In 2020, there were 59 million freelancers in the United States, which is approximately 36% of the workforce and the global freelance market is expected to reach $450 billion by 2023. The most popular freelance services are writing and translation, graphic design, and programming and web development.
These statistics demonstrate the growth and importance of the freelance industry and suggest that it will continue to be a viable career option for many people in the future. Let’s understand the top careers and companies offering freelancing jobs from home.
What is freelancing?
Freelancing refer to temporary, project-based or part-time jobs where individuals work independently as contractors or freelancers instead of being a full-time employee of a company. Freelancers are self-employed and offer their services to clients on a project-by-project basis.
To get started with freelancing, you need to identify your skills and determine the type of work you want to offer. You should also create a portfolio that showcases your work and skillset.
Once you have a portfolio, you can start bidding on jobs through freelance platforms or marketing yourself directly to potential clients. It’s important to set reasonable rates, communicate effectively with clients, and deliver high-quality work to build a good reputation and attract more freelance opportunities.
What skills are required for freelancing?
The skills required for freelancing vary depending on the type of work you want to do. By honing these skills, you can increase your chances of success as a freelancer and build a strong reputation in the marketplace. However, some of the most common skills that are in demand in the freelance marketplace include:
- Communication skills: You need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and other freelancers. This includes writing emails, participating in conference calls, and providing updates on your work progress.
- Time management: As a freelancer, you are responsible for managing your own time and meeting deadlines. You need to be able to prioritize tasks and organize your work schedule effectively.
- Business skills: As a freelancer, you are essentially running your own business. You need to have basic business skills such as financial management, marketing, and customer service.
- Attention to detail: Clients expect high-quality work from freelancers, so it’s important to have a keen eye for detail and to take the time to ensure that your work is error-free.
- Technical skills: Depending on the type of work you want to do, you may need technical skills such as coding, graphic design, or video editing.
- Adaptability: Freelancers often work with different clients, projects, and technologies, so you need to be able to adapt quickly to new situations and requirements.
- Problem-solving skills: As a freelancer, you may encounter unexpected challenges or problems that you need to solve quickly and efficiently.
Top 25 companies hiring for freelance jobs
Many companies hire freelancers for a variety of projects and tasks. Here are some examples of companies that frequently hire freelancers:
- Robert Half International
- Kforce
- TTEC
- SYKES
- Kelly
- IAPWE
- Aquent
- Randstad
- Parexel
- BELAY
- ModSquad
- Aston Carter
- Study.com
- Working Solutions
- Pearson
- Varsity Tutors
- Sutherland
- Collabera
- Planet Group
- Ajilon
- Welocalize
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Solomon Page
- CyraCom
- Aerotek
Top career categories that are hiring for remote freelance jobs
- Technology and IT: This category includes a wide range of roles such as web developers, software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and IT support professionals.
- Writing and Translation: Freelance writers, editors, and translators are always in demand, particularly for companies with international reach.
- Virtual Assistant: Freelance virtual assistant jobs inlcude common tasks may include managing emails, scheduling appointments, conducting research, social media management, bookkeeping, data entry, and customer service.
- Accounting and Finance: Freelance accountants, financial analysts, and bookkeepers are in high demand for remote work.
- Education and Teaching: Online tutors, instructional designers, and curriculum developers are just a few of the roles in this category.
- Design and Creative: Graphic designers, UI/UX designers, writers, content creators, and social media specialists are just a few of the roles in this category.
- Marketing and Advertising: This category includes digital marketing professionals, SEO specialists, content marketers, and advertising experts.
- Data Entry: Data entry freelance work involves the process of entering data into a computer or database from various sources such as handwritten documents, online forms, audio recordings, and images.
- Sales and Business Development: Remote sales professionals, account managers, and business development specialists are crucial for companies that operate in multiple locations.
- Customer Service and Support: Remote customer service representatives are an essential part of any company that deals with customers, including e-commerce businesses and online service providers.
- Healthcare and Wellness: Telemedicine, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring have increased demand for healthcare professionals who can work remotely.
- Project Management: Remote project managers are essential for companies that need to manage complex projects across different time zones and regions.
How to get started as a freelancer?
Starting as a freelancer may take time and effort, but with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful and rewarding career. Follow these steps to start freelancing:
- Identify your skills and niche: Start by identifying your skills and determining the services you can offer as a freelancer. Assess your strengths, experience, and interests to narrow down your options.
- Create a portfolio: Develop a portfolio and revamp your resume that showcases your work and highlights your skills and experience. This portfolio should include samples of your previous work, testimonials from clients, and any relevant certifications.
- Determine your rates: Determine your rates based on your experience, the services you offer, and the rates charged by other freelancers in your niche.
- Start networking: Build your network by attending industry events, joining relevant online communities, and reaching out to potential clients.
- Start pitching: Start reaching out to potential clients and pitching your services. Be sure to personalize your pitch and demonstrate how your services can benefit their business.
- Build relationships: Focus on building strong relationships with your clients by delivering quality work, meeting deadlines, and providing exceptional customer service.
- Manage your finances: Set up a system to track your income and expenses, and create a budget to ensure you are earning enough to cover your expenses.
How to find freelance jobs?
Here are some ways to find freelance jobs:
- Freelance job platforms: Register on freelance job platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour. These platforms allow freelancers to create a profile, bid on projects, and work with clients from all over the world.
- Networking: Build your professional network by attending industry events, joining online communities, and reaching out to potential clients on social media.
- Remote Job boards: Check job boards such as Indeed, DailyRemote, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and TheWFHJobs for freelance opportunities. Use keywords such as “freelance,” “contract,” or “remote” to narrow down your search.
- Referrals: Ask your existing clients for referrals or recommendations. A satisfied client is likely to recommend your services to others.
- Social media: Utilize social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to search for freelance opportunities. Join relevant groups, connect with potential clients, and share your portfolio and expertise.
- Cold pitching: Reach out to potential clients directly by sending them an email or message introducing yourself and your services. Make sure to personalize your pitch and show how your skills can benefit their business.
Use DailyRemote to Find Remote Freelance Jobs
Searching for a freelance jobs can be a challenging experience, but it is important to maintain a positive outlook and go over our guide on how to find a remote job?. If you apply to the above mentioned remote companies, make sure that your remote interview goes smoothly to succeed on work from home jobs interviews.
Remember, finding freelance jobs requires persistence and patience. Keep applying and networking, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired right away.
If you are searching for a remote freelancer job and need help finding where to look? We are a remote job board with the latest jobs in various categories to help you. Try these top remote companies offering 4 day work week and join like-minded people in our LinkedIn community.