In 2024, the job market poses significant challenges due to mass layoffs, ghost job postings, and the impact of inflation, prompting a growing number of professionals to turn to freelancing. This trend is particularly prevalent among Gen Z, with a striking 70% of Gen Z professionals worldwide already freelancing or planning to do so soon, as revealed by a recent study by Fiverr. For those seeking new opportunities, certain skills are in high demand by clients in 2024, as identified by Fiverr's research on service searches over the last six months and highlighted in the fall edition of Fiverr's Business Trends Index. These top five skills not only command high rates but also position freelancers to attract more clients, paving the way for a successful 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, Class Central, and of course, YouTube itself.
4. Social Media Content And Management
The social media advertising industry is certainly a booming market, with estimates projecting it will reach a market worth $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 the 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 client's 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.
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 learning them for an hour each day. Your time will never be wasted.