# Client Management Software for Freelancers and Solo Service Providers

> What a solo freelancer actually needs from client management software, a lightweight setup that covers requests, work, and invoices, and when a heavier suite is worth it.

Source: https://flopinio.com/blog/client-management-software-for-freelancers · Last updated: 2026-11-01 · Status: Shipped

![Flopinio workspace showing the shared operator shell for requests, tasks, notes, time, invoices, and integrations.](https://flopinio.com/documentation/workspace-ui-callout.png)

## Quick answer

A solo freelancer needs less than most software sells: a record per client, a reliable place where requests land, tasks with time tracked on them, and invoices that come from that time. Add proposals, contracts, and payments only if you use them every month.

- Client records and requests
- Time on tasks, invoices from time
- Free plan for one client

## What a solo provider actually needs

The essentials are simple: know every open request per client, know what you worked on, and send an accurate invoice on time. Everything else is optional.

## A lightweight setup in Flopinio

1. Create the client and its projects, with a default rate.
2. Connect Telegram or a supported mailbox so client requests land in External Inbox. Gmail is paused.
3. Turn each ask into a request or task; use notes for context and decisions for anything the client must agree to.
4. Track time from tasks, or with /time in Telegram.
5. Send invoices by email with a PDF, record payments, and schedule reminders. Use a recurring schedule for monthly fees.

## Showing clients progress

Flopinio's client portal is authenticated and project-only. You invite a client user to one project; they see the project status, client-visible roadmap steps, client-visible tasks, and project updates, can comment on those tasks, and can sign or reject decisions assigned to them. Files, invoices, and time entries are not shown in the portal, and there are no anonymous links. Portal clients do not count toward member limits, but sending portal invites needs a plan that includes invites. The Free plan does not include invites, so the portal needs a paid plan.

## When you need more than this

If you send several proposals a month, need signed contracts, or want clients to pay by card from the invoice, a suite such as Moxie, Plutio, Bonsai, or HoneyBook covers those steps. Flopinio does not.

## When Flopinio is not the right fit

Flopinio does not do everything an all-in-one freelance suite does. Today it does not offer:

- Proposals, contracts, or e-signature.
- A sales pipeline or CRM for leads.
- Built-in card payments. You can add a payment link to an invoice and record payments manually.
- Booking pages, scheduling links, or public intake forms.
- Native mobile apps or languages other than English.
- Retainer-hour budgets or budget alerts.

## Next steps

- Read [What is freelance management software?](https://flopinio.com/blog/what-is-freelance-management-software)
- Read [How To Send Notes And Requests To Flopinio From Telegram](https://flopinio.com/blog/how-to-send-notes-and-requests-to-flopinio-from-telegram).

## Google connection availability and data use

Gmail and Google Calendar connections are currently paused for public use while verification and security readiness work is completed. Google Sign-In is separate. When available, Gmail intake is read-only; AI/search processing requires a separate owner opt-in. Captured Google text stays in a separate private source section unless explicitly shared, and is erased with its derived copies on disconnect. See the [Google integration guide](https://flopinio.com/help/google-integrations) and [Privacy Policy](https://flopinio.com/privacy) for availability, retention, and deletion details.

## FAQ

### Is there a free plan?

Yes. The Free plan allows one client, two projects, and one member, with 20 execution credits a month for eligible AI workflows.

### Can I manage several clients on the Free plan?

No, the Free plan allows one client. Pro and Team allow unlimited clients.

### Can clients see their project?

Yes, on a plan that includes invites, through the authenticated, project-only client portal.

### Does Flopinio work on my phone?

The web app is responsive, and the Telegram bot handles quick notes, requests, questions, and timers. There is no native mobile app.

### Which currencies can I invoice in?

Each invoice carries its own currency, with USD, EUR, GBP, or RON as the workspace default. There is no currency conversion.