Freelance Jobs that are in demand in 2022
The realisation by corporate executives that there is access to a greater pool of skilled, highly talented and independent workers with low overheads compared to full-time workers has led to an increased demand for freelancers. Freelancing stimulates talent because it eliminates the complexities of organisational structures that inhibit creativity, motivation, boldness and confidence. Outsourcing talent that is self-motivated and determined to achieve their goals with less expenses and keeping a few permanent employees for key positions makes business sense to corporates which in turn makes the freelancing field a win-win situation for corporates and freelancers.
If you are contemplating on becoming a Freelancer, here is a list of some of Freelance jobs that are highly demanded in 2022
Web designer/ developer
A web designer also known as a Front-end developer controls the design layout, functionality and artistic arrangement of a website. They should be able to build a website that is easy to navigate and easily understandable while possessing creative ideas that help bring a client’s ideas to life. According to Better Team, responsibilities include but are not limited to :
· Maintaining website aesthetics by implementing content standards
· Designing imagery and making certain that they are in line with a brand
· Planning the structure of the website
· Solving code problems
· Consistently testing and upgrading website design and functionality
· Visualising creative ideas with a client
For one to be recruited as web designer they are required to have :
· Experience with graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe photoshop etc
· Familiarity with HTML, CSS and editing software
· Degree or diploma in Graphic design/ Web design, however a good portfolio can make an employer overlook the degree or diploma requirement.
One can utilise free online courses on sites like FreeCodeCamp and Udemy.
Online Teachers
Due to the shortage of teachers worldwide, the demand for online teachers has been rising rapidly. Online teaching is a process of educating via the internet, popular subjects include English, Sciences and Business.
Your earnings depend on your experience, the teaching platform, the type of subjects you are teaching and how many hours you put in - ranging from $10 to $40 per hour.
Teaching websites include Cambly, Tutor.com, Skooli, Wize, etc. the list is endless. For you to be an online teacher, you need to be qualified in the subject that you are going to teach. If you are going to be teaching languages then it should be your first language or you have to possess a certification that shows that you are qualified to teach the language.
Virtual Assistant
This job requires you to be very organised and able to multitask. A virtual assistant is responsible for giving assistance remotely to business professionals.
Their duties include scheduling appointments, email management, answering phone calls, social media posting, assisting in travel arrangements. Duties differ according to the line of business one works in.
Glassdoor.com rates show that virtual assistants’ earnings range from $10 to $25 per hour based on the clients’ requirements. If you are still deciding on what freelance route to take, a virtual assistant job can help you to break into the freelance field even with zero to little experience.
Social Media Specialist
If you know how to create engaging posts, are familiar with social media platforms and enjoy social media trends then this job could be the right one for you.
To be successful in this career, you need to be versatile, creative, know a lot of digital tools which include Google Analytics, Meta business suite, Hootsuite, Asana etc. You also need to create ad campaigns and achieve the set standards for your KPIs.
Some of the requirements listed by Indeed.com include:
· Degree in Communications, Journalism or Marketing
· Knowledge of HTML and CSS
· Experience with different analytics software
· Good written and verbal communication skills
· A strong online portfolio
Writer
Freelance writing can be creative or technical depending on the specifications of the client. There are many types of freelance writing which include:
· Website blogs
· Book and movie reviews
· Newspaper articles
· Interviews
· Online short stories
If you have a passion for writing, have excellent communication skills, are creative and have a good imagination you can join online groups such as WritersAccess.com to give you access to freelance writing jobs.
Earnings range from $10 to $30 per hour, other employers charge per article.
SEO Specialist
According to ezinearticles.com, to be successful in this position, you have to be a critical thinker who knows how to effectively execute optimization strategies. You have to know emerging trends, consumer behavior and to adapt quickly to changes in the field.
Responsibilities include:
· Knowledge of and experience with SEO strategies
· Experience in HTML and CSS
· Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and reporting platforms such as SEMRush, Screaming Frog etc.
· Experience with digital media strategies
· Advanced computer skills
Accountant
The requirements of becoming a freelance accountant are basically the same as an onsite accountant the only difference is that one requires good computer skills to be able to create virtual files. Good communication skills are also required if you are going to be a successful virtual accountant.
The list of Freelance jobs in demand is endless. Customer Service Representative, Copywriter, Editor, Data Analyst, Cyber-Security Specialist are some of the jobs that are on this list. Basically all jobs that can be modified to allow virtual work are now in demand.
The freelance community is ever growing, there is more information on how to navigate your way into becoming a seasoned freelancer. It takes only a little courage and determination to be successful as a freelancer, anyone who is passionate about their craft can do it. This list of freelance platforms can help you start your journey as a freelancer: Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, and Freelance.com. African platforms that prioritise African freelancers include Postandwork, AfriBlocks, Kuhustle and Onesha.
