How do freelancers track hours?
Why tracking time matters
As a freelancer, one of the most important things you can do is track your hours. Knowing how much time you're spending on a project can help you estimate future projects, budget your time wisely, and make sure you're being paid fairly for the work you're doing. But how do you actually track your hours? Read on to find out.
There are lots of different ways to track your hours as a freelancer. You can use a paper timesheet, an online tool like TimeNavi, or any number of other technologies. The important thing is to find what works for you and to be consistent in tracking your time.
Time log method
One popular method for tracking time is Laura Vanderkam's time log method. To do this, simply carry a notebook with you throughout the day and jot down what you're doing and for how long every 30 minutes or so. At the end of the day, you'll have a record of exactly where your time went. This method is great for getting an overview of how you're spending your time, but it can be somewhat cumbersome to keep up with if you're not used to carrying a notebook around with you everywhere you go.
Can I just use my calendar?
If carrying a notebook sounds like too much of a hassle, there are plenty of online tools that can help you track your hours. TimeNavi is one such tool that's specifically designed for freelancers. With TimeNavi, all you need to do is log what you are doing in your calendar. The app will then automatically generate a report of how much time you've spent on each task, which makes it easy to see where your time is going and make adjustments accordingly.
Tracking your hours as a freelancer is important for maintaining accurate records and budgeting your time wisely. There are lots of different ways to track your hours, so find what works best for you and be consistent in using it. Whether it's a paper timesheet or an online tool like TimeNavi, regular tracking will give you valuable insights into how you're spending your time—and that knowledge is power when it comes to running a successful freelance business.