Time Tracking Software for Freelancers

There are many things that come with working on a project independently, whether you're a freelancer or just helping out a friend with some work. Costs like printing supplies, phone bills, and time spent on filing all factor in to each and every project you do. It's a pain, but its necessary. Clients tend to not realize that freelancers typically spend about 60% of an entire project actually working on a project! All the little stuff adds up.

It's important to, first of all, explain to the client everything you are going to do prior to a job. This is to ensure they understand what you do and, quite frankly, to make sure all the bases are covered just in case a client is unhappy with the procedures you work by.

The second most important aspect of being a freelancer is to make sure you track your time. It's very easy to create your own spreadsheets or write down the time of each of your tasks, but I guarantee that will end up costing you money - it's very easy to miss something doing it that way.

I use a time tracking software called Fanurio. What Fanurio does is supply you with an easy-to-use application on your computer that tracks your project time for you. All you need to do is press the "start" button when you start a project, and the "stop" button when you finish. Of course, some projects are not done in one sitting. That's fine. Fanurio allows you to provide as many "sessions" to a project as you need. In the end, the application adds up all the time and you're done.

How does it calculate your earnings? Well, before you begin a project, you set up a project file in the application. You are allowed to very easy define a RATE for each project (even different rates for different parts of one project), and will create an invoice when you're ready to show one to your client.

I recommend viewing Fanurio's website : http://www.fanuriotimetracking.com/index.html

*** I am in no way affiliated with Fanurio - simply enjoy their product! ***

There are many other options out there and there's always one that will fit your needs. Realize, that this is not meant to "squeeze every penny out of the client". Oh, no. It's meant to guarantee you make every penny you deserve!