Research conducted by freelance platforms and organisations highlights the diverse ways in which freelancers secure job opportunities. For instance, data from MBO and the State of Independence in America 2022 reveals that 41% of freelancers source their work through online marketplaces and freelance platforms, while another platform reports a slightly lower figure of 36%. In contrast, local research in Belgium shows that only 14% of freelancers find work through platforms, with a vast majority (89%) relying on their personal network for job opportunities. The Freelance Business Community conducted this study with the aim of amplifying the voices of freelancers within independent communities, not associated with freelance platforms. The study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how freelancers secure job opportunities, taking into account factors such as their professional sector, location, age, and levels of formal and business education and to shed light on the factors influencing their choice of client acquisition channels.
An additional goal of this survey is to gather data on how freelancers educate themselves in necessary business skills and whether additional resources are needed for them to become successful (i.e., to have more work). According to the IPSE report, over half of freelancers (51%) reported that they have not undertaken any professional or work-related training in the last 12 months. Our assumption is that freelancers which have relevant business skills are finding jobs and clients easier via a personal network. We would like to support this with data. This research is based on quantitive data collected via a survey, shared by Freelancing.eu, Na volné noze, The Indie List, Doerscircle, EFWeek, Freelancer Blog, Leapers, Hoxby and The Workstyle Revolution, Freelancing Females, Community of Fabian Tröltzsch, Freelancers Union, Freelance Network Italia and Freelance.Pizza.
The results of this survey and report was shared during the Freelance Business Month.
Main takeaways:
- Low Platform Engagement: A mere 14.7% of freelancers have secured clients through freelance platforms in the last year. Freelancers are not choosing platforms because they think they cannot secure a well paid job there, or they can’t justify the investment required to register on a platform (time or money).
- Key Demographics for Platform Success: Freelancers in web development, IT, copywriting, writing, translation, marketing, and creative arts, typically aged 25-34, with 4-10 years of experience, and holding university or post-graduate degrees, predominantly thrive on freelance platforms.
- Platform Job Gaps: Around 60% of freelancers across regions report not securing any work through the platforms they are registered on.
- Platform-Centric Earnings: Freelancers in copywriting, translation, IT, and web development in Asia often rely on freelance platforms for 100% of their income.
- Personal Networks Lead: A majority of freelancers find clients through personal networks, which include existing and past clients (53.9%), recommendations (44.7%), and social media (34.8%).
- Business Skills Reach: Freelancers with advanced business skills find opportunities through recruiters. Those with intermediate business skills are more inclined to search for work on freelance platforms.
- Beginner Strategy: Beginners are more likely to seek customers on community platforms and job boards.
- Universal Use of Personal Websites: All categories equally leverage personal websites to generate leads and pitch directly to potential clients.
- Preferred Titles: Freelancers overwhelmingly prefer to be addressed as “Freelancers” or “Consultants” rather than “Gig Workers” or “Contingent Workers.”
- Business Skill Acquisition: The majority of freelancers (82.6%) have acquired their business skills through practical work experience. Only around 25% of freelancers have received formal business training as part of their previous employment or through their university/college studies.
- Upskilling and Value of Business Education: A significant 72.9% of freelancers have actively engaged in upskilling within the past 12 months. Additionally, a remarkable 88.5% of freelancers acknowledge the value of a business education in enhancing their success, especially in finding more clients as freelancers.
