According to a survey conducted by Indie List – Ireland’s leader for freelance marketing talent – towards the end of 2022, the Irish freelance market has undergone a major shift over the past years. Talented professionals are re-evaluating the way in which they want to work post-Covid, and enterprises becoming more accepting of hiring on-demand specialists as part of their organisation. The Indie List conducted their third annual survey to gauge the experiences and views of a cross-section of the Indie community, and the results provide valuable insights for freelancers globally.
The freelance market in Ireland is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to do so in the coming years. The freelance category now embraces a range of different types (Chart 1), from full-timer freelancers to contractors and so-called ‘side-giggers’, who are freelancing while in full-time roles. Flexibility and independence are the over-riding drivers of people going freelance, and the opportunity to work on interesting clients and challenges.
Main challenges and future outlook
As can be seen from the evidence below (Chart 2), freelancers around the world face very similar concerns. In all cases, the main challenge is client acquisition. The Indie List community identified the following challenges as the most pressing, with % indicating the number of respondents:
In terms of the future outlook amongst freelancers, the majority are very positive heading into 2023 and believe that the business climate favours the freelance model. However, many, especially those working this way for some time, are apprehensive around issues such as late payments, fees being driven down, and also more competition in a very open and growing talent market, particularly now with more skilled people from the tech sector becoming available.
Here are some of the direct quotes from Indie List freelancers on their concerns:
Need some ideas on getting clients? Check the client acquisition guideline for developers on our blog!
Freelance marketing roles in demand 2023
According to The Indie List founders, the demand for particular marketing skills will not be equally distributed in the year ahead. Freelancers need to adapt to the market demand and upskill in areas such as strategy, client service, creativity, digital media and content creation. At the same time, it is essential to nurture softer skills such as communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
Chart 3 indicates where they envisage the main demand for specialist skills happening over the next year:
Conclusion
As a relatively new and dynamic independent talent market, Ireland offers a wealth of insights for freelancers globally. By staying flexible, diversifying income streams, and investing in skills, freelancers can stay competitive and succeed in an ever-changing business climate. The Irish freelance market also highlights the importance of managing time and projects effectively, while also keeping up with accounting and tax affairs. Freelancers also need to market themselves effectively to attract new clients and stay motivated in the face of competition.
As we have seen everywhere, the future of freelancing looks bright, but it requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing learning and growth.
About The Indie List
The Indie List is Ireland’s leader for freelance marketing talent. It has been created to provide easier access for enterprises to the large talent pool of professional freelancers across marketing, strategy, creativity, e-commerce and digital services. Promoting creativity, innovation, championing freelancers and connecting them to reliable income streams, is what they are all about.
