Top 8 Tech Tools for Solopreneurs
(By Elizabeth Tuico) You took the leap: now you are a solopreneur. Working for yourself is exciting and rewarding, but also exhausting. Managing your time wisely is critical. Consider using technology to make the most of your days.
Solopreneurs can benefit from software tools and platforms, which make workflow and common tasks easier. Many of them are free, or come with modest costs. Below are my favorite tech tools for solopreneurs:
Canva: Canva should be at the top of every solopreneur’s tech list. Canva is your all-in-one design tool with thousands of free templates and stock content. Its intuitive drag-and-drop platform is surprisingly versatile. You can create logos, social media posts, ads, presentations and reports. Canva’s basic membership is free.
FreshBooks: (affiliate link) For as little as $15 a month, your solopreneur finances are managed professionally. FreshBooks integrates with over 100 apps to streamline your business, help you connect with clients, and better understand your cashflow. You can automate monthly invoices, send out late notices, track your time and run over a dozen insightful reports.
Google Drive: Solopreneurs often collaborate, and sharing documents can be cumbersome. Google Drive is an essential tool for working on files with multiple people. Everyone can add or remove text, proofread content and provide comments for others to see. A bonus is its visibility. You can also see who else is working on the document and chat with them in real time.
Fiverr: Fiverr is an inexpensive yet effective marketplace that connects you to other solopreneurs. Services include graphic design, content writing, translations, SEO services, business card design and many other services to benefit the solopreneur.
Trello: Trello is a free, versatile project management software. Its interface mimics a board on which you create lists filled with cards. Solopreneurs can share boards with other Trello members, manage projects and maintain running to-do lists.
Dropbox: Dropbox is ideal for solopreneurs who require storage and backups, but don’t want to pay for Microsoft Teams. It’s also a great way to transfer large files to clients. Moreover, Dropbox apps are available for every device, allowing you to access files from anywhere.
Calendly: Do you waste time going back and forth with clients trying to find the best time to meet? Calendly can connect with up to six of your calendars to automatically check availability and help you better interact with prospects, clients and other solopreneurs. You can add Calendly to your email signature and your website. Best of all, their basic subscription is free.
Gusto: (affiliate link) If you want to pay yourself as a W-2 employee, Gusto is the way to go. Their people platform helps solopreneurs onboard, pay, insure and support a team. This powerful tool manages payroll, benefits and more. Gusto’s knowledgeable and responsive support team will help you set up the payroll requirements in your state. Prices start below $50 a month per employee.
Clients in the A/E/C (architecture/engineering/construction) and tech industries turn to Rebel Road Creative for marketing ideas, training and content creation. Looking for a spark to light up your business? Get in touch.
