What is freelancing and how does it work?

Since the pandemic started, more people are becoming freelancers and digital nomads who rely on the internet and technology to do their jobs.

As of 2020, according to an Upwork study, there are already about 59 million freelancers in the US alone, and the number is expected to increase further.

Freelancing is the best option for people who want to balance their personal and professional lives. It also allows them to fulfill their desire to travel or spend more time at home with family.

Is running a freelance business for you? Find out below.

What is freelancing?

Freelancing is providing services as a self-employed person. It primarily entails working as an independent contractor under a contract that does not need you to report to an office daily at a specific time.

Freelancer is the term used for people who are freelancing. Freelancers are considered self-employed workers and can work for different companies or multiple clients independently.

Some companies track their freelancers using freelance time tracking and invoicing tools like Workstatus for accurate billing and time management.

In contrast to full-time employment, freelancers work on-demand for clients, delivering goods and services as and when they’re needed.

The downside to freelancing is, unlike full-time employees, freelancers are not eligible for benefits like health insurance. The are also responsible for filing their own tax deductions under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How does freelancing work?

Freelance work begins with a negotiation between the freelance worker and the client. This can either be direct or indirect (via third-party freelance marketplaces).

While some freelancers specialize in a specific field, others provide a broader range of options.

Most freelancing opportunities are posted on websites where digital nomads and gig economy workers can choose from multiple freelance projects.

Freelancers can be contractual or project-based and paid by the hour or per project. They are essentially their own boss and can work at their own pace as long as they meet the customer’s requirements and the deadline. This allows the freelancer to achieve a work-life balance.

One of the best advantages that a freelance career can offer is flexibility.

In-demand freelance jobs for you

Freelancing is in demand because it is profitable and manageable. As opportunities in freelancing grow, so do your chances of learning new skills and building a better career.

Here are the common on-demand jobs in the freelance marketplace:

Mobile app development

A mobile application developer is a person who designs, creates, and updates applications for mobile devices and tablets. It can be either online or offline application development.

Developers build mobile apps that take advantage of a device’s unique capabilities. For this reason, it is common practice for app developers to collaborate with a user experience designer.

No-code app builder platform is also helping developers to build an app easily without coding.

Freelance writing

Writing for the web is a standard function of content writers, and this includes everything from blog posts to social media posts. Other duties of a content writer are:

• Composing blog entries and articles
• Writing scripts for films and podcasts
• Creating materials for social media platforms

Graphic design

Graphic design is one of the most popular freelance jobs because business owners often look for new logos and marketing designs.

Graphic designers are becoming even more marketable, given the evolution of the marketing landscape that focuses on digital platforms.

Whether it’s a primary corporate logo or a complicated internet page layout, graphic designs are essential to any marketing strategy.

Social media management

In today’s industry, the fastest-growing freelancing position is social media management. With the rise of social media, firms are looking for new ways to engage with their customers online.

Using various tools, full-time freelancers can work as social media managers create, publish, and analyze social media profiles on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Social media management’s primary objective is to control a business’s online presence.

Animation and video creation

Animators and video creators are the key players in the film and animation industry and will never go out of demand. They collaborate with creative professionals such as writers, designers, and voice actors.

Many companies also find it helpful to outsource their animation and video creations. That is why this freelance job is becoming more popular these days.

How to become a freelancer

Freelancing is not that hard as long as you know how to be your own boss.

When you’re freelancing, you’ll be in charge of everything that comes with self-employment, such as managing your own schedule and business.

Here are three simple and quick steps to become a freelancer.

1. Decide on the job title or position. Make sure that you’ve got the skills that fit your desired role.

2. Find a freelancing website, like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, and create a profile. Take note that most freelancing websites have a verification process.

3. Include your portfolio or previous work experience to attract multiple clients.

4. Once your profile is verified, you can search and apply for your desired job.

You can research their company or work when connecting with potential clients. This can help create a good impression that you understand your client’s needs.