Freelancing is more than just working independently — it’s a stepping stone to building your own business. Millions of professionals either aspire to become their own boss or are already self-employed, and successful entrepreneurs know that a lot of their achievements come from having a great business operations system.
Running a business of one requires a blend of the right platforms for finding work, managing taxes, organizing administrative tasks, and promoting your services effectively. While no single tool covers every need, using the right combination of platforms can help you manage your freelance business efficiently and build a path to sustainable success.
Finding work: top platforms for freelancers
Finding consistent work is one of the biggest challenges for freelancers. The right platform can connect you with clients, offer diverse job opportunities, and help you build a steady income stream:
- Upwork: Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, offering job listings across various industries. It supports both short-term projects and long-term contracts, giving freelancers the flexibility to choose work that aligns with their expertise.
- Fiverr: For freelancers who want to sell specific services or “gigs,” Fiverr provides a platform to showcase work and attract clients. It is particularly beneficial for creative professionals, marketers, and tech experts looking to build a portfolio on its gig marketplace.
- Toptal: Toptal connects top-tier talent with high-quality clients, focusing on design, finance, and software development. The platform’s exclusive marketplace for freelancers offers access to premium opportunities through a rigorous vetting process.
Combining multiple platforms can increase your chances of finding work that matches your skills and business goals. Each platform offers unique features, so choosing the right mix can help you build a robust client pipeline and create a foundation for a successful freelance career.
Building your business foundation: tax, admin, and benefits
While it may not seem as glamorous as launching a new marketing campaign or fine-tuning your personal branding, a strong business foundation is the most important aspect to stay focused on.
Tax planning
Freelancers handle all their taxes, including self-employment tax. Using tools that automate income tracking, calculate tax estimates, and generate financial reports can simplify this process. Keeping accurate records aligns with best practices outlined by the IRS for small businesses and self-employed individuals.
Administrative tools
Efficient tools for managing contracts, invoices, and expenses will enhance your business operations and keep you from getting bogged down by day-to-day busy work. Platforms that integrate administrative tasks with accounting software help reduce manual work and improve organization.
Benefits management
Traditional employee benefits like health insurance and retirement plans can be challenging for freelancers to access. Besolo’s platform provides tailored solutions, offering benefits management, tax support, and administrative tools specifically designed for self-employed professionals.
Establishing a solid foundation in these areas supports business efficiency and positions you for growth opportunities, including the potential to scale your freelance work into a formal business structure like an LLC or S Corp.
Marketing and sales platforms for freelancers
A strong marketing and sales strategy helps freelancers attract clients, build their brand, and maintain a steady workflow. The right tools will simplify managing leads, creating a professional online presence, and generating sales opportunities.
HubSpot for CRM
HubSpot offers a robust customer relationship management (CRM) platform that helps freelancers manage client relationships, track communications, and organize sales pipelines. Its tools allow you to automate follow-ups, manage leads efficiently, and gain insights into client interactions, which can enhance your marketing strategy and boost sales.
Wix for website creation
A professional website acts as a digital storefront for your freelance business. Wix provides an accessible and flexible platform for building customized websites without needing advanced design skills. With built-in SEO tools and integration with marketing features, Wix helps freelancers showcase their portfolios, highlight services, and attract potential clients.
Clay for prospecting
Clay offers advanced lead generation and outreach tools to help freelancers find prospects and build a client base. The platform allows users to create targeted lists of potential clients and streamline communication, which can improve their chances of securing new projects.
Upwork for outsourcing specific tasks
Upwork is not only a marketplace for finding freelance work but also a valuable resource for hiring support for your own business. Freelancers can use Upwork to outsource tasks, collaborate with other professionals, and manage workloads more effectively. Whether you need help with marketing, design, or administrative tasks, Upwork provides access to a broad talent pool.
Using a mix of these platforms allows freelancers to manage marketing and sales efficiently while focusing on delivering quality work to clients. Each tool offers unique features that support business growth, from building brand visibility to enhancing sales processes.
Leveraging external help and resources
Even the most self-sufficient freelancers can benefit from external support. Outsourcing tasks that are outside your expertise or that consume too much time can free you up to focus on higher-value work. Platforms like Upwork provide access to skilled professionals who can assist with everything from administrative tasks to creative projects. Hiring external help can improve efficiency, reduce stress, and enhance the quality of your deliverables.
For example, platforms like Besolo offers additional support by connecting you with resources and a community of experts, including CPAs who can help you navigate complex financial circumstances when setting up your business. Whether you need help navigating business administration, laying your financial foundation, or accessing educational resources, Besolo’s platform provides a one-stop solution.
Besolo: the best freelancer platform for your business of one operations
The right platforms and resources help build a sustainable and successful freelance business by streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. Using a combination of tools for finding work, managing business foundations, and promoting your services can help you grow your income and achieve your professional goals.
The four biggest issues that force people back to a regular job:
- Demand – Can’t find clients/jobs – this is not handled by Besolo (today)
- Admin/compliance – Company formation/compliance, accounting, invoicing, time tracking – Besolo fixes this
- Taxes – Annual and quarterly estimated taxes with licensed tax pros – Besolo fixes this
- Benefits access – Healthcare, 401K, dental, vision, life, etc. – Besolo fixes this
Besolo offers a comprehensive platform for solo entrepreneurs, integrating time tracking, invoicing, accounting, and business support features into one seamless experience. Becoming a member gives you access to powerful tools that simplify self-employment and provide a clear path to business success.
Start your journey toward business independence: join Besolo today and unlock resources that transform your freelance business into a thriving enterprise.
