees that everyone will have access to the latest versions of files and documents. Not only this, but cloud storage also ensures all work is kept safe, work can be shared with various people in real-time and all data (regardless of how much) can be stored safely.

Lastly, cloud storage services are highly advised for remote freelancers as they often come with added security features. For example, encryption, two-factor authentication, as well as regular security updates, can all help keep sensitive client data and projects protected.

Popular cloud storage services include iCloud, Google Drive, DropBox and OneDrive.