.webp)
Are you considering becoming part of the growing freelance workforce this year? Maybe you're thinking about leaving your current job or starting to prepare your finances to be able to resign soon. If joining the gig economy or launching a side hustle appeals to you, you'll be pleased to know that demand for freelancers has increased this year. According to analysts at Worksuite, a platform that connects businesses with freelancers, there has been a 22.4% year-on-year increase in the total value of contract work managed through their service. Prominent clients like Marriott Bonvoy, Mediabrands, The New York Academy of Sciences, Microsoft, and WebMD are among those hiring more freelancers.
Top 10 Countries With Greatest Number Of Freelancers
According to the same report, the top 10 countries that held the greatest number of freelance professionals in 2023 were:
- The U.S.
- UK
- Canada
- United Arab Emirates (UAE),
- Philippines
- Germany
- Puerto Rico
- India
- France
- Germany
In 2024, that list remains fairly the same, except three countries—Germany, Puerto Rico, and Sweden—dropping out, and being replaced by Brazil, Australia, and South Africa in the final three positions in the ranking.
The report continues to note that within the first half of 2024, the top five countries churning out freelancers that experienced an increase in fresh freelance talent (based on Worksuite usage data), compared to last year, are South Africa with a 126% increase, followed by the U.S. (68%), Canada (64%), Australia (62%), and the UAE (47%).
But perhaps one of the most interesting insights from the Worksuite report is the countries it listed which are the most keen on hiring freelance talent right now.
According to their findings, in the first half of 2023, the top 10 countries that spent the most money in hiring freelance talent were the U.S., U.K., Canada, Netherlands, India, Panama, Switzerland, Australia, Poland, and Uruguay.
Top 10 Countries Hiring Freelancers In 2024
Within the first half of 2024, we are seeing some major differences compared to last year. The top 10 countries where you can witness companies spending the most money on freelancers now are:
- The U.S.
- Ukraine
- Canada
- U.K.
- Turkey
- Germany
- India
- Philippines
- France
- Slovenia
What Does This Mean To You?
Understanding the current state of the freelance market can help you uncover areas of strong job demand and growth within your specialism or niche, and industry, and can lead to more high-growth and high-paying gigs and projects. You might even decide to move to one of these countries or opt for switching up your marketing strategy to ensure that corporations and entities based in, or having a presence in, these top countries hiring freelancers, are better placed to view your services and contract with you.
Here are some ideas on how to use this information to inform your freelancing strategy when growing your small business and bidding for projects:
1. Study Country-And-Region-Specific Market Rates And Spending Power
Don't just take the findings of the report at face value and run with it. Conduct thorough market research to ensure these countries would work best for you and your business idea. Then you can set competitive rates based on the spending power and market rates within the countries listed above. For example, you may find that high-spending markets are more willing to pay premium rates for your quality expertise. This knowledge enables you to confidently negotiate better pay rates.
2. Target Your Marketing And Outreach
Focus your marketing efforts, especially digital marketing and social media outreach, on the countries you wish to target, to reap the most benefits. This is particularly helpful if you are narrowing down your audience for PPC (pay-per-click) advertising on Facebook for example, or if you are sending new connection requests and InMails on LinkedIn.
3. Build A Global Client Base
Think about where you wish to establish your presence and thought leadership as a freelance professional, and reduce the risk of over-dependence on one market by diversifying your geographical reach. Build a global client base and develop mechanisms that allow you to work for and collaborate with stakeholders across the world, whether that be new software or something as simple as developing your communication skills.
As a freelancer, you're stepping into an entirely new world of work. Remember to think smart, strategize your way to success, and physically position yourself and your business visibility where you will be most likely to gain the most profit and opportunities.