CRM vs Project Management for Freelancers: Streamline Your Workflow and Get Paid Faster
Discover the differences between CRM and project management tools for freelancers and learn how to use them to get paid faster and streamline your workflow.
You've spent hours crafting a proposal, and the client agreed to work with you. But then, nothing — no payment, no communication, and no project. You just lost a potential client and a full day of work. This is a common scenario for many freelancers, and it's because they're using the wrong tools to manage their workflow. In this post, we'll explore the differences between CRM and project management tools and show you how to use them to get paid faster and streamline your workflow.
Why this keeps happening
Freelancers often struggle with managing their workflow, and it's because they're using either a CRM or a project management tool in isolation. A CRM is great for managing client relationships and storing contact information, but it's not designed for managing projects. On the other hand, a project management tool is perfect for tracking progress and deadlines, but it's not ideal for storing client information. By using both tools together, you can create a seamless workflow that helps you get paid faster and deliver high-quality work.
Real example
Meet Sarah, a freelance writer who uses a CRM to manage her client relationships. However, she still has to manually track her projects and deadlines using a separate project management tool. One day, she forgot to send a payment invoice to a client, and the client forgot to pay her. As a result, Sarah lost $500 and had to spend hours chasing the client for payment.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Set Up Your CRM and Project Management Tool
Choose a CRM that integrates with your project management tool and set up your account. Next, create a project template that includes all the necessary fields, such as client information, project description, and deadline. Make sure to link your project template to your CRM so that you can easily access client information. For example, Sarah created a project template in her project management tool and linked it to her CRM, so she can easily access client information and track project progress.
Step 2: Integrate Your CRM and Project Management Tool
Once you have set up your CRM and project management tool, integrate them by linking your project management tool to your CRM. This will allow you to access client information and project details from within your CRM. For example, Marcus, a freelance designer, integrated his CRM with his project management tool, so he can easily access client information and track project progress from within his CRM.
Step 3: Set Up Automated Reminders
Use automated reminders to ensure timely payments and project deadlines. Set up reminders in your CRM to send payment invoices to clients on the due date. You can also set up reminders in your project management tool to notify clients of upcoming deadlines. For example, Emily, a freelance writer, set up automated reminders in her CRM to send payment invoices to clients on the due date, so she can ensure timely payments and avoid late fees.
Step 4: Set Up a Payment System
Set up a payment system that allows clients to pay invoices online. Use your CRM to send payment links to clients and track payments. You can also set up a payment gateway in your project management tool to allow clients to pay invoices online. For example, David, a freelance consultant, set up a payment system in his CRM that allows clients to pay invoices online, so he can easily track payments and avoid late fees.
Step 5: Use a Contract Template
Use a contract template to ensure all clients sign a contract before starting work. Create a contract template in your CRM that includes all the necessary fields, such as client information, project description, and payment terms. Make sure to send the contract to clients before starting work and have them sign it digitally. For example, Rachel, a freelance photographer, uses a contract template in her CRM to ensure all clients sign a contract before starting work, so she can protect herself from non-payment and disputes.
The Becflow solution
Becflow is a comprehensive platform that offers a CRM and project management tool in one place. With Becflow, you can store client contact information, track project progress and deadlines, and send automated reminders to ensure timely payments and project deadlines. Becflow also offers a payment system that allows clients to pay invoices online, and a contract template that ensures all clients sign a contract before starting work. Sign up for Becflow today and start streamlining your workflow and getting paid faster!
Get paid faster, automatically
AI contracts, invoices with payment links, and automatic reminders. All in one place. Free for 7 days.
Start free trial