How to choose and build a skill for freelancing?

The possibilities for freelancing are limitless. Any valuable service to an individual or business can be turned into a part-time or full-time freelancing gig.

So you've realized that you must provide a positive ROI with your service. But which one should you go with?

Some examples:

• Marketing

• Design

• SEO

• Writing blog posts

• Copywriting in general

• Building apps

• Facebook ads

• Google ads

• Video editing

• Photography

• Automation (with Zapier or other tools)

I could keep going, but you get the idea.

So how do you pick a profitable freelance skill?

If you make a lot of money for your clients, they will pay you a nice fee. When considering a new skill, ensure it will provide a significant return on investment.

Look at your current skills, interests, and natural affinities

For example, if you already work at a graphics design agency, get into that. If you have no skills, pick the one you think you'd be good at.

Perhaps you're more technical and want to work in web design. Maybe you are more artistic and prefer writing. I chose product design because I enjoy doing all parts of the design process — from research to testing. You may have different strengths or interests, so do what works best for you.

Ideally, the skill you select will increase your clients' profits. That is how you can charge astronomical prices while remaining valuable.

Consider the learning curve and average wage

When deciding on a career path or a freelancing skill, you should consider factors such as the average freelance wage and whether earning that average salary will allow you to afford the quality of life you deserve.

I'd start by writing everything down on a single piece of paper. Every available freelance skill. Then I'd eliminate those that clearly don't interest me. Believe me, you will recognize when something does not pique your interest.

However, if you are unsure whether a particular skill is for you, I recommend trying it for a while. You could be taking a couple of quick free courses related to the subject.

You repeat that process until you have either one skill that you continue to practice until you are completely perfect and can call yourself an expert, or you have a couple of skills that you are interested in and decide to consider other essential factors such as learning curve, average wage, your time, and everything else involved.