I use apps to organize everything, network, and make sure I spend my time right. From collaboration tools and project management to social networks, these are a few of my favorite apps for remote workers. All of them offer free versions and make your life easier.
Asana: Project management, lists, and life management
Photo by Asana
If I woke up one day and Asana would be gone, I would be lost. I really don’t remember how I managed before!
I’ve experimented with lots of different tools and prefer Asana for its fine balance between offering comprehensive project management features without being too complex. It’s easy to get started, collaborate, set up and manage different types of projects, customize, and manage your business (and life).
I manage everything from my business to my travel plans, bucket- and shopping lists, recommendations (on books, movies, etc), and things you can and can’t imagine here.
Lastpass: Save all your passwords in one place
When you’re managing big projects for your clients and your business is growing you better keep your passwords organized and safe. Lastpass allows you to do just that and also suggests new secure passwords. Its browser plugin makes it super smooth to access everything you need without having to think twice.
Google Suite: Storage, work on the go, share work with others
Photo by Stephen Phillips at Unsplash
Google is simple and scalable when it comes to managing and storing your content. Google Sheet is great for content planning and different types of overviews, while docs are good for all kinds of content and templates. Google Analytics and Search Console lets you follow up on performance. I also use Google Photos to store photos and Google Meet for meetings.
Meeting Planner: Schedule meetings across time zones
I’ve traveled full-time since 2016 and worked with clients all over the world. Sometimes with teams spread out across the most extreme time zones. It’s easy to get confused and Meeting Planner helps you to sort that out. Just insert whatever destinations and get a simple overview of the time differences. It also indicates normal business hours in different countries.
Canva: Feel like a designer even if you’re not
Photo by Canva
While Canva probably won’t replace custom designs from your favorite designer, it often does the job! Create beautiful presentations, professional marketing material, social media content, and more. I’ve even put together logos when I’ve tested different business ideas. Your designer can also create templates that you and your team can re-use to save precious time.
Krisp: Noise Cancellation and Echo Removal
I spend about 6-8 months in Latin America every year. Hustling street vendors, random concerts, and happenings are a part of the daily routine. Whether you have thin walls and noisy neighbors with barking dogs or screaming babies, Krisp blocks it all out for you! On their website, you can test before and after, and see the magic in action.
Hootsuite: Social media management
Photo by Hootsuite
Whether you’re managing social for your clients or just for your own business, Hootsuite lets you create, schedule, publish and manage your social content across social networks from a single dashboard. Its analytics features has also improved over the last couple of years. Helping you to boost performance with everything from smart social listening and engagement to AI-powered social commerce.
Headspace: Daily Meditation
I give Headspace all the credit for me being able to finally make mediation a daily habit! I’ve been meditating daily since the beginning of 2020 and Headspace only gets better. Choose between courses or go for your daily recommendation.
I love how they are working on making it more of a holistic lifestyle/mental wellness app. Now it also features workouts, inspirational videos, and more.
Slack: Your Virtual Headquarter
Photo by Slack
Slack is my favorite tool when you need more interactive teamwork setups. It lets you set up different channels for your teams and projects (like Marketing, General, Women’s Day, etc.) to get work done.
From industry leaders to small startups, its userbase has grown to millions and it’s easy to understand why!
Duolingo: Pick up a new language
When I started my location-independent lifestyle back in 2016 I only spoke Swedish and English. Since then, I’ve picked up 3 more languages and Duolingo has been one of my go-to apps to make that possible. I started using it when I couldn’t say more than hi and now still use it to maintain languages fresh when I’m based in other parts of the world. It lets you follow friends and other people too, which helps keep that motivation going.
Linkedin: THE place for professional networking
Photo by Souvik Banerjee at Unsplash
I was off LinkedIn for years since I used to think it was stiff and lacking personality. However, that has really changed! With more than 750 million members, it’s, without doubt, the best platform for professional networking. I love how people are showing more of their personality these days. There are lots of stories of people who have transformed their life by posting regularly on LinkedIn. It’s a great platform to build your network and industry authority.
Facebook: Stay in touch and connect based on interests and location
Facebook is still by far the social network that has the most groups to offer for digital nomads and expat communities. Many startups have tried to conquer the spot as the go-to source but no one has really succeeded yet (even if that might change in the future).
For now, Facebook is a great channel to join groups, get information, network and keep in touch with friends and family. The options are endless! Ranging from female digital nomads, to digital nomads in certain countries, cities, professions, hobbies, and so on. Within those groups, a quick message introducing yourself usually does the trick. I’ve made lots of new friends this way!
Audible: Networking and keeping in touch
Photo by Audible
While I love reading, carrying around a physical book while I’m moving from one place to another hasn’t really worked well for me. Many times, I’ve returned with that same book without having read half of it.
New habits are often about finding the right format. When it comes to reading for me, it’s definitely audiobooks. I listen while I’m traveling, working out, etc. I now read daily and Audible offers one of the widest selections. A great app for learning and inspiration!
Journey: Journaling made easy
I wrote my first post diary post in Journey on the 18th of August 2016. I sat on an airplane with a one-way ticket to Cuba, about to take of for an adventure which would forever change my life. I’ve traveled full-time ever since! While I never in my wildest fantasies could have imagined how my life would turn out back then, I’ve used Journey regularly ever since.
Journey is a journaling app that also lets you add images etc. While my journaling habit has been a bit on and off, I have lots of old posts there by now which makes it easy to reflect on my journey. 😉 This year I have managed to make journaling a daily habit, and it has become one of my favorite things! It’s a simple and great way to reflect and develop as a person.
That’s it! Which app is your favorite? Would you add anything to the list?
More on productivity? Check out these 12 tips on how to get more done in less time and scale your business.
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