You don't need money to start freelancing or building your business. Below you'll find what I believe to be the top 5 most useful free apps and websites to get you going. This list ranges from your email to account management, accounting, marketing, and even branding.
1. Google Account
I specifically say Google because of all the free apps it encompasses. If you create your Google account, specifically for your business, you have most your apps in one drive. Start by creating a new branded email (Ex: brandname@gmail.com). This can be transitioned to a branded domain later. Once you have this created, use it for all of your future accounts below and beyond. Within your inbox, use folders to keep everything organized.
Once your email is set up, create a Google Sheet that will save your accounting information (ex: what was purchased, when it was purchased, an accounting code, and payment used).
Once you have set up some of the other accounts below, come back to Google and set up your Google Business Page, even if you're a fully virtual business.
I also recommend, and use, Google Forms. You could create a surveymonkey account but Google Forms stores your answers, collections customer information, sends you a notification when a form was submitted, can be branded to your company, and more!
2. Canva
Canva has a free account that helps you build your brand on a budget. Start by creating your free account, and selecting Logo from the sizes. In the offered templates tab, once in the design, you can scroll through and pick one to make your own. If you're more intuitive with design, know what you want, or would like to explore you can completely customize your own, which I recommend when capable. Within the suggestions, you will see color palettes (custom or pick from curated ones). Choose and incorporate your favorite into your logo. These will be the colors you need to transition to logo, social media posts, email headers, website, flyers, brochures, business cards, and beyond. Make sure to use the same hex code for all, do not try to guess with the picker.
Also note, you can print from here as well. As you get more involved and more finances to work with, consider upgrading to the paid account for $120 annually. This will let you set up your brand, automatically resize designs, and more. Definitely worth the cost, if you don't have a graphic designer or work with one. A bonus feature is it lets you post directly to your social media accounts.
3. Social Media
If I have to explain this one, you're in the wrong place...
It's free. It grows your audience. Just make sure you keep a secure password, use two step authentication, and watch what you say.
4. Grammarly
Use the free version. It gives enough hints and help along the way to let you get by. However, if you are horrendous at grammar, used the paid version. Just make sure you run everything through it (unlike I do on blog posts). This was such a lifesaver for me when managing a high school's social media accounts. I still periodically use it at times.
5. Asana
This project management tool has a million capabilities in the free version. You can keep track of projects, to-do lists, conversations, subtext of the original task, a calendar per project, unlimited project boards, and so much more! You can even create one submission form, per project. This would be a great way to keep track of client requests, additions, changes, and more! It's a game changer.
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Depending on your needs, there are a million programs out there, which can be very helpful. These are just the tip of the iceberg and the ones I have personal experience with. Every person and brand will be different. This list is mainly for the, "I can't because....." people. Get up and do it! Just start! You will figure it out as you go, I promise. You will "fail" a million times and you will feel wildly unsuccessful a lot. That's just the unfortunate reality of running businesses. But, it's something you can look back on and be proud. Proud you did it. Proud you took a leap of faith. Proud of yourself for overcoming obstacles. Proud of the problems you were able to solve.
There's a lot to running a business. It's really fxxking hard. But, you have to start. If money is the issue in getting it started, here is your answer.
all the love & espresso,
kierst