Upwork Event  Manager Will Simpson and Upwork VP of Talent Solutions Margaret Lilani have discussed the top trending and in-demand skills of freelancing in 2023.

The Upwork experts illustrated how the freelance industry has been developing among different generations in the past year.

 

Factors of Growth in Freelancing?

 

• While financial gain is a primary motivator, flexibility and seeking a better sense of purpose in their careers were other driving factors
• Satisfaction levels continue to rise, with 67% of freelancers surveyed are more optimistic about their job or career opportunities as a freelancer.
• 66% of freelancer say they feel more stimulated and 68%say they feel happier by the freelance work they do compared to a traditional job.

 

Generational Appeal

 

• Younger generations entering freelancing are also driving this growth.
• 46% of all Millennial professionals and 43% of all Gen-Z professionals performed freelance work in 2022.
• Young freelancers are finding new work opportunities in freelancing like creating influencer-style content.

 

Work-life balance

 

• Freelancing has given them greater control over their life nearly three-quarters (74%) say, while other benefits include attention to their physical health and work-life balance.
• More caregivers are choosing to freelance: 52% of caregivers are freelancers

 

 

Rates & Earnings

 

• 43% of freelancers say they raised their rates during the past year.
• The combination of positive perceptions of freelancing, more opportunities, and control of their rates, instills confidence in many freelancers

 

Most In-Demand Skills:

1. Tech
2. Marketing
3. Customer Service & Admin Support
4. Accounting & consulting
5. Design & Creative

 

Top 10 In-Demand Tech Skills:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Full Stack Development
                                       2. Front-End Development
                                       3. Back-End Development
                                       4. Mobile App Development
                                       5. Web Design
                                       6. Ecommerce Website Development
                                       7. UX/UI Design
                                       8. CMS development
                                       9. Manual Testing
                                       10. Scripting & Automation

 

Top 10 In-Marketing Skills:

 

1. 1. 1. SEO
      2. Social Media Marketing
      3. Other Digital Marketing
      4. Lead Generation
      5. Sales & Business Development
      6. Telemarketing
      7. Search Engine Marketing
      8. Email Marketing
      9. Marketing Strategy
      10. Marketing Automation

Top 10 In-Demand Customer Service Skills:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Email, Phone & Chat Support
                                                2. General Virtual Assistance
                                                3. Data Entry
                                                4. Digital project Management
                                                5. General Research Service
                                                6. Tech Support
                                                7. Dropshipping & Order processing
                                                8. Community Management
                                                9. Market Research
                                                10. Transcription

Top 10 In-Demand Accounting & Consulting:

 

1. Accounting
2. Recruiting & Talent Sourcing
3. Bookkeeping
4. Financial Analysis & Modeling
5. Management Consulting
6. Instructional Design
7. HR Administration
8. Business Analysis & Strategy
9. Tax Preparation
10. Financial Management/CFO

Top 10 In -Demand Design & Creative Skills:

 

 

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Graphic Design
                                       2. Video Editing
                                       3. Illustration
                                       4. 3D Animation
                                       5. Presentation Design
                                       6. Image Editing
                                       7. Cartoons & Comics
                                       8. Product & Industrial Design
                                       9. 2D Animation
                                       10.  Video Production

 

What does this mean for upskilling?

 

Top Trending and In-Demand Skills of Freelancing, continually evolving and honing skills is an important part of keeping current with trends and technologies your clients are looking for.

Aiming your upskilling efforts at the skills most in-demand and areas hiring managers are looking to fill is a prudent approach.

Freelancing Platforms offers fantastic learning resources such as Upwork Academy and Cohorts to help freelancers build their business.