How To Choose The Right Time Tracking Tool
TL;DR:
- A step-by-step guide on choosing the right time tracking tool.
- Steps: do your research, do a pros and cons list, compare and check pricing , and take advantage of free trials!
- Pro tip: Keep your regular method of time tracking going. Get used to the fact that you’ll have to do some double time entry while you work out which time tracking platforms you like.
To Begin…
It is hard to choose the best time tracking tool. You know you need time tracking. But then you’re struck with the various methods to tracking your time, the hundreds of apps, software, and systems. It can be hard to know which company should I go with, how do I choose and why is one better over the other? No need to worry Hourly has you covered — here are four easy steps you can follow to make sure you choose the right time tracking software for you.
1#: DO YOUR RESEARCH AND CHECK OUT WEBSITES
It’s easy to come across one website and decide
‘yeah, seems pretty good’
Ideally, you want to do as much research as you can. Obviously, there’s going to be some front runners when it comes to time tracking. But, don’t just opt for the most popular. Look what is on offer! Sometimes the smaller businesses offer more bang for your buck. Check out at least five different options that way you can tell which companies are offering more and which are offering less.
#2: DO A PROS AND CONS LIST
Work out what’s important for you, this will make it easier when it comes to choosing which tool is right for you. General things to consider when choosing time tracking software:
- Where do you work and what devices do you use?
- How do you work; what is your work flow?
- What are your needs in terms of features?
- How easy is it to use the software?
- What is your planned budget for the software?
By answering these questions you’re ensuring that the tool you decide to go with can actually work where you work and how you work.
#3: COMPARE AND CHECK PRICING
Think about the problems you frequently come across — then, look for a tool that can actually solve these problems. Here’s some examples to get you started:
Problem 1
I am frequently forgetting to track my time.
Solution
A reminder built into the software that let’s me know when I forget to track time (before I send off an invoice).
Problem 2
There’s always so many little expenses (like client coffees) I forget to add into my invoices. It would be great to attach receipts to invoices.
Solution
Ability to add in expenses and attach receipts to invoices.
Problem 3
I often need to travel for my job, which means I need a time tracking tool that I can utilise from wherever I am.
Solution
Software or a tool that works on multiple platforms (laptop, desktop, mobile phone and tablets).
Problem 4
It would be great to find a time tracking tool that I will actually use. I need something that is easy and takes the friction out of tracking my time.
Solution
A time tracking platform that isn’t hard to learn or use. A tool that makes time tracking as simple as possible.
Finally, make sure that you double check pricing and make a shortlist of your favourite apps/platforms that can actually solve the problems you are facing.
#4: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE TRIALS
All good software companies should offer a free trial. Sign up to the ones on your shortlist that you made earlier and check them out to get a feel for the products and determine if the things match up with the marketing claims.
Often, something sounds good on paper but once you get it up and running you quickly realise that it just isn’t that good. Or maybe it’s great but you’re not super hyped on the interface. These are all things you can test out during the trial periods.
Pro Tip: Keep your regular method of time tracking going. Get used to the fact that you’ll have to do some double time entry while you work out which time tracking platforms you like.
In the end…
Choosing the right tool might be a little bit of a process, but in the end you’re going to have a system that works perfectly for you! Not only tracking your time but solving your problems. I guess you’re probably thinking now
Which company should I start with?
Well, why not start with Hourly? It’s free for 30 days and I think you’ll be surprised at how much it can really offer you!
