By Damian Hanson, Co-Founder & Director of CircleLoop

By 2026, the gig economy will contribute a whopping £63.25 billion to the UK economy. This growth is characterised by a segment of the service economy that focuses on flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs. Online platforms like Fiverr, Uber or TaskRabbit connect Gig Workers and clients so legal, retail and education services are carried out on an ad-hoc basis.

These gig workers are a powerhouse to the UK’s economy, however, only a fifth of them rely on their ‘gigs’ as their primary source of income. With the cost of living crisis putting increasing pressure on the need for stable income, it’s no surprise this invaluable group of workers are facing financial challenges.

Every gig counts and traditional tools like spreadsheets and manual task management systems, fall short in helping them efficiently manage their gigs, schedules, and finances. Cloud technology offers gig workers the ability to combat inefficiency so they can turn their side hustles into full-time jobs. From website builders to phone systems, the cloud is poised to shape the future of flexible work, but how exactly will it help and what are the best tools for these workers?

Navigating a gig that isn’t 9 to 5

The gig economy offers flexibility and independence, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Gig and self-employed workers often face instability in income, limited access to traditional employee benefits, and the responsibility of managing their business independently.

Financial management is one of the biggest challenges for gig workers. With irregular income streams, tracking earnings, expenses and taxes can be daunting. However, cloud-based accounting software has become a lifeline for gig workers. These tools allow them to automate financial tasks, easily generate invoices, and keep tabs on their financial health. This not only saves time but also ensures accurate financial records.

Cloud-based communication systems are a game-changer for the gig economy, providing seamless connectivity and collaboration tools that empower freelancers and remote workers. These platforms enable instant communication, file sharing, and project management from anywhere, fostering productivity and flexibility in the gig workforce.

With the ability to stay connected, gig workers can serve clients and collaborate with teams across the globe, irrespective of their physical location, enhancing their overall efficiency and marketability.

Essential tools for today’s gig workers

As freelancers venture into the gig economy, they often find themselves juggling multiple roles, from CEO to marketing manager to accountant. To succeed, they need a reliable toolkit of cloud-based essentials:

1. Cloud-Based Productivity Suites – Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer a suite of essential tools, including email, document editing, and cloud storage. Gig workers can manage their professional communication, collaborate on documents, and store important files securely in the cloud.
2. Website Builders – Establishing an online presence is crucial for gig workers. Website builders like WordPress and Wix provide user-friendly templates and hosting solutions, enabling them to create and maintain professional websites without technical expertise.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems – CRM systems like HubSpot or Salesforce help gig workers manage client relationships, track leads, and automate marketing efforts. These cloud-based tools enable gig workers to provide personalised services and nurture customer loyalty.
4. Cloud-Based Phone Systems – A cloud-based phone system offers gig workers the advantage of maintaining a professional communication setup without requiring dedicated hardware or complicated installations. For gig workers frequently on the move, establishing a local or national presence becomes crucial. Systems like CircleLoop allow individuals to easily select a landline number and manage it through their mobile device, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Why a professional tech stack is king

Freelancers, by nature, thrive on their ability to provide specialised skills and services. A reliable and professional tech stack enhances their competitive edge and offers several benefits:

1. Credibility – A professional online presence, complete with a polished website and branded email addresses, lends credibility to freelancers. Clients are more likely to trust and hire freelancers who appear established and trustworthy.
2. Efficiency – Freelancers can streamline their workflows and meet deadlines more effectively with cloud-based project management tools. These tools help freelancers prioritise tasks, track project progress, and communicate with clients efficiently.
3. Scalability – Cloud-based solutions, including communication systems, can easily scale to accommodate freelancers’ growing client bases. Whether it’s expanding storage space, adding team members, or automating processes, freelancers can adapt their tech stack to match their business growth.
4. Mobility – Freelancers often enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere. Cloud-based communication systems enable them to access their work tools and data from any device with an internet connection, facilitating a truly mobile work lifestyle.

The gig economy’s future rests in the cloud

Thanks to the cloud, gig workers no longer need to feel left behind those working 9 to 5 jobs. Advancements in cloud-based phone systems, for example, allow these workers to reap the benefits of working independently and flexibly whilst maintaining a professional external image for customers – it’s the best of both worlds.

By improving operational efficiency using the cloud, gig workers can rapidly scale, expand their client base and increase their income. Given this trend, cloud technology will continue to be at the heart of tomorrow’s gig economy. This will further proliferate as we help gig workers get the best out of software systems that help them turn their gigs into their dream jobs.

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