At the start of the pandemic I wrote an article about 7 free productivity apps for freelancers. It’s fascinating how much that article has dated already so I thought I’d write a new one about some of my current favourites.
At the end of the article I’ll also review my current relationship with the apps listed in the previous article.
For now though, let’s get started on my top 5 apps for freelancers in March 2023.
1. TikTok
Yes, I heard you scream, but hear me out. If I’m honest, I haven’t worked out my strategy for using TikTok for Guy Walsh Photography yet, but I’ve been on the app for two years now and it’s a wonderful source of information and inspiration, and for keeping up-to-date with the latest software and AI developments.
TikTok’s greatest power though, is its free marketing potential. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry, you don’t HAVE to dance. Like a lot of content marketing, the key is creating useful, interesting, entertaining or funny content. If you’re not a dancer or funny person you can simply share useful tips or interesting behind-the-scenes content.
The beauty of TikTok is that the content is not time-limited like other platforms. If you post a video today about a topic that becomes popular in six months’ time, there’s a good chance your video will get a high number of views at that point. You also don’t need followers to get views, which means you’re free to concentrate solely on quality content.
Most of the videos on my Kind & Curious account have 200-400 views organically. When you release a video, TikTok rolls it out to a small group of people. Based on their watch time and the number of likes and comments, it will then roll it out to progressively larger groups, meaning you can obtain thousands of views with no extra promotion needed.
A word of warning though – the comments section is not for the faint of heart. I had a video blow up to over 20,000 views and I eventually took it down because the comments became increasingly vitriolic and personal. Should this happen again, I have decided that I will avoid reading the comments.
Don’t let this put you off though – TikTok is a fantastic free marketing resource if used correctly!
2. CapCut
If you’re going to use TikTok, you may decide that you want more powerful video editing features than those provided in-app. This is where CapCut comes in.
CapCut has an amazing number of features for a free app, and there’s a desktop version available too. The key feature for me is the ability to add subtitles quickly and easily, and if I’m honest that’s all that I really use it for. Occasionally I might add an effect or combine a number of takes into one coherent video but given the number of people that watch videos with the sound down on their phone, adding subtitles is crucial if you’re providing information or advice.
3. Eventbrite
As a regular networker and event photographer, I check Eventbrite every few days to see what’s going on locally.
As well as keeping all of your tickets safe in one place, it also saves me the hassle of filling out the same information over and over again when I book a place for an event. You’ll also get reminders when an event is coming up, and notifications when an organiser you follow adds a new event.
If you’re an event manager, there is also the Eventbrite Organiser app, which allows you to monitor sales, check in guests as they arrive, and edit the event details on your mobile. Frustratingly, however, the app doesn’t allow you to contact delegates – this function is only available in a web browser.
4. LinkedIn
If you aren’t already regularly using LinkedIn, you’re missing out. I’ve spoken before about the importance of following up after networking events, and LinkedIn is a huge part of that.
The app has additional benefits though. For example, you can load up a QR code for another person to scan, which will send a connection request immediately.
I think LinkedIn deserve a lot of credit for creating a full-function app, which other social networks would do well to follow. Everything you can do on a desktop can be done on mobile, from joining groups to updating business pages.
5. Waze
A slightly leftfield one here. If you don’t know, Waze is an alternative to Google Maps.
I was initially a little hesitant. After all, why change from the market leader? Well, if I’m honest, I do still use both – but for entirely different reasons. Google Maps is still useful if you want to plan a journey in advance or find out about a company, but when it comes to navigation, Waze is on a whole other level.
Why is it so good? Well, Waze has an easy-to-use reporting function for traffic, accidents, obstructions and incidents. This means that Waze users provide live information and as such you’re more likely to be able to avoid traffic jams or pile-ups.
Believe me – I have tested this theory! When I first started using the app I wanted to believe that I knew of a quicker route, and I didn’t want to believe that my preferred routes were blocked. Oh, how learned quickly from my mistakes!
Now I use Waze on almost every journey – whether going to a networking event or doing my weekly shop!
The only drawback is the in-app adverts, but they’re not intrusive and sometimes they’re really helpful. They don’t appear when you are driving – only when you are stopped.
What are your favourite apps?
I’d love to know – what apps can you not live without?
Previously Recommended Apps
Here is where I’m currently at with the 7 free productivity apps for freelancers that I recommended a couple of years ago:
1. Tailwind
My needs have changed and I have tried a few different social media planners since using Tailwind. I now use Postpolan by Contenive. Hashtags have become less and less relevant since my last blog and Postoplan is competitively priced – allowing you add additional accounts as and when you need them for just 99p per month on top of the five included for £6.99 per month.
2. Otter
I still love Otter. They’ve reduced the number of minutes included each month on the free plan but I don’t use it often so it’s still fine for my needs.
I stand by my comment that if I was working as a VA or admin freelancer, I’d be happy to invest in the premium product.
3. Adobe Capture
Although my needs mean I’m using this less and less, it’s still a great resource to have to hand.
4. pCloud
Since writing the last blog I have upgraded to the premium service and it’s been invaluable. My only gripe is that it has randomly deleted a couple of files on occasion, although I was able to get them back using the roll-back feature included in the premium service.
Upload speeds are pretty slow, although from a quick Google it seems that they are on-par – and often quicker than – most of their competitors.
5. Asana
Asana still runs my life. I couldn’t be without it at this stage.
6. Canva
Another product that I have upgraded to the premium offer since my last blog. This is another app that I simply couldn’t be without. The brand kit functions and the PRO-level designs I now have access to have changed the game, and the fact that I can simply copy a design and amend it has helped me remain consistent in my social media game.
Canva has recently introduced a text-to-image AI function, although it’s pretty hit-and-miss at the minute.
I understand that Microsoft is bringing out a competitor soon called Microsoft Designer, which includes advanced AI functionality. It will be interesting to see if this supersedes Canva as the market leader.
7. SquareQuick
I still regularly use this app. Simple but effective, it makes posting irregular images on Instagram so much easier.
Bonus app 1 – Curator
I’ve since stopped using this app. I created a new website using Divi and couldn’t find an easy way to integrate it into the design. I also decided that the page I was using it for was redundant, so I no longer have a need for it. It’s still a great service though, and I may revisit it in the future.
Bonus app 2 – Google Keep
Another app I’m still heavily reliant on. It’s still invaluable for getting ideas down and making notes.
