The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for altering the workforce. In just a matter of months, millions fled huge cities while millions more became able to work remotely as companies developed the option. But urban freelancers found themselves in a unique position.
Suddenly, digital opportunities for freelancers grew. But so did the competition. The new work environment carries powerful implications for freelancers, and these implications are shaping the future of work.
Now, as big cities are trying to entice workers back, digital freelancers must be aware of the changing economy and how to adapt to it. Here’s what you should know about digital freelancing and the future of work.
The Explosion of the Gig Economy
The emergence of COVID-19 shut down countless workplaces and caused a freeze across various industries. However, digital freelancers saw an increase in the opportunities suddenly available to them.
Studies have shown that the pandemic actually was highly beneficial for the gig economy. Working from home is now more lucrative than ever before, all through the increase in job and task postings filled in the marketplace platforms for digital freelance work. This expansion of labor completed on the independent contractor economy is due to the needs and challenges of the workforce during pandemic conditions, but the gig economy isn’t going away anytime soon.
COVID uniquely created the perfect conditions for digital freelancing expansion. By closing schools and daycare centers, many working parents were forced to reassess their situations. This led thousands to leave their jobs for the much more flexible freelance marketplace, where the acceptance and completion of work are completely in the control of the freelancer.
The gig economy lets families adapt to unprecedented situations while giving companies the tools to tap into talent that would otherwise be unavailable. The pandemic proved that, with the value of the gig economy rising 33% to $1.6 trillion across 2020.
Now, digital freelancing services and platforms are taking off, offering unprecedented choice and security for workers needing to take charge of their workflow. The gig economy means ample opportunity for financial success with the following categories of work:
- Web programming and development
- Content marketing and copywriting
- Translating
- Photography and videography
- … and so much more.
As the gig economy expands to cater to a new kind of workforce, digital freelancers reap the rewards. This is acting to reshape the future of work in its entirety.
How Digital Freelancing is Changing the Future of Work
Digital freelancing is vital to the economy as it now functions. With labor shortages plaguing industries, tapping into available talent on a temporary, contractual basis allows businesses and workers alike to manage mutually beneficial relationships in light of advancing technology and changing standards.
The future of work will increasingly be influenced by the innovations and collaborations fostered by digital freelancers. The following are some of the most promising changes to come:
Automation
Every digital freelancer understands the challenges of managing and tracking your billable hours as you navigate a steady stream of new projects. Fortunately, the more freelance work becomes popular, the more automation software permeates the market to help freelancers and companies balance their time and task management.
Automation is here to streamline the gig economy, offering unprecedented connections through smart platforms and financial assistance tools. For instance, automation software can help you generate and complete your 1099 forms for easier tax filing. All you need is the right platform for your kind of work.
As the economy pivots to support more freelance work, the market will be further saturated by useful tech. Use these tools to automate your processes for greater productivity. In the future, your competitors definitely will.
Remote Services
Remote services are another transformational aspect of the gig economy. COVID-19 has served to propagate these services through offerings like telehealth, which gives consumers the means to access medical treatment through a smart device. The benefits of such accessibility include an opening up of markets to new patrons. From medical care to business practices, remote services translate to economic opportunity.
For the future of work, this means a new kind of economy in which digital freelancers are the winners. This is because remote services require collaborations over the internet, and digital freelancers are the perfect workers to step in and foster these collaborations for mutual success.
The future of work will undoubtedly be transformed by automation and remote service trends, creating an environment best suited to digital freelancers. The growth in this market in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has proved that we need more globalized, flexible work models that can foster opportunity for all types of workers. In short, the future of work will all but cater to the digital freelancer, but you’ll still need to keep some tips and tricks in mind for greater success.
Tips for Freelancing Success in the New Economy
Digital freelancing isn’t always easy. Breaking into the digital media industry, for instance, requires an uphill battle against the competition. Fortunately, however, evolving freelancer tools and opportunities such as automation and remote services can help. Us these and apply the following strategies for greater success in the new economy:
- Find a niche talent of yours that earns consistent freelance work.
- Research your target market and clients with the help of industry data analytics.
- Create a search-engine-optimized online portfolio.
- Set clear schedules and goals.
- Advance your skills and marketable services.
By following these tips, you can make the digital freelancing economy work for you even as it advances into the future. This may mean more competition, but it also means more collaborative potential. Find your fit and build the skills to succeed now to prepare for a lucrative and flexible future.
