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Ekaterina Borovets
Career guidance and development expert, member of the Association of Career Counseling and Support, author of the free Skillbox career guidance course "Who to Become?"
Higher education in psychology, HR with over 12 years of experience. Has been consulting on careers and career guidance since 2018, has conducted over 900 consultations on digital professions. Manages innovative projects at Lerna.ru and is responsible for career guidance at CRK.by.
Expert in career guidance and development, member of the Association of Career Counseling and Support, author of the free career guidance course Skillbox "Who to Become?"
Higher psychological education, HR with over 12 years of experience. She has been providing career and vocational guidance consulting since 2018 and has conducted over 900 consultations on digital professions. She manages innovation projects at Lerna.ru and is responsible for career guidance at CRK.by.
Maria Tkacheva
Skillbox Marketing Specialist
Develops promotion strategies and marketing funnels for the Skillbox brand in Belarus. Implements special projects with partners and works with influencers.
Skillbox Marketing Specialist
Develops promotion strategies and marketing funnels for the Skillbox brand in Belarus. Implements special projects with partners and works with influencers.
The Skillbox.by editorial team has already shared with you professionsthat will be in demand in 2024. This time, career expert and career guidance specialist Ekaterina Borovets and Skillbox marketing specialist Maria Tkacheva compiled a list of the top freelance professions. Our experts focused on labor market analysis and the prospects of specific industries.
10 Popular Freelance Professions in 2024. Experts' Choice
In a world of rapidly changing technologies and variable labor relations, it is becoming increasingly clear that freelancing is the future. Freedom to choose projects, flexible schedules, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world make it an attractive option for many professionals.
Freelancing professions provide an opportunity for creative and professional growth and guarantee a stable demand for professional skills. Since such a work schedule is usually chosen by specialists with experience, it is easier for them to estimate the volume of work and select orders that correspond to their level.
Earnings from freelancing depend on the market in which the specialist works. It can be both Belarusian and foreign. Professional skills, knowledge of foreign languages, and the specialty itself are no less important. Let's take a closer look at each profession that, according to experts, will be in demand in the freelance world in 2024.
Frontend Developer
The demand for high-quality websites and interfaces is steadily growing. The time spent on the site is directly related to the quality of frontend development. Frontend developers are responsible for creating user interfaces that combine functionality and aesthetics.
They develop and optimize the appearance of websites and web applications, implement interactive elements and adapt them to various devices. Frontend developers are responsible for the visual perception of a brand and improving the user experience.
As with all online professions, a specialist's income depends on the market, level of experience, and complexity of projects. For example, on the foreign exchange guru.com, a frontend developer can expect to earn from $250 for one small game project. Specialists with experience and unique skills receive higher fees - they are often invited to work on specific projects, which means receiving a stable, predictable income.
Marketplace Manager
The development of online commerce has made marketplace managers key figures. Marketplaces have become the primary channel for selling products, and effective management of their sales is the key to business success.
Marketplace managers manage product offerings, promotion strategies, and interactions with platforms. They optimize product listings, analyze competitors, and set up advertising campaigns on marketplaces. They also monitor updates to platform rules and requirements and adapt strategies.
As for income, it depends on the market you plan to work in. You can work in both Belarusian and foreign markets. For example, fl.ru has published dozens of orders for marketplace managers. Among the offers, you can find one-time work and project-based employment with pay of 18-37 Belarusian rubles per hour. Your earnings are influenced by your ability to analyze the market, experience in successfully promoting products, and the number of projects you plan to manage.
Web Developer
Websites are a company's calling card. In the era of the digital economy, where online presence is a key factor in success, web developers play a strategic role in shaping the visual image of brands.
Web developers create and maintain functional and attractive web applications. They program and test websites, and ensure their security. They keep up with new technologies and trends to create modern and innovative solutions.
Currently, the catalog of orders on weblancer.netpresents more than 150 orders for web programmers. From one-time tasks for $20-50 to full-time remote work for a salary of $5,000. Income levels are influenced by the complexity of web projects, knowledge of relevant programming languages, and specialized frameworks.
SMM Specialist
Social media have become a key channel for interacting with audiences. In the era of information globalization, effective management of social platforms has become necessary for the successful promotion of goods and services.
SMM specialists create and manage a brand's presence on social networks. They develop content plans, interact with the audience, and analyze the effectiveness of campaigns. They monitor social media trends and adapt strategies to maximize audience engagement.
Freelance income depends on experience in developing creative content, the ability to run successful social campaigns, and interact with the audience. For example, experienced SMM specialists on the exchange kwork.ru set prices for services from 850 rubles per project.
Graphic designer
Visual perception plays a decisive role in the modern world. High-quality graphic design influences the first impression of a product or service.
Graphic designers create engaging images and media content, establishing a unique brand identity. They develop logos, layouts, illustrations, and edit photographs. They also contribute to the creation of advertising materials, product packaging, and user interface development.
Income depends on the type of task, experience, and portfolio. For example, on freelance.habr.comyou can earn 40 rubles for drawing a badge with a certificate for a hackathon, or you can design a website for a photo studio for 2,100 rubles.
UX-UI designer
User experience is a key aspect of web applications and interfaces. In the era of digital transformation, where competition is fierce, unique and intuitive design is becoming a crucial competitive advantage. UX-UI designers create user-friendly and attractive interfaces that provide a positive user experience. They design and test user interfaces, collaborating with clients and developers to ensure consistency between design and functionality. Expertise in creating clear and attractive interfaces and experience with various platforms and technologies significantly impacts income levels. For example, freelancejob.ru offers design jobs for websites, web applications, and Telegram channels, with fees ranging from 17 rubles for a product card to 8,000 rubles for a design project.
Internet Marketer
Online advertising has become the foundation of marketing. In an environment where most interactions occur online, the role of internet marketers is crucial.
Internet marketers develop strategies for promoting brands online, attracting target audiences, and increasing product and service awareness. They plan and analyze marketing campaigns and optimize advertising budgets. They monitor campaign effectiveness, analyze consumer behavior, and adjust strategies to achieve maximum results.
Work experience, knowledge of analytical tools, and successful cases will help you reach the highest possible income level. For example, on rabota.bythere is an interesting vacancy for beginners with part-time employment and a salary of 700-1200 rubles per month. Freelance.ruoffers one-time orders and project-based collaboration in internet marketing—from managing an Instagram page to setting up advertising campaigns. Given the specifics of the profession, internet marketers are usually sought after for project-based work, but one-time orders are sometimes available. For example, a company may need to conduct a website audit and recommend improvements.
SEO Specialist
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a part of digital marketing. Given that most users turn to search engines for information, the role of SEO specialists is critical.
SEO specialists work to improve the visibility of websites in search engines, increasing their rankings. They analyze keywords, optimize content and website structure, and manage link profiles. They monitor changes in search engine algorithms and develop strategies to improve website rankings.
Experience, successful website optimization cases, and knowledge of current SEO tools will help you increase your earnings. For example, on weblancer.netdozens of open orders with prices from $35 to $700 per task are published.
Copywriter
Words are the most powerful means of influence. In the age of content, where information is a key resource, copywriters shape effective communication strategies for brands.
Copywriters create texts that sell, inform, and attract attention. They write social media posts, blog posts, advertising materials, and other types of content. They adapt their writing style to the target audience and can use key phrases to increase visibility in search engines.
As for income, on the content exchange text.ruyou can get from 100 Belarusian rubles for writing an article, and in the telegram channel Copywriter, editor - remote workyou can find orders costing 380 rubles per longread. Income depends on the copywriter's skills and experience, as well as the complexity of the task. Knowledge of English can also affect earnings—English-language texts are usually paid higher.
Targeting Specialist
In the era of personalized advertising campaigns, targeting specialists help define target audiences and fine-tune advertising messages. With them, businesses reach specific consumer groups.
Targeting specialists analyze target audiences, create personalized advertising campaigns, and optimize targeting. They monitor campaign results, conduct testing, and adjust strategies for maximum impact.
Experience, the ability to analyze data, and successfully set up targeted advertising increase earnings. For example, on the exchange freelance.habr.comtargeters ask for services from seven or more Belarusian rubles per hour of work.
Freelancing is the future
In the world of freelancing, those with digital skills and ready to adapt to the ever-changing environment are becoming key players. Experts in web development, marketing, design and text content find their place on popular freelance exchanges, where they can demonstrate their talent and get new projects.
Experienced copywriters, SEO specialists, and targeting specialists are becoming indispensable professionals in the world of digital marketing, where every word and every strategy matters. With the freelance market continuing to grow, these professions will remain in demand for the foreseeable future. Global trends in the digitalization of business and society only emphasize the importance of freelancers.
As for the pros and cons of this type of employment, they were described back in 1819 in Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. And among the advantages are noted:
- Flexible schedule.Freelancing allows you to manage your own time. You can choose when to work and when to rest.
- Work from anywhere in the world.Freelancing is not tied to a specific location. You can work from home, in a cafe, or even on a tropical beach.
- Freedom of choice of projects.Freelancing gives you the opportunity to choose projects that interest you and develop in the right direction.
But it is important to keep in mind that a freelancer’s income is unstable at the beginning of their career, and a flexible schedule forces them to independently plan their working hours, monitor deadlines, and control the process. It turns out that freelancing is a matter of balance between freedom and responsibility.
How to become a freelancer. Recommendations from Ekaterina Borovets
Starting a freelance career is a transition to the world of independent work, where your success depends on your efforts and skills. This stage requires preparation and a strategic approach from the freelancer. Together with Ekaterina Borovets, we compiled a list of recommendations for successfully starting out as a freelancer:
- Decide what field you want to work in.The freelance market is diverse, and choosing a niche will be a determining factor for a freelancer. Analyze the demand for your chosen specialization. This will help you understand how in-demand your skills are.
- Create a portfolio that includes your best work.This could be a website, a presentation, or a document describing your projects. Your portfolio is your calling card, so pay attention to its quality and representativeness.
- Analyze market prices for services in your field.This will help you understand how to set competitive prices. Try to offer flexible pricing plans, taking into account your skills and level of experience.
- Be sure to develop templates for contracts and additional agreements.This will allow you to clearly outline the terms of cooperation and avoid misunderstandings. Also, determine the payment methods and clearly state them in the contract.
Furthermore, Ekaterina recommends adequately assessing your availability:
«Always assess how many projects you can take on simultaneously, consider their complexity and your time resources. Develop a planning system to effectively manage your time and project deadlines.Believe in your strengths and capabilities. Finding your first clients is difficult, but a positive attitude and self-confidence are the optimal path to success. If you are focused on achieving results, such confidence will only attract clients."
Popular freelance exchanges. Skillbox.by editors' choice
As a bonus, the Skillbox.by editors analyzed the freelance market and compiled a list of popular exchanges:
- FL.ru — the largest Russian-language platform providing a wide selection of projects in various fields;
- Weblancer.net — a popular freelance exchange with a long history, uniting freelancers and clients in the fields of IT and design;
- Kwork — a convenient platform for ordering and completing small tasks and services at fixed prices;
- Freelance.ru — one of the oldest Russian exchanges, which provides a wide range of vacancies and requests for services;
- Freelancehunt.com — a popular exchange with an active community of freelancers and customers;
- Habr Freelance is an integrated freelance platform based on Habr, providing projects in the fields of IT and marketing.
- Workzilla is a platform with an emphasis on creative projects and services in the fields of design, marketing, and more.
- Itfreelance.byis a Belarusian portal for freelancers, where portfolios are published in all areas of digital professions.
- Freelancejob.ru is a resource that unites freelancers of various profiles and provides a variety of projects.
- Guru is a platform where freelancers provide their services in various fields, such as web development, marketing, design, etc.
- Fiverr — specializes in "gigas" (services) for $5 and up, allowing freelancers to offer one-time services in digital categories.
- Text.ru Content Exchange — a platform for finding copywriters and rewriters, where customers publish various text projects.
Free career guidance course from Skillbox
On the career self-determination course for adults, you will:
• explore your abilities, skills, desires, and dreams in three hours;
• understand what you want to do, try it in practice, and find a profession that will bring joy;
• work with beliefs that prevent you from taking the first step.
