6 in-demand freelance jobs for 2022 – how to get started

4 July 2022

Looking to leave your full-time job for a freelance career but don’t know where to start? Freelance jobs have been on the rise for the past two years, with many people now preferring the freedom to work from home, create their own schedules and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

We have put together a list of six of the most sought-after freelance jobs by employers this year. You can get started with little to no experience, all from home!

1. Copywriter

Are you someone who loves coming up with catchy phrases or witty jokes? Copywriting might just be the career for you! Copywriting is the art of persuading people to believe in a concept, brand, or idea.

Direct response copywriters have the highest earning potential as they are focused on immediate results and getting people to act right now, which is especially useful for businesses.

Being a freelance writer can be a particularly rewarding and appealing career for those who have a passion for writing. It is also one of the most accessible freelance jobs when starting out as you don’t necessarily need a formal university degree to get started. Having a strong sample writing portfolio and an in-depth knowledge of the subject you are writing about will put you 10 steps ahead of the rest.

13 Best Copywriting Courses to Take in 2022

How to Create the Perfect Copywriting Portfolio

2. Virtual Assistant

More and more businesses are hiring Virtual Assistants in the wake of the pandemic, with many preferring to take their work online and streamline their services. As a Virtual Assistant, you will have a knack for keeping organised and knowing your way ‘round a computer, helping with a range of tasks such as administrative work, social media management and customer service.

Virtual Assistant roles are often remote, which means that if you are looking for a change of scenery in your work environment you can just pack your things and go!

You may want to get started by signing up for online training courses and developing your skills in related areas.

11 Best Virtual Assistant Training Courses Worth Taking (2022)

3. Social Media Manager

Can’t get that one TikTok sound out of your head? Or perhaps you love keeping up to date with the latest trends on Instagram? With social media becoming as much a part of our daily routine as having breakfast in the morning, it’s no wonder that many companies are making sure they have a profile on all the latest apps.

Social Media Managers are key to engaging a company’s audience and promoting its products and services. They are responsible for strategising and executing social media campaigns that resonate with people and increase brand awareness.

If you haven’t already, you might want to take steps to build your social media presence and keep an eye out for opportunities with small businesses that are just starting to build their online presence.

9 Essential Social Media Manager Skills You Should Have

12 Best Social Media Marketing Courses to Take in 2022

4. Designer

Graphic design and web design are two of the most in-demand design jobs in recent years. If you are a creative thinker with an eye for what looks good, you might want to think about how you can start using those skills to boost your career.

Having a well-put-together portfolio is one of the best ways to land the design job of your dreams! You can make use of your network and reach out to family and friends to see if they have any design projects that you can get started with or make up a project of your own.

35 Best Graphic Design Portfolio Examples

Design Pep Talk with Creative Lives in Progress

5. Photographer and Videographer

Let’s move away from ‘sitting behind a computer’ jobs for a second – this is one for those who like to be on their feet and want to bring their artistic vision to life through image and video. Capturing high-quality media is important for businesses as it is often the best way to send a message about the quality of their services to customers.

Photographers and Videographers might also want to get involved in digital content creation as this is rapidly growing in demand for businesses. You don’t necessarily need expensive equipment to produce good quality content, if you have creative ideas and the relevant skills you are well on your way to success.

Freelance Survival Guide: Short film screening + Q&A

Events & workshops with The Photography Foundation

6. Mobile App Developer

Living in the digital era has seen a rise in the popularity of smartphones and tablets. As a result, businesses today spend a lot of money developing apps for their customers to interact with. Mobile app developers are needed for creating, testing, and programming apps that can help increase brand loyalty, accessibility, and customer engagement.

Becoming a mobile app developer is much easier than it sounds – you don’t have to go back to school and study for a computer science degree to get started. However, you will need to master your coding skills, and must know how to think innovatively and invent new ways of handling problems.

15 Best Mobile App Development Courses for Beginners Online

We hope this list has given you some idea of where to start with your creative freelance career. If you are interested in learning new skills to improve your practice, you should check out Freelance Survival Guide – our series of free workshops, panel discussions, and masterclasses hosted by leaders and innovators in the creative industries.