The Top Freelance Markets in The UK
If you are wishing to freelance in the UK but have no idea where to start, it can be a bit daunting. There are several sites which are available for freelancers (both globally and locally) and within each of these sites you have a series of skillets and labels to define you as a freelancer. The trick is not to try to find one particular skill but rather to understand the market and to offer your services in areas where you are skilled. Diversification is critical when freelancing. Here are a few of the markets which are in demand.
What you will need to get started?
Before you start any freelancing, Dominic Bowkett says, you should ensure that you have the skills needed to perform the job. Compensation for freelancing is typically based upon the level of your expertise. As freelancing tends to be more of a global competitive market, having a formal degree, the software or tools to provide the service, as well as a strong portfolio demonstrating your skills is preferred. A website is mandatory for Freelancing.
Design
Design can encompass print design, architectural design, logos, and such. Generally, Dominic Bowkett explains, when you say that you are a graphic designer, the client assumes that you have a firm grasp of the industry standard software and that you can work with printers and online distributors to meet the requirements for print/online publication. Freelancers in the UK who state that they are Graphic designer must know Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. However, it is not enough to known the programs, you must know the fundamentals of design as well such as form, positive and negative space, typographic design, icon creation strategies, and color theory.
IT
Online IT support is in high demand at the moment. Those wishing to freelance in this sector need to have a very fast internet connection and know exactly what they are talking about. As most of your clients will contact you when they already have a problem, you will need to have excellent communication skills as well as have the ability to talk to disgruntle people. In most situations, businesses will seek IT Freelancers in the UK who have a degree and experience in the field. If you are a novice to providing internet technology services, it is advised that you try to find a startup company or internship to establish yourself.
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Game/App Design
Businesses within the UK are discovering that mobile applications are the means in which to drive clients to their site and make purchases. As such, the demand for app designers has increased substantially in the past year. Freelancers who offer such services are expected to understand IOS as well as Android standards. Unity, Flash, Java, CSS, and HTML are also benefits which will help you get the edge over the competition. Game designers need to have the above skillset as well as have a strong grasp of Unreal, 3Ds max, Cinema 4D, and the Adobe Suite said Dom Bowkett.
Web Design
UI and UX are fundamental traits which a freelancer in the UK should have. Web Design is different from design in that you will be expected to understand both the principles of design as well as the technology demands of code and SEO. Clients will expect you to understand SERPs, HTML standards, interactive elements, organic building, blog incorporation, and supporting elements. It is not enough that a freelancer understand WordPress to be a Web Designer. The UK Freelancer must also understand how to convert the desktop page to mobile media and smartphones in order to meet the algorithm demands in today’s market.
Personal Assistants/ Virtual Assistant
Freelancers in this category should be extremely cautious when taking on new clients. Personal assistance should perform due diligence to ensure that the phone conversations, telemarketing, collections, and emails you send are legally founded. There are a great many con artist who use the term virtual assistant to have a scapegoat for a marketing or fraud scheme. If providing a personal assistant or virtual assistant service, it is strongly advised that you try to meet the contractor face to face and get the proper legal documents prior to starting.
Legal
Legal freelancing, in my opinion, should be avoided at all cost. The ramifications for misrepresentation (even if you are a licensed lawyer) are too great. Just because you can practice law in the UK does not mean that your client is from where you are licensed. Additionally, if you are a lawyer, the odds are in your favor that you can find a firm to partner with, providing you with a more substantial means of revenue then fighting for contracts online. Should you wish to have a freelancing law firm in the UK, check with the local counsel for standards and regulations. Contact Dominic Bowkett Social Worker for more information.