Top 5 Tools of a Freelancer:Some Old School, Some Unexpected, All Affordable

Becoming a Freelancer: Make it Simple!

Want to become a freelance writer or blogger but don’t know where start in terms of materials? You don’t need a fancy home office, loads of software, or  an extensive network to get going. Lets make it simple!

Becoming a freelance writer or blogger, there are an essential set of tools that you will help you do so with ease. Required Skill Set aside, a love for writing, and power of explanation, here are some of the top Five Tools for Freelancers [both writers and bloggers, and yes there is a difference].

Invest In the Tech: Tools of a Freelancer

Refurbished Laptops & Software

A good laptop can be expensive, so try investing in a used one from a reliable source. Mostly Wal-Mart and Amazon are always in stock when it comes to refurbished or used laptops. You run the risk on having to purchase certain software later but that’s also worth the investment later.

As a freelance writer or blogger, you should search around for the best software tools for you. Grammarly is useful for correcting unseen grammatical issues your writing and the first seven days are free. Copyscape is useful for editors who want avoid plagiarism issues. Usually, its not required that you have the latest word processor, but it never hurts to check up on the latest upgrades with in Microsoft.

Unexpected and even Old School Tools for Freelancers

Dictionary & Vocabulary Help

As lame as it sounds, a dictionary is a writers greatest tool; probably the oldest as well. By going old school you have several long forgotten advantages.

For one, No need for the internet. Having a dictionary and/or thesaurus on hand will save you a lot of time and unnecessary headaches. It is hard to say what you mean and mean what you say with out sounding repetitive. This way you have the ability of expanding upon your vocabulary and putting forth your best writing.

Blogging for Freelancers

Having a blog is not essential if you already possess a great portfolio of projects but for others it’s a great way to build one. Consider it an online portfolio of writing easily accessible by clients who want to immediately view your work.

A blog can be used to flood the internet with your writing, but also promote a clients work for future reference and/or payment. Make sure you post consistently and frequently; with so many bloggers out there it’s easy to be passed over or fade quickly. Posting often make it easy to remain relevant and when you develop a good following you can start aspects like an email newsletter.

Even Freelancers Out Source

Editors & Friends

Once you have content worth publishing and a lot of it, it wouldn’t hurt to have a second pair of eyes jog through it. Finding an editor can be hard. Still, it will help out to have some one tell you what’s relevant and what can be improved upon. Try having friends and family or your blogging community critique your work until then.

 

Social Media is key!

I can’t stress that enough. Building a solid profile allows others to get a feel for who you are before meeting you. These platforms are also great advertising agents. You can constantly update your profile to match your latest work projects and qualifications. Maintain these accounts and be as active as you can.

With the digital age reigning supreme, there are many new tools that freelance writers have access to. Share your favorite Freelancing Tool and your feedback with us here ate Gab Brand!

xoxo, 

GabBrand