Time tracking is the systematic recording of work hours. For freelancers, it's the foundation for getting paid accurately and understanding how you spend your workday.
What is Time tracking?
Time tracking is the practice of recording the time you spend on tasks or projects. It involves logging start and stop times, often with notes on the activity. This creates a detailed record of your work hours.
Why is this important?
It ensures you bill clients correctly for hourly work. Tracking time also helps you analyze your productivity, estimate future projects more accurately, and provides proof of work for client disputes.
How does it work?
You manually log time in a spreadsheet or use a dedicated app. These tools often run in the background, tracking time per project or task. You then review and compile these logs into invoices or reports for clients.
Pros and cons
Key benefits include accurate billing, valuable productivity insights, and clear client communication. Potential downsides are the administrative overhead and the feeling of being monitored, which can cause stress for some.
Conclusion
Mastering time tracking is non-negotiable for a successful freelance business. It protects your income and provides the data needed to work smarter. Treat it as a core business habit, not an optional task.
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