Remote work has never been more popular. For freelancers and entrepreneurs, the flexibility to work from anywhere comes with numerous benefits—freedom, flexibility, and more access to a global market. However, with this autonomy also comes the challenge of managing clients, projects, and finances efficiently. This is why you need to use the best remote work platforms
Thankfully, a range of tools and platforms has emerged to help remote workers streamline their day-to-day operations while staying productive and organized. Below, we’ll explore some of the best remote work platforms designed specifically for freelancers and entrepreneurs, covering everything from project management to invoicing tools.
1. Trello – Simplify Project Management
What it’s for: Task organization and project management
If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful tool to manage your workload, Trello is an excellent choice. This platform uses a visual, card-based board system to help you manage tasks and track progress. Each “board” represents a project, while individual “cards” can hold tasks, deadlines, and notes.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- Ideal for solo professionals and small teams
- Integration with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Dropbox
Pro Tip: Use Trello to create content calendars, client workflows, or even personal goals alongside professional ones.
2. Slack – Streamlined Team Communication
What it’s for: Communication and collaboration
Even if you’re a solopreneur, the odds are that you work with clients, contractors, or collaborators. Slack helps you manage conversations in a structured and professional way without cluttering your email inbox. The platform organizes conversations into channels, making it easy to track topics or projects.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Reduces email overwhelm
- Supports integrations with numerous other platforms
- Supports video and audio calls for client meetings
Pro Tip: Create dedicated channels for specific clients or gigs to ensure all relevant information stays centralized.
3. QuickBooks Self-Employed – Master Your Finances
What it’s for: Expense tracking, invoicing, and tax preparation
Managing finances is a common pain point for freelancers and entrepreneurs—but QuickBooks Self-Employed has your back. This platform specifically caters to independent workers, helping you track income, organize expenses, and prepare for tax season.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Tracks business expenses and separates them from personal spending
- Automatically calculates quarterly tax estimates
- Can generate and send invoices directly to clients
Pro Tip: Connect your bank account to QuickBooks for automated tracking of payments and deductions.
4. Zoom – Professional Meetings from Anywhere
What it’s for: Virtual meetings and webinars
While remote work often minimizes physical meetings, virtual calls and check-ins are crucial for building relationships with clients. Zoom is one of the most reliable platforms for hosting seamless online meetings, whether it’s a one-on-one chat or a group webinar.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- High-quality video calls with screen sharing
- Recording features for saving meeting notes
- Breakout rooms for team workshops
Pro Tip: Personalize your Zoom meeting room with a professional background to make a great impression on clients.
5. Notion – All-in-One Workspace
What it’s for: Organization, task management, and collaboration
Notion combines all the tools you might need for project management, note-taking, and team communication in one platform. This tool’s flexibility is unmatched, making it a favorite for anyone looking for an all-in-one workspace. You can plan projects, write content, manage timelines, and even store client files – all in one place.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Customizable templates for any workflow
- Collaborative features for sharing content and updates with clients or team members
- Aesthetic and intuitive design to enhance productivity
Pro Tip: Use Notion to create an easily shareable, professional portfolio or project roadmap for clients.
6. Canva – Standout Graphics and Presentations
What it’s for: Graphic design and visual content creation
Need social media graphics, pitch decks, or email templates? Canva makes design accessible even for those who don’t have formal graphic design training. It offers drag-and-drop editing and thousands of templates.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Great for creating professional, branded content
- Affordable pricing for premium features
- No steep learning curve – ideal for busy professionals
Pro Tip: Create brand identity kits in Canva to ensure consistent fonts, colors, and styles across all your designs.
7. Hubstaff – Time Tracking Made Simple
What it’s for: Time management and productivity monitoring
When you’re juggling multiple clients and projects, efficient time tracking is essential. Hubstaff allows you to track your work hours and generate timesheets, which can be helpful when billing clients by the hour.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Tracks time spent on specific tasks or projects
- Generates professional timesheets for client billing
- Integrates with payroll systems
Pro Tip: Use Hubstaff Insights to analyze which projects or tasks are taking up the most time and adjust your workflow accordingly.
8. Fiverr Workspace – Run Your Freelance Business Efficiently
What it’s for: End-to-end freelance business management
Fiverr Workspace, formerly known as AND.CO, is specifically designed for freelancers. It provides tools for tracking tasks, creating contracts, and managing invoices in a sleek, user-friendly platform.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Simple proposal and contract templates tailored for freelancers
- Built-in client relationship management tools
- Allows you to track revenues and expenses in real-time
Pro Tip: Use the smart invoicing feature in Fiverr Workspace to send automatic follow-ups for unpaid bills, saving you time on reminders.
9. Basecamp – Simplify Your Projects
What it’s for: Team collaboration and project management
Basecamp is a tried-and-true platform that focuses on collaboration. From to-do lists to shared discussions and client portals, Basecamp streamlines communication and keeps everyone on the same page.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- A user-friendly interface that’s ideal for client-facing projects
- Messaging tools perfect for collaborating with clients and team members
- Allows for a free trial to test it out before committing
Pro Tip: Use Basecamp’s “Client Access” feature to keep your clients updated without overwhelming them with too much information.
10. PayPal – Simplified Payment Solutions
What it’s for: Payment transfers and invoicing
PayPal remains one of the most popular payment tools for remote workers. Whether you’re sending invoices or receiving payments, PayPal makes transactions secure and simple.
Why it works for freelancers and entrepreneurs:
- Widely recognized and trusted globally
- Flexible payment options, including credit cards
- Offers invoicing tools to track and manage payments
Pro Tip: Keep track of international client payments with PayPal’s built-in currency conversion tool.
Key Takeaways to Maximize Remote Work Success
Selecting the best remote work platforms for your needs is crucial to succeeding as a freelancer or entrepreneur in a remote environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started:
- Assess Your Needs: Evaluate which areas of your business process need improvement, such as project management or invoicing.
- Start Small: Experiment with free versions of tools to ensure they align with your business. Most platforms offer trial periods.
- Focus on Integration: Choose platforms that integrate seamlessly with each other to streamline your operations.
Ultimately, the best remote work platforms are those that save time, improve efficiency, and make your work more enjoyable. By leveraging the tools mentioned here, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful remote work setup.
Are you currently using any of these tools or platforms? Share your favorites—and tips—in the comments below!