As a freelancer, you likely have your routine and scheduling down to an art form. However, there is always room for improvement—especially when it comes to the right technology. From productivity to creating the best results, the technology you use can make a big impact. To help take your freelancing business to the next level, here are the 6 pieces of tech you need:
A Better Laptop
For a freelancer, there is nothing more frustrating or time-wasting than a slow or outdated computer, especially if your services rely on quick response times and high-quality imagery. For designers, photographers, developers, and others who need a graphics-specialized computer they can count on, laptops with 4k displays are well worth your consideration.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Distractions are the death of your productivity, so don’t risk it. Being able to ignore the blender at the local coffee shop or the chatter of your roommates is invaluable when it comes to hitting your deadlines. Equip yourself with a pair of high-end noise-canceling headphones that will drown out distractions and help you stay focused, all day long. When choosing a pair of noise-canceling headphones, be sure to read reviews and consider the style that will work best for you.
Do you prefer over-the-ear or in-ear headphones? Will a band on top of your head bother you? These are all considerations to think about before making a purchase so that you don’t end up with buyers’ remorse.
High-Storage Memory Cards
If you’re constantly creating for your clients, all of that work has to be stored somewhere. For any busy freelancer, a high-storage memory card (or two) is going to be necessary at some point.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options to meet your needs, some of which can hold up to 960 GB. Using a high-quality, high-storage memory card will help you keep your computer running at the highest level, and make sure you have everything you need on-file and easily accessible.
Reliable Power Bank
Unless you always work from home, you have likely found yourself standing around waiting for a seat next to a charger to open. Or even worse, in the position of scrambling for a charger at the sudden realization that your laptop battery is about to die in the middle of an important project. Say goodbye to this major source of stress with a reliable and fast-acting power bank.
A Multi-Sensor Meditation Device
Tech that enhances your mental health and creativity is just as important as the ones you work on. If you find yourself often feeling burned out from working in overdrive all the time, a multi-sensor meditation device may be the solution to your problems.
A necessity for any creative who spends virtually unlimited hours on the computer, these devices can monitor your brain activity and provide guided meditation to help you relax and keep your brain operating at optimal levels by reducing stress and improving focus.
Mini Standing Desk
While this isn’t necessarily tech, a mini standing desk can help boost your productivity and creativity by changing up your perspective. Not to mention, getting a good stretch in feels good when you’ve been leaning over your screen for hours. Plus, it can prevent injuries, aches, and pains that are common for those who work on the computer day after day.
Whether you’re working freelance to make extra money between classes while you’re in college or need to make extra income when you’re not in the office, using these tools to take your performance to the next level will surely help you impress clients, and hopefully make more money.
In addition to these six key pieces of technology, don’t forget about the powerful software and online tools out there, like HubSpot, Basecamp, and Calendly. Together, these solutions can make freelancing easier than ever by helping you stay organized, automating tasks, and sending you helpful reminders—especially when they’re backed by the best technology available.
Of course, technology is an investment that will likely need to be budgeted out over several months, but it will pay off in the long run. With all of these tools, you will be equipped to grow your side business, create more impressive results than ever before, and work more productively.
