The coronavirus outbreak is taking a toll on businesses worldwide. The only exceptions are supermarkets, online delivery services, sports equipment stores, and pharma companies.
Health and fitness apps, as well as online services aimed at sports enthusiasts, are thriving too.
Digital media consumption is expected to increase during the lockdown. Social media platforms, streaming video services, and virtual events are attracting more users than ever before. The same goes for eCommerce businesses.
These are the industries you should focus on if you want to make money freelancing. Copywriters, for example, can narrow them their services and reach out to customers in the health or fitness niche.
Seek ways to monetize your skills and expertise. If, say, you have a medical background, consider pitching pharma companies. If you're an app developer, join forces with software companies or small business owners that are currently thriving.
Not sure where to start? Or perhaps you need guidance on how to manage job uncertainty?
This brief guide to freelancing might help — read on to find out more!
As mentioned earlier, some industries are booming amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The key is to identify those that match your skills and experience.
Let's say you're a personal trainer.
In this case, you could write guest posts or become a regular contributor to websites and blogs in the health or fitness niche. Or you can set up a website to sell diet and workout plans.
Likewise, you could promote and sell online training programs and diet plans on social media. This option works great for those with a large following. However, if you set up your own website, you have more opportunities to monetize it.
So which industries are seeing an increase in sales? Here are a few examples:
Take online delivery services, for example. About one-third of American households bought groceries over the web in March. That's more than double compared to August 2019.
As a freelancer, you can reach out to grocery stores and offer your services, whether it's blogging, social media marketing, advertising, or SEO. Start with small local stores that may need a website or a stronger online presence.
Many companies hit the pause button on projects, trying to figure out what to do next. But others are ramping up their content. This is particularly true for those in the health niche.
There's a catch, though: everything needs to be done ASAP.
Things are changing from one day to the next, so most companies need up-to-date content. They can't afford to wait for weeks to get new blog posts or social media content from freelance writers.
If you're a copywriter or content writer, reach out to current and past clients.
Let them know that you're available for quick-turnaround projects. Be willing to work over the weekend and submit content within 24 to 72 hours.
Be mindful of your rates. You can try to negotiate your rate higher, but your chances of success are pretty slim. Most businesses made budget cuts and may not be able to pay the same rates as usual.
Consumers are spending more time at home than ever before. The only way to make money freelancing is to constantly adapt to their needs.
Depending on your niche, this may require adjusting your skillset.
Personal trainers, for example, are using Instagram, YouTube, and other online platforms to share insights. Makeup artists are creating and posting online tutorials. Events planners are embracing digital platforms as well.
Think about your clients and how the COVID-19 outbreak affects their lives. Then try to figure out how you can help them.
Tutors, for instance, are now in high demand since most children are learning from home. Older adults who are trying to stay at home may need someone to buy them groceries or walk their dogs.
Assess your skills, identify a gap in the market, and seek creative ways to fill that gap.
If you've been freelancing for a couple of years, you probably have a solid client base.
Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. As discussed earlier, many companies stopped their projects and are now trying to develop new strategies.
On top of that, it's never a good idea to put all of your eggs in one basket. If you have just a few clients, it's time to seek new opportunities.
Consider joining freelancing platforms like Upwork, PeoplePerHour, WriterAccess, and others. You could also sign up on Fiverr. Contrary to popular belief, this platform isn't just for newbies.
Sure, you can charge as little as $5 for small tasks, such as proofreading a one-page document. But you can also offer high-value services on Fiverr and charge a few hundred bucks.
Here are other platforms that you may want to consider, depending on your niche:
Another option is to join more traditional platforms, such as Angel.co.
This service appeals to startups looking to expand their talent pool. Many of them are seeking independent contractors across various industries, from IT and SEO to social media marketing.
As a freelancer, your income potential is unlimited. The key is to be creative and adapt to the ever-changing market and customer demands.
Consider using your free time for planning and training. Try to learn new skills or develop the ones you already have. Focus on expanding your professional network and reach out to potential clients who may need your services.
Another way to make money freelancing is to register on SEO Clerks, the largest SEO marketplace in the world. Once your account is up and running, you can sell your services online.
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