Are you spending your valuable time on the most important activities in your business? If you answer “no” or “not enough of it,” then you are not alone. 

A common misstep I see solopreneurs make is that they fail to accurately account for their time working on and in the business. If you applied your hourly rate to the work you are currently doing, you’d be amazed how high your “labor cost” is. Time tracking is critical to understanding the return on investments (ROI) of your activities and which tasks you should automate and/or delegate.

Here’s an example.

Let’s say you spend five hours a week networking with people in your database and five hours a week creating social media posts. At the end of the week, you calculate the revenue for each of those efforts and find that networking generated 500% more referrals than social media.

It’s true that social media is important for brand awareness and lead engagement, but with this data, you can make more informed and data-driven decisions about how you spend your valuable work hours. 

• Should you pause social media and double your networking efforts?
• Can you afford to outsource the marketing?
• At what point (in revenue) could you afford to hire a marketing manager or a sales associate?

Another benefit of getting into strong time-tracking habits now is that you get ahead of the game when it’s time to hire and manage contractors who are paid hourly.

With so many time-tracking tools on the market right now, how do you choose the right one? This straightforward guide, complete with real-life solopreneur insights, is a great place to start. Compare features of my top five choices in the visual and read more about each platform (and find out which one I use!) below.

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Toggl Track: A Beginner's Best Friend

In the same way that capturing data only works if it is good data, time tracking only works if you’re accurate. The Toggl platform really helps capture accurate time in a way that works for you. Whether using their automated time tracking or their online timer, they provide options to capture accurate tracking without invading privacy or adding to your to-do list. You will find it easy to use and the reporting you’ll capture will give you insights to your most efficient practices. 

Pros:

• Straightforward: Even if you've never tracked time before, Toggl makes it simple.
• Insight-rich: Helps you see where your time really goes, perhaps revealing that your "quick" social media breaks aren't so quick.

Cons:

• Costly: The free version is relatively basic, and the full suite can be pricey.
• Feature-rich (and potentially overwhelming): A time-tracking novice could get lost in the many capabilities of this platform.

ATracker: For the Visually Inclined

Let's say you're a visual thinker who best digests information in colors and charts. ATracker's colorful interface and unique visualizations turn the mundane task of time tracking into something you might actually enjoy. This is actually the tool I use to track my personal and work time.

Pros:

• Customizable visuals: Perfect for those who thrive on visual cues.
• Simple to use: Tap to start, tap to stop—it's that easy.

Cons:

• Learning curve: Its unique design might not be everyone's cup of tea.
• Free version limits: The coolest features come with a price tag, so the free version may be too limited.

Clockify: The No-Fuss Solution

Imagine you're finally sitting down to work after a morning of errands, and you need something uncomplicated to track your project time. Clockify is that no-fuss, straightforward tool that asks nothing more from you than a simple click to start and click stop tracking your time. The reporting is also nice on Clockify, and LVL-Up’s Fellows use it for their project work.

Pros:

• Cost-effective: It's free for basic use, making it ideal for solopreneurs on a tight budget.
• Team-friendly: If you decide to expand your team, Clockify scales with you.

Cons:

• Unimpressive mobile app: The desktop version outshines its mobile counterpart.
• Basic for free: The most advanced features come at a cost.

Atto: On-the-Go Tracking

If running your company means being on the road, checking in with clients or projects on-site, and rarely having a full day in an office, you may want to work with Atto. This time tracking app’s GPS and mobile capabilities allows it to go where you go. You can even track breaks and whether they are paid or unpaid. So go ahead, run your business and your busy lifestyle without losing track of your billable hours. 

Pros:

• Mobile-first: Designed for those who aren't desk-bound.
• GPS tracking: Know where your time is spent — literally.

Cons:

• Privacy concerns: Not everyone wants their location tracked.
• Not desk-friendly: If you're stationary, its features might not align with your needs.

Hours Tracker: The Straight Shooter

Hours Tracker might be the most similar to the traditional time tracking method of clocking yourself in and out. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity. With features like filters, shortcut gestures, and the ability to track multiple jobs, this time tracking platform gives you everything you're used to plus so much more. 

Pros:

• Easy job tracking: Ideal for managing multiple clients or gigs.
• Earnings insight: Automatically calculates what you're earning, which can be eye-opening.

Cons:

• Outdated design: Its interface isn't winning any beauty contests.
• Basic for free: The most useful features require an upgrade.

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The Bottom Line for Busy Solopreneurs

The truth is that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a time-tracking app. The best tool is the one that fits into your workflow with the least amount of friction, offering you insights into how you spend your time without overwhelming you or breaking your budget. 

As a solopreneur, time is your most valuable asset. Finding the right tool not only helps you manage that time; it also unlocks your potential for greater productivity and profitability. So take the plunge, find your time-tracking match, and watch as those seemingly elusive hours start working for you.

Need guidance figuring out which areas of your business need more of your time? Our Quarterly Planning program helps you hyper-focus on short-term goals by aligning with your long-term vision and giving you a detailed, 12-week action plan. Schedule a discovery call with LVL-Up to learn more!