BY: JILL PHILLIPS
Freelancing is changing the game of how people work. Rather than accepting that a typical desk job is all there is, freelancing allows you to take back control of your life and your passion.
Whether you’re looking to gain more freedom, want to make a career switch, or just want to make some extra money on the side, freelancing can be a great way to do so.
What is Freelancing All About?
Freelancing puts your time back into your own hands. Rather than adhering to a schedule your boss has created for you, you get to be your own boss and set your hours and your working rate. You get to decide when you work, when you take a break, and how much work you are going to take on.
Because you are in charge of setting your own prices and rates, you can often find that you make more money freelancing than you would in a traditional job. However, freelancing does have a few setbacks. For one, when you are working for yourself, you don’t get to take paid sick days or paid holidays. Without a set salary, it means you could take a cut to your earnings during slow seasons.
However, if you’re ready to put in the work to secure clients and get new projects, you can attract some pretty large companies willing to pay you a higher rate.
The Best Freelance Careers
Freelancing is not just one type of craft or career. You can make money freelancing in a variety of different areas. Here are some of the best.
Social Media
Social media freelancers create and implement social media calendars and platforms for companies and individuals. The extent of social media coverage created by the freelancer will depend on the clients’ needs, the number of platforms they have, and how often they need to post.
A freelance social media expert can make between $20 and $25 an hour.
Web Development
Freelance web developers help organizations build and create their websites. Job duties of a freelance web developer may also include providing technical support, testing software on the website, creating tools to be used online, and improving the architecture of the site.
Web developers can make up to $100,000 per year freelancing, although that number will depend on the activities they can complete and their skill level.
Graphic Design
Graphic designers have a range of duties and a freelance career can look very different depending on the individual’s goals. Some graphic designers may choose to create consumer products, such as invitations or greeting cards. Others may work with businesses to create logos, infographics, marketing tools, graphics and more.
Graphic designers can earn between $15 and $21 an hour freelancing. However, graphic design is also a great way to earn passive income.
Writing
Freelance writing is quite possibly the most common freelance career. Writers may create blogs, copy for websites or marketing materials, edit, manage content, or write technical pieces of writing. A strong freelance writer will need to be able to create content that converts readers to make a sale or connection.
A freelance writer can make between $25 and $30 an hour.
Teaching and Tutoring
Freelance teaching and tutoring is a great way for someone with a lot of knowledge in one area to make some extra money. Many college students or high school students may take up a job freelance teaching or tutoring to make some cash. Freelance teachers or tutors can also create lectures, activities, learning guides, or online classes that full-time teachers can use in their classroom.
Teaching and tutoring in a freelance position can allow you to make $20 to $28 an hour working from home. If you need tutoring check out IGCSE Tutoring Services.
Online Marketing
Online marketing is becoming more and more important for pushing business to companies, but it is also a specialized area that is great for freelancers. Online marketing consists of SEO strategies, Facebook advertising, Google AdWords, email marketing, and more.
The amount that freelance online marketers make will depend on their skill set and what services they can offer.
Photography
Photography is another common freelance job. The duties of a freelance photographer usually include taking the photos and editing the pictures as well. Freelance photographers may work in a variety of areas, including taking pictures of weddings, portraits, children, landscapes or more. Many freelance photographers focus on all areas to get more work.
Wedding photographers usually make the most money in a freelance job. During the one day of shooting, they can make between $1,000 to $2,000.
Freelancing is a great way to make extra money, learn a new skill, and put yourself out there. Whether you want to freelance full time or just pick up a few projects, freelancing is a great opportunity for those willing to put in the work.
