Top Apps & Tools to Profit Off Freelance Skills in 2023

Learn how to turn your passion and skills into a thriving freelance business. 

Freelancing can boost your income and unleash your full earning potential. Imagine being free to work on your terms, choose your projects, and earn extra money doing what you love. Whether you’re a graphic designer, a writer, a programmer, or a social media guru, freelancing work can be the key to unlocking these possibilities.

In today’s gig economy, the opportunities for freelancers are virtually limitless. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most in-demand freelance skills that can help you embark on your freelance journey and open the doors to financial independence.

1. Freelance Writing & Editing

You can pick up freelance writing jobs if you have strong writing skills. The demand for freelance writers is as dynamic as the ever-changing market trends, industries, and current needs. With your strong writing skills, you’ll be in high demand. Let’s explore some fascinating opportunities that await you in the freelance writing world!

Businesses are constantly on the lookout for persuasive content to fuel their marketing efforts. So, whether it’s crafting compelling advertising copy, creating irresistible sales pages, or penning enticing product descriptions, copywriting gigs are aplenty!

Let’s dive into the captivating world of freelance writing. Here are some exciting types of freelance writers that are almost always in high demand:

• Content Writer: A versatile wordsmith who can create engaging blog posts, informative articles, website content, and even thought-provoking white papers across various industries. Their words have the power to educate, entertain, and inspire!
• Copywriter: Picture yourself as a master of persuasion. As a copywriter, you’ll craft compelling advertising copy, irresistible sales pages, and magnetic product descriptions that make customers reach for their wallets. Prepare to be the driving force behind successful marketing campaigns!
• Technical Writer: Are you tech-savvy? Technical writers are the wizards behind user manuals, technical documentation, and instructional guides. They have the remarkable ability to transform complex jargon into user-friendly instructions, making technology accessible to all.
• Creative Writer: Let your imagination soar as a creative writer! Dive into the realm of fiction, storytelling, and expressive language. From crafting captivating short stories to constructing epic novels and poetic verses, you’ll be the architect of worlds and emotions.
• Grant Writer: Passionate about making a difference? Grant writers play a crucial role in the non-profit sector, writing persuasive proposals that secure funding for important projects. With your words, you can help organizations turn dreams into reality.
• Academic Writer: Love the pursuit of knowledge? Academic writers delve into education and research, delivering meticulously crafted research papers, insightful essays, and scholarly articles that contribute to the world of academia.
• Resume Writer: Unlock the door to professional success as a resume writer. Your words will shape job seekers’ futures by creating captivating resumes, attention-grabbing cover letters, and compelling LinkedIn profiles that catch the eyes of potential employers.
• Travel Writer: Ready to embark on a literary adventure? As a travel writer, you’ll roam the globe, exploring destinations, and crafting captivating travel guides, enchanting destination articles, and honest hotel reviews that inspire wanderlust in readers worldwide.
• Scriptwriter: Lights, camera, action! Scriptwriters are the creative minds behind film, television, and video production. Unleash your storytelling talent as you pen captivating screenplays, gripping TV scripts, and engaging video scripts that come to life on the big screen.
• Social Media Writer: Are you a wordsmith who thrives in the digital realm? Social media writers specialize in crafting attention-grabbing posts, captivating captions, and persuasive ad copy that elevate social media marketing strategies to new heights.
• Ghostwriter: Enter the world of anonymity and versatility. Ghostwriters are chameleons who write on varied subjects and genres, creating books, memoirs, and speeches credited to someone else. It’s the art of being the invisible pen behind captivating stories!

As you venture into the freelance writing world, it’s essential to compile your best writing samples into a dazzling portfolio that showcases your talent. Whether it’s blog posts, articles, or even fictional pieces, potential clients want to see what you’re capable of!

Now, let’s talk about pricing. Determining your rates can be a mix of art and science. Consider your experience, the complexity of the project, and industry standards to set a fair price. Remember, your words are valuable, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve!

Once you land that gig, effective communication with your clients becomes the key. Understanding their requirements, clarifying doubts, and maintaining a professional yet friendly rapport will ensure a smooth and successful collaboration.

So, my fellow wordsmith, go forth, unleash your creativity, and let your words weave their magic in the world of freelance writing! The possibilities are endless, and the adventure awaits you!

2. Freelance Digital Marketing

You can offer freelance digital marketing services if you have experience or skills in the following areas:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Boosting website visibility and organic traffic by optimizing content, keywords, and technical aspects.
2. Pay-per-click (PPC) Advertising: Managing paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to drive targeted traffic and conversions.
3. Content Marketing: Creating valuable and engaging content such as blog posts, articles, videos, and infographics to attract and retain audiences.
4. Email Marketing: Designing and implementing effective email campaigns to nurture leads, build customer relationships, and drive conversions.
5. Social Media Marketing: Leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to engage with audiences, build brand awareness, and drive website traffic.

Top Apps for Freelance Digital Marketing 

To succeed as a freelancer in the digital marketing space, it’s essential to stay organized and manage your day-to-day tasks effectively. Luckily, there are some fantastic apps that can assist you in streamlining your business operations:

• PocketSuite

If you’re looking for an all-in-one business management app, Pocketsuite has got you covered. It caters specifically to self-employed and freelance individuals, allowing you to set your schedule, send invoices, and track payments, all in one place. With a user-friendly interface and helpful features, PocketSuite can simplify your administrative tasks.

• Trello

Collaborating with clients or team members? Trello is a visual learner’s dream come true. This app enables you to create boards, track tasks, and organize your projects with ease. You can use graphs, charts, and blog posts to visually represent your progress and keep everyone on the same page.

• SEMRush

For marketing freelancers looking to conduct comprehensive research, SEMRush is an invaluable tool. It offers features like competitor analysis, SEO insights, brand monitoring, and social media marketing research. With SEMRush, you can gain a deeper understanding of your clients’ market, identify keyword opportunities, and optimize your strategies for success.

While having the right skills and tools is crucial, attracting freelance clients requires a strong online presence. Here are some strategies to enhance your visibility and credibility:

1. Build a Professional Website: Create a website showcasing your past projects, client testimonials, and your expertise. Optimize it for search engines, ensuring that potential clients can easily find you when searching for digital marketing services.
2. Share Valuable Content: Start a blog where you share informative and engaging content related to digital marketing. Participate in industry discussions and engage with influencers to expand your network and position yourself as an expert in your field.
3. Leverage Social Media Platforms: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to connect with your target audience. Share valuable insights, engage in discussions, and showcase your expertise to attract potential clients.
4. Join Freelance Platforms: Sign up on popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. Create a compelling profile that highlights your skills and experience. Browse relevant job postings, submit proposals, and showcase your portfolio to attract clients.

By combining your skills, utilizing helpful apps, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can thrive as a freelance digital marketer and attract clients who value your expertise and services.

3. Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance graphic design is an exhilarating journey that allows you to unleash your creative eye and showcase your design skills in today’s visually-driven digital landscape. Whether you have a passion for crafting eye-catching logos, producing stunning brochures, creating captivating social media graphics, or designing mesmerizing websites, the demand for talented graphic designers has never been higher.

In a world where first impressions matter, businesses and individuals are constantly seeking captivating visuals that can leave a lasting impact. A well-designed logo has the power to communicate a brand’s essence in a single glance, while a beautifully crafted brochure can captivate readers and convey information in an engaging way. Social media platforms have become bustling marketplaces, where visually appealing graphics have the ability to grab attention amidst the endless scrolling. And with the online presence becoming increasingly vital, a thoughtfully designed website has the potential to be a digital masterpiece, drawing visitors in and keeping them hooked.

To succeed as a freelance graphic designer, it’s crucial to build a dazzling portfolio that showcases your unique abilities and style. A portfolio acts as a visual resume, allowing potential clients to see the breadth and depth of your work. Consider including a variety of projects that demonstrate your versatility, such as logo designs, brochures, social media graphics, website mock-ups, and more. Organize your portfolio in a visually appealing and user-friendly manner, making it easy for viewers to navigate and explore your creations.

But what sets freelance graphic design apart is the freedom it offers. As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to choose the projects that align with your interests and artistic vision. You can collaborate with clients from various industries, ranging from fashion and technology to food and entertainment. This diversity not only keeps your work exciting but also allows you to continuously learn and grow as a designer. Plus, being your own boss means you can set your own schedule, work from anywhere, and pursue a healthy work-life balance.

To give you a better understanding of the freelance graphic design landscape, here’s a comparison table showcasing some popular design software and their key features:

Software	Key Features
Adobe Photoshop	Powerful image editing tools
Adobe Illustrator	Vector-based design software
Canva	Easy-to-use online platform
Sketch	Interface design for macOS
Figma	Collaborative design tool

Remember, freelance graphic design is not just a job. It’s an opportunity to bring your creative visions to life, make a meaningful impact through your designs, and create a name for yourself in the industry. So grab your design tools, embark on this exciting journey, and let your imagination soar as you shape the visual world around us.

Best Editing Apps for Photographers

• Adobe Lightroom

When it comes to editing software for photographers, Adobe Lightroom reigns supreme. It’s like a magical toolbox that photographers of all levels can use to transform their images into stunning works of art. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned pro in need of advanced tools, Lightroom has got you covered. With its intuitive interface and a plethora of features, you’ll find yourself effortlessly enhancing colors, adjusting exposure, and perfecting the smallest details. And here’s a neat trick: Lightroom lets you create your very own custom preset filters, so you can easily apply your signature style to batches of photos, saving you precious time and ensuring consistency throughout your portfolio.

• DxO PhotoLab

If speed is your game, DxO PhotoLab is the editing app you’ve been waiting for. This versatile software allows you to customize its interface, so you can have your most-used options and filters right at your fingertips. It’s like having a personalized editing cockpit, tailored to your unique workflow. Available for both Mac and PC, DxO PhotoLab is a dream come true for photographers who take pride in their efficiency. And the best part? You can give it a test drive with a free one-day trial, so you can experience the lightning-fast editing power before committing.

• Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is the legendary titan of photo editing software. Even if you’ve never held a camera in your life, chances are you’ve heard of this iconic program. Photoshop has been around since the dawn of digital photography, and it continues to be a favorite among photographers for a good reason. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to other editing apps, the possibilities it offers are virtually limitless. From intricate retouching to mind-bending composites, Photoshop empowers photographers to unleash their creativity and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. So don’t be intimidated by its reputation; embrace the challenge, and soon you’ll be wielding Photoshop like a digital wizard.

Now, let’s take a closer look at these editing apps and see how they stack up against each other:

	Adobe Lightroom	DxO PhotoLab	Adobe Photoshop
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Customization	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Speed	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Advanced Features	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Learning Curve	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

As you can see, each editing app has its strengths and caters to different needs. If you value user-friendly simplicity and a wide range of tools, Adobe Lightroom is your go-to choice. For the lightning-fast editing experience with a customizable interface, DxO PhotoLab takes the lead. And if you’re ready to dive into the depths of advanced editing and unleash your creative potential, Adobe Photoshop is the heavyweight contender.

Here are some ways to generate income as a freelance photographer:

• Offer your services for various photoshoots, such as portraits, events, weddings, engagements, or family sessions.
• Submit your high-quality images to stock photography platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. 
• Pitch your photography skills to media outlets, newspapers, magazines, or online publications. 
• Collaborate with businesses to provide photography services for their marketing materials, product catalogs, websites, or advertising campaigns. 
• Showcase your work in galleries, art fairs, or online platforms that sell prints and artwork. 
• Share your knowledge and expertise by offering photography workshops, classes, or one-on-one mentoring sessions. 
• If you have strong editing skills, consider offering post-processing and retouching services to other photographers or clients who require professional editing for their images.
• Create a photography-focused blog or YouTube channel to share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights. 
• Collaborate with publishers, online platforms, or magazines by providing your photography skills for editorial assignments or commissioned projects. 

4. Freelance Web Development

Freelance web development opens up a world of opportunities for you to not only showcase your coding skills but also make some extra cash. In today’s technology-driven world, where businesses rely heavily on the internet to establish their presence, connect with audiences, and achieve their goals, the demand for visually stunning and functional websites is soaring. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on an exciting journey where your passion for coding meets the potential for financial gain!

Let’s explore some fascinating ways to monetize your web development skills and generate income that will make your bank account smile:

1. Develop websites, web applications, or e-commerce platforms: Dive into the world of client projects where you get to bring your creativity to life. Whether it’s a sleek portfolio website, a complex web application, or a robust e-commerce platform, you can charge clients either on a per-project basis or an hourly rate, depending on your preference.
2. Provide ongoing website maintenance services: Websites need regular love and care to stay secure, up-to-date, and functioning flawlessly. By offering website maintenance services to clients, you become their go-to expert, ensuring their online presence is always in tip-top shape.
3. Specialize in customizing popular content management systems: Platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla power countless websites worldwide. By becoming a pro at customizing these CMSs, you’ll be in high demand among clients looking for tailored solutions that perfectly match their brand and requirements.
4. Focus on building e-commerce websites and online stores: With the boom in online shopping, building e-commerce websites is a gold mine waiting to be explored. By creating captivating online stores that deliver seamless shopping experiences, you can help businesses succeed while reaping the financial rewards.
5. Provide consulting services: Share your expertise and become a trusted advisor to clients seeking guidance on various aspects of web development. Whether it’s website optimization, user experience, responsive design, or web development best practices, your consulting services can be invaluable in helping businesses level up their online presence.
6. Create and sell custom themes or templates: Unleash your design skills and craft stunning themes or templates for popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, or Magento. These customizable gems can be sold in online marketplaces, providing a passive income stream while showcasing your creative prowess.
7. Optimize websites for speed, performance, and SEO: In the fast-paced digital world, speed is of the essence. Help clients boost their website’s performance, improve user experience, and climb the search engine rankings. Your expertise in optimizing websites will make you a sought-after web development wizard!
8. Expand into mobile app development: Don’t limit yourself to just web development; embrace the mobile realm too! Offer your services in mobile app development, whether it’s building cross-platform applications or native apps that complement your clients’ web presence. With mobile usage on the rise, this can be a lucrative avenue to explore.
9. Partner with web hosting providers or offer domain registration services: Extend your offerings beyond development and team up with web hosting providers to earn referral commissions or resell hosting services directly. Alternatively, you can offer domain registration services to clients, becoming their one-stop-shop for all things web-related.
10. Develop and sell digital products: Think beyond client work and create your own digital products related to web development. This could include website templates, UI/UX design elements, plugins, or extensions. By selling these products on online platforms, you can establish passive income streams and reach a wider audience.

Now that you have a plethora of exciting options to explore, the world of freelance web development is your oyster. So, grab your coding tools, put on your creativity cap, and get ready to embark on a journey where your skills and passion merge with financial success. Remember, with each project you undertake, you’ll not only be adding more zeros to your bank account but also leaving your mark on the ever-expanding digital landscape.

5. Freelance Virtual Assistance 

Remote work and virtual collaboration have revolutionized the way we work, opening up a world of possibilities for those seeking flexible work arrangements and the chance to make a meaningful impact. If you’re looking to harness your skills and provide essential support to businesses and entrepreneurs, freelance virtual assistance is an exciting avenue to explore.

Imagine being able to work from the comfort of your own home or from anywhere in the world while helping clients navigate their daily tasks. Whether it’s managing their schedules, handling emails, conducting research, or providing administrative support, virtual assistance services are becoming increasingly high in demand.

How do you find clients and market your skills effectively? That’s where Zirtual comes into play. Zirtual is an innovative platform designed to simplify the process of connecting freelancers with clients who are in need of virtual assistance. With its user-friendly interface and extensive network, Zirtual offers a convenient and efficient way to showcase your talents and secure rewarding projects.

One of the standout features of Zirtual is its flexibility. Unlike traditional employment where you may be restricted to working with just one client, Zirtual encourages freelancers to collaborate with multiple clients simultaneously. This means you can diversify your portfolio, expand your expertise, and work on a variety of interesting projects all at once. It’s like having your own virtual assistant business without the hassle of finding clients on your own.

To give you a clearer picture of the advantages Zirtual brings to the table, let’s take a look at a comparison chart:

	Traditional Employment	Freelance Virtual Assistance with Zirtual
Flexibility	Limited by company policies and schedules	Work with multiple clients simultaneously
Location	Often tied to a physical office location	Work from anywhere in the world
Independence	Restricted by organizational hierarchy	Be your own boss and set your own rules
Client Acquisition	Reliance on personal networking and job applications	Connect with clients through Zirtual’s platform
Work-Life Balance	Traditional 9-to-5 structure	Create your own schedule and achieve work-life harmony

As you can see, Zirtual offers a refreshing approach to freelance virtual assistance, providing you with the freedom, flexibility, and opportunity to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. So why wait? Embrace the world of remote work and let Zirtual be your gateway to a fulfilling and successful virtual assistance career.

6. Freelance Voice-over Work 

Freelance voice-over work is like stepping into a world where your voice brings characters to life and captivates audiences across various platforms. From lending your voice to podcasts, where you can transport listeners to new worlds with fascinating storytelling, to narrating audiobooks that let people experience incredible adventures during their daily commutes, the possibilities are endless!

It doesn’t stop there! Imagine hearing your voice in a catchy commercial jingle that gets stuck in people’s heads, or voicing animated characters that make kids and adults alike laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions. Plus, let’s not forget about the exciting realm of video games, where your voice can become the hero, the villain, or the witty sidekick that players interact with as they embark on epic quests.

In today’s entertainment and communication landscape, podcasts, audiobooks, commercials, animations, and video games have become essential pillars. They provide a diverse range of experiences and engage audiences in unique ways. Businesses, content creators, and creative agencies recognize the power of voice-over talents in capturing attention, conveying messages, and creating memorable moments.

To give you a clearer picture of the demand for voice-over work, let’s take a look at a comparison table:

Platforms	Description	Opportunities
Podcasts	Storytelling, interviews, informative content	Expanding industry, growing demand
Audiobooks	Narrating fiction and non-fiction books	Increasing popularity, wide range
Commercials	Promoting products and services	Constant need for fresh voices
Animations	Character voices, dubbing, animated series	Thriving industry, creative scope
Video Games	Interactive narratives, character dialogues	Rapidly growing, diverse genres

The voice-over industry is buzzing with opportunities and the need for skilled voice talents. So, if you have a knack for captivating storytelling, a talent for bringing characters to life, and a passion for engaging audiences with your authentic performances, then freelance voice-over work can be an exciting and rewarding avenue for you to explore.

How to Build Your Freelance Business

Let’s dive into the exciting world of freelance websites and explore some of the best platforms where you can showcase your skills and build a thriving freelance business. These online marketplaces have become the go-to spots for connecting with clients and expanding your professional reach. So, get ready to unleash your freelance potential!

1. Upwork: Known as the “big kahuna” of freelancing, Upwork is a bustling marketplace with a vast array of job opportunities. Whether you’re a talented writer, a coding wizard, or a design guru, Upwork offers a wide range of projects to match your expertise. Plus, they have a nifty feature that adjusts their fee structure as you gain more experience, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned cash.
2. Freelancer: With a name that speaks for itself, Freelancer is a platform where freelancers can connect with clients from all over the world. From programming gigs to creative projects, you’ll find a diverse range of opportunities here. They even have fun contests and competitions where you can showcase your skills and win some extra dough!
3. Fiverr: If you’re looking for gigs with a touch of creativity and uniqueness, Fiverr is the place to be. It’s a platform where freelancers can offer their services in a creative and customizable way. Think of it as a digital marketplace where you can showcase your “gig economy” awesomeness, from writing jingles to creating personalized video messages dressed as a dancing unicorn (yes, that’s a thing!).
4. Toptal: If you’re a top-tier professional looking for high-quality projects, Toptal is your golden ticket. This exclusive platform specializes in connecting elite freelancers with clients who demand the best of the best. They have a rigorous screening process to ensure only top-notch talent makes the cut, making it a dream platform for experienced professionals in fields like software development, design, and finance.
5. Guru: Guru is a freelance website that prides itself on its simplicity and user-friendly interface. It offers a diverse range of projects across various industries, from writing and graphic design to programming and marketing. With their handy workroom feature, you can easily collaborate with clients and manage your projects like a pro.
6. 99designs: If you’re a design aficionado, 99designs is a creative paradise for freelance designers. It’s a platform where you can participate in design contests or work directly with clients on projects ranging from logos and websites to merchandise and packaging. You’ll have the chance to showcase your skills and let your artistic flair shine.
7. PeoplePerHour: As the name suggests, PeoplePerHour is all about finding freelance work on an hourly basis. It’s a great platform for freelancers who prefer short-term projects and flexible working hours. From writing and social media management to web development and translation, you’ll find a variety of gigs that fit your skill set.
8. Simply Hired: Simply Hired is a job search engine that aggregates freelance opportunities from various websites. It’s a one-stop-shop where you can find a wide range of freelance gigs across multiple industries. With its user-friendly interface and extensive search options, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect project to showcase your expertise.
9. FlexJobs: If you value remote work and flexible arrangements, FlexJobs is your ultimate ally. It curates a handpicked selection of remote and flexible job opportunities, including freelance gigs. By subscribing to the service, you gain access to a pool of high-quality opportunities and can bid farewell to endless scrolling and sketchy job listings.
10. Freelance Writing Gigs: Are you a wordsmith with a passion for crafting compelling content? Freelance Writing Gigs is a platform dedicated to connecting freelance writers with writing opportunities across various niches. From blogging and copywriting to technical writing and journalism, this platform is a treasure trove for anyone who loves to wield the power of words.

Remember, when exploring these freelance websites, it’s important to understand their specific features, fee structures, and user experiences. For example, Upwork charges a 20% fee to freelancers for each client until they’ve billed $500, and then the cost drops to a more reasonable 10%. Understanding these nuances will help you make informed decisions and maximize your earnings as you embark on your freelance journey.

To give you a visual overview, here’s a chart comparing some key features of these popular freelance websites:

Freelance Website	Specialization	Unique Feature	Fee Structure
Upwork	Diverse	Graduated Fee	20% to start, drops to 10% after $500 in billing
Freelancer	Wide Range	Contests	Varies based on project and membership type
Fiverr	Creative	Gig Economy	Service fees vary, starting at 20%
Toptal	Elite	Rigorous Screening	Varies based on project and freelancer’s rate
Guru	User-Friendly	Workroom	Varies based on project and membership type
99designs	Design	Design Contests	Varies based on project and designer’s rate
PeoplePerHour	Hourly Projects	Flexible Working	Varies based on project and freelancer’s rate
Simply Hired	Aggregator	Extensive Search	Varies based on project and employer’s payment
FlexJobs	Remote Work	Job Subscription	Monthly or yearly subscription fee
Freelance Writing Gigs	Writing	Niche-focused	Varies based on project and writer’s rate

To give you an idea of the earning potential for different realms of freelancing, take a look below:

Skill	Average Hourly Rate ($)
Graphic Design	$40-80
Writing and Content	$25-60
Programming	$50-100
Social Media Management	$30-70

Remember, these rates can vary based on experience, expertise, and market demand. As you gain more experience and build a solid portfolio, you can command higher rates and secure more lucrative freelance projects.

So, embrace your passion, develop your skills, and dive into the world of freelancing. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are waiting for you!