In this blog, we’re going to discuss the future trends and most in-demand freelance jobs skills for 2022. With the emergence of artificial intelligence, the demand for skilled designers, photographers, and writers is subsiding.

However, there’s one thing that can’t be replaced by AI, and that’s your personal touch.

The most in-demand freelance skills

There is a personal touch that only a freelancer can provide. Which is why, in 2022, freelancers with these technical skills will be the next big thing.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Programming

Blockchain is the most rapidly evolving technology, with numerous applications. As a result, many businesses are rushing to engage blockchain developers.

You've probably heard of programming languages, and the following are the most important ones: C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript are all examples of programming languages.

These programming languages can be found in a wide range of applications and platforms. This technology is also utilized for supply chain management, identity management, and a variety of other applications.

Mobile App Development

Mobile app development is becoming one of the most in-demand skills in the outsourcing industry. There are numerous opportunities for freelancers who excel in mobile app development.

To be a mobile app developer, — in fact, you must have a varied range of technological skills. You must have these abilities in order to become an exceptional mobile app developer.

• Programming languages
• Computer proficiency
• Back-end computing
• User interface design
• Cross-platform development skills
• Product management skills
• Cyber security skills
• IoT skills
• Agile development skills

Finance Management

Finance management abilities are no longer limited to full-time employees. Thanks to freelance platforms where freelancers provide their expertise as a service. With the eCommerce market expanding rapidly, many businesses are turning to freelancers for freelance-related expertise. 

Freelancers can offer their skills in a cost-effective way, so it makes sense for companies to hire them. A freelancer in the finance domain can provide the following services: budgeting, analytic modelling, forecasting, predictive modelling, risk management, cash flow management, valuation, and so on.

Market Research

The changing market of today has resulted in the emergence of different jobs. If we look at freelance market research analyst, freelance jobs have gained popularity in the past few years.

Businesses from all sectors are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and stay ahead of the curve, which is why they spend huge sums of money on market research.

It is projected that the market for the global market research industry will reach $35.17 billion by the end of this year. And the national average salary for market research analyst is $60,280 in united states.

Brand Identity and Strategy

The current trend in digital marketing is to outsource everything. This is because of the simple fact that there are freelancers who are experienced in the field and can do the job at a fraction of the cost compared to companies.

The most important thing here is to ensure that you have the skills, experience, and qualifications for the job role.

Excellent communication skills, an analytical and problem-solving mindset, branding, marketing, strategic thinker, presentation skills, strong research skills, and other business-related skills are all essential.

Research and Development

R & D is all about applying knowledge, skills, or attitudes to develop or improve products. Freelancers with R & D skills are in high demand. They work for start-ups as well as large multinational companies.

This skill is used by freelancers to uncover new products, seeking patents, trademarks, services, processes, or designs, and the main goal is to maintain the uniqueness or competitiveness of the business.

Website Development

Freelance website developers are one of the most popular choices. Since websites are an integral part of the success of any business, if you choose to become a freelance website developer, you can offer businesses help to build brand awareness, increase traffic, and boost sales.

And since the pandemic raised the demand for gig workers, this is the perfect time for you to learn how to develop websites and enjoy the high pay bonuses that businesses offer.

Game Development

The gaming industry is one of the most lucrative in the world. In fact, the gaming sector alone is estimated to be worth USD 173.70 billion in 2021, with a projected increase to USD 314.40 by 2027. The industry is massive and expanding year after year.

The annual compensation of a game developer ranges from $47,000 to $88,000.

To begin freelancing as a game developer, you must be well-versed in game engines such as Unreal Engine 4, Unity, C++, and C#. Also, become acquainted with current gaming trends, testing tools, and so forth.

Artificial Intelligence Development

Artificial intelligence has been around for a decade, with voice recognition software being one of its early applications. It was relatively simple back then, with a single AI software performing a single task.

Today, though, things are different. Artificial intelligence has been employed in a variety of industries, and many big corporations have established AI teams.

Starting with AI intelligence development isn't as difficult as you might imagine, but the sheer number of various types of AI makes it difficult to know where to begin.

An AI developer's role is to maintain, improve, and implement AI solutions for systems. To become an AI developer, you must have a solid grasp and expertise in game development, machine learning, natural language processing, or computer programming, as well as a degree in computer science.

Data Analysis

When you think of data analysis, you generally envision a spreadsheet with a lot of data in front of you. But that isn't the only aspect of data analysis. True analysis necessitates the ability to present a story originating from your business.

According to published statistics, there will be more than 2.7 million data analyst job openings by the end of 2022. So now is your time to begin learning and become qualified as a data analyst.

Because this field is in high demand and has the potential to attract a large number of clients.

To begin freelancing as a data analyst, you must first master all of the necessary abilities, such as business intelligence, coding, and quick analysis, as well as enhance your technical skills, work on real-world projects, and consider obtaining a certification or an advanced degree.

Illustration

For a long time, artists who produced cartoons and comic strips were identified with the profession of illustration. Illustrations have gotten more popular in recent years. Companies use illustrators to gain a deeper understanding of their brand image or to express their product offerings more effectively.

If you are an illustrator, you may have the opportunity to work with some of the world's largest corporations and earn a substantial salary.

So, where do you begin with illustrations? Begin with the fundamentals, read books to learn and understand the fundamentals, improve your sketching talents, and finally, learn to market yourself.

Your creativity and creation will always be one-of-a-kind, and while working with businesses, you must bring their vision to life. In India, an illustrator can earn up to ₹  62,963 per month.

Virtual Assistance

The entire scope of the freelancing company has changed dramatically as a result of technological advancements. Since then, business owners have discovered that employing a virtual assistant reduces operating costs by 78%.

That is why many business owners seek the services of a freelance virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can expect to earn around $57,000 per year.

If you want to go down this path, you must understand that a virtual assistant should have a limitless skill set, which is entirely dependent on the type of organization or field of work.

However, the primary purpose remains the same: to provide support, administrative, and clerical services.

Graphic Designing

Graphic designers are in high demand, and they are capable of producing extremely high-quality work. According to Forbes, graphic designers are the most in-demand freelancers.

Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem solving via the use of one or more of the following mediums: typography, photography, and illustration. You're good to go if you're good at art or creativity.

If not, then master the fundamentals, such as which tools to use, how to create a communicative product, and so on. Many graphic designers are typically engaged by businesses to create websites, social media posts, cooperative communications, user experience designs, and so on.

Web Developer

Being a web developer entails focusing on and freelancing as front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack specialists. such as establishing log-in pages, pressing buttons, and structuring websites, servers, and databases.

To get started as a freelance web developer, you must study development foundations, necessary programming languages, work on real-world projects, and construct a web development portfolio.

In India, an ordinary developer can earn up to ₹ 589,443, with expert developers earning up to ₹ 890,000 per year.

And because web developers have the possibility to advance in a variety of industries, you won't have to worry about money, but you will need to work on your abilities.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is being used by an increasing number of businesses to increase sales. This is fantastic news for the SEO sector and freelance SEO workers. It has become more of a must in today's gig industry.

However, becoming a good SEO freelancer can be difficult and intimidating.

You must understand the concept of SEO, the best techniques to implement SEO, the necessary abilities, build a credible personal brand, and have a good track record with your clients. Otherwise, you won't be able to last long.

An SEO expert's major task is to rank the client's website at the top of SERPs, lead potential customers to their website, and produce sales.

According to statistics, top earners can earn up to $100,500 per year, while an average SEO specialist can earn up to $59,249 per year. And your compensation rate is determined by what you can bring to the table as an SEO specialist.

Social Media Marketing

Many marketing folks are incorporating social media into their strategies. Moreover, during this period of tremendous growth for small businesses and social media marketing, social media agencies are experiencing a surge in demand for freelance social media marketers.

To put it another way, social media marketing is quickly becoming the most significant tool for small businesses.

Essentially, a social media marketer's major task is to create an effective marketing plan for the company in order to attract prospects, consumers, and promote audience engagement.

If you want to become a social media marketer, start by mastering the fundamentals, such as the difference between traditional and digital marketing. Work on your soft skills as well, such as networking, communication, writing, customer service, and so on.

Excel Management

For most businesses and individuals, Microsoft Excel is the go-to application for data analysis and management. According to records, Excel is used by over 750 million people all around the world.

And the CEO of Microsoft claims that it is the most important consumer product.

The spreadsheet has become the standard way to manage, analyze, and track data across the world. This means that there are a lot of opportunities to grow or start a career as a freelance Excel manager.

However, there are a lot of things to consider before taking this route. Start from the basics, such as managing a workbook, formatting cells, excel functions, charts, sorting data, etc. Then proceed to the most important skills that every company seeks—

• Advanced excel functions
• Proper data validation
• Arrangement of diverse excel functions
• Protecting sheets and locking of cells
• Sorting of statistics and related data
• Knowledge of macros and VBA

Product Management

A product manager is a cross-functional position having significant influence over a company's product strategy. In other words, they assist the company in making strategic decisions and bringing a successful product to market.

If you wish to follow this route, you should think about honing the necessary abilities. A product manager must be able to grasp customer demands and business intelligence, organize and execute, and possess analytical, technical, interpersonal, marketing, and research abilities.

Video Editing

Video editing is one of the most important marketing tools for an e-business to have. There is a big demand for video editing freelancers' services as people need help. More companies are now taking video content seriously and offering freelance video editors’ jobs.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, video editors earn an average of $59,500 as an annual income. And freelancers can earn anywhere between ₹ 32,373 and ₹ 73,057 per month.

To get started as a video editor, you must first master both hard and soft skills. Soft skills such as creative thinking, critical thinking, stress management, attention to details, etc. and hard skills such as animation, media management, corporate videos, transcription, and knowledge of video editing tools, etc.

Copywriting

The role of a copywriter is to create promotional materials to sell a product or rank a website at the top of SERPs. The copywriter has to write copies that can persuade audiences and convert them into potential prospects.

This is a huge market that needs good copywriters to do the writing gigs. It is a field that allows you to pursue your passion and earn good money at the same time.

To thrive in the copywriting industry, you need to have the right skills. You should have in-depth knowledge of the content, be able to build a good relationship with the client, and have a clear idea of the product.

Having said that, copywriting is a very broad area that covers different aspects. Freelance copy writers earn an average of $55,000 per annum. Whereas, in the United States, a freelance copywriter earns up to $70,004 per annum.

Sales and Telemarketing

Sales and telemarketing are two talents in high demand right now. You're probably aware that being a competent salesperson or telemarketer pays well. The responsibility of a telemarketer is to persuade a potential customer over the phone, internet, or email.

However, in order to do well in sales and telemarketing, you must be familiar with sales strategies. You must be an excellent communicator, persuader, and negotiator. In addition, computer skills are required as a supplement.

Content Creation

Content creation is one of the most important tasks that businesses need to focus on. Because the content can either grow or break the business. If you have a passion for writing and knowledge of the subject matter, you can grasp this opportunity to grow as the business grows.

And if you’re a novice and want to get started now, then you must start with learning the fundamentals, acquire research skills, SEO skills, planning skills, and take a content creation course as well.

If you’re passionate about writing and have good writing skills, then you’re good to go.

According to resources, 55% of marketers use blog content creation and consider it to be their top inbound marketing priority. Also, 80% of content marketers used blog posts in their content strategy in 2020.

An expert content creator in India earns around 48,000 per month. In contrast, the national average salary in the United States is $48,082 per year.

UI/UX Design

Over the last decade, the freelance UI/UX design industry has grown, and the demand for UI/UX designers has increased. UI/UX design is the process of designing and enhancing user interfaces for software applications and tools.

The design process can also involve user research, user testing, and prototyping. Many web design firms are now looking for freelancers with expertise in user experience and user interfaces.

The average salary of a UI/UX designer in India ranges between ₹ 2 lakhs and ₹15.5 lakhs. To start freelancing as a UI/UX designer, you must consider working on these skills –

• Research skill
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• Information architecture
• Visual communication

Public Relations

Public relations specialists are responsible for promoting their clients' businesses and counteracting any unfavorable press that may harm them. PR is a multibillion-dollar industry, and breaking into it is not easy.

Businesses seek public relations strategies when launching a new product, service, or enterprise. Whatever the campaign, your effectiveness as a public relations professional will determine its success.

So, if you want to have a successful career in public relations, you must first learn how to do it professionally. To be productive in this sector, you will need a great deal of information, abilities, and experience.