Seeking extra income? These skills can earn you a freelance bonus

People seeking money on the side will find traditional freelance creative jobs have made a comeback. See the top 12 growth areas.

Side hustle incomes can be lucrative for people who specialise in tech skills around social media, online advertising, podcasts and YouTube, but demand is also rising for those who don’t have a technological bone in their body.

Traditional freelance creative jobs have made a comeback in the past year, according to a new report by online freelance services marketplace Fiverr.

While being an Instagram social media manager has been the fastest-growing job on Fiverr’s platform, non-tech roles such as children’s book illustration, cartooning and marketing strategy have surged too.

Fiverr community manager Oliver Woolrych says Covid has impacted markets and demand for skills.

“Many businesses have downscaled their teams and what that often does is leave gaps in specific skill-sets,” he says.

“Many businesses don’t have an in-house creative now.”

GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

Fiverr’s new Business Trends Index shows rising demand for jobs such as interior design, landscape design, editing and proofreading, album cover design and video advertising, and freelancers can generate thousands of dollars per job.

Fiverr operates in 200 countries and last year about four million work orders were placed though the platform for about 550 different services. It takes a 20 per cent commission on transactions.

“You can take your skill-set and all of a sudden access a global market,” Woolrych says.

“Australian freelancers are looked at very favourably by buyers in regards to the quality of their work and the professional way they go about it.”

Kelly Petering owns a pub and does voice over work on the side. Picture: Supplied

Kelly Petering earns up to $3000 a month on the platform doing voice over work, while also owning and running the Yea Peppercorn Hotel in Victoria.

“Initially it wasn’t about the money, but more of a hobby,” she says.

“However, now that the voice over work has grown over time it’s more like a part-time income. I’m now saving these funds to help expand our current hotel business to incorporate tiny houses and retreats.”

Petering says the freelance work has been a juggling act at times, as she also has a six-year-old son.

“However, I’m able to do voice over work at any time of day, so often it’s once my son is asleep.”

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

UNSW Business school senior lecturer Dr Evgenia Dechter says the pandemic opened several opportunities for people looking to supplement or replace their job.

“The willingness to work a few extra hours is also increasing due to higher uncertainty and cost-of-living,” she says.

Dr Evgenia Dechter from UNSW

Side hustles can be a rewarding step, Dr Dechter says, but she warns people should recognise there are also challenges and risks that come with them.

“Slow entry into another occupation, or becoming self-employed, while keeping the current job allows people to learn about new opportunities and new skill sets while minimising risk of income loss,” she says.

Fiverr’s Woolrych says freelancers can sometimes focus too much on attracting new customers rather than trying to build relationships with existing ones.

“A high percentage of business is re-employing,” he says.

“Make it fit your lifestyle. To own the ho

urs of the day you work is really important.

“Know your worth. Make sure you are comfortable with the price you are charging, and don’t undervalue your service.”