Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team It is easy to sign up for too many tools. A one-person business really needs only a handful, each doing a clear job. This guide walks through the categories in a sensible order, with a free or low-cost place to start in each and links to our detailed comparisons.
Details were checked on 19 September 2026. Free plans and prices change, so confirm on each company’s site.
1. Get paid: invoicing and accounting
This comes first because it is how you earn. In the US, Wave Starter is free and FreshBooks and QuickBooks are paid options; in the UK, look at Zoho Invoice and FreeAgent. Read our guides to the best accounting software for US freelancers and UK sole traders.
2. Find and keep clients: CRM and scheduling
A free CRM such as HubSpot, Capsule or Zoho CRM stops leads slipping away, and a booking page from Cal.com or Calendly saves email chains. See best free CRM and Calendly vs Cal.com.
3. Grow an audience: email marketing
An email list is an audience you own. Kit and MailerLite both list free plans. See MailerLite vs Kit.
4. Stay organized: projects, time and automation
Pick one project tool, one time tracker if you bill by the hour, and automation only for repetitive jobs. See project management, time tracking and Zapier vs Make.
5. Stay safe: a password manager
You hold the keys to client and business accounts, so use a password manager and two-step login. See Bitwarden vs 1Password.
6. Your home online: a website
A simple site builds credibility. Compare hosting terms carefully, because promotional prices need long commitments. See Hostinger vs Bluehost.
A simple order to add tools
- Week 1: invoicing and a password manager
- Week 2: a booking page and a simple CRM or contact sheet
- Later: email marketing, a project tool, time tracking and automation as your work grows
Also see our list of free software for freelancers.
Frequently asked questions
How many tools do I really need?
Many freelancers do well with three to five: invoicing, a password manager, a scheduler, a project or task tool and email if they market.
Should I pay for software from day one?
Not usually. Free plans cover most needs at the start.
What if I outgrow a free plan?
Check the upgrade price first, and make sure you can export your data.
Related reading: How to Get Paid Faster as a Freelancer: 10 Practical Tips
Prices and features were checked on 19 September 2026 and can change. Always confirm on the company’s website.
Not sure what you’re actually spending across everything? The software subscription cost calculator adds it all up in one place.