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<p><em>Being a freelancer is not for everyone. The idea of working from home, setting your own hours, and just following deadlines sounds great, but it is certainly not for everyone. Some people find it hard, while others fail to get the lifestyle they want, no matter how hard they try.</em></p> <p></p> <p>Some people do better than others, mostly because they have the right skills.</p> <p>Now, focusing on the right skills is a must. Sure, you might be good at one thing or another, but on the same note, you also need to train yourself on something that is actually in demand.</p> <p>Freelancing is like real life. You might be a good mechanic, but living in a small isolated village with 20 cars will not give you a great lifestyle. The same goes for freelancing.</p> <p>With these thoughts in mind, here are five skills in great demand these days.</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Accounting and Bookkeeping</strong></h3> <p>These two industries go hand in hand. You will end up providing financial help to clients in all kinds of industries. Your tasks may vary widely and can range from maintaining records and paying taxes to analyzing fraud and supervising returns and expenses.</p> <p>To become a good accountant, it helps to get a Bachelor&rsquo;s degree. You can also get an independent course, but a Bachelor&rsquo;s degree will give you more credibility. Computer and software skills, as well as numeracy and analytical thinking, will also help in the process.</p> <p>Bookkeeping is similar and implies covering financial transactions and keeping things organized, from invoices and payrolls to tax returns and payments.</p> <p>The best part about these skills? They are required all over the world. You could work for clients from China, the USA, and South Africa simultaneously. There are literally no limitations whatsoever. However, you need to be aware that you will have to pass a testing process if you want to work for bigger companies. Most companies use the <a href="https://www.assessmentcentrehq.com/robert-half-skills-test/" target="_blank">Robert Half skills assessment test</a> when hiring accountants; so, it will help to prepare.</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Graphic Design</strong></h3> <p>Graphic design is just as popular, but this industry may feel a bit overwhelming at first. There are lots of designers out there. In fact, you can get a 15-year-old student to design you a nice logo with a modern touch, without having to spend a fortune.</p> <p>Therefore, if you go for it, you need to do it right and go all the way in. You must become good at it and stand out from the crowd. Your job will cover delivering goals and messages through aesthetically pleasing designs. You need to come up with different concepts and layouts as well.</p> <p>From logos and labels to ads and displays, graphic design goes over multiple industries.</p> <p>The best part about it is you do not necessarily need to get a Bachelor&rsquo;s degree, yet it would definitely help. A graphic design course will be almost as good, and it will require less time. Start building a portfolio and gaining an online presence as well. Underline your creativity and innovation.</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Photography and Videography</strong></h3> <p>Similar to graphic design, photography and videography are in high demand, but the industry is also saturated, so you need to figure out a way to make a difference. These days, anyone with a smartphone and a bit of creativity can come up with stunning imagery, even without any training at all.</p> <p>As a photographer, you will have to capture moments that tell stories. There is more than just a plain photo. You need lighting, editing, developing, retouching, and even printing in all kinds of environments. A degree in art or photography will help, but you can also take a course.</p> <p>Make sure you get training on the software and hardware required as well.</p> <p>Videography is similar, but it requires more creativity and, of course, technical knowledge.</p> <p>As for the industries you can work in, there are lots of options, from multimedia and fashion to exhibitions and advertising. Stock imagery and social media are not to be overlooked either. It might help if you could specialize in one industry in particular. One of the best ways to make sure that you have an edge over the competition when freelancing is to use the right set of tools. You can <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/14-tools-that-are-recommended-by-freelancers">check out this article</a> to see the 14 tools recommended by freelancers.</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>SEO</strong></h3> <p>Search engine optimization is required all over the Internet, for any industry or website out there. An SEO certification is recommended, but you can also train yourself. It takes time, though because what works for a website will not work for others, simple as that.</p> <p>You need to become familiar with keyword research solutions, algorithms of search engines, computer literacy, great writing skills, and so on. Plus, the search engine optimization industry is evolving around the clock, as search engines change their algorithms on a regular basis.</p> <p>It is a time-consuming skill to learn because sometimes, it is all about trial and error. It might be helpful to join a company as a junior specialist to figure out everything before trying to get your own clients.</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Virtual Assistant</strong></h3> <p>Virtual assistants are meant to coordinate someone else&#39;s duties. Usually, these duties are administrative. Basically, it is like being a secretary, only you do it from the comfort of your home, and you will not have to make coffee. Working as a VA is quite a <a href="https://techdaily.ca/make-money-online-canada/" target="_blank">profitable online job opportunity</a>. No matter where you are from!</p> <p>Some of the most common tasks include research, managing expenses, appointments, responding to emails or calls, scheduling meetings, and so on. After all, employers have different needs and expectations.</p> <p>One of the best skills of virtual assistants is attention to small details. As you gain more experience, you will probably end up assisting more employers at the same time.</p> <p>You do not need a degree to be a virtual assistant, but it requires excellent communication skills and a top-notch organization. You need to be good at time management and learn how to multitask.</p> <p>There are lots of industries or just busy individuals requiring virtual assistance, so your options are countless: from financial institutions and real estate agencies to marketing agencies and startups.</p> <p>Apart from these skills, other popular skills to consider these days include:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Website design</p> </li> <li> <p>Website development</p> </li> <li> <p>Software coding</p> </li> <li> <p>Writing</p> </li> <li> <p>Social media management</p> </li> <li> <p>Consultancy</p> </li> </ul> <p></p> <p>Bottom line, these are some of the most popular skills among freelancers today. Find something suitable for your needs and preferences, as well as your passion. Master it and take your time in <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-find-your-first-customers">finding customers</a> and building a portfolio.</p> <p>It takes hard work and consistency, but making the great living you have always dreamed of will come only in a matter of time.</p>