Blog

February 23, 2023

Every Resource You Need to Know as a Freelancer

Freelancing offers the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms and be your own boss. But starting and running your own business can be challenging, especially in the early days. From finding work and managing finances to building a client base and staying organized, it can be difficult to get your freelancing business off the ground.

That’s where the Hopscotch resource hub comes in. We’ve compiled the best resources for freelancers—including courses, books, articles, tools, and communities—to help you get off the ground and keep things running smoothly.

Getting Started

Starting a freelance business is an exciting but daunting prospect. The resources below can help you understand the basics of self-employment and give you insights, tips, and tricks.

Tools

1. Webflow – Website Hosting

1. Figma – Logo Design

Finding Work

Now that you’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to find some clients. From job boards and freelance marketplaces to networking events and social media, there are a variety of different ways to find clients and market yourself in a world full of freelancers. This section includes resources that will help you stand out from the crowd and easily find the right opportunities.

Courses

1. Marketing For Freelancers: Get Clients With No Budget

1. Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce

Books

1. It Starts With Clients by Andrew Sobel

1. Company of One by Paul Jarvis

Articles

1. Best Places to Find Freelance Work Online

1. How to Find Freelance Work: Tips, Red Flags, and More

Slack Communities

1. Freelance Lead

1. Work From Anywhere

Tools

1. Upwork – Jobs

1. LinkedIn – Networking

Running Your Business

Now that you have your clients, it’s time to start producing consistent results. Use these tools and resources to manage your freelancing gig smoothly. We even break it down by business functions (like accounting and cash flow management) so you know exactly what to do to keep your business in the black.

Courses

1. Run A Successful Freelance Business

1. Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management

Books

1. The Art of Client Service by Robert Solomon

1. Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business by Joy Deangdeelert Cho

Articles

1. 10 Tips For Starting A Freelance Business

1. How to Manage Multiple Freelance Projects like a Pro

Slack Communities

1. Remotive

1. Remote Workers

Tools

1. MailChimp- Emails

1. Sumo- Email Capture

Accounting

It’s essential to know how much money you’re making. You may not need an accountant, but you do need to understand some basic accounting principles to pay and get paid on time.

Courses

1. Accounting Coach

1. DWM Bean Counter

Books

1. Accounting QuickStart Guide by Josh Bauerle CPA

1. Accounting for Non-Accountants by Wayne Label

Articles

1. How to Do Accounting for Small Business: Basics of Accounting

1. Small Business Accounting 101: How To Set Up and Manage Your Books

Slack Communities

1. Finances

Tools

1. Quickbooks – Accounting

Bookkeeping

Keeping accurate records will help you manage your cash flow.

Courses

1. The complete guide to bookkeeping for small business owners

1. DIY Bookkeeping

Books

1. Bookkeeping: An Essential Guide to Bookkeeping for Beginners by Robert McCarthy

1. Bookkeeping and QuickBooks by Michael Kane

Articles

1. Guide to Bookkeeping for Freelancers Part 1

1. Bookkeeping for Freelancers

Slack Communities

1. Finances

Tools

1. Quickbooks – Accounting

Time Keeping

There are only so many hours in a day. Minimize distractions, improve output, and keep scaling your business.

Courses

1. Complete Time Management for Freelancers

1. Effective Time Management For Productivity

Books

1. The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey

1. 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam

Articles

1. 7 tips for managing your time as a freelancer

1. Time is Money! Top Time Management Tips for Freelancers

Slack Communities

1. Switch Productivity

Tools

1. Toggle – Time Tracking

Organization or Project Management

Organization is critical for success, no matter how small your business is. These resources will help you stay on top of your projects.

Courses

1. Three Steps: Organizational Skills Course

1. Time Management Techniques for Creators and Creatives

Books

1. Getting Things Done by David Allen

1. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Articles

1. 10 Tips: How to Stay Organized and Productive as a Freelancer

1. 7 Expert Tips for Freelancers to Master Project Management

Slack Communities

1. The Hustle

Tools

1. Google Workspace – Email, Calendar, Drive

1. Slack – Communication

Cash Flow Management

Cash flow is one of the most significant factors for the success of small businesses. Make sure to manage finances accurately and avoid unexpected gaps that can put you on the back foot.

Courses

1. Cash Flow Management Basics

1. Cash Management & Cash Flow Projection

Books

1. Master Your Business Cash Flow by Albert J. Zdenek Jr. CPA/PFS

1. Understanding Cash Flow by Franklin J. Plewa Jr

Articles

1. 8 ways for small business owners to manage their cash flow

1. Cash flow management basics for small businesses

Slack Communities

1. The Othership

Tools

1. Hopscotch – Invoicing, Cashflow Control

Continuing to Grow

When ready to grow your business, stay up-to-date on industry trends and expand your services with the resources below.

Courses

1. Fiverr Freelancing 2023: Sell Like The Top 1%

1. The Freelance Masterclass: For Creatives

Books

1. Rework by David Heinemeier Hansson & Jason Fried

1. Dear Freelancer by Brittany Melton

Articles

1. 8 Ways You Can Scale Your Freelance Business

1. 3 ways to scale your freelance business (that actually work)

Slack Communities

1. Leapers

Tools

1. Streak- Gmail Management

Conclusion

Setting up your own freelance business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our list of resources is intended to provide a comprehensive starting point. Use these recommendations to get your business off the ground and master the basics—from accounting principles to cash flow management.

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Blog

Every Resource You Need to Know as a Freelancer

Getting Started

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Finding Work

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Running Your Business

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Accounting

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Bookkeeping

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Time Keeping

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Organization or Project Management

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Cash Flow Management

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Continuing to Grow

Courses

Books

Articles

Slack Communities

Tools

Conclusion

Related Articles

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The Ultimate Guide To Six-Figure Freelancing

The Best Pricing Strategies for Freelancers

Getting Paid on Time as a Freelancer

Invoicing for Graphic Designers