A guide to freelancing in 2021 and some of the most in-demand freelance jobs

Through the last 20 or so years, the trend for freelancing has grown exponentially, and opportunities for working in a third-party role for other companies are now better than ever. Freelancers are now in high demand for everything from copywriting to design and accountancy projects meaning the chances of succeeding in going it alone are high so long as you have the right skills.

Hiring freelancers has become so popular partly through the growth of the internet and partly through a growing awareness among company bosses that taking on staff ad hoc can bring considerable benefits – not least of which is reducing the typically fixed overheads of retaining full-time staff.

The most in-demand freelance roles

If you’re considering starting up as a freelancer, below is a list of some of the most in-demand freelance positions that could see you turning a profit quickly.

Copywriting: If you’re a good writer, why not turn that ability into cash by working as a freelance copywriter? Working in this role offers tremendous freedom and involves very little in the way of start-up costs (in most cases, all you need is a computer and a writing app like Microsoft Word (paid) or Google Docs (free). It’s also worth bearing in mind, if you have particular expertise in a specialist area, you could earn even more as a technical writer.

Web developer/coder: The web has completely transformed modern business making those with design, development and coding skills in high demand. Indeed, if you have the relevant skills, you could earn upwards of $200 per hour – again, working in your time, at your own pace, and in a place that suits you. In addition, there is now a huge range of online resources and job boards where you can pick and choose the work that interests you most – or search for jobs on price alone.

Delivery driver: As mentioned above, tech and the web have revolutionized all aspects of business but perhaps none more so than retailing. With the huge growth of online shopping, delivery drivers are now more in demand than ever to ship goods to clients. Starting as a driver is pretty easy – you could, in some cases, get away with just using your existing car – but you’ll obviously need to find courier jobs and get connected with customers. Search online for shipping jobs boards that can provide a quick and convenient place to find work.

Digital marketing and SEO: In a world where there are now more web pages than people, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for firms to stand out online and get their message heard by prospective and existing clients. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) relates to a range of tactics used by digital marketers to ensure sites place higher in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), leading to higher footfall on websites. In today’s connected world, research shows that around 71% of all consumer journeys now start with an online search – making it essential for firms these days to be found on Google and other search engines. Consequently, working in SEO could see you turning a tidy profit as you help companies gain greater online exposure.