In the past, freelancers really only needed to specialise in just one skill, whether that be content production, graphic design, web development, or any of the other specialised services that business owners would often need to outsource. In the digital age, however, freelancers are feeling the need to upskill to maintain their competitive edge.

For digital era freelancers, the days of relying on a static skillset are over, and staying ahead of the game means continuously adapting to changing client demands. This means being able to contribute to dynamic projects that combine multiple technological skills and capabilities.

So what tech-savvy skills should you be developing if you’re looking to work full-time as a freelancer today? Here are just a few areas of expertise that are sure to strengthen your CV as a professional freelancer.

Proficiency with Generative AI Tools

There is one saving grace to the freelancer upskill revolution: AI tools. With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, freelancers can make quick work of building new skills like prompt engineering or AI language optimisation.

But AI skills can also be used for dynamic applications. For instance, AI can be used for business automation, ensuring that repetitive tasks like data entry or email sorting can be carried out autonomously. AI can also be used to generate anything from presentations and website designs to videos, images, icons, and other marketing assets.

Alongside maintaining these AI capabilities, freelancers can also greatly benefit from gaining proficiency with industry-grade tools. In other words, if you know how to generate AI images with Adobe Firefly, then be sure to add that to your CV. And if you know how to use ChatGPT for writing code, then be sure to add some examples of your work to your portfolio. Demonstrating proficiency with these AI tools can be a great way to catch the eye of prospective clients.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Due to the rapid evolution of cyber threats in recent years and the subsequent growth of the cybersecurity sector, digital security skills have naturally become a highly sought-after skillset for freelancers today. In order to work digitally across multiple sectors with various parties, fundamental cybersecurity knowledge is both an asset and a necessity.

Digital freelancers often handle confidential files and data sets for their assignments. Losing these to hackers or third-party agents due to poor cybersecurity protocols could be a potential nail in the coffin for any freelance venture. Confidential materials should be kept offline in a separate storage device or server to ensure nothing gets leaked or compromised. Many of these risks can be avoided by investing in high-quality web browser protectors and malware or virus defence systems. 

Likewise, commit to limiting work-related activity to a dedicated work device to avoid potential compromises. Freelancers need to stand out from the pack, and portfolios highlighting safe cybersecurity practices will catch a client’s attention. Healthy cybersecurity practices and knowledge communicate to hirers and partners that they can trust you to handle their projects safely and guarantee yourself more work.

Mastering Cloud Computing

Today, nearly all businesses are using cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox for facilitating collaborative projects, supporting easier file storage, and for generally streamlining project management needs. Mastering cloud computing, while an expectation for some companies, ultimately provides an advantage for digital freelancers in any sector.

Cloud computing allows freelancers to work virtually anywhere with anyone. You can upscale your workloads by collaborating instantly with teammates across multiple companies. Competent use also enhances cybersecurity initiatives. Resources and documents can be shared far more easily and securely than through email, for instance.

Being comfortable with online resources will make digital freelancers adept at tackling all manner of tasks. Knowing how to interact through cloud computing programs and knowing how to jump from one to another will ensure flexibility between projects and contracts.

Advanced Project Management

With professional teams growing more remote, project management is rapidly becoming recognised as a core competency for freelancers. Digital freelancers need to be depended upon to get the job done without immediate supervision, and this is easier if strong project management skills come naturally. 

Good project management depends upon both strong communication practices and time management. Have frequent meetings and ask lots of questions when being given briefs. Iron out any gaps and be pragmatic about expectations when working with others. Use programs like Trello or Asana to help keep everything lined up and on time, where people can see each other’s workload.

Clients expect results, not excuses, and digital freelancers who can handle multiple tasks on time ultimately save their clients money. Meeting deadlines makes everything smoother down the line and saves time for colleagues when providing deliverables. Digital freelancers who are viewed as reliable and organised will receive more work and more impressive projects down the line.   

Web Development and UI/UX design

As more and more consumer behaviour moves to digital channels, web development skills are becoming a vital part of work for a wide array of freelancers. Understanding core coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is vital for professional freelancers looking to contribute to web design and development projects, even in a content or graphic assets capacity. 

Equipping yourself with a strong understanding of UX and UI design principles is also beneficial, as freelancers who are designing assets for interfaces can make sure these creations are optimised for integration into those platforms. Plus, if you can recognise when one of your created assets has been poorly integrated, having a foundational knowledge of development can also help you communicate any troubleshooting and web maintenance concerns to other members of your project team.

Pro tip: even if you don’t have the resources or time to build functional sites, at least building your familiarity with website builders like WordPress, Shopify, and Webflow can make you a more attractive freelance candidate for eCommerce business owners who just need a little extra technical help with their digital business development. In opening up these partnerships with small and medium-sized eCommerce clients, having these web development and design skills can help you build up your professional portfolio and establish yourself as a freelancer.

Digital Freelancing: The Next Frontier

In the dynamic, increasingly digital world of freelancing, a tech-savvy mindset is the ultimate advantage. Ultimately, the future of freelancing belongs to those who are willing to learn and grow right alongside all the digital technology that’s available to us today. 

By investing in the key tech skills we’ve outlined above, freelancers like you can not only future-proof their careers but also position themselves to be an indispensable partner for your clients, supporting them and their enterprises in reaching greater heights across the cybersphere and beyond.