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You're working 50+ hours a week, but your profits don't match your effort. We get it. The real problem lies in the "tracking." This means that you are not properly tracking  billable vs non-billable hours .  Most freelancers and agencies only bill 65% of their actual time, and the best ones hit 85-90%. That 20% difference can mean thousands in lost revenue.  Therefore, ClientManager has to enter the market to reduce the risk of losing the revenue that businesses deserve.   This guide shows you how to track both types of hours correctly, hit higher utilization rates, turn every working hour into either direct revenue or smart business investment, and how Client Manager can be your handy help doing all the above with ease.  Get to Basics: Billable, Non-Billable, and Actual Hours? What are Billable hours? Billable hours are the total hours you spend directly working on the out-of-house (client's) project. The primary purpose of tracking billable hours  is building strong client relationships and, obviously, generating revenue for the work done. Furthermore,  billable hours are generally an hourly rate or a fixed rate.  Billable hours have something more. It's when you track these hours that your clients can see exactly what you're doing and how you're spending their money.  What are Non-Billable hours?   Next hand, we've non-billable hours . These hours refer to the extra time you, as the worker, spent on administrative tasks, such as team training, brainstorming, and more. These are essential aspects for any project, but cannot be billed directly to clients.   But these hours represent the invisible engine that keeps your business running smoothly, even though they don't generate immediate revenue. Actual Hours The complete amount of time spent on billable and non-billable tasks is included in actual hours.  For instance, your actual hours are 10, if you work on business development for 2 hours and have eight total billable hours as a lawyer. Decisions on workload, assignments, and workflow concerns about billable and non-billable work can all be influenced by a review of the total. Best Practices for Tracking Billable and Non-Billable Hours Now, you know the basics. The next question immediately pops up: how can you utilise them for profits? There are a few smart tracking strategies that can prove to be profitable practices for your business. Set Clear Guidelines and Definitions: The first step to establishing is "clarity." Every team should be clear about billable and non-billable hours. In short, set clear definitions for your team. For example, the time spent designing a client's campaign is billable, but internal research work is not. This clarity helps save time for everyone. In the end, documenting the rules for billable or non-billable hours is essential to avoid future confusion. Monitor Time in Real Time: It’s challenging to recall what you worked on at the end of the week. This time ends up being lost. Hence, real-time tracking is far more accurate and prevents lost revenue. Modern platforms like ClientManager  have shown how automation makes this process a lot more handy. Your team can capture time as it happens in real time because real-time tracking provides immediate insights into project progress and resource allocation. Stay Consistent With Your Categories: Time categories should be standardized across all projects and team members. For instance, one can set up 4-5 different categories for billable work and about 3-4 categories for non-billable work because this type of consistency makes reporting meaningful and helps you spot profit-draining patterns immediately.  Set Weekly Tracking Goals: Set target percentages for your team. Every profitable service business aims for at least 60-70% billable hours. You should track this weekly and adjust workloads when non-billable tasks start consuming too much time. Moreover, create simple dashboards that show each team member's billable percentage. This visibility encourages better time management and identifies training opportunities. Review and Adjust Monthly: This practice has done wonders for many businesses. You can also schedule monthly reviews to analyze your billable vs non-billable hours data. Look for trends that impact profitability. Are these projects requiring way too many non-billable tasks ? Is administrative work cutting into billable time? Which team members maintain the healthiest billable ratios? Use these insights to adjust pricing, processes, and team productivity optimization. Automate Where Possible:   Reduce manual tracking overhead with automation tools. ClientManager makes it handy by offering automated rate calculations, centralized dashboards, and seamless billing integration. You can set different rates per project, automatically calculate fees, and manage team entries from one place. The easier you make tracking billable hours, the more accurate your data becomes. When automation handles the details, your team focuses on profitable client work. Use purpose-built tools or platforms:  We get it. Manual spreadsheets quickly become a burden. However, purpose-built software, such as ClientManager, helps bring everything together in one place.  What's more? Hour tracking, invoice generation , and performance analysis without having to jump from one system to another help save time and also create a professional experience for clients. Track Time and Generate Huge Profits With the Right Tool: ClientManager Software Look, we can all agree that smart tracking is the only way to make excellent earnings. Moreover, maintaining a balance between billable and non-billable hours guarantees that every hour adds to the success of the business. It simply doesn't matter if you're working on the project or training your team for that project. Every hour is counted as an asset.  Hence, the takeaway:  Time is the most valuable resource one has, but only when one manages or even tracks it correctly. Good time-tracking practices and advanced tools, like  ClientManager,  can optimize profits by tracking the work in the best way. They eliminate inefficiencies and improve profitability.  It is an all-in-one tracking software that tracks your employees' hours and ensures you get paid properly.  We have a great idea. Why not book a free demo   with our time-tracking and management software to save time? You can smooth the track flow, and after setting it up, it just takes a few clicks to make everything trackable and manageable.  Question People Ask Frequently What is the best way to track billable hours?  The best and easiest way to track billable hours is by smartly switching to the advanced time-tracking software, such as ClientManager. This tool automates logins, categorizes work by project, and even produces reports and billing invoices for you.  Which is better, billable or non-billable? Honestly, both are important from a project perspective. So, balancing them is a smarter move for leading your business from struggling to a successful one.  What are examples of non-billable hours? Non-billable hours  are hours you spent on activities such as internal team discussions on projects, administrative tasks, professional training of the team, and more. For these activities, you cannot charge a client directly. Hence, it is named as non-billable hours.

Creating proposals from scratch is a never-ending task. We get it.  Every new client who is starting over has to format documents, rewrite the same sections again and again, and hope not to miss anything important. This scraps all the valuable time, which can also lead to response delays and cost you potential deals.   Our ClientManager Software understands it well. You can create ready-to-send professional proposals directly inside our platform instead of downloading random templates and juggling Word files.   Along with it, we have built-in proposal templates   for marketing, consulting, and design services, which are designed to save your time & to keep your branding never-falling.  It’s your time to stop Googling templates and start sending smarter proposals in minutes with ClientManager. Why Do You Need Proposal Templates to Win More Clients? When you’re handling a business, time is the most valuable resource. Spending hours making proposals from scratch makes things slower. Truth? Your potential clients want professional proposals. If you are unable to deliver that on time, they will move on to someone who can.  A proposal template flips the whole script. It gives you a solid foundation so you don’t have to do things from scratch. You can do all with well-structured proposal templates that give consistency, accuracy, and speed, everything without losing quality.  This way, your templates shine and you can win every client.  What Makes a Winning Proposal Template? An ideal proposal looks like a pretty document (an organized one). More than that, it’s a tool that convinces your clients to say “yes.” This means your templates should include all the essentials while still being customizable.  Here are the key elements every winning proposal needs: Cover Page & Branding Initial opinions matter the most. A well-built cover page with your brand logo, company name, and the client’s details sets a professional tone from the beginning. Executive Summary  There is the possibility that you can explain the big picture to your clients, what they need, and how you are going to deliver it. It should be kept short, clear, and focused on their goals. Scope of Work & Deliverables Clarify exactly what is included in your service. Every client loves clarity. It builds trust and avoids misunderstandings later. Pricing & Payment Terms Transparently collapse your costs and make it easy for the client to understand what they are paying for. Digital Signature & Approval Do not make clients print and scan the documents. A built-in e-signature feature  can do it all, like ClientManager, which means they can approve with a single click. ClientManager  is a place where all the sections are pre-built and fully customizable. With no more formatting headaches, you can create proposals just by selecting a template, refining the details, and boom! Sending them to clients within a minute. Proposal Templates: Marketing, Consulting & Design Services Every business has different needs, and your proposal should reflect that.  It’s great that ClientManager gives you feature proposal templates  designed for marketing, consulting, and design services.  Here is how each one works: Marketing Proposal Templates A marketing proposal template has to do more than look perfect. What’s more? It has to showcase the results. Clients want to know how their investment will bring measurable ROI.  Our built-in marketing proposal templates  include sections for campaign objectives, strategy breakdowns, ad budget allocation, and performance KPIs. Instead of making it from scratch, you can pick a pre-built template inside the software. You can customize it according to your client's goals and send it to them within minutes.  Plus, you can track when they open it and follow up automatically. Consulting Proposal Template Consulting proposals need to highlight the expertise and roadmap for your success. That’s why our consulting proposal templates come with committed sections to analyze problems, to recommend solutions, and to track success metrics. You will never have to reformat or copy-paste content again. You just have to open the template and add your insights and send it for further approval with a built-in e-signature. Design Proposal Template When you are setting up creative services, presentation matters.  Our pre-built design proposal templates  are here to impress, with space for the visuals, mood boards, revision policies, and even copyright terms. ClientManager  can make an attractive, branded proposal without spending hours making it manually or from scratch on Word or Canva.  How Does ClientManager Beat Static Templates? Sure, you can download a Word or PDF template, but that’s the hardest part.  Static templates need manual edits, endless formatting, and countless email exchanges. But the ClientManager platform changes everything. Our built-in templates are smart because we’ve: Ready-Made, Customizable Templates No need to search for me for the perfect design or reformatting every time. You just have to select a template, customize it, and send it to your clients. Built-in E-Signature There is no need to print and scan. Clients can approve proposals instantly with a single click. Automated Follow-Ups You can know the moment your clients open the proposal and send a friendly reminder if they have not signed yet. Integrated Payments & CRM Once it is approved, you will convert the proposal into a project and invoice without leaving the platform. With ClientManager, you are building an automated system that saves your time and wins clients faster. How to Create Your First Proposal in ClientManager (Step-by-step) Do you want to see how simple this actually is? Here is how it works: Log in to ClientManager and choose the type of your service (marketing, consulting, or design). Pick a pre-built proposal template according to your business needs. Customize it within a few minutes, and add your client's details, the scope of work, pricing, and terms. Send the proposal directly to your client through an email link. Get your client approval with a built-in e-signature and track every step of your client in real time. That is all about the Client Manager, no need to download. Just pre-built professional proposal templates, sent them, and signed in record time. The Takeaway Creating proposals with ClientManager is easy. It doesn’t feel like a full-time job. In this software, you will get not only the templates but also a smarter way to win the clients. Our built-in business proposal templates  are designed to give a perfect impression on your clients. These are easily customizable creations within a few minutes, and then you can send them for instant approval. So, stop wasting your time on downloading and doing things manually. Start sending proposals that close the deals faster, save your time, keep business organized, and impress your clients.   Curious how it works? Start your free trial today  and create your first impressive proposal with a click of your fingers.

Closing a deal shouldn’t feel like a marathon. Yet too often you’re stuck printing, scanning, and mailing documents while the momentum slips away. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and slows down your business. That is where  e-signatures  slide in. This solution brings ease to signing any of your business documents from anywhere in a matter of minutes, legally. By using reliable e-signature software , you can send proposals and contracts for approval within a few minutes. In combination with this, you can also track progress and keep every record secure. With Client Manager , you can try it all free for 7 days. Get ready to experience a smoother signing process right away. What Are E-Signatures, and Why Do They Matter for Business? An electronic signature is just another way of giving approval for documents as proposals, agreements, and contracts. This is quite unlike some scanned handwritten form of signature. A digital signature takes things a step further. It also adds advanced encryption and identity verification, which makes it even harder for anyone to tamper with your signed documents. It sounds cool. We know that.  The advantages of switching to e-signatures for businesses are very clear: Close deals faster Less Paperwork  Enhances their professional image with the clients According to laws, the ESIGN Act and UETA give e-signatures the force of law, with the suggestion that some compliance steps are followed. The best e-signature solution will contribute to making workflow simpler; at the same time, it must keep things secure and compliant. How to Collect E-Signatures on Proposals (Step-by-Step) Usually, sending a proposal is the first step in sealing a deal. But if the client must print, sign, scan, and return it, the whole process can drag on over quite a few days. An e-signature platform assists in making everything smoother, faster, and more presentable.  Here is how you can simplify the process with an e-signature platform : Create a proposal template: Create it by including your price details, scope of work, and terms in a professional format. Add signature fields and roles:  Assign fields where the clients sign, initial, or date, and add your own counter-signature (if needed). Send securely for review:  You can send e-signature proposals  directly to your clients through email. Also, complete them with built-in reminders. Track progress in real time: You can see when your client has opened the proposal and drop a friendly reminder if the signature is still pending. Store signed proposals safely:  Every signed file comes with an audit trail, security, and record-keeping.  ClientManager  can handle all this within minutes, from creating, sending, to collecting e-signatures on proposals  without leaving the platform. How to Collect E-Signatures on Contracts (A Step Guide) Proposals get the ball rolling, but contracts are where the real commitment happens. They’re the foundation. Contracts have more weightage than the proposals. However, this is mandatory to ensure that they are signed securely and correctly. Here is how to simplify the process with a reliable e-signature platform : Upload or create your contract:  You have to start with a clean template, or if you want to upload your own existing agreement, then you can. Assign roles and fields:  Add signature blocks for the clients. You have to add initials for key clauses and counter-signature spots if there is a need. Include Consent to e-business:  You have to make sure that the contract will clearly state the agreement of both parties to use an electronic signature online . Send for signing securely: Share the contracts through encrypted links or emails, along with the automatic reminders to keep things moving. Finalise and archive:  When it is signed, the file will be locked with an audit trail, which ensures that it cannot be interfered with and is legally compliant. Collecting   e-signatures on contracts  with ClientManager becomes peaceful. One platform can handle everything from digital agreement signing to record storage. So you can focus on building trust and closing deals. Best Methods to Ensure Legality and Security E-signatures can make the signing of your documents simple and fast. But it’s important that you follow the best methods to keep everything compliant and protected.  Make sure not to use any e-signature software  that does not comply with ESIGN and UETA. This will make sure that your contracts are legally binding in the United States. Always add a clear agreement section so that both parties agree to start their business digitally.  Moreover, enable signer authentication to strengthen the data security. Whether through email verification, SMS codes, or even from multi-factor authentication.  It should be possible to include an audit trail in every signed file with timestamps, IP addresses, and version history. You should make sure that the signed documents are stored safely in your system for future access. Common Mistakes to Avoid in E-Signatures Collecting online e-signatures  is simple, but a few repeated mistakes can cause delays or even something worse. So you should make your documents unenforceable.  One mistake is depending on a generic image of a signature instead of using a secure digital contract signing process.  Another one is skipping proper signer authentication, which can raise questions such as who actually signed the document. Some also forget to include a consent portion, which is necessary under U.S. law to make the e-signature  valid.  Finally, if you do not maintain good records or an audit trail, then it could be pressing when someone questions a signature. By not making these same mistakes again and again, by using an e-signature platform . You can ensure that every agreement is professional, completely secure, and legally binding. Why Choose ClientManager for E-Signatures? It is difficult to select the best software among the many options available in the market. But ClientManager will make the design easy by bringing proposals, contracts, and e-signatures all in one place. Instead of managing various platforms, you can make, send, and even track every document from a single platform. Client Manager  e-signature options include audit trails, secure storage, automatic reminders, and full ESIGN/UETA compliance. So that every agreement that you send will be professional, secure, and legally binding.  Are you a solo freelancer or running a growing team? Well, that doesn’t matter to us because we have designed it to suit every business type.  Your clients can sign documents from any device, anywhere, so getting agreements finalized is as easy as a few clicks. And the best part? You can try it out with a  free 7-day trial  and cancel anytime if it’s not the right fit.

Managing clients without the right software is like working in the dark. Endless email threads from everywhere, misplaced files, and missed deadlines. That’s unprofessional and frustrating. Especially for agencies and freelancers , where you can’t waste your time finding sheets all day. It can put your client relationships and reputation at high risk.   But if we say you can manage all of it in one place. How does it sound? We know it feels good.  To make you feel best with your work. Client management software  proudly slides in. A client portal that is secure and organized. Here, clients can: Access Project Updates Share Files  Approve Work  Communicate Clearly  Moreover, it replaces messy inboxes with a professional, custom experience. Plus, it builds trust while keeping things smooth. In this guide, we will explore the best client management software for agencies and freelancers . From affordable options for individuals to multi-functional platforms for growing agencies, you will discover top software, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the ideal solution for your business. What Is Client Portal Software & Why Is It Important? A client management software  is a secure, personalized, and private digital platform where businesses can interact with clients, enable personalized branding, share proposals, contracts, invoices, and reports, and collaborate on projects easily.  In place of depending on dispersed emails or multiple apps, client management software  creates a professional, structured experience. Why is it necessary?  Because this can solve major challenges agencies and freelancers face. A quality portal offers secure messaging and file sharing, ensures workflow transparency, and acts as an organized communication access point. It also helps you to showcase a professional image, relieving client stress and building trust. Plus, it complies with privacy and security standards & making it far safer than traditional email exchanges. If you are serious about improving client relationships and efficiency, then investing in the best client management software for agencies and freelancers  is a sophisticated choice. What to Look for in Client Management Software?  Choosing the right client portal is not just about picking the most popular software. In fact, it is about finding that one software that fits your workflow and keeps your clients happy.  Here are some key things to keep in mind while selecting the secure client management software :  Security & Privacy Your client data is too important to lose. So, the portal must have features such as secure encryption, multi-factor authentication, access management, and frequent backups. These also help keep sensitive information secure and in line with privacy regulations. Ease of Use The interface to the portal must be easy to use. It should have a clean design, intuitive navigation, and fast onboarding that will help you and your clients get started seamlessly. Customization and Branding Your portal must outshine your branding. It should have the opportunity to add your logo, select brand colors, and upload to a custom domain, offering a professional look for your customers. Collaboration and Communication Great client portals make sure that teamwork is simple and stress-free. They come with built-in chat, secure messaging, file sharing, and document storage to keep everything organized and in one place. So, nothing falls through the cracks of an email inbox. Integrations and Automation The modern  client portals  can now connect seamlessly with the tools you already use, such as CRMs, project management platforms, and accounting apps. They can also automate things like reminders and approvals, which helps you to save time and ensure the projects move forward without extra effort. Mobile Accessibility Your customers are not always sitting behind desks. With a mobile-responsive portal or app, they can search for information, approve tasks, and keep in touch on the go. Finances A client management software should allow you to send custom invoices, accept payments, and help you manage your finances without the need of another financial system.  Contract Management Experience the power of client management software, where online signatures take your business to the next level! Not only does it streamline contracts and proposals, but it also enhances organization and communication. Scalability Your software should scale with your business. Ensure it can grow with you as you have more clients, team members, and advanced features. The ideal client portal software for agencies and freelancers  has all these features, from being secure and user-friendly at the same time. Top 5 Client Portal Software for Agencies & Freelancers Choosing the best client portal software  can help you in fulfilling the unique needs with the platform's capabilities.  With features like data encryption, client portal customization, collaboration and communication, smooth integration, and workflow automation. You can make or break your success.  Below, we have listed the secure client portal software  to help you and your agency. Client Manager Client Manager is an all-in-one client portal software designed for agencies and freelancers who need everything in a single platform. This software is built to simplify client communication, project management, and billing, all from one clean plus intuitive dashboard. ClientManager.io is a versatile software that covers every aspect of client management. From proposals and contracts to scheduling meetings and tracking time, get it all in one place. Key Features of ClientManager.io : Client Portal:   ClientManager.io provides your clients with a dedicated place to find what they need. Proposals and Contracts:   ClientManager.io gives you access to make professional proposals and contracts using our templates and e-signature features, shared via secure links. Invoicing:   ClientManager.io has a feature of creating standard and recurring invoices, making it easy to do within a few minutes. Task Management:  This feature of ClientManager.io gets everything organized with a system that has the best of both Trello and Notion. Client Onboarding:  With ClientManager.io you can gather client information with an easy-to-use intake form, no emails back and forth required. Collaboration:  It has features to assign tasks, tag your team, and keep everyone posted. Client Dashboard: ClientManager.io allows you to store all client profiles and communications on a single, easy-to-use dashboard. Schedule client meetings:  In ClientManager.io you can plan and organize client meetings directly within the platform. Leads Pipeline:  It provides you with an easy-to-use lead management system to help you keep your sales mechanism organized. SuiteDash SuitDash is a multiskilled solution with CRM, invoicing, and client portal  features, ideal for businesses looking for an integrated platform. This software is the best choice for businesses looking for an integrated solution. Zoho Zoho is a cloud-based business software used by businesses that need an easy way to manage projects without any complications. Zoho provides features such as task tracking, team collaboration, file sharing, and detailed reporting, and has an intuitive interface, which makes it easier for teams to stay on the same page. If your business is small to moderate and you are focused on getting things done efficiently, then Zoho Projects will be a great choice. Clinked Clinked stands out for its high level of customizable, white-labeling options. It offers secure file sharing, group chat, and robust task management features, so collaboration stays smooth and professional. These features make it perfect for agencies that value branding and secure client communication. Huddle Huddle is an excellent choice for large businesses and enterprises that work on strict consent and do not want to store information on third-party servers This software is for industries like finance, health care, and government that are inherently about their security and regulations. Huddle can be selected because it fulfills their compliance obligations and makes it easy to work together and to remain productive. How to Choose the Right Software for Your Work? Choosing the right software to manage your clients totally depends on your business size, workflow, and scale. ClientManager.io is the best choice, and the reasons are many. It is secure, all-in-one client management software for agencies . The best  client portal software for freelancers  who want built-in proposals, contracts, invoicing, and time tracking in a single dashboard.  Freelancers already using it love this software for its intuitive interface and professional look.  We can all say that this software is also an ideal pick for agencies that want team collaboration and a clean client onboarding , which keeps everything properly organized.  While tools like SuiteDash, Zoho are best for those who have larger workflows, Clinked offers strong security and branding features. Whereas ClientManager.io stands out for providing everything in one place without any complexities.  Try this software today to see how easy client management can be.   Sign up  now with the ClientManager and make your clients' experience perfect.