With artificial intelligence reshaping industries, offering AI services can unlock new earning … [+]
Between mass layoffs, ghost job postings, and the effects of inflation, the 2024 job market is proving to be extremely challenging, leading increasing numbers of professionals to resort to freelancing.
In fact, Gen Z have already jumped aboard the trend. A staggering 70% of Gen Z professionals globally are either currently freelancing, or intend to in the near future, according to a recent study undertaken by Fiverr.
If you find yourself among those looking to secure a new gig, there is a particular set of skills which is proving to be the most sought-after by clients in 2024. The data identifying these skills trends has been obtained through Fiverr’s careful analysis of the volume of service searches over the past six months, and is also noticeable in their fall edition of Fiverr’s Business Trends Index. These five skills can command the highest rates, and enable you to gain more traction with clients, making for a thriving freelance career:
1. Website Development
To excel as a web developer, you will need a combination of “hard” technical skills, and soft or power skills, such as problem-solving, creative thinking, and sharp attention to detail. You will also need to excel with interpersonal communication and have project management skills to be able to effectively manage your client’s projects and their expectations. And since the world of tech is never stagnant, you should always aim to keep yourself updated with the latest technologies, frameworks, and best practices within web development so you can consistently deliver high-quality, innovative solutions.
2. AI Services
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. AI is taking over the world after all, and is even leading to the creation of new, previously unheard of, job opportunities. For example, some companies are even hiring for a Chief AI Officer in the latest addition to the C-suite, as part of their efforts to incorporate and manage artificial intelligence in the workplace. Your assistance might be of vital importance for companies who are gradually incorporating AI into their strategy, and this can come through offering services such as:
- AI content editing
- AI prompt engineering
- AI consulting
You will of course, need to develop thorough expertise in your field, depending on which avenue you choose.
3. Video Editing
According to Social Pilot, investments in video content production will swell to $92.3 billion in 2024, with 93% of marketers embracing them for higher engagement and ROI. Their research also showed that 66% more leads are generated through video marketing, making this an effective skill to capitalize on and turn into a profitable side hustle.
To develop or sharpen your video editing skills, you might consider undertaking courses such as those offered by SkillShare, Coursera
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4. Social Media Content And Management
The social media advertizing industry is certainly a booming market, with estimates projecting it will reach a market worth of $255.8 billion by 2028. It currently has close to 5 billion users worldwide, so it’s easy to see that knowing how to optimize and manage social media profiles and presence of brands, and curate and schedule content for individual platforms, is an in-demand skill.
Freelancers wishing to offer services in this space should consider that social media is constantly evolving, and that they will need to adapt their skills to cater to the trends and demands of their clients’ target audience, which will be platform-specific, to obtain the best results.
5. Mobile App Development
The final in-demand skill you should learn as a freelancer, which was uncovered by Fiverr, is mobile app development. The mobile app industry has undergone a rebound over the past year, with Statista noting that microblogging and text-based social media have experienced a resurgence in 2023, setting the foundation for a new trend for app users in 2024.
You can learn mobile app development through online courses such as those offered by Apple Training, and Code Academy.
Video editing is a thriving industry thanks to global consumption of video content and marketing
So, if you’re at a crossroads in your freelancing career journey and you’re not certain what to do next, why not pick up one of these skills and dedicate time to learn them for an hour each day. Your time will never be wasted.
Source: 5 Most In-Demand Skills For Freelancers In 2024, According To Fiverr
