Technical freelancers are in high demand. The time to develop the necessary skills to get more contracts should be invested by motivated people who wish to expand their earning potential through a side business or freelance employment (and make more money).
Freelancers are more crucial than ever as businesses look to reduce overhead and bolster their current workforce. Organizations without the resources to engage permanent team members can benefit greatly from the flexibility freelancers can offer on a project-by-project basis.
This arrangement also serves the freelancers’ interests. Freelancing offers new ways to make money, whether one is moonlighting after their day jobs or trying to break into a new career.
Austin Belcak, a LinkedIn influencer and career advisor, explains how straightforward it is to switch careers: “If your job doesn’t make you happy? Change is now easier to implement than ever before. WiFi and some effort are all that is required.
But which skills are most in demand? Should contract employees pursue a “jack of all trades” approach or should they specialize in one industry? By examining the most in-demand skill sets for freelancers, we can help you decide which strategy best sense for you.
What Is Freelancing?
Working for a business that is not a long-term employer is known as freelancing. Some businesses use freelancers to finish certain projects, while others pay them on a retainer or hourly basis. The majority of freelancers invoice the company for completed work and then get money.
Because they are not full-time employees, freelancers are not entitled to many of the same perks as employees. The trade-off is that they have more freedom in terms of when and how they accomplish the work.
Freelancing is a successful side business to earn extra money or a long-term way to start your own business.
The Development of Freelancing
Particularly among highly qualified individuals, freelance employment is becoming more and more popular. In the United States in 2021, there were close to 51 million people who made money via independent labor, a significant increase from the year before. Approximately 3.4 million individuals decided to pursue freelancing as a long-term source of income in 2021.
It is now simpler for consultants to establish customer relationships thanks to the growth of platforms for freelance work, such as Fiverr, Upwork, and social media. Most independent contractors work in highly sought-after industries including marketing, IT, publishing, and computer programming. In actuality, the U.S. economy benefits from freelance work to the tune of around $1.3 trillion.
According to an Upwork survey, 74% of contract employees value the flexibility that comes with working from home and choosing their hours. Yet, because many of them are self-taught, freelancers have their own distinct set of talents. More people need these talents than others.
To our clients achieve success, freelancers must establish their value and sell their best skills.
What are the most In-Demand Freelance Skills?
Whose skills are most in demand? Clients may not be surprised that highly technical skill sets are valued more highly than others, such as sales or account management.
If they invest in the correct training, marketing experts with specific skills such as web developers, copywriters, and others can fetch high salaries. The best thing about most of these abilities is that they are simple to master through free (or nearly free) online learning.
If you’ve used these skills and can demonstrate concrete results, include them on your CV or online presence to draw new clients. To improve your marketability, exposure, and searchability, it’s crucial to use LinkedIn as a marketing tool, according to Diana YK Chan, one of LinkedIn’s top job creators for 2022. Spend some time showcasing your abilities online to convince potential customers that you are competent and reliable in your work.
1. Website Design
In the modern digital economy, web design is an essential talent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 13% more jobs available over the next ten years, therefore this industry will expand.
Layouts for websites on desktop and mobile platforms are made and updated by web designers. Web development jobs are sometimes available for designers.
The best thing about web design is that it’s possible to pick up skills without going to a foal training. Online resources abound and may educate aspiring designers on everything they need to know about the industry for very little money and time.
2. Copywriting
There is no shortage of work for talented and professional writers to find in the field of copywriting, which is generally referred to as writing and editing.
The average salary for copywriters is $33 per hour, but specializing even more—in technical writing or UX copywriting, for example—gets you higher money per project.
The following projects involve copywriting:
- Radio and TV commercials
- Content from websites and blogs
- posts on social media
3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
As the search engine market gets increasingly more competitive, SEO experts are in high demand. The wonderful thing about learning SEO techniques is how quickly the environment may change. This implies that experts who use their technical expertise and skill set have a chance to earn lucrative contracts.
For independent contractors who wish to start their own companies, SEO consulting frequently leads to full-time employment.
With the help of the many, free internet learning resources, switching to an SEO job is as simple as switching to copywriting or website design, or development.
4. Graphic Design
graphic artists produce visual ideas like:
- graphics for websites
- Postcards
- Flyers
Some graphic designers double as illustrators, using specialized software to produce stunning layouts, fonts, and visual components. The median wage for graphic designers is $25 per hour.
5. Social Media Marketing
Due to the specialized skill set required for success, competent social media managers are difficult to come by. Social media marketers use sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Freelance social media marketers handle tasks for several clients at once, balancing community management and copywriting.
6. E-commerce
SEO, copywriting, and even web development are all categories under which e-commerce abilities can be categorized.
There are additional fundamental skills that are special to e-commerce, such as understanding how to manage stock and complete orders (or put those systems in place). For freelancers, having this skill set will lead to several opportunities.
To work with platforms like Shopify and support the expansion of other businesses, budding e-commerce freelancers acquire the necessary skills.
7. Data Analytics
The majority of business owners lack the time to study data analytics. Freelancers have been exposed to a variety of business models thanks to their ability to sell themselves as independent data analysts. Data analysts generally employ quantitative and qualitative abilities to aid firms in decision-making.
Freelancers with this skill set can earn anywhere between $62,000 and $99,000 annually by interpreting the facts and developing a narrative.
