1. One Word: Google
You can literally manage your entire online business for free using all the apps provided by Google, including real time document sharing, blogging software, email and an interactive calendar. Granted, some of the stuff is simple and has limitations; but if you’re starting out and aren’t familiar with a lot of the other apps this is a great “one stop shop” for everything you need.
2. Taxes for Freelancers
A comprehensive tutorial for calculating the taxes you owe, including depreciation on your home office and protecting your losses.
3. Creative Commons
A site which lets you license your photography or graphic designs with various levels of permissions. Creative Commons is a non-profit organization and offers their licenses for free, making it simple to protect your work and share it with others.
4. You Send It
No need to take up space in your email when sending bulky files. You can instantly send files up to 2GB to your clients using this free service. They will receive an email with a safe link to download your file directly to their computer.
5. Protolize
Web designers and developers collaborate and rank the best web tools for their work.
6. Form Site
A service with several levels (including a free basic) which allows you to create web-based surveys and forms to gather valuable information or register your clients for services, appointments, etc.
7. Fax Zero
Free internet fax service to send signed documents to companies who require a paper fax.
8. Free Contracts for Freelancers
Includes free templates, how-to articles, and tips for drafting your own agreement, regardless of the type of work you do.
9. Freelance Switch
A massive freelance community that includes a job board and message board for making connections. Includes an informative blog that will keep you up on the news affecting the freelance market.
10. Zoho
If Google Apps had a big brother Zoho would be it. This service provides an enormous array of business management tools that Google does not (yet), including invoicing software, document management, presentation software, a database creator, a customizable wiki…and much more. Pricing is very reasonable starting at $12 a month for up to three users.
Most of the sites listed here are either free or available a nominal cost. However, for each item on this list, there are at least twenty more similar sites out there with a loyal following. I would love to hear some comparisons between these sites and the ones you are using. Do you have a favorite place to search for freelance job postings? Are you using another form-building site? Is there something you’ve used that you think everyone should know about? Leave a comment and let me know.