Freelancing is no longer predominantly a way to support yourself during unemployment. You can earn a full-time income from the comfort of your own home. Easy access to the internet and technology is making it easy to find online work. A survey showed that over 57 million workers in the US have already switched to self-employment. With prospects of better work-life, higher pay, and job satisfaction. These numbers of self-employment are going to increase in coming years.
Freelancing sounds good as you need to know what career suits you best and where to begin before you quit your day job. Skilled workers are choosing the flexibility associated with self-employment. There is so much potential to increase your earnings and market your skills to complement the ones rely on to pay you.
In this article, we will guide you top 10 valuable skills to become a top freelancer. You can learn completely free and will unlock a world of new opportunities for your business.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
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Why should you choose AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the cloud storage provider used by many big companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and Pinterest. As Verge’s report says, if you block all the content on AWS, you leave with 60% of the internet. Two paths can take as an AWS Architect. You can work for AWS to provide cloud services to companies with Amazon’s online storage.
The annual salary of AWS is high. Companies will not hire you full-time. Make sure to build a strong base and charge monthly.
AWS provides a range of online courses that take you from novice to cloud storage expert. If you pass the exam, AWS will provide you with an official certification upon successful completion.
Mobile App Development:
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Why should you choose Mobile App Development?
The demand for both Android and IOS apps is growing. The report shows that last year app stores recorded over 200 billion downloads.
Users have spent $120 billion on apps and in-app purchases. People spend an average of 3 hours a day using their phones. It isn’t surprising that businesses are focusing on their services through mobile apps.
It’s an opportunity for mobile app developers to capitalize on their abilities. Companies are looking for freelancers to design, code, and test applications on mobile phones.
Developing mobile apps requires coding knowledge. Most IOS apps use Swift coding language. Android apps developed in Java and C++ languages. You can either choose to learn one language or both to become an expert in mobile app development.
Website Design:
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Why should you choose Website Design?
According to a survey, 90 % of customers decide to go with a competitor. Companies are aware of this and invest millions of dollars into their designs as the general trend shows that each dollar spends on web design generates $100 in sales. As a web designer, you are responsible for searching trends and creating drafts using software like Photoshop. Web designers have skills in website-oriented coding languages such as HTML and CSS. They often work with a front-end developer to code each site. There are three areas of web design you can choose from;
- User Experience (UX)
- User Interface (UI)
- Visual Design
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How to learn that skill?
To start freelancing as a web designer, you need to know computer programming. As a beginner, you can start with a course on website building that covers aspects of UX and UI design.
Website Development:
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Why should you choose Web Development?
A survey in the US showed that 1 million positions will be left unfilled by 2021. This creates an enormous demand for skilled developers. It means it’s the perfect time to learn how to program a website. There are three areas of web development where you can specialize in.
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
- Full-stack specialists
You can choose any one of these fields as a web developer. You’re going to enjoy the high pay that companies offer to freelancers. It’s a great skill you can learn where companies are keener for your attention. This will gives more opportunities and recognition for your projects.
As a coding novice, you can pick new skills required to become a web developer. There are
learning sources available, and it’s even used by experienced developers.
Writing:
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Why should you choose Writing?
You don’t need to be an author as a freelance writer. With the fast development of media, 62% of businesses hire external talent to create content on their blogs. The writing world becomes overpopulated at times. You can write blogs on tech, medicine, health, and education. If you’re specialized in a specific field, you’ll have no problem as a freelance writer.
To
become a freelance writer you don’t need to specialize in your subject. If you have a passion for creating content, you can hone your skills through a range of courses.
Video Editing:
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Why should you choose video editing?
If you want to work with moving images, you should
consider venturing into video editing. Video editors are becoming the most sought profession. 93% of businesses saw an increase in customers after posting the video on social media. Marketers are rebranding and focusing on posting informative ads videos to generate sales.
Video editor provided with raw clips and videos which your clients will expect to be montaged together attractively. Your end product must entice viewers into making a purchase.
Make sure your editing style matches maximum client satisfaction.
Compiling audio, video clips isn’t easy as it may seem at first. Most editing software learned fast with the right resources. YouTube is a free resource that offers hundreds of videos with step-by-step editing.
Graphic Design:
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Why should you choose Graphic Design?
The
graphic design market offers tremendous projects to take on. 73% of companies invest in designs on their websites and social media posts. With the right skills, you’ll be able to work on projects in marketing, web development, and user experience design. Freelance graphic designers are usually happier due to the constant use of creativity. Their career offers to come out of their comfort zone and adjust their methods and techniques. This brings excitement, challenges, and more job satisfaction when the project completes.
Before hiring you, potential clients will look at your portfolio rather than your educational background. A strong portfolio will lead you to an expert in design programs. There are courses available that make a beginner to more advanced designer. You can find various training videos on YouTube.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
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Why should you choose SEO?
SEO is another branch of digital marketing that requires freelancers to ensure that a client’s website shows on the first page of Google search. Consumers like to use Google to research services and products before making a purchase.
67% of links click first 5 search results. Companies that don’t rank high miss out on potential customers. Companies are investing in their SEO ranking.
SEO experts in the field are low. If you enjoy fierce competition in the digital marketing world, SEO will create opportunities for you.
To become an SEO specialist, you have an in-depth understanding of how the search engine works. How to use different methods to drive online traffic? Start exploring the world of SEO by reading the beginners Guide and build your skills.
Social Media Marketing:
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Why should you choose Social Media Marketing?
There are approximately 3.8 billion social media users worldwide. Each of them is a potential customer to any company active on the internet. To grow popularity and revenue, businesses of all sizes showcase their services online. They do this by hiring skilled social media marketers.
Social media marketing is a perfect choice for those who get bored. As a social media marker, you’ll be creating online campaigns with the target audience in mind. Each campaign depends on what your client needs. You’ll need to keep your creativity at the highest level.
To become a successful social media manager, you should know the ins and outs of social media platforms. There is a range of highly-rated online courses that will equip you with enough knowledge. To apply for a project you need to create a portfolio with examples of success stories. This shows you have the skills and experience to drive traffic and generate sales.
User Testing:
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Why should you choose User testing?
You’ve stumbled across different web designs in your life. Research shows that 70% of online companies fail because of unattractive layouts. That’s why user testers are a crucial part of any business’s success. User testers get paid to find bugs and share their thoughts on the platform.
User testing isn’t reserved for small companies. Many online corporations like Twitter, Airbnb, consider user feedback as of utmost importance. You can find trying out new features on various platforms before they’re released to the public.
You don’t need to complete any course to become a user tester. You should have a little computer programming knowledge. All you need to begin with is a broadband connection and laptop.
Wrapping Up:
Being self-employed comes with many advantages, such as setting your hours and a lack of a strict dress code. Freelancing can be challenging at times. You swap your day job for freelance work, but you should be aware of the drawbacks that come with being self-employed.
Self-employed offers you a chance to turn your interests into profit and increase your job satisfaction. At times you’ll get a better work-life balance, higher salary, and opportunity to network with some of the talented people. Freelancing requires commitment and hard work with the right approach.
