Tools for Freelancers and Independent Practitioners
Starting your own business is rewarding but also takes a lot of hard work. Here is a list of resources, including some free ones, that I’ve found helpful as a freelance writer and independent public relations practitioner. Many also served me well in an office setting. I’ll be updating this as I discover more useful tools.
If you have questions about these tools or suggestions for other tools, please leave a comment on this post, ask me on Twitter or send me an email.
Writing
Hemingway App — Paste your writing into this website and the app will grade the readability and point out errors and sentences that could be simplified.
Scrivener — Especially useful for organizing long-form content. You can keep your research and your writing in one place.
Grammarly — Free online grammar checker.
Website
Squarespace — Easily and quickly create a website for your business without needing to know how to code. You also can create email campaigns.
Graphic Design
Canva — The free version enables you to create professional-looking graphics and probably is good enough for most of your needs, such as graphics for blog posts or social media. The paid version has a few more tricks up its sleeve.
Productivity
TextExpander — Create snippets that save you time. You type a short abbreviation and TextExpander expands that into longer text, from single words to multiple paragraphs.
Things — Simple, beautiful and intuitive task manager.
Admin
17hats — I use 17hats to organize and automate my small business, and I swear by it. Their feature-packed platform saves me time and money, and lets me focus on what I do best – not paperwork. if you use my link, you can get special pricing. Be sure to use this referral code, bxnbdzwpzw, to get the invitation-only pricing.
Books
The Win Without Pitching Manifesto, by Blair Enns — This book was recommended to me by a PR colleague and has been a very helpful guide. It’s full of steps for owners of independent creative businesses to take to win business without first parting with their thinking or writing lengthy proposals.
The Upbeat, Oganized Home Office, by Darla Demorrow — Filled with ideas for organizing your home office and making it a space where you enjoy working.
Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life, by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein — Yes, another organizing book. I geek out on this stuff. This book offers strategies to help you eliminate clutter.
My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, by Donald M. Rattner — Lots of techniques for shaping your home (including your home office) to inspire creativity.
For Nonprofits
Some resources especially useful for nonprofit marketing communicators and solo practitioners working with nonprofits:
Academy for Nonprofit Excellence — Professional development programs focused on best practices for nonprofits in Hampton Roads, Virginia. That includes communications training.
Nonprofit Marketing Guide — This training and coaching company helps nonprofit communicators learn their jobs, love their work and lead their teams. Sign up for a free membership to have access to a ton of useful information