What Is Upwork?

Upwork, a pioneering force in the gig economy, stands as a dynamic online platform where freelancers and businesses converge in a symbiotic dance of talent and demand. It is important to debunk any misconceptions about its legitimacy; Upwork is not a scam but rather a legitimate marketplace that facilitates remote work opportunities.

Freelancers on Upwork offer a diverse array of skills, from graphic design and writing to software development and marketing. On the client side, businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs find a vast pool of talent ready to tackle projects of various scales.

What sets Upwork apart from Upwork competitors, such as Fiverr, for instance, is its comprehensive approach to freelancing. Upwork emphasizes long-term relationships, enabling clients to hire freelancers for ongoing projects or part-time work. The platform’s robust vetting system, which includes skill tests and a review system, contributes to the assurance of quality work.

While Fiverr is known for its “gig” model, focusing on one-off, often creative tasks, Upwork positions itself as a versatile marketplace catering to a broad spectrum of industries and project types. Upwork provides a space for professionals looking for a consistent stream of work, making it a go-to platform for those seeking extended collaborations rather than isolated transactions.

Everhour is the top time tracker for SMB teams, including software developers, marketers, designers, consultants, lawyers, you name it! Seamlessly integrating with popular PM tools, its user-friendly interface and customizable reports make it the ultimate time tracking solution. With dedicated support, our team is here to help you promptly and with a smile!

How Does Upwork Work?

Upwork functions as a user-friendly platform where freelancers and clients seamlessly connect. Freelancers create profiles, outlining their skills and experiences. Simultaneously, clients post detailed project descriptions, specifying their requirements.

This dynamic matching system streamlines the hiring process, presenting clients with a curated selection of qualified professionals.

A freelancer’s profile strength is bolstered by client reviews and skill verification tests. Upon project completion, clients provide feedback, contributing to the freelancer’s credibility. This dual feedback mechanism ensures transparency and aids clients in making informed hiring decisions.

The Upwork time tracking feature with a time tracker plays a crucial role in verifying the legitimacy of freelancers’ efforts, ensuring transparent billing, and fostering confidence among clients in the authenticity of the work performed on the platform.

Upwork accommodates diverse work structures. Clients can opt for fixed-price contracts for specific projects or hourly contracts for ongoing work, providing flexibility. The platform also offers integrated communication tools, allowing freelancers and clients to collaborate seamlessly.

Secure payment systems add an extra layer of reliability. Clients fund escrow accounts, ensuring freelancers are compensated for their work. This secure payment process fosters trust in the remote work relationship.

Is Upwork a Legit Company?

Upwork stands as a reputable and authentic marketplace that connects freelancers with diverse job opportunities. Here’s why:

Assures legitimacy

Upwork has established itself as a legitimate site through a robust system of verification and reviews. Freelancers undergo skill tests and receive feedback from clients, contributing to their overall credibility. This dual-feedback mechanism ensures transparency and helps clients make informed decisions when hiring freelancers.

Provides secure payment systems

A pivotal aspect of Upwork’s legitimacy lies in its secure payment systems. Clients fund escrow accounts, guaranteeing freelancers compensation for their work. This financial structure adds an extra layer of reliability, fostering trust in the freelancer-client relationship.

Verifies users

Clients posting projects on Upwork undergo a verification process, ensuring that job opportunities are legitimate. This diligence further solidifies Upwork’s commitment to maintaining a trustworthy environment for freelancers.

How much can you make on Upwork?

The earning potential on Upwork is diverse and depends on various factors. Freelancers can set their rates based on skills, experience, and the complexity of projects. According to studies, Upwork freelancers specializing in programming, particularly as full-stack developers and those with expertise in WordPress, have higher earning potential. Marketing skills, especially among those charging more than $60/hour, are also considered profitable. The data also indicates that only a small portion of freelancers (1 in 800) earn more than $1000 per month.

Addressing scam allegations against Upwork

Upwork, one of the leading freelance platforms, has faced various scam allegations over the years. These concerns typically revolve around a few key issues:

1. Fraudulent job listings: Some users have reported encountering fraudulent job postings designed to scam freelancers. These scams often involve fake projects or requests for sensitive information. To protect yourself, always verify job listings and be cautious of any request that seems suspicious or asks for personal information upfront.

2. Dispute resolution concerns: There have been complaints about Upwork’s dispute resolution process, with some users feeling that their concerns were not adequately addressed. Upwork does have a structured dispute resolution system in place, but outcomes can vary depending on the specifics of each case. It’s advisable to thoroughly document all communications and agreements to support your case if a dispute arises.

3. Account suspension and bans: Users sometimes face account suspensions or bans, which can seem abrupt and without clear justification. Upwork’s terms of service outline various reasons for account suspension, such as violations of platform policies or suspicious activity. If your account is suspended, contacting Upwork’s support team and providing any necessary documentation can help clarify the situation.

4. Payment issues: Some freelancers have reported delays or issues with payments. While Upwork uses secure payment systems, occasional problems can arise. Ensuring your payment methods are correctly set up and reaching out to Upwork support for payment issues can help resolve these problems efficiently.

In summary, while Upwork is a legitimate platform used by millions globally, being aware of potential issues and taking preventive measures can help you navigate the platform more safely. Always stay informed, follow best practices, and utilize Upwork’s resources to address any concerns.

Is Upwork still worth It: user reviews

Recent changes and increased costs: Many users have expressed frustration with recent changes on Upwork, particularly the new requirement to pay for responding to private invites. This has led to shock among clients who are unaware of these costs, potentially affecting their hiring decisions. Freelancers are now forced to pay between $1.50 and $2.00 per proposal, which has contributed to a perception that Upwork prioritizes its own revenue over user experience.

Fee structure and disputes: Some clients have reported issues with Upwork’s dispute resolution process. For instance, disputes over overcharged hours can be rejected by freelancers, and clients have limited power to remove feedback left by top-rated freelancers, potentially skewing ratings and reviews.

Platform quality and scam concerns: Users frequently describe a prevalence of scams and low-quality job postings. Scammers often exploit the platform, and even Upwork’s customer support seems ineffective in addressing these issues. Many freelancers have faced non-payment or dubious practices from clients.

Freelancer and client interaction: Freelancers have noted that the platform is often used by clients to post vague or unrealistic job descriptions, and many feel the bidding process is more about driving down costs than finding qualified talent. There are also concerns about clients asking for additional work without proper compensation or avoiding payment altogether.

Overall sentiment:

• Negative feedback: Numerous users report negative experiences, such as ineffective support, high competition for low-paying jobs, and dissatisfaction with Upwork’s handling of disputes and fees. The platform is criticized for focusing on monetizing freelance interactions rather than fostering meaningful, professional relationships.
• Mixed opinions: While some have found success and valuable opportunities on Upwork, many believe that the platform no longer supports sustainable, long-term freelance careers and is better suited for short-term or lower-tier gigs.

Is Upwork worth it for a side hustle: For those considering Upwork as a side hustle, the key to success lies in your approach and expectations. Users who have managed to balance Upwork with a full-time job often emphasize the importance of effective time management and clear communication with clients. Building a reputation on the platform takes time, and new freelancers may need to start with lower-paying jobs to gain experience and positive reviews.

Success on Upwork is not guaranteed and may depend on factors like your skill set, niche, and ability to avoid scams. While some users have found Upwork to be a valuable source of additional income, others have experienced significant challenges. If you’re considering Upwork for side income, it’s crucial to set realistic goals, invest in your profile, and be prepared for a competitive environment.

Upwork has garnered mixed reviews from its user base. Many freelancers and clients feel that the platform has shifted focus from facilitating meaningful work to maximizing revenue through fees and a competitive bidding process. If you’re considering using Upwork, it’s crucial to weigh these potential challenges against the benefits and be prepared for a possibly steep learning curve.

What Kinds of Jobs Are Available on Upwork

On Upwork, freelancers can explore a spectrum of roles, from creative endeavors like graphic design, writing, and content creation to technical domains such as software development, IT support, and web development.

Content creators find avenues for copywriting, blogging, and social media management, while marketing professionals can delve into SEO optimization, digital marketing strategy, and market research. Upwork extends its reach to administrative roles, offering virtual assistance, data entry, and project management opportunities.

For those skilled in design, graphic design projects, UX/UI design, and illustration tasks abound. Programming enthusiasts can take on software development, app development, and coding projects. The platform even caters to niche skills, with opportunities in areas like voiceover services, translation, and transcription.

What sets Upwork apart is its adaptability to varied expertise levels. Entry-level freelancers can find projects suited to their skills, while seasoned professionals can pursue complex, high-level tasks or long-term collaborations. The platform’s expansive job categories ensure that individuals with diverse skill sets and experiences can find fitting opportunities.

Here’s a table outlining various industries on Upwork along with examples of jobs within each industry:

Pros and Cons of Upwork

In the landscape of freelancing platforms, Upwork emerges as a prominent player, offering a range of opportunities for both freelancers and clients. Let’s delve into the distinctive advantages and potential drawbacks of engaging with Upwork.

✅ Pros

Diverse job opportunities: Upwork spans a vast array of job categories, catering to freelancers with diverse skills and experiences. This diversity reflects the evolving landscape of remote work and accommodates the multifaceted skills of freelancers worldwide.

Global reach: Freelancers from around the world converge on Upwork, providing a global marketplace with a diverse talent pool. Simultaneously, clients gain access to a vast and varied talent pool, ensuring they can find the perfect match for their projects.

Transparent feedback system: Upwork’s dual-feedback system not only ensures transparency but also cultivates a culture of excellence, where freelancers are motivated to deliver their best work, and clients can confidently engage with talented professionals in the global freelancing arena.

Secure payment systems: The platform’s secure payment systems, including escrow accounts, contribute to a trustworthy environment, reassuring freelancers about timely compensation.

Flexibility in work structures: Upwork accommodates both short-term projects and long-term collaborations, providing flexibility for freelancers and clients alike.

❌ Cons

Competitive environment: The popularity of Upwork means a highly competitive landscape. For entry-level freelancers, breaking into this competitive landscape requires strategic positioning, effective self-presentation, and a keen understanding of the platform’s dynamics.

Service fees: Additionally, Upwork charges service fees, impacting the overall earnings of freelancers. It’s essential to consider these fees when setting rates.

Job scams: While Upwork works diligently to verify job postings, freelancers should remain vigilant for potential scams. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of clients and projects.

Limited direct client communication: Upwork encourages communication within the platform, limiting direct interaction between freelancers and clients outside of its messaging system. This can be a potential drawback, particularly for those who prefer greater flexibility in communication channels.

Learning curve: For newcomers, navigating Upwork’s features and algorithms might pose a learning curve. Understanding how to optimize profiles and bids is crucial for success.

In assessing the pros and cons, Upwork emerges as a legitimate platform with numerous advantages for freelancers and clients alike. However, like any dynamic marketplace, it presents challenges that users should navigate with diligence and adaptability.

Is Upwork Legit: Conclusion 

As shown above, Upwork’s commitment to transparency, a secure payment structure, and a robust verification system contribute to its credibility as a legitimate company. The platform’s global reach, diverse job categories, and flexibility in work structures make it a go-to hub for freelancers seeking opportunities and clients in need of skilled professionals.

In conclusion, Upwork proves itself to be a legitimate and dynamic platform, offering a space where freelancers can flourish, clients can find tailored talent and professional relationships can thrive. As the freelancing landscape continues to evolve, Upwork remains a cornerstone, providing a reliable bridge between skills and opportunities in the ever-expanding world of remote work.

The post Is Upwork Legit: Pros, Cons, and User Feedback appeared first on Everhour Blog.

This article delves into the realm of self-employment by exploring a curated list of the best apps designed to empower self-employed individuals. From time management and financial tracking to seamless communication and project coordination, these apps have been handpicked to cater to the diverse needs of those forging their paths in the world of independent work.

Evaluation Criteria

We don’t accept payment to feature any particular tools. We’re dedicated to giving honest recommendations based on our thorough evaluations. This ensures our readers can trust our insights, prioritizing their needs in finding effective time-recording apps without any outside influence.

18 Best Apps for Self-Employed

Best Time Management Apps

As you might know already, time management apps hold the key to unlocking the full potential of self-employed professionals, allowing them to conquer their schedules and make the most of their days.

1. Everhour

Everhour is a robust time tracker tailored for self-employed individuals. It seamlessly logs work hours and project time, offering customizable features for accurate timekeeping. This app ensures transparent invoicing and helps you analyze your productivity trends.

Here’s why Everhour may be the perfect choice for those who work independently:

• Precise time tracking: Everhour’s precise time tracking capabilities allow self-employed individuals to account for every minute spent on their work. This level of accuracy is invaluable for billing clients, accurately estimating project timelines, and identifying areas where time can be better optimized.
• Integration with workflow tools: Everhour seamlessly integrates with popular project management and task-tracking tools such as Asana, Notion, and Jira. No need to switch between multiple apps; Everhour fits right in.
• Detailed reporting: Self-employed individuals can use these reports to gain a better understanding of their work habits, identify areas of improvement, and make data-driven decisions to boost productivity.
• Budget management: Everhour allows users to track time against project budgets, ensuring that they stay within scope and don’t overspend. This feature is particularly valuable for freelancers and consultants who need to manage client expectations and project finances.
• Billing efficiency: Everhour streamlines the billing process by providing accurate time records that can be easily turned into professional invoices. This not only saves time but also promotes trust and satisfaction among clients.
• Resource allocation: Everhour’s workload and resource allocation features help self-employed professionals manage their time and efforts wisely. By keeping an eye on team member workloads and project timelines, individuals can make informed decisions about project commitments and deadlines.
• User-friendly interface: Everhour boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface that doesn’t require a steep learning curve. This is crucial for self-employed professionals who want a tool that gets them up and running quickly.
• Real-time sync: With Everhour, data is synchronized in real-time across all integrated platforms. This means that self-employed professionals can access up-to-the-minute insights into their time usage and project progress.

Everhour is the top choice for small businesses and small to mid-size teams of 5 to 50 members, including professionals like software developers, marketers, designers, consultants, lawyers, you name it!

Seamlessly integrating with popular project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira, its user-friendly interface and customizable reports make it the ultimate time tracking solution for small and mid-size teams.

With dedicated support ensuring you receive timely assistance, our team is here to help you promptly and with a smile!

2. Hubstaff

Going beyond time tracking, Hubstaff excels in comprehensive project management. It not only logs hours but also aids in project planning, expense recording, and client interaction. A versatile tool for self-employed individuals handling complex projects.

Some of its other key features include:

• Multi-platform compatibility: Use Hubstaff on various devices and platforms.
• GPS-based tracking: Ideal for on-the-go professionals who need location-based tracking.
• Productivity monitoring: Monitor activity levels and stay focused on tasks.
• Customizable alerts: Set alerts for task time limits or location-based triggers.

3. Todoist

For self-employed professionals seeking a unified approach to task and time management, Todoist shines. Seamlessly toggle between managing time and your to-do list, ensuring your work aligns with your goals.

Here are the key features of Todoist that can be highly beneficial for self-employed professionals:

• Task management: Easily create and organize tasks, projects, and to-do lists.
• Priority levels: Assign priority levels to tasks for better time management.
• Due dates and reminders: Set due dates and receive reminders for important tasks.
• Labels and filters: Categorize tasks with labels and use filters for efficient organization.
• Integration with calendar apps: Sync tasks with calendar apps or a Todoist time tracking integration for better workflow management.

These time management apps yield an array of advantages for self-employed individuals:

Everhour streamlines work hours tracking, ensuring accurate invoicing and insightful productivity analysis.

Hubstaff merges time tracking with comprehensive project management, expenses, and client engagement.

Todoist harmonizes time tracking and task management for a well-structured work approach.

Best Financial Management Apps

Effective financial management is a cornerstone of success for self-employed professionals, ensuring stability and growth in their ventures. The best expense tracker can significantly improve the quality of your work life. Here are three standout financial management apps tailored to the needs of self-employed individuals:

4. QuickBooks Self-Employed

Designed specifically for freelancers and self-employed individuals, this app simplifies expense tracking, mileage logging, and income management. It streamlines tax preparation by categorizing transactions and estimating quarterly taxes.

Other useful features include:

• Income and expense tracking: Easily track income and expenses, including categorizing transactions for tax purposes.
• Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices to clients directly from the app.
• Mileage tracking: Automatically track and categorize mileage for tax deductions.
• Quarterly tax estimations: Get real-time estimates of quarterly tax obligations based on income and expenses.
• Tax deduction maximization: QuickBooks Self-Employed suggests common tax deductions and helps you maximize them.

5. FreshBooks

Beyond invoicing, FreshBooks offers expense tracking, time tracking, and project management features. It enables you to create professional invoices, track business expenses, and monitor project profitability, making financial management seamless.

If you’re still on the fence on whether to use Freshbooks as your financial management app, here are some of its other interesting features:

• Expense tracking: Capture and categorize business expenses, helping you keep an eye on your spending.
• Bank reconciliation: Connect your bank accounts for automatic transaction imports and simplified reconciliation.
• Double-entry accounting: Utilize robust accounting features, including double-entry accounting, to maintain accurate financial records.
• Profit and loss statements: Access clear profit and loss reports to gauge your business’s financial health.
• Multi-currency support: If your business deals with international clients, FreshBooks offers multi-currency support.

6. Wave Financial

Wave is a comprehensive financial management app that covers invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting. It’s particularly beneficial for tracking business income and expenses, managing cash flow, and generating financial reports.

Other helpful features are:

• Bank connections: Link your bank and credit card accounts for automatic transaction imports and reconciliation.
• Income tracking: Keep tabs on your income sources and monitor cash flow effectively.
• Double-entry accounting: Utilize double-entry accounting principles to maintain accurate financial records.
• Payroll: Access payroll services (available in the U.S. and Canada) to handle employee payments and tax filings.
• Multi-currency support: If you deal with international clients, Wave offers multi-currency support.

These financial management apps provide substantial benefits for self-employed professionals:

QuickBooks Self-Employed simplifies tax preparation with organized transaction categorization.

FreshBooks offers a holistic approach, integrating invoicing, expense tracking, and project management.

Wave Financial empowers you with comprehensive accounting tools for well-rounded financial management.

Best Communication and Feedback-Sharing Apps

These feedback-sharing apps empower self-employed individuals to gather valuable insights and improve their products or services through user feedback:

7. Canny

Canny is a feedback-sharing platform designed for businesses and product teams. It enables you to gather feedback from your users or customers regarding product features and improvements.

Key features to take into consideration:

• You can prioritize feedback based on user voting.
• Engage with users through comments and updates.
• Seamlessly integrate with popular project management tools.

8. Usabilia

Usabilla specializes in capturing and analyzing user feedback on website and app usability. This feedback can be invaluable for self-employed web developers, designers, and digital marketers.

Other features offered are:

• Collect feedback through customizable surveys.
• Visual feedback with screenshot annotations.
• Advanced analytics and reporting.

9. AskInline

AskInline is a feedback-sharing app tailored for e-commerce businesses. It allows self-employed e-commerce professionals to gather feedback directly on product pages to enhance the online shopping experience.

What you can do when using AskInline:

• Create inline surveys on product pages
• Collect user feedback on specific products
• Use feedback to optimize product listings and conversions

These feedback-receiving apps redefine how self-employed professionals can reevaluate their work based on reviews of their clients:

Canny empowers self-employed individuals to gather and prioritize feedback efficiently, ensuring they can focus on the most impactful improvements for their product or service.

Usabilla is ideal for self-employed web professionals as it helps collect user feedback on website usability, enabling them to enhance the user experience and boost online engagement.

AskInline is tailored for e-commerce self-employed professionals, allowing them to gather feedback directly on product pages to optimize their offerings and increase sales conversions.

Best Marketing and Social Media Apps

Establishing a strong online presence is a vital aspect of self-employment, enabling individuals to amplify their self-promotion efforts and connect with a broader audience. Delve into three potent marketing and social media apps tailored to empower self-employed professionals:

10. Buffer

Buffer streamlines social media management by allowing you to schedule posts across various platforms. Its analytics feature provides insights into post engagement, assisting in refining your social media strategy.

By using Buffer, you can enjoy these invaluable features:

• Content scheduling: Buffer enables self-employed professionals to schedule posts in advance, ensuring a consistent online presence without manual effort.
• Multiple social platforms: It supports various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, allowing users to manage all their accounts from one dashboard.
• Content calendar: Users can visualize their social media content with a content calendar, making it easier to plan and organize posts.
• Analytics and insights: Buffer provides detailed analytics, helping self-employed individuals track post performance, engagement, and audience growth.

11. Canva

Canva serves as a versatile graphic design tool, simplifying content creation for social media platforms. With user-friendly templates, you can craft eye-catching visuals that resonate with your audience.

Here are some of the key features of Canva that can be useful for the freelancers:

• Design templates: Canva provides a vast library of templates tailored to different social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. These templates come in various sizes and designs, making it easy to create visually appealing posts.
• Customizable graphics: Canva allows users to add text, images, icons, and illustrations to their designs. This flexibility is crucial for creating engaging and branded social media content.
• Stock photos and elements: Canva offers an extensive collection of stock photos, icons, and illustrations that users can incorporate into their social media posts.
• Brand kit: For businesses, the brand kit feature allows you to store brand colors, logos, and fonts.
• Mobile app: Canva’s mobile app enables users to create and edit social media content on the go.

12. Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a comprehensive social media management platform that enables scheduling, monitoring, and engagement across multiple channels. It helps you stay consistent and responsive in your online interactions.

Some of the key features that can of Hootsuite include:

• Multiple social networks: Hootsuite allows you to connect and manage multiple social media profiles and accounts from a single dashboard.
• Content scheduling: You can plan and schedule posts in advance, ensuring a consistent and timely social media presence.
• Content calendar: This calendar helps you visualize your social media strategy and ensures that you have a well-planned posting schedule.
• Auto-scheduling: Hootsuite’s auto-scheduling feature automatically determines the best times to post your content based on audience engagement patterns.
• Social listening: You can track mentions, keywords, and hashtags relevant to your brand or industry.
• Analytics and reporting: Hootsuite offers robust analytics and reporting features that help you measure the performance of your social media campaigns.

These marketing and social media apps equip self-employed professionals to cultivate a robust online brand and extend their reach:

Buffer streamlines post-scheduling, ensuring your content reaches your audience at optimal times.

Canva empowers you to create captivating visuals that enhance your brand identity.

Hootsuite provides a central hub for managing social media activities, enhancing engagement with your audience.

Best Productivity and Organization Apps

Staying organized and managing tasks effectively are paramount for self-employed professionals aiming to optimize their productivity and achieve their goals. Dive into three dynamic productivity and organization apps tailored to elevate self-employed individuals:

13. Evernote

Evernote serves as a versatile note-taking app, allowing you to capture ideas, research, and to-do lists in one place. Its cross-device sync ensures your information is accessible whenever inspiration strikes.

Evernote is a versatile tool that offers several key features that make it an excellent choice for freelancers looking to enhance productivity and organization:

• Note taking: Evernote’s core functionality is its note-taking capability. Freelancers can jot down ideas, project details, to-do lists, and other important information in one place.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Evernote is available on multiple platforms, including web, desktop, mobile (iOS and Android), and even as a browser extension.
• Organization and tagging: Evernote allows users to organize their notes with notebooks and tags. Freelancers can create a structured filing system to categorize and quickly locate their notes.
• Templates: Evernote offers templates for various types of notes, such as meeting notes, project plans, and checklists.
• Search and OCR: Evernote’s powerful search function helps freelancers find specific notes, even if they only remember keywords. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) allows users to search for text within images and scanned documents.
• Document Scanning: Freelancers can use Evernote’s document scanning feature to digitize physical documents, business cards, and handwritten notes, keeping all important information in one place.

14. Trello

Trello is a visual project management app based on boards and cards. It empowers you to organize tasks, track progress, and collaborate with clients and teams in an intuitive interface.

Trello offers a range of key features to help freelancers enhance productivity and organization:

• Kanban boards: Trello’s hallmark feature is its Kanban-style boards. Freelancers can create boards for individual projects or clients, each consisting of lists and cards.
• Customization: Users can add labels, due dates, attachments, and descriptions to cards, making it easy to add context and details to tasks.
• Calendar view: Trello offers a calendar view that displays due dates from cards, providing users with a visual representation of project deadlines.
• Checklists: Within cards, you can create checklists to break down tasks into actionable steps, helping them stay organized and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
• Power-ups: Trello’s Power-Ups are integrations with third-party apps and services. You can connect Trello with tools like Google Drive, Slack, or Evernote to enhance functionality.

15. Notion

Notion is a versatile and highly customizable workspace app that has become a favorite among self-organized individuals and professionals looking to streamline their work and personal lives. Its unique combination of note-taking, task management, database, and collaboration features offers a comprehensive solution for staying organized and productive.

Let’s explore some key features that make Notion a top choice for self-organized individuals:

• Customizable workspaces: Notion allows users to create personalized workspaces where they can organize tasks, notes, and information exactly how they want.
• Versatile content blocks: Notion uses a block-based system that enables users to create and organize various types of content, including text, tables, to-do lists, calendars, and more, all within a single page.
• Task and project management: Users can create detailed task databases, set due dates, and track progress, making it ideal for self-organized individuals juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Templates and pre-built modules: Notion provides a library of templates and pre-built modules for tasks such as project management, goal setting, habit tracking, and more.

These productivity and organization apps revolutionize the way self-employed professionals approach their work:

Evernote centralizes information, ensuring no idea or task slips through the cracks.

Trello visualizes project progress and tasks, promoting efficient teamwork and project management.

Notion empowers users to create versatile workspaces, enhancing organization and productivity for both personal and professional tasks.

Best File Storage and Sharing Apps

The role of file storage and sharing apps is pivotal in the digital age, enabling self-employed professionals to manage and exchange essential documents seamlessly.

16. Dropbox

Dropbox offers cloud-based file storage and synchronization across devices. It ensures your documents are accessible from anywhere, promoting collaboration and eliminating the risk of data loss.

Take a look at some extra features Dropbox offers that can prove to be useful:

• File recovery: Deleted files can often be recovered from Dropbox’s recycle bin, offering a safety net for critical data.
• Offline access: Users can mark specific files for offline access, ensuring they can work on important documents even without an internet connection.
• File link sharing: Dropbox provides the option to share files via links, making it convenient for clients or partners to access specific documents.
• Security: Dropbox includes encryption, two-factor authentication, and remote wipe capabilities to enhance data security.

17. Google Drive

Google Drive provides a comprehensive suite of tools for file creation, storage, and sharing. It seamlessly integrates with other Google apps, fostering real-time collaboration on documents.

Google Drive offers a range of features that make it an excellent storage tool for self-organized individuals:

• Ample storage space: Google Drive provides 15 GB of free storage space, ample for personal and work-related documents, images, videos, and more.
• File organization: Users can create folders and subfolders, making it easy to categorize and organize files according to different projects or themes.
• Real-time collaboration: Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms, allowing for real-time collaborative editing and commenting on documents.
• Access anywhere: Files stored on Google Drive can be accessed from any device with internet access, making it convenient for users on the go.
• Version history: Google Drive automatically saves versions of your files, allowing you to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Search functionality: Google Drive’s powerful search feature makes it easy to locate files and documents using keywords or phrases.

18. OneDrive

OneDrive by Microsoft combines file storage with powerful collaboration tools. Its integration with Microsoft Office apps allows you to create and edit documents directly within the cloud.

OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, offers a host of features that make it an excellent storage tool for self-organized individuals:

• Generous storage capacity: OneDrive provides 5 GB of free storage space to get you started, and more can be added with paid plans.
• File organization: Users can create folders and subfolders to categorize and structure files, keeping everything neatly organized.
• Access across devices: Files stored in OneDrive can be accessed from virtually anywhere with an internet connection, on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Sharing and permissions: Users can share files and folders with others, controlling access levels with options for view-only or editing rights.
• Offline folders: Users can mark specific folders for offline access on mobile devices, making files available without an internet connection.
• Personal vault: OneDrive includes an added layer of security with a Personal Vault for sensitive files, requiring two-factor authentication to access.

These file storage and sharing apps revolutionize the way self-employed professionals approach document management:

Dropbox ensures secure file access and sharing, reducing the need for manual transfers.

Google Drive offers a versatile platform for document creation, storage, and collaborative editing.

OneDrive merges file storage and editing capabilities, promoting seamless teamwork.

Best Apps for Self-Employed: Conclusion

As seen above, the role of these apps in augmenting productivity, streamlining organization, and facilitating seamless interactions cannot be overstated. From time management and financial tracking to communication and marketing, these tools act as catalysts for efficiency and effectiveness.

We highly recommend exploring these recommended apps to build a toolkit that suits your specific needs and preferences. Start by harnessing the capabilities of Everhour for accurate time tracking, utilize financial management apps to map out your finances clearly, enhance client communication with specialized platforms, and boost productivity and organization with versatile apps.

The post 18 Best Apps for Self-Employed: Manage Every Aspect of Your Business with Ease appeared first on Everhour Blog.

✅ Upwork’s strengths, weaknesses, and issues;
✅ What do websites like Upwork offer to compete against it (for example, Upwork time tracking);
✅ Which Upwork competitors to turn to with your specific needs.

Top 5 Upwork Competitors in 2023

The main strength of Upwork is the impressive number of companies, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who support it worldwide. To a large extent, this is due to the three key factors:

💸 payment protection (= secure cooperation for both parties);
👨‍💻 a user-friendly interface;
👥 an efficient support team.

The platform’s growing popularity resulted in a self-amplifying effect: the more companies bring their projects onto the platform, the greater the number of freelancers who come looking for work, the easier it becomes for companies to find vetted freelancers to entrust their projects. And the more companies will take their business to Upwork.

So, what do websites like Upwork offer to compete against this? Below you will learn what are the five most popular Upwork competitors, and how they compare to the giant of the industry!

 1.  Clouddevs

CloudDevs is an emerging Upwork competitor gaining momentum in the world of remote talent platforms, offering specialized tech talent services for businesses and individuals seeking top-notch freelance developers and designers. 

If you’re looking for an Upwork alternative to hire pre-vetted tech professionals, CloudDevs is here to deliver. With a pre-screened talent pool of over 8000 senior devs and designers, CloudDevs can guarantee a talent match to their client’s requirements within 24 hours. Primarily focused on its US-based clientele, CloudDevs sources the majority of its talent from Latin America, providing time zone alignment for both the talents and the clients.

One of the standout features of CloudDevs is its commitment to transparent and competitive pricing. They understand the importance of budget-conscious decisions for businesses and individuals alike. Unlike some other Upwork competitors, you won’t encounter hidden costs or unexpected fees. Overall, CloudDevs offers a competitive and dynamic alternative to well-established platforms like Upwork. 

Pros and cons for businesses

Pros and cons for freelancers

🎓 PRO TIP. For hourly-based projects, you might need the best time tracking app to record the hours you’ve rendered and the proof that you are working on the project. While Upwork has a native desktop app, which you can use to log your time, these features are missing in other services. If that’s important for you – try using Everhour.

Everhour is the top choice for small businesses and small to mid-size teams of 5 to 50 members, including professionals like software developers, marketers, designers, consultants, lawyers, you name it!

Seamlessly integrating with popular project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira, its user-friendly interface and customizable reports make it the ultimate time tracking solution for small and mid-size teams.

With dedicated support ensuring you receive timely assistance, our team is here to help you promptly and with a smile!

2. SolidGigs

If you feel like you spend way too much time searching through sites like Upwork and other Upwork competitors, then you should sign up for SolidGigs. SolidGigs isn’t a marketplace like Upwork—which means they don’t take a percentage of your client revenue. Instead, it’s a lead generation tool to plug directly into your current freelance business. 

With SolidGigs, you’re assigned your very own gig-hunter who combs through thousands of job listings and sends you only the very best matches every weekday. That way, you save time, see the top 1% of freelance job listings, and spend more time doing work you enjoy.

Pros and cons for businesses

3.  Freelancer

With 1800 categories and around 32 million users, Freelancer is considered to be one of the world’s largest Marketplace-type platforms. During their more than 10 years on the market, they have become the go-to place for thousands of businesses and freelancers to collaborate over projects of all scales.

For freelancers, the clear key benefit of this platform is the immense offer of projects to choose from. In turn, businesses find all kinds of freelancers here, capable of doing almost anything, at an affordable price.

Pros and cons for businesses

Pros and cons for freelancers

 4.  PeoplePerHour 

PeoplePerHour is a British platform that mainly focuses on the European market. What’s truly interesting about PeoplePerHour is how they combined what Upwork and Fiverr offer within a single platform. Employers can post a job to which freelancers apply; freelancers can offer their services as gigs, which on PeoplePerHour are called hourlies.

Pros and cons for businesses

Pros and cons for freelancers

5.  Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff Talent was founded recently in 2013 to become one of the strongest platforms among Upwork competition. Its goal is to help all types of companies or individual employers choose trained and skillful freelancers from a large pool. Generally, small projects are offered on this site that can be paid for at a fixed price or hourly.

Numbers don’t compare to those of the largest freelance platforms. According to the same website, as of this article’s writing, Hubstaff Talent has 108K profiles registered in 100+ countries. The number of published jobs, on the other hand, is only in the lower four figures. It doesn’t mean that there are no opportunities to make money on this platform, but indeed, these are not the same conditions as those offered by larger Upwork competitors.

Pros and cons for businesses

Pros and cons for freelancers

Other Niche Upwork Alternatives For Design, Content & More

Best for design

• 99Designs: Perfect for small and medium businesses looking for skilled graphic designers.
• DesignCrowd: The best place for businesses to hire graphic and website designers from a large pool of candidates.

Best for content writing

• TextBroker: Provides ongoing content writing services in line with your specific needs and budget.

Best for developers

• Gun.io: Designed for companies that need short-term and straightforward projects done by skilled developers. 
• Toptal: Only for businesses willing to pay the top developers worldwide.
• Flexiple: Perfect to choose from a large pool of talented developers with lower rates.

Best for musicians & producers

• SoundBetter: Here you can find music producers, vetted musicians, and vocalists.
• Melody Nest: Hire vocalists and music producers, and even graphic designers for album cover designs.
• AirGigs: Ideal for businesses looking for songwriters and professional studio talent in general. 

Upwork Competitors: the Bottom Line

Essentially, all these platforms pursue the same goal. However, depending on your specific needs, some sites will be better than Upwork and others not so much. Ideally, allow yourself to try various alternatives. Sometimes it’s just a matter of testing until you find the best fit for your unique situation!

While there are many other Upwork competitors, we have pulled together the best of the best in every industry. We hope that you found this roundup of companies like Upwork helpful!

Ready to learn more? Check some of our most helpful articles on remote work below:

Your Guide to Remote Team Communication

Working from home is becoming the new norm. But it’s not without its challenges. Learn the techniques and methods for remote team communication that’ll keep everyone on track, in touch, and ready to meet their goals.

Top 11 People Management Skills (that Make a Good Manager)

In the world of business, managers have to up their game every day to stay competitive. Those who stand out have these people management skills in common…

The post 14 Best Upwork Competitors: Platforms with Lower Fees & Better Work-Life Balance appeared first on Everhour Blog.

In a fast-paced world where time is the most valuable resource, the wisdom behind this proverb is more important than ever. Running an efficient business means budgeting your time wisely and streamlining processes as much as you can. This can all be done with a time tracking system that suits your unique needs.

To make your days more productive, we rounded up the best time tracking apps for small businesses, freelancers, and personal use (with our own time tracker!).

What constitutes the ideal time tracking software?

Comprehending your time allocation becomes a catalyst for well-informed business choices. Whether working individually or as part of a small team, time tracking software provides insights into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly work trends.

Significant Utility: Employing project time tracking ensures precise compensation, instilling confidence in invoices. For teams, it addresses the question, “What tasks have you been engaged in?”

Crucial Evaluation Criteria

Real-time monitoring: Applications facilitate the initiation, pausing, and cessation of timers. Editing and manual input: Rectify tracked time, even post-task, and record overlooked timers. Reporting: In-depth breakdowns of time spent on projects, by individual, or for clients. Invoicing and exporting: Streamlines invoice generation or data export in various formats. Accessibility: Simplifies timer activation across browsers, applications, and devices.

Our Approach to App Assessment and Testing

Our app assessments are meticulously curated by seasoned experts who have dedicated their careers to software. We extensively examine and evaluate each app, gauging its performance against our established criteria. Notably, we do not accept any compensation for featuring apps or incorporating them into our articles. We prioritize the reliance our readers place in our genuine app and category appraisals.

What is the Best Time Tracking Software for Small Businesses and Companies?

For small businesses, time is money, and every minute counts. That’s why it’s important to find a time management system that keeps track of productivity while making reporting and billing more efficient. Below are our 9 best picks for small teams and freelancers.

1. Everhour: Best for native integration and deep custom reporting

Everhour is an uncomplicated time tracker that runs smoothly with your favorite project management tools, freeing you up to focus on what’s really important.

Everhour’s best feature is its ability to natively integrate with Trello, Asana, Basecamp, ClickUp, GitHub, Monday, JIRA, Notion and Todoist. There’s no need for your team to spend time learning a new system or familiarizing themselves with a new user interface. Everhour fits so smoothly into your workflow, it feels like a built-in function of the tool.

Once you set up Everhour, you can quickly see how much attention is given to each task or project, and providing you with data to prioritize and allocate resources more effectively.

Our easy-to-use reports reduce the time spent gathering data, allowing your team to serve clients without spending too much work on the reporting aspect.

Overall, Everhour is a cost-effective solution that works seamlessly with your existing project management system and gives valuable insights to help save your team a lot of time and effort.

Everhour is the top choice for small businesses and small to mid-size teams of 5 to 50 members, including professionals like software developers, marketers, designers, consultants, lawyers, you name it!

Seamlessly integrating with popular project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira, its user-friendly interface and customizable reports make it the ultimate time tracking solution for small and mid-size teams.

With dedicated support ensuring you receive timely assistance, our team is here to help you promptly and with a smile!

2. Harvest: Best for accounting, CRM, and finance software

Since 2006, Harvest has been widely used by teams of all sizes. Because it’s available as desktop, web, and mobile apps, this gives your team the flexibility to track their work however way they want. It also includes the standard features you would expect out of a time management system, such as reporting, invoice creation, as well as timesheet approval.

One of Harvest’s biggest strengths is that you can use it well beyond developer and project management tools. With integration for Xero, Zendesk, and 80 other applications, Harvest can do more than just track time. Its built-in features help you automate and streamline manual processes like data entry, which allows your team to work more efficiently and productively.

Harvest can also be combined with Forecast, a tool that visualizes where your project is going and how much of your budget remains. A week-by-week analysis lets you see how the tracked hours compare with the forecasted hours, so you can make better scheduling decisions.

💡 If you want to know how Harvest compares to Everhour, we’ve done a comparison to highlight the differences between the two.

3. Hubstaff: Best for managing remote teams

One of the biggest challenges of managing a remote team is keeping tabs on each member’s work and productivity. Hubstaff not only solves this problem with its comprehensive employee tracking tools; it also comes with automated payroll software that dishes out payments according to time tracked.

Its main feature is the timesheet app, which captures how much time each team member is spending on a particular task or project, and how their progress is. You can set deadlines and time caps on each project to make sure the team gets their priorities straight. If you really want to make sure each person is spending their time productively, you can activate the employee monitoring feature, which takes automatic screenshots, tracks keyboard and mouse usage, and which websites they are visiting during work hours.

Hubstaff includes pay rates within the timesheet and automatically pays each team member according to their hourly rate and time worked. This set-it-and-forget-it feature saves business owners the time and effort normally spent on billing and payments.

💡 It is also worth noting that Hubstaff has native Mac, Windows, Linux, and iOS apps, allowing you to track your team using their preferred platform. Hubstaff’s solution is ideal for traditional businesses, but its features aren’t for everyone. For flat organizations that operate on trust, less intrusive time trackers might be a better option.

4. Timely: Best for visualising project timelines

TimelyApp proves that time tracking and project management do not have to literally be a black-and-white thing. This well-designed web application organizes tasks and projects into a beautiful calendar, allowing you and your team members to map work in blocks of time and schedule their day more effectively.

Keeping with the calendar-like interface is Timely integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Office 365. As soon as you’ve hooked it up with these tools, meetings, workshops, and other calendar events automatically get imported into your day. With this, you can check your schedule at a glance and see if you can accommodate a new deadline or two.

Besides tracking your team’s work, TimelyApp lets you tag each activity or project phase so you can stay on top of your progress. And with the new Memory feature, everything you’ve ever worked on for that day – including emails sent – gets logged into a stunning timeline. You’ll never forget a single thing you’ve worked on, and you get a complete picture of all the billable hours your team worked on.

What is the Best Time Tracking Software for Freelancers?

Whether it’s a simple time tracker for improved productivity or an all-in-one system with reporting and invoices, we’ve identified the best time tracking software freelancers should use.

5. Toggl: Best for simple time tracking and project management

You’ve probably heard of Toggl from their free Pomodoro Chrome extension, which also works as a time tracking and reporting tool. If you liked their Pomodoro timer, you’re probably going to enjoy using their full-featured time tracker.

There are good reasons why Toggl is used by individuals and businesses alike. With mobile and desktop versions, over 80 integration, and a simple interface, your use of Toggl can be as simple or complex as your needs.

Their web interface contains everything it has to offer, from project dashboards to team management. The main focus, however, is the ability to start and stop time tracking with no fuss. The great thing about Toggl is its multi-platform experience; you can start the timer on your desktop, work offline, and end it on a different device. Your tracked time can then be converted into billable weekly reports, which makes invoicing clients a breeze.

💡 If you’re curious about Toggl’s features versus Everhour, we’ve done a detailed comparison here.

6. Hours: Best for iOS time tracking

Very rarely is a time tracking app designed for a single OS, but this narrow focus on iOS devices is part of what makes Hours a huge success. Designed by award-winning indie developer Tapity, Hours is a very simple way to get started with time tracking, whether it’s for better time management or gaining insights into your billable hours.

Using Hours is as fuss-free as installing it onto any iOS device and setting up your first timer. The idea is to create timers for every project or every task and rearrange them according to priority. Hours then tracks everything in real-time. If you need to work on several things in one morning, switching between projects is as simple as tapping the timer.

You can see your worked hours through the beautifully-designed reporting function, and view all of your activity in just one place. This lets you spot trends and allows you to readjust your priorities as needed.

💡 Hours is available for all Apple devices, including the Apple Watch.

7. TopTracker: Best for tracking time and performance

TopTracker is as clean, intuitive, and simple as it comes. Designed specifically for freelancers by freelancers, TopTracker does simple timekeeping while offering features like webcam shots and screenshots of your work in progress.

Simply set up your project and enable (or disable) the features that you like. As soon as you start working, the app ticks and tracks quietly in the background so as not to disrupt your work session. If you’re working with a team, you can also get a centralized view of your team’s productivity and projects. Simple graphs and other data can be viewed with a simple click.

💡 TopTracker is completely free and available as a web and desktop app.

8. RescueTime: Best for improving personal productivity

RescueTime has been helping professionals and freelancers stay focused since 2008. Like all the other apps we’ve covered, RescueTime tool is great at fulfilling its core function – tracking time. But what makes it different is the kind of information it captures, and how it makes this data usable.

The moment you get it up and running, RescueTime sees which windows you’re using, takes down the window name, and tracks how much time you’ve spent on it. Through a detailed report, you understand exactly which tasks or websites are eating up most of your time. RescueTime also quantifies your progress with a Productivity Score, which automatically categorizes your activities on websites and applications, then scores them. You can customize the goals and activities to suit your needs.

💡 RescueTime is available for free, but a premium upgrade gives you more sophisticated features, like detailed reports and website blocking.

9. TimeCamp: Best for robust reporting

Knowing how much time we usually spend on various tasks is crucial for efficient time management. Instead of glancing at a clock from time to time, it’s much better to keep track of your time with a flexible time tracking program. TimeCamp app not only tracks your working hours (automatically or manually) but also provides you with a wide range of reports. Basically, they’re a summary of time spent on the tasks, but depending on how you customize the tool, you’ll get priceless details on how you or your team use your working hours. 

💡 What is more, you can share your reports in different ways: send them in emails, create a link, and share it, or export them to PDF, CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets.

Choose Time Tracking Software According to Your Needs

We hope this helps you find the best time tracking software apps and best productivity apps for your business. Choosing software requires a bit of effort, but gaining more productive work hours and efficient processes in the future makes it worth your while. Try out some of these best free time tracking apps to see if it’s for you or not.

If you have questions about the time tracking tools we mentioned, our team is happy to help. Contact us anytime, or book a demo of Everhour – it’s completely free. With its intuitive interface, robust features, seamless integrations, and affordable pricing plans, Everhour empowers businesses of all sizes to effectively track time, manage projects, and enhance overall productivity. Make the smart choice for your business and elevate your time tracking experience with Everhour.

The post The Ultimate Time Tracking Software List for Efficient Work Management: 9 Best Options appeared first on Everhour Blog.