Independence comes with its own set of challenges. When you're a team of one, every tool in your arsenal needs to pull double duty. You need software that handles the business side (like invoicing, expense tracking, and client management) while supporting whatever creative or technical work you actually get paid for. The sweet spot is finding affordable solutions that don't make you look like a solo operation to clients, while keeping your administrative overhead minimal so you can focus on what you do best. Below, we've gathered a tool that can help you work smarter and stay professional.
Less Annoying CRM is a simplified CRM solution tailored for small businesses, focusing on ease of use, affordability, and essential customer tracking features.
Canva empowers users to create stunning visuals, from social media posts to presentations, with drag-and-drop tools and a vast library of templates and assets.
FreshBooks simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and time management, catering especially to freelancers and small businesses.
Google Meet is a simple & secure video conferencing platform integrated with Google Workspace for easy scheduling and collaboration.
Trello focuses on visual task management with boards, lists, and cards, making it ideal for simple and intuitive project workflows.
Hubstaff enables employee tracking with features for time tracking, productivity monitoring, team management, and integrated payroll and reporting.
Stripe enables businesses of all sizes to accept online and in-person payments globally.
Pixpa is a no-code website builder tailored for photographers, artists, designers, and other creative professionals.
All products are thoughtfully curated and vetted by our independent experts. Cubbie is an invitation-only platform, so softwares cannot pay to get listed & ranked without an invitation. We maintain an 8-point system to so you can feel confident in choosing the softwares you see on Cubbie.
Our 8-Point CriteriaFind & search discounts, free trials, and sweet perks from hundreds of SaaS products in our Deals Marketplace.
Deals MarketplaceFreelancers need tools that wear multiple hats -- supporting both their craft and the business side of their work. Design and portfolio platforms help showcase your skills professionally. CRM systems keep client info organized, while invoicing and payment software ensures you get paid on time. Project management and time tracking tools help keep you on schedule, and video conferencing apps make client communication easy and efficient.
Start by identifying the biggest pain points in your day-to-day (like managing clients, tracking time, or handling payments, for instance). Look for software that combines these functions into simple, affordable packages so you don’t get overwhelmed by juggling too many apps. It’s also smart to choose tools that make you look polished and professional, helping build client trust. Don’t forget to test options for ease of use and customer support to make sure you’re set up for success from day one.
Leverage automation for tasks like invoicing, reminders, and scheduling to save time and reduce errors. Use project management and tracking features to keep deadlines visible and billable hours accurate. Keep your portfolio and client communication tools updated to maintain a strong professional image. Regularly review your tools and workflows to ensure they keep pace with your growing freelance business.