25 In-Demand Freelance Services to Offer (Find Work and Make Money Online)

Whether you’re looking for a way to make some extra money on the side of an existing job or looking for a business idea that could lead to a full-time income, offering freelance services is a great option.

There are countless different services you could offer as a freelancer or independent contractor, and in this article, we’ll look at 25 realistic and practical options. We’ll also look at some of the most convincing reasons why you might want to offer a service, and how you can go about promoting your services.

When it comes to different ways to make money and side hustle ideas that you could pursue, things like blogging and starting an online business tend to get the most attention. While these are great options, service-related businesses also present plenty of opportunities and should not be ignored.

Reasons to Offer a Service

Here are just a few of the most significant reasons why you may want to consider a service-related business as a freelancer:

• Start making money right away. Unlike starting a blog or an online business where it will take months until you start making anything.
• Earn an excellent hourly rate. The rate you’re able to charge will depend on several factors, like the specific service you provide and the amount of experience or skill that you have, but the potential is outstanding.
• Flexible work and schedule. As a freelancer, you can work around your existing schedule, so it’s possible even if you have a full-time job.
• Potential to grow into a full-time income. All of the services listed in this article provide the potential to grow into a full-time income, or you could offer a few different services to get to that level.

Related reading:

• 20 Ideas to Help You Land Your First Freelance Client
• 40 Exciting Hobbies That Make Money

The Best Freelance Services To Offer

Now, let’s look at some specific freelance services examples. Of course, this list covers just some of the options. You could do plenty of other things, so use your creativity.

Throughout this article, I’ll link to several courses at Skillshare that teach the skills needed to work as a freelancer in these different fields. If you’re not familiar with Skillshare, it’s a membership-based site that provides access to thousands of different courses. Members get access to all of the courses for a small monthly fee. And best of all, you can sign up for a free trial. If you’re interested in learning more about the topics covered in this article, Skillshare is an excellent resource.

1. Freelance Writing

One of the best opportunities for making money online is to work as a freelance writer. There are opportunities in almost every industry or niche, so you can pursue topics that interest you.

With millions of blogs and websites publishing new content daily, there’s a great demand for content and quality writers. Many of the freelance writing gigs that are available for blogs and websites will involve ongoing work. If you land a few clients, you won’t need to look for new gigs constantly.

The pay for freelance writers can be all over the place. There are definitely low-paying gigs that aren’t worth your time. But others pay much better rates for your writing services. In fact, some freelance writers earn six figures working from home with a flexible schedule.

→ To learn more, check out Freelance Writing 101: Build a Successful Writing Career on Skillshare.

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing is similar to freelance writing but usually goes a few steps further. Most freelance writers will write the article, and their work is done. Content marketers will usually write the content (or outsource the writing) and provide additional services to increase exposure for the content.

Your freelancing services as a content marketer could involve promoting the content on social media, search engine optimization and building links to the content, or blogger outreach.

→ To learn more, check out Content Marketing Masterclass on Skillshare.

3. Copywriting

Copywriting typically involves writing advertising or sales copy. You could be creating sales pages for website owners, writing sales copy for emails, writing brochures and other marketing material, or any other type of text geared towards converting readers into customers or leading them to some other action (like signing up for an email list).

The skills needed to be a successful copywriter are more specialized as compared to working as a freelance writer, but you can also earn more money. If you have experience with copywriting through your job, this can be a very valuable skill to offer as a freelancer.

→ To learn more, check out Copywriting for Beginners on Skillshare.

4. Blog Editing

Many bloggers hire editors to ensure that blog posts are up to a certain standard before publication. This is especially common for blogs that rely on many freelance writers to create content. Some blog editors will also write some of their own content, but others focus strictly on editing.

To work as an editor, you’ll need good skills related to spelling and grammar, as well as attention to detail. Communicating well with writers is also an essential part of the job. Most blog editors will also handle the administrative tasks related to the blog content, such as managing the publication schedule and publishing the articles when they’re ready.

5. Web Design

I’m especially fond of this one because it’s how I first started making money online. Millions of small businesses and non-profit organizations need help with their website design. Typically, hiring an agency is too expensive to be a viable option for many small businesses and non-profits, and freelancers can fill this gap.

As a freelancer, you can charge a lower rate than an agency because you have very little overhead and can still earn a very nice income from it.

→ To learn more, see my article How to Make Money as a Web Designer.

6. Web Development

While web designers are responsible for the look and feel of a website, web developers focus more on coding. You’ll definitely need coding skills, although that can be learned.

Some designers and developers will handle the visual aspect as well as the coding. Developers may also handle things like coding mobile apps, more complex database-driven websites, and web apps, as well as software development.

→ To learn more, see Web Development Fundamentals: HTML and CSS on Skillshare.

7. WordPress Setup

These days, many businesses and individuals use WordPress to manage their websites. Some freelancers offer services related to everything from installing WordPress to customizing themes to providing ongoing maintenance and support.

Although anyone can use WordPress without hiring a professional designer or developer, some people don’t have the time or desire to handle the details themselves, and they’ll gladly pay a freelancer to handle things for them.

Some freelancers use this as an alternative to more traditional web design services. You can offer freelancer services that involve customizing a WordPress theme to meet a client’s needs. Read my interview with Peti to see how she cahrges $60 per hour to set up websites without any coding.

→ To learn more, see WordPress for Beginners: The Complete Guide on Skillshare.

8. Graphic Design

If you have some design skills, there are all kinds of different services you could provide as a freelance graphic designer. You could specialize in one area or offer a variety of different services. There is a great demand for quality designers, and with so many different possibilities, there is no shortage of opportunity.

Here are just some of the types of graphic design you could offer:

• Logos
• Book/ebook covers
• Social media graphics (especially Pinterest) and blog graphics
• Illustration
• Packaging design
• Infographics

→ To learn more, see Graphic Design 101: An Overview of the Field on Skillshare.

9. Social Media Management

Many business owners and entrepreneurs recognize the importance of being active on social media, but they don’t have the time or knowledge to be able to do it themselves. Hiring a freelancer to manage their social profiles is the best way for them to have an active presence on social media.

As a freelancer, you can do several different things related to social media. Some freelancers will manage the profiles of their clients to be sure that new content is being shared on a regular business. Some will focus on specific social platforms. Pinterest is very popular for marketers right now, so you can get paid to manage the Pinterest profile of your clients.

This provides an excellent opportunity for many people because many people have experience and skills related to social media. If you’ve used these platforms for yourself or for marketing your own blog or brand, you could have the skills to manage social profiles for clients.

→ To learn more, see Introduction to Social Media Strategy on Skillshare.

10. Ad Management

Another extremely popular freelance service right now involves managing online ads for clients. If you have some experience with Facebook ad campaigns, Google AdWords, or Pinterest ads, you could offer to manage ad campaigns for clients. Some freelancers choose to specialize in a particular platform, and others will work with ads on multiple platforms.

Even if you don’t have existing experience managing ads, this is a skill that can be learned, and there are plenty of courses available that will teach you. It is a skill you can learn, and you can earn a nice income (part-time or full-time) with this service.

→ To learn more, see Facebooks Ads & Facebook Marketing Master Guide and Digital Marketing with Google AdWords on Skillshare.

11. Consulting / Coaching

This one is pretty broad and could cover a wide variety of possibilities. You could offer to consult or coaching services on almost any topic or industry. Of course, the obvious option is to use your existing skills, expertise, and experience and incorporate it into a consulting or coaching service. It could be related to marketing, personal finance, careers, fitness, relationships, or anything else.

Many factors will influence the amount that you’re able to charge, but there is potential to earn a very good income or hourly rate as a consultant or coach.

→ To learn more, see The Complete Masterclass on Starting a Consulting Business on Skillshare.

12. Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant (VA) is kind of a general term that can cover any number of different services. As a virtual assistant, you could help clients by offering some of the services that have already been mentioned (like social media management, blog editing, writing, and WordPress setup) or other things like administrative support.

There’s a strong demand for VAs, so plenty of opportunities are available. Although some virtual assistant jobs are low-paying, plenty of VAs earn a very good income (in some cases, $100 per hour or more).

→ To learn more, see my article How to Become a Virtual Assistant.

13. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping or accounting services are also ideal options for freelancers. Many small businesses need help in this area but are not large enough to justify hiring a full-time or part-time accountant. As a freelancer, you can meet your client’s needs related to bookkeeping, save them money, and earn a good hourly rate for yourself.

This is an ideal option if you already have some experience with bookkeeping or accounting, but it’s also a skill you can learn.

→ To learn more, see Bookkeeping Bootcamp on Skillshare.

14. Tutoring

Tutoring is a freelance service you can offer locally and in-person or online. Plenty of students need tutors, so if you have some knowledge in a particular subject, you can put it to good use.

→ To learn more, see Profitable Tutoring & Coaching Home Business Course on Skillshare.

15. Translation

If you can speak multiple languages, you may be able to get paid for translation work. You may be able to find freelance work through companies like Appen and Lionbridge, or you can find clients on your own. Some blogs and websites need translators to make their existing content or articles available in other languages.

→ To learn more, see How to Be a Successful Freelance Translator on Skillshare.

16. Music Production

If you have some musical ability, there is potential to make money by writing and producing music. Many podcasters and online video producers need custom music or audio. You can use marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork to offer your services or earn a higher rate by creating and promoting your own website to market your services.

→ To learn more, see From Silence to Sound: Composing Music for Film, Documentaries, and Commercials on Skillshare.

17. Music Lessons

Another way to make money from your musical abilities is to offer lessons. This could be in-person lessons with students in your local area, or you could offer video lessons online through Skype or another platform. This could be for singing or any instrument that you’ve mastered.

18. Voice Acting

With the growing amount of audio and video content created for online marketing, there is an excellent demand for voice actors. You could be reading scripts for sales videos, video ads, product demonstrations, or other types of video. You can also get paid to create intros and sound bytes for podcasts. Aside from work related to online videos and podcasts, there is also a great demand for voice actors to record audiobooks.

You can use websites like Upwork and Fiverr to promote your services or create your own website and market your services there.

→ To learn more, see Voice Over Masterclass on Skillshare.

19. Photography

If you enjoy photography and have some ability, you could make money by taking photos for clients. You could take various portraits like family, engagement, maternity, newborn, kids, seniors, and professional headshots.

Since many people already have some photography skills, this one could be a realistic option for many people. The best way to get started is to let all your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers know you are starting a photography business. You can probably find your first few clients just from people you know.

If you want to take it a step further and drastically increase your earning potential, you can offer wedding photography services. I recommend starting with some other services first, but wedding photographers can make a lot of money, and you can do most of the work on weekends.

→ To learn more, see How to Run a Successful Freelance Photography Business on Skillshare.

20. Photo Editing

Another photography-related service that you could offer from home is photo editing. Some photographers will outsource the editing of their photos to save time. If you have experience with Lightroom, Photoshop, or another photo editing program, you can make money with this freelance service.

Aside from basic editing and touchups, you could offer related services like background removal and photo manipulation. Background removal is needed for many scenarios, like e-commerce product photos that show a product on a solid white background.

→ To learn more, see Fundamentals of Photo Editing on Skillshare.

21. Podcast Editing and Production

With a quickly-growing number of podcasts online, there is an increasing demand for editing and production services. Many podcasters prefer to record an episode and then turn it over to someone else to create the finished product.

→ To learn more, see Adobe Audition 101 for Podcasters on Skillshare.

22. Video Editing and Production

Like podcasts, online videos offer opportunities for freelancers to make money with editing and production services. Many video creators will outsource the editing and production of their videos, and there is plenty of demand for these freelance services.

→ To learn more, see Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners on Skillshare.

23. Resume Assistance

Another great freelance service you can offer is to help job seekers write and prepare resumes. Many people need help in this area, and if you have a background in HR or making hiring decisions, this may be a service you could offer. Not only will you be able to make money, but you’ll also be able to help others find jobs.

→ To learn more, see Complete Resume Writing Course on Skillshare.

24. Travel Planning

If you have a lot of experience traveling or planning for travel, you could offer freelance services as a travel planner or travel agent. Some travel bloggers offer this as a freelance service, which makes a lot of sense since they are familiar with many destinations and have an audience of readers interested in travel.

25. Tour Guide

Another travel and tourism-related service that you can offer involves guided tours. This can be a great option if you live in an area that attracts many tourists. You could use a website like Vayable to offer your freelance services or create your own website and marketing plan.

How to Promote Your Freelance Services

Now that we’ve looked at some of the different services that you can offer as a freelancer, let’s take a look at how you can go about promoting your freelance services to land clients and get paid.

Your Blog

Having your own blog is one of the best ways to promote your freelance services. Of course, your services should be related to the type of content you publish or at least relevant to your blog’s target audience.

As more and more visitors come to your blog, some may be a good fit for your services, and you’ll find yourself landing more clients this way.

Although it’s a great way to promote your services, building a blog takes time, and you may not get results quickly. However, it can certainly pay off long-term.

Writing for Other Blogs

Another way to use blogging to promote your services is to write for other blogs. Many blogs are open to guest posts, which can be a great way to get exposure, especially while you’re growing your own blog.

When you write for other blogs, you won’t want to promote your own services aggressively, but in your author bio, you can mention the services that you provide and link back to your website. Depending on the nature of the article, you may be able to slip in a mention of your freelance services within the body of the article, but this won’t always be possible.

If your articles are published on blogs that reach the target audience for your services, you may have some people who click through to your site and contact you about those services.

Freelance Job Boards

Several job boards specifically focus on freelance opportunities or work-from-home jobs. Some of these sites specialize in certain types of work, like the ProBlogger and Blogging Pro job boards that post listings for freelance writing and blogging opportunities. Others, like FlexJobs, are more general.

Freelancing Websites

Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com exist to help freelancers and service providers get matched up with clients. Honestly, using these freelance platforms to find work would not be my first recommendation because many freelance jobs landed through these sites are low-paying, but of course, that’s a generalization. Some freelancers do very well with these sites, but most find that they spend too much time working on landing a few low-paying gigs.

I think these sites could be used as a starting point to find some work and gain experience, but I would focus on other methods of landing clients if possible.

Other Websites

Plenty of other websites can also be extremely useful for finding clients. Craigslist is a great resource, especially when you are first getting started. Others may be niche-specific websites that are highly relevant to your services.

I would also include Facebook groups in this category. If you are actively engaged in a Facebook group where you can interact with people who might benefit from your services, you may be able to land clients this way.

For example, if you offer diet consulting services, you may want to join some Facebook groups related to dieting or weight loss. Don’t aggressively promote your freelance services within the group, but get involved in the conversations, and you can mention your services when it is relevant.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to make some money, I strongly believe freelance services are excellent. I’ve personally made money with freelance writing, web design, consulting, and social media management. I know that it works and that you can make good money for your time, whether full-time or part-time.

Now it’s time to think about your skills and experience, determine what you could offer, and start working on landing your first client. Hopefully, this top freelance services list gives you some ideas for moving forward.

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