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.
Courses
Books
Articles
Slack Communities
Tools
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
- Marketing For Freelancers: Get Clients With No Budget
- Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
Books
Articles
Slack Communities
Tools
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
Books
- The Art of Client Service by Robert Solomon
- Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business by Joy Deangdeelert Cho
Articles
Slack Communities
Tools
- MailChimp- Emails
- 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
Books
Articles
- How to Do Accounting for Small Business: Basics of Accounting
- Small Business Accounting 101: How To Set Up and Manage Your Books
Slack Communities
Tools
- Quickbooks – Accounting
Bookkeeping
Keeping accurate records will help you manage your cash flow.
Courses
Books
- Bookkeeping: An Essential Guide to Bookkeeping for Beginners by Robert McCarthy
- Bookkeeping and QuickBooks by Michael Kane
Articles
Slack Communities
Tools
- Quickbooks – Accounting
Time Keeping
There are only so many hours in a day. Minimize distractions, improve output, and keep scaling your business.
Courses
Books
- The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
- 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam
Articles
- 7 tips for managing your time as a freelancer
- Time is Money! Top Time Management Tips for Freelancers
Slack Communities
Tools
- 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
Books
Articles
- 10 Tips: How to Stay Organized and Productive as a Freelancer
- 7 Expert Tips for Freelancers to Master Project Management
Slack Communities
Tools
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
Books
- Master Your Business Cash Flow by Albert J. Zdenek Jr. CPA/PFS
- Understanding Cash Flow by Franklin J. Plewa Jr
Articles
- 8 ways for small business owners to manage their cash flow
- Cash flow management basics for small businesses
Slack Communities
Tools
- 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
Books
Articles
- 8 Ways You Can Scale Your Freelance Business
- 3 ways to scale your freelance business (that actually work)
Slack Communities
Tools
- 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.