The internet is constanly changing the way that people work or do business. With so many digital tools and software available to connect people all over the world, everything can be online.
Freelancing is booming right now because it brings numerous benefits to business owners and to freelancers themselves. It is a lucrative industry for people that don’t want to commit to a regular or full time work. Talented individuals have infinite opportunities to work, earn money, and start their own freelancing business no matter where they are.
The study by Freelancing in America reveals that nearly 50% of millennial workers in the US are already freelancing. And there is no sign that the growth of this industry will stop any time soon. Edelman Intelligence predicts that by 2027, freelancers will dominate the American workforce.
But what is it about freelancing that makes it a smart choice for young professionals?
Freelancing allows flexibility and provides convenience. It gives people the ability to work from home and have total control over their working hours and their earnings.
If you are keen to kickstart your freelancing career, you have to be prepared to learn new skills before you reach out to clients.
And to help you decide which skills you need to start honing now, we bring you some of the most profitable freelancing niches:
1. Social Media Management
If you are good at playing with words and crafting catchy social media statuses, you may want to start learning how to come up with powerful social media management strategies to increase brand awareness and customer engagement. Social media managers can earn $50,000 per year, depending on their experience and proven track record of successful strategies.
Social media managers handle clients’ social media accounts, plan and execute marketing campaigns, take charge in brand collaborations, explore new social media channels, create awareness for brands’ promotions, and create ads to maximize conversions and ROI of the business.
2. Copywriting
Copywriters create content that captivates, engages and entices readers to interact or buy products or services from companies. Copywriters are in demand because of the increasing need for good content. Freelancers who are experts in copywriting can earn around $50,000 – $100,000 per year.
Just remember, copywriting is a very competitive niche. Earning money from your copywriting skills is hard if you are a freelancer. There are just way too many digital agencies that offer this particular service.
The key to your success rely on how well you can sell yourself. It also pays to have a good website or an outstanding portfolio that highlights the brands you’ve written copies for. You can also include a list of websites that featured your work in the past.
You can use Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr or any platforms out there to maximize your chances of getting hired.
3. Graphic Design
Freelance graphic designers can earn as much as $75 to $100 an hour. Graphic designing entails many tasks like logo design, template design, theme creation, illustrations, social media template designs, infographics and so on.
Websites like Udemy and Lynda help people learn the basics of graphic design. For graphic artists, having a good portfolio that highlights work experiences and sample artworks can help attract clients.
There are many websites that advertise freelance graphic design gigs, including like Smashing Magazine, Authentic Jobs, and 99designs.
4. Content Writing
Probably the most popular niche in the freelancing world, writing is a great choice for people who want to earn good income. You will be surprised to know that around 50% of the freelancing community comprises of writers. This means that the competition can be extreme.
If you are just starting your freelance writing career, you can write for content mills like Text Broker. The pay might not be that good, but it is a great way to gain some experience. You can also create your own blog and write for websites that pay their contributors.
Websites like Contena, Problogger.net and Blogging Pro are constantly needing writers, so you may also want to check those out.
5. Virtual Administration
Virtual admins or virtual assistants earn an average of $35-$50 per hour. This niche might still be new to many, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make substantial amount of money from it. As a virtual assistant, you’ll do tasks like email management, administration work, appointment setting, website management, calendar management, and data entry.
The best part about this niche is that, you do not need any particular qualification or experience. Freelancing websites like Upwork.com, Guru.com, Freelancer.com are on the lookout for virtual assistants who can efficiently work from home or from anywhere in the world.
6. Search Engine Optimization
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7. Web Design or Web Development
These two niches are different from each other but if you have any of these two skills or if you have both, then you’ll surely earn a huge amount of money. Work availability for web designers and developers will be go up by 15% from 2016 to 2026.
The money-making aspect of this niche is much higher than in other areas. In fact, a freelance web developer’s salary can go up to $150,000 a year depending on his or her experience.
Summing Up
Finding a job or paying clients as a freelancer can be hard if you’re just starting your career, but it’s possible to penetrate niches that are not heavily saturated yet.
As a freelancer, you have a higher chance of earning a good income if you work hard and produce quality work. Your clients will surely refer you to their friends and business partners if you can prove your worth and provide value to their organization.
Just a tip: don’t give up too easily if you haven’t found the right niche or if you haven’t met your dream clients yet. Freelancing is not for the faint hearted and people who like being spoon-fed.
If you’re determined enough, you can certainly create multiple income streams from different freelancing gigs out there.
