It’s no secret that the pandemic has completely shifted our work culture. And now that remote work is a lot more acceptable, many people are trading in their 40-hour weeks for work that’s a little more flexible. As a result, the freelance market is booming, and there are many in-demand freelance jobs ready for the taking.
If you’re curious about freelancing, or you want to try to tailor your services to align with what potential clients are looking for, you might be wondering:
What freelancing skills are in demand right now?
The answer? Well, lots. The demand for freelancers is showing no signs of slowing down. If you’ve been looking for a sign to hop on the freelancing wagon: this is it. To give you a nudge in the right direction, here’s a round-up of the most in-demand freelance jobs for 2022:
- Virtual Assistants
You’ve likely come across trending TikToks and content related to the world of virtual assisting and wondered:
So what is a virtual assistant anyway, and why are they needed?
With so many offices going virtual this past year, and lots of new entrepreneurs in the market, it only makes sense that support and assistance align with that. Some virtual assistants take care of inbox and calendar management. Others take on social media management and content creation tasks.
If you plan on offering virtual assistant services, you’ll need to get clear on what tasks you’re willing to take on so you can package your services accordingly. Virtual assistants can charge anywhere from $20 to $100+ per hour, or more, depending on their expertise and niche.
- SEO Specialists
I spent the early stages of business ownership Googling lots of questions. From “How do I file taxes in Ontario?” to “Do I need a business coach?” Even though thousands of results show up for these searches, I usually navigate towards the top five links – and I know I’m not alone in that. But have you ever wondered how certain websites make it higher on the rankings than others?
An organization’s online presence is more important than ever. As a result, many people invest in search engine optimization services to help their workplaces rank higher in search results.
SEO specialists support their clients by:
- Creating SEO strategies
- Completing keyword research
- Improving or creating SEO-friendly website content
- Monitoring performance metrics
- Graphic Designers
Think of your go-to online shop. Maybe it’s a clothing store, or perhaps it’s a home decor store. Do they have a unique website? Can you picture their logo immediately? Most of the places you buy from have likely had support from a graphic designer in some way.
With so many new businesses emerging during the pandemic, UX design and business branding has become a necessity for many. Plus, graphic designers have a lot of opportunities to put their creative skills to work that goes beyond branding. Think infographics for blog posts, media kits, slide decks, and more. While qualifications and past design experience can play a role in the types of gigs you land, your personal style will likely set you apart as a designer.
- Web Designers
Would you purchase from a sketchy site that lacks visual appeal? Probably not, right? Web designers are equal parts creative and technical and are a crucial part of helping a business establish credibility and reputation.
Not to get confused with web developers, designers aren’t usually responsible for coding a website. Instead, they consider UX design, user interface, functionality, aesthetics, and more when creating the layout and design for a website. And with so many businesses selling online, having experience with eCommerce is a huge bonus.
- Content Marketer/Writer
I may or may not be a little biased in this category, but there is always a demand for good writers. Seriously, always. Every website and social media account needs content writing, but it doesn’t stop there. The need for writers goes far beyond web and social copy and includes:
- Manuscripts
- Electronic press kits
- Grant applications
- Video scripts
- Research essays
Keep in mind that similar to the other roles in this round-up, writing is a broad industry, so it’s important to narrow in on what you want to write and for whom.
- Videographer/Multimedia Producer
Aside from internal needs like training videos, many businesses heavily rely on video content for marketing. Relevant video content engages consumers and drives revenue, so many companies are investing more in video production this year.
From workshops and online courses to TikToks and video ads, there are so many different types of video content that clients are looking for right now. And if you specialize in a particular industry, you might soon find yourself in a very in-demand freelance job.
- Social Media Marketers
More than 50 million small businesses use social media to connect with customers. Additionally, as online shopping boomed during the pandemic, many businesses started (or continued) to rely on digital platforms to help sell their products and services. With that comes the need for high-quality visuals and strategic content.
Love it or hate it, social media marketing is essential for many businesses. Plus, according to a recent LinkedIn report, social media management is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand occupations. So if staying up to date with all things social, from TikTok trends to new Instagram features, is second nature to you, it might be time to run with those skills and get into this in-demand freelance job.
Dive into freelancing with these in-demand freelance jobs.
There’s never been a better time to test the waters in the freelance world or pivot into an in-demand freelance job. If you’re not sure where to start, try brushing up on some of your technical and creative skills, take a course or two and find out if the work that motivates you aligns with what’s in demand.
Bottom line: there’s a huge need for freelancers right now. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll be lining up clients in time. But if you need more guidance, I’ve got you!
For example, I created a freelance rate calculator to help you figure out what to charge for your freelance services. This simple Google Sheet tool will help you gain clarity on what to charge for your services based on your experience level AND income goals.
Happy freelancing!
