Software: Learn Your Client's Project Management Tools
Integrating with your client's project management software can be time well spent
Some clients may use project management software to manage their creative needs and deliverables. As a freelancer, you can use these software platforms to provide updates on any content that you're responsible for. It can be worthwhile spending time learning project management platforms so that it's easy for you to provide updates and help meet client goals.
What you need to know about learning a client's project management software
Clients may use a variety of project management software and systems to manage their internal and external projects.
As a freelancer, it can be very useful to show your experience with project management platforms as this helps you integrate with your client’s processes and teams.
Spend some time learning the more popular project management systems like Asana, Trello, Click Up, Monday, Gather Content, and similar by reading through their online guides and testing them out.
Ask your client about their preferred project management platform, and get access if required.
Provide updates on your work and show deliverables in their software of choice.
Ask your client if they’re getting the right information from you via their software, and follow up with proactive communications as needed.
If you’re not sure what’s required of you, ask questions either within the platform itself or via other communication channels.
Benefits of understanding various project management platforms
If you mention that you understand project management platforms, that may give you an advantage when you're applying for roles.
Using project management software can help you integrate with your client's teams, which is great for your professional relationship.
Updating tasks in project management software may mean that you don't need to communicate status updates in other ways—although other communications are often a good idea.
Understanding project management software can even help you use these platforms for your own freelance business.
How to learn your client's project management software
Talk to your client about their preferred project management platform.
Ask if they manage freelance work through the software.
If they do, request access to the application.
Spend some time exploring the software and learning how it works.
Read and absorb the help guides on the software provider's website.
Start using the project management platform as you progress your tasks.
Set reminders to update each task on a regular basis.
Set up notifications from the software so that you're notified of any changes even if you don't check it every day.
Frequently asked questions
What if my client doesn't use project management software?
Not every client manages freelancers via project management software, and it's most often used by marketing agencies and similar organizations. If your client doesn't;t use project management software of their own, you might want to consider setting up a simple system to track your own work. That way, you'll be able to keep track of all your requirements, deadlines, and progress in one place, which will make it easier to manage deliverables.
What project management software should I learn?
It's good to get a grounding in the most popular ones. Some of those include Asana, Monday, ClickUp, Trello, Basecamp, Wrike, Teamwork, and Zoho Projects. Some freelance niches also use their own specialist software. For example, freelance writers might want to learn platforms like GatherContent.
Do I need a full-blown project management platform for my own freelance work?
Not necessarily—you should use what works for you. A task manager like Todoist, TickTick, or Google Tasks might be enough for your needs, especially if you're not managing a ton of complex projects at once.