2023 was one of the biggest year’s for digital change and technological growth I have ever witnessed in my 12 years of freelancing. AI swooped in and changed the game, and the ever-evolving digital world means new rules for freelancers.
As we head into 2024, keeping ahead of freelance business trends will help you stay ahead and stand out. I’ve identified 5 freelance business trends that will help you stand out and grow your freelance business this year.
In our rapidly evolving digital world, staying ahead means embracing technology and automation. As a freelancer, I’ve been looking at how to effectively use AI and various automation tools to streamline my business operations.
These technologies not only save time but also enhance efficiency, allowing me to focus more on creativity and client work.
It’s easy to think of AI as the enemy, especially as a creative freelancer, but as we learn to use AI as an assistant (rather than copy and pasting it’s terrible writing), we can speed up our processes and cut down our own admin time.
In my freelancer toolkit, I freely share several of my favourite tools and software that I use to run my freelance copywriting business, from managing my sales pipeline to content creation, and automated emails.
In today’s online-centric world, establishing a trustworthy and engaging online presence is crucial. Personal branding plays a significant role in building trust with your audience.
I recommend using video content, showcasing your image on social media platforms like Instagram, and writing authentic content about yourself and your business.
Remember, it’s not about revealing every personal detail but about giving a glimpse of the person behind the brand. This approach will be instrumental in engaging customers in 2024.
The market is constantly changing, and with the advancement of AI, it’s more important than ever to diversify your skills and services.
Diversification not only opens up new revenue streams but also ensures greater business resilience. For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, you could consider expanding into animation.
Even if you’ve many years experience in your field of expertise, don’t get complacent. Continue to learn and grow, and think ahead to what else you could be offering to build a bigger client base.
Networking might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s undeniably beneficial. Creating a community of trusted individuals and professionals can lead to recommendations and collaborations.
Engage in professional groups, attend networking events (both locally and online), and be active on platforms like LinkedIn.
Collaborations and a strong network provide support and a sense of community, which is invaluable. That being said, I will caveat this by urging you to be mindful with your time! It can be easy to lose hours in online communities. Make sure they are serving a purpose and of benefit to you and your business.
After a challenging 2023, it’s essential to focus on your business’s financial health as we move into 2024. Conduct a financial forecast, consider your rates and packages, and think about ways to build your income.
It’s wise to set aside a financial buffer for tougher times. If you need assistance with forecasting, check out my Freelancer Starter Kit for templates and guidance.
2024 presents a world of opportunities for freelancers. Although the digital world is rapidly changing, stay focused on your goals and what trends you can adopt to help you reach them.
Try not to shy away from technology, embrace it and learn what you can without overwhelming yourself. By focusing on these key areas, you can build momentum and achieve your best year yet.
