Plugin page – Download on WordPress.org

Test your new theme before letting it go live. Once you activate this plugin, only the admin (or connected users, depending on the viewing rights you chose) can see the new theme in action. Perfect if you want to make a few changes to your theme in real life confitions.

Test data creator

Download on WordPress.org

Install in a couple of clicks the data you need to build and test your WordPress theme. The data installed by this plugin includes posts, pages, comments, and many html tags included in the posts to make sure you don’t forget to style some elements.

Device theme switcher

Download on WordPress.org

Makes creating specific themes for tablets and smartphones much easier. Install the plugin, then select which theme you want for each device.

Hyper cache clear link

Download on WordPress.org

Obviously only works if you are using Hyper cache caching plugin. Adds a button to your admin bar so you can delete the cache in one click. A time-saver if you are developing on a cached site.

Theme check

Download on WordPress.org

Test your theme to see if it complies with the latest theme review standards. In your admin, you will be able to run the same automated testing tools as WordPress.org does when you try to upload a theme. Definitely a must have if you want to comply with good coding standards.

Plugin test drive

Download on WordPress.org

Test a plugin to see if it does what you want and integrates well to your site. Perfect to work on the integration of a plugin to your template without destroying the look and feel of your site.

With a Cookie

Modern Nature

Glossy Type

Simple

Metallic

On Fashion

The Falcon

Lifestyle

Floral

Anchure Brochure

Let’s Dance

Abstract

Pop-Out Brochure

Corporate

Driven

Multi-folded

Personal

Expat

The Passport

Image by OmirOnia

Don’t forget to add any comments you may have. Maybe you have some additional tips as well?

1. Make templates

Make your own templates for emails, proposals, budgets and so on. This way you wont have to make them over and over again.

2. Work when you’re at work!

Many of us do the major mistake of doing too much when we’re in the office. Try to minimize the time you’re spending on social media, personal errands and reading newspapers. If you’re more efficient when you’re in the office, you’ll be saving a lot of time that feels like work. This’ll eventually give you more spare time, more energy and a more positive work experience.

3. Be at work when you’re supposed to

If you’re working as a freelancer or just have a lot of freedom to work elsewhere and choose your own hours, this one is extremely important. As tempting as it may sound to sleep all day and work all night, this’ll get you burned out and you’ll feel as if working is all you do. By getting up early you’ll get to take advantage of some very useful hours of the day. And when your friends and family are done at work in the afternoon, you can be too! Most likely you will work more efficient earlier in the day.

4. Become a software expert

If you’re using one, or a couple of programs a lot during your day, knowing the software will save you many hours. Attending a class or reading a book on your software will give you many great tips. Even if you’ve worked with it for years and years, there’s a good chance you’re not doing everything the fastest and best way. Setting up the software interface, using automation/scripts and more can quickly save you hours every week.

5. Organize your desk / office space

If your office is a mess, there’s a good chance you have to keep looking for things over and over again. This takes time and often also affects your creativity and efficiency. By having a clean work environment you will get many benefits immediately.

6. Eat where you’re at

If you’re one of those who go out for lunch daily, you’d be surprised to see how much time (and money) you spend on that post. It’s good to be able to get out to get some fresh air and/or meet clients every now and then, but you should keep it to a minimum. Buy what you need to make your own lunch in the office as often as possible and you’ll see how much more time you get for work.

7. Make a schedule for every week

Most likely the most important tip. Make schedules for every day to make sure you’re able to meet your deadlines. This way you know what you have to do every day to be on track, plus be able to adjust along the way. A great timesaver that is often underestimated. You should give it a try!

Image by Chris Gilbert

Conclusion

There are many things that can be done to be more efficient and save time. We hope our tips have been of use to you. Let us know if you have any of your own tips you’d like to add!

Image by Jakub Krechowicz

We hope you will find these helpful!

A good overview

Take the extra hour or two to make a good overview of the money going in and out every month. Not only do you to some degree need this in most countries for your taxes, but it’ll also help your business a lot. Instead of getting any unexpected “surprises” at the end of the year, keeping track monthly is important.

Where can you save costs?

Once you have your overview it’s easier to contact insurance companies, phone and Internet companies and check other costs to see if there are any better options available. My own experience has shown me that there can be hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars to save from looking through your options.

Pay your bills (on time)

Image by Svilen Milev

Paying your bills when you’re supposed to pay them, will actually both save you money and give you a good relationship to those involved. Most businesses take extra fees and interest when you’re paying too late, and if you ever need a credit in any special situation – a clean record will be very helpful. Once you’re starting to wait with a bill or two, you’ll quickly be in trouble.

Send out your invoices (on time)

Another mistake we often do, is to wait too long before sending out invoices. This can lead to late payments, or just the fact that we don’t have the money when we need it. Make a monthly routine to send them out regularly. This way you establish a steady cash flow in to your business, and it is also then easier to plan better.

Avoid credits and loans if possible

At some point you’ll struggle financially. Even if everything is going really well at the moment, never forget that there will most likely be harder times around a corner. Getting a loan/credit can be very tempting, but never forget that there’s interest and everything (and then some) will need to be paid back. If you can avoid it, that’s the best. It’s always smart to have some money before you go freelancing, plus saving some of your income from when business is good.

Do it yourself

Do everything you can do yourself. Make your own website, your own business cards and so on. Many unnecessary costs can be avoided, and you’ll be surprised by how much you actually can save on this.

Conclusion

Saving money as a freelancer can be done in many ways. The most important is to keep an eye on your finances at all times. Look for possibilities and not limitations.
Good luck!