The freelance industry is booming in Pakistan. Freelancing offers the opportunity to work from home, have flexible hours and take on more challenging assignments.
In addition, it is a great way to earn money without having to commit to full-time employment. With so many options available for freelancers, deciding which skills are in demand can be difficult.
This article will provide an overview of the top 11 freelancing skills that are most sought after in Pakistan. We’ll look at the types of jobs each skill requires as well as potential employers for those with these skillsets.
What is a Freelancing Skill?
This area of expertise allows individuals to offer services on a contract basis.
This could include website design, graphic design, copywriting, software development, and more.
Freelancers are in high demand in Pakistan thanks to its strong economy and ever-growing middle class.
You see, to be successful as a freelancer in Pakistan, you must have some combination of technical skills and customer service know-how.
Technical skills such as coding experience or SEO knowledge can be precious when creating websites or writing content for businesses looking for higher search engine rankings.
On the customer service side of things, excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities can go a long way toward securing repeat clients.
A recent Upwork report shows some of the most in-demand freelancing skills.
Upwork’s Top 10 Most In-Demand Tech Skills:
Web Design
Web design is the process of creating websites and web applications.
It involves an understanding of aesthetics, user experience, and technology in order to create a website that is both visually appealing and functional.
What is required to get into web designing in Pakistan?
First, you must have a good knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Knowing how to code using these languages will allow the designer to create essential elements on the page, such as text, images, and links.
Secondly, familiarity with JavaScript or other scripting languages, such as AJAX, can be beneficial for adding more advanced features such as animation or forms.
Finally, web hosting and domain registration knowledge will help designers ensure their sites are accessible online.
WordPress Developers
WordPress developers are highly sought after in Pakistan due to the popularity of WordPress as a content management system.
WordPress is a powerful, user-friendly platform that allows businesses and bloggers to easily create engaging websites without needing extensive web development experience.
A WordPress developer is responsible for designing, coding, and maintaining websites built with the WordPress platform.
To become a successful WordPress developer, individuals need technical skills such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript;
- knowledge of MySQL databases
- proficiency in using design elements such as images, graphics and videos
- understanding of website architecture
- creative problem-solving abilities
- as well as good communication skills to work effectively with clients.
And above all, staying up-to-date on the latest trends in web development technology is essential for anyone looking to stay ahead of competitors within this field.
Web Programming
Web programming is a sought-after skill in the freelancing industry in Pakistan.
It involves writing programs and coding applications for websites.
Work can range from developing a simple home page to creating complex software applications and tools.
Just like web design, you need to have knowledge of computer programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, CSS, SQL, and Python to get into web programming.
You should also be well-versed in development frameworks such as Ruby on Rails or .NET framework to develop interactive websites quickly.
Be familiar with content management systems like WordPress or Drupal, which help create blogs and websites faster.
Furthermore, web developers need experience with object-oriented analysis and design techniques as well as debugging techniques such as unit testing and integration testing.
JavaScript Developers
JavaScript Developers is a software engineer specializing in the programming language JavaScript.
JavaScript creates interactive web experiences, including dynamic page content, animations, and interactive forms.
It is one of the most widely-used scripting languages with an active developer community.
To be successful as a freelance JavaScript Developer, proficiency in HTML/CSS and related technologies such as AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is essential.
Good experience with databases such as MySQL or MongoDB can also be beneficial when working on larger projects that require data storage capabilities.
Additionally, good communication skills are essential to collaborating with other developers or clients remotely successfully.
Finally, a solid understanding of cross-browser compatibility issues and web standards will help ensure that products created by freelance JavaScript Developers meet industry standards.
HTML Developers
You’ll be responsible for coding websites using a hypertext markup language (HTML) as an HTML developer.
You’ll need a strong understanding of design principles, a good working knowledge of web programming languages such as JavaScript and CSS, and experience with HTML development tools like Dreamweaver.
To get started as an HTML developer in Pakistan, you must have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex problems quickly.
Familiarity with database technologies such as MySQL is also beneficial.
To succeed in this field, stay abreast of new developments in web technologies.
And keep up-to-date with best practices for coding websites.
Creativity is also essential for success; your designs should be eye-catching yet functional for users.
CSS Developers
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is a language used to describe the look and formatting of HTML documents.
Thus, CSS developers are responsible for writing code that controls the presentation of websites and web applications.
To become a successful CSS developer in Pakistan, YOU should possess knowledge of HTML and other coding languages such as JavaScript.
It is also beneficial to stay on top of industry trends, be familiar with various design tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and understand cross-browser compatibility issues.
Additionally, an eye for aesthetics can be extremely useful when creating aesthetically pleasing designs for clients’ websites or applications.
And you can combine both HTML and CSS skills and sell them as one package.
PHP Developers
PHP is a popular scripting language that is used to develop web applications.
Turns out, PHP developers in Pakistan are in high demand due to the growing number of businesses that need websites and web-based applications.
According to data from Upwork, the hourly rates for PHP Developers typically range between $15 and $30.
To make more, you should have strong coding skills and knowledge of databases, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript.
Also be familiar with version control systems such as Git and SVN, along with popular frameworks like Laravel and Symfony.
On top of technical skills, as a PHP developer, you must possess the right mindset for programming.
Be able to think analytically and solve complex problems quickly.
A good working knowledge of software development processes such as Agile methodologies is also beneficial for this role.
Shopify Developers
Shopify development is one of the most popular skills for freelancers in Pakistan.
If you don’t know, Shopify is one of the leading eCommerce platforms worldwide.
With it, you can create an online store without coding knowledge.
But that doesn’t mean Shopify doesn’t need coders.
As a Shopify developer, your work is to create custom eCommerce websites and related applications for businesses.
To break into this space, you need experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails and Liquid.
Shopify developers should also have knowledge of server-side web application frameworks such as PHP or Node.js.
These will help you create dynamic web pages and applications that connect to back-end databases.
Moreover, YOU must understand the fundamentals of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to ensure search engines like Google or Bing properly index the website.
And for the edge, stay up-to-date with trends in eCommerce development so that your website has the latest features available to customers.
API Developers
API developers are in high demand in Pakistan, as they are responsible for developing software that allows different applications to interact with one another.
And the pay is good too!
For example, Google Spreadsheets API Specialists on Upwork cost $17–$62/hr🤑.
So, how do you get in?
To get into the field of API development, have strong programming skills and experience with scripting languages such as JavaScript, Python, and Java.
Knowledge of cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) can also be beneficial when building APIs.
Additionally, a solid understanding of web architecture and security techniques is needed to ensure secure and efficient APIs.
The most important aspect of being an API developer is having the ability to figure out complex problems quickly.
It requires looking at various elements from different perspectives in order to create a successful solution.
Excellent communication skills will help bridge the gap between client’s needs and technical implementations.
Graphic Design
Another one of the most in-demand freelancing skills in Pakistan is graphic design!
This skill involves creating visual designs such as logos, illustrations, web and app designs, brochures, flyers, and more.
Rates charged by graphic designers on Upwork vary from $15 to $150 an hour, with an average rate of around $25 per hour.
Those interested in pursuing graphic design must have strong artistic and technical skills in order to create visually appealing designs that meet their clients’ needs.
A successful graphic designer should also be proficient with various types of software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, CorelDraw, etc.
These are essential tools for creating high-quality digital artwork for print or online purposes.
You need knowledge about layout principles and color theory can be beneficial when designing promotional materials or advertisements.
Graphic designers in Pakistan should also possess excellent communication skills.
Remember, at some point, you will need to collaborate with other professionals such as photographers or copywriters to produce a final product that meets the client’s requirements.
Upwork’s Top 10 Most In-Demand Marketing Skills:
Social Media Marketing
SMM involves the promotion of products or services via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What is required to get into this field?
A successful social media marketer needs a range of skills including content writing, graphic design, analytics, and more.
You must be able to identify target audiences, create engaging content and utilize multiple social networks to reach potential customers.
And should have an understanding of digital marketing strategies and be able to measure the impact of campaigns.
Good communication skills are also essential for effective online conversations with customers and stakeholders in order to build relationships with them.
Lastly, knowledge about search engine optimization (SEO) is beneficial for increasing visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).
With these skills combined together, you can easily become a successful social media marketer in Pakistan and make between $14 and $35 per hour.
Lead Generation
Lead generation involves the process of creating prospective customers for a business or service and requires creativity and strategic planning to identify new opportunities.
Freelancers with lead generation skills are in high demand in Pakistan because they can provide valuable insights into potential leads that other methods may have overlooked.
In order to get into this business, you should understand the basics of customer acquisition.
Be familiar with marketing tools such as email campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, and social media management.
And above all, have a good understanding of analytics.
This will come in handy as you track the progress of your campaigns and make data-driven decisions about how to optimize your strategies.
Facebook Marketing
Facebook marketing is a lucrative skill for freelancers in Pakistan.
In fact, Facebook Ads Specialists on Upwork cost $15–$40/hr!
What do they do?
Well, Facebook marketers plan, create and execute marketing campaigns targeting a specific audience to drive organic growth and engagement right on Facebook!
To get started in this field, understand digital marketing concepts such as content creation, analytics, and ad placement.
Be familiar with Facebook’s advertising policies and its suite of tools such as Ads Manager and Page Insights.
Facebook is a visual platform.
That’s why knowledge of software such as Adobe Photoshop or Canva will help you create attractive visuals for promotions and posts.
Above all, Facebook is now a pay-to-play platform.
But there’s a way around that; engagement!
You need to understand how to build a successful brand presence on Facebook by creating valuable content that connects with your target audience.
SEO Specialists
Search engine optimization (SEO) expert is quickly becoming one of Pakistan’s top in-demand freelance skills.
Why?
Because of the following:
- Google currently has 85.55% of the search engine market
- The ROI of SEO can be over 12x higher than marketing
- Ranking on the first Google search result is estimated to result in a CTR of almost 35%
So you can easily see the importance of an SEO!
But what do they do?
Well, SEO is a set of techniques used to increase the visibility and ranking of websites on search engines.
It involves optimizing web pages, content, and links to make them more attractive to search engine algorithms.
How do I get in?
To get into SEO, you must be technically adept and knowledgeable about how search engines work.
Understand how keywords, tags, meta descriptions, and other elements can help boost a website’s ranking on search results pages.
On top of that, have strong writing skills to create compelling content for websites and blogs that incorporate effective keywords for optimization purposes.
And finally, getting some experience with web analytics tools such as Google Analytics will be beneficial in order to track success metrics such as page views and click-through rates.
The pay?
Hourly rates for SEO Experts on Upwork typically range between $15 and $35.
Instagram Marketing
Like Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing is another one of Pakistan’s most in-demand freelancing skills.
Your job is to leverage the IG platform to push clients’ products and services.
You will spend most of your time creating content for this platform. These include graphics, videos for Instagram Reels, and stories.
Also, your work might include engaging with followers and other brands to drive awareness.
To become an Instagram marketer in Pakistan, you will need to have a deep understanding of how the platform works and be able to create effective social media campaigns.
You also need to have an eye for design since visuals are key on this platform.
Understand the different types of content that work well on this platform such as video stories, live streaming, and influencer marketing campaigns.
Having strong copywriting skills can help you create compelling captions and post descriptions that engage users and drive action.
Furthermore, knowledge of analytics and hashtags best practices is essential for success as an Instagram marketer.
Social Media Management
There are over 17 social media platforms!
And brands need to be on at least 3 of them to reach and engage target audience.
Remember, not everyone understands how these platforms work, leave alone how to use them to get results.
And that’s why social media management is becoming one of the most in-demand freelancing skills in Pakistan.
This type of work requires a unique set of abilities that include content writing, graphic design, creative problem-solving, and technical skills to leverage various platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
To get into this field, have a sound understanding of social media trends and know how to create engaging posts that effectively communicate brand messages.
Know how to measure results using analytical data from social media campaigns.
And most importantly, be able to create customized strategies for your clients based on their specific needs.
The pay?
Well, social media managers earn $14–$35 per hour on Upwork.
Email Marketing Consultants
Email marketing is a vital and versatile skill every brand is looking for.
Essentially, email marketing involves crafting and sending messages to customers or prospects to improve relationships, increase sales, and promote brand awareness.
You should be well-versed in digital communication tools such as MailChimp or Constant Contact to get in.
Understand how to create effective messages that are tailored to the target audience.
This means having knowledge of best practices when it comes to subject lines, content structure, and design elements like images or videos.
Understanding how people interact with emails by tracking KPIs such as open rates and click-through rates will also be essential for success in this field.
And the pay isn’t bad as well.
Hourly rates for Email Marketers on Upwork typically range between $15 and $40.
Marketing Research Specialist
Marketing Research Specialist is a sought-after freelance skill in Pakistan.
Your job is to help clients better understand the markets they are in or about to venture.
And that’s why, a successful research specialist must be able to provide rigorous analyses and solutions for their clients’ marketing needs.
You should have a deep understanding of the Pakistani market, know how to identify customer trends, and leverage data insights into actionable recommendations that will lead to growth.
To become a marketing research consultant in Pakistan, one must possess strong analytical skills as well as knowledge of relevant software programs such as Microsoft Excel and SPSS.
Have an understanding of market segmentation, consumer behavior analysis techniques, survey design methods, and qualitative research techniques.
You should also be proficient in verbal communication skills in order to present your findings to clients effectively.
Being able to collaborate with other departments such as sales and product development is highly beneficial for this role.
Upwork’s Top 10 Most In-Demand Customer Service Skills:
If you don’t have technical or marketing skills, may be you can find some work as a customer service specialist.
Here are some of the in-demand skills in this industry.
Customer Service
Customer service is actually the support provided by businesses and other organizations to customers before, during, and after a purchase.
It is an important part of any business that has contact with customers.
But just like any other type of work, it can be outsourced to freelancers.
To work here, you need to be able to communicate effectively with customers and provide solutions to their problems.
This requires strong listening skills and knowledge of the product or service offered.
You should also understand how to handle difficult conversations, solve customer complaints quickly and efficiently, and maintain a friendly attitude even when dealing with unhappy customers.
This is where good problem-solving abilities can come in handy. Helps provide quick solutions that make customers feel valued and respected.
Email Communication Handlers
Email handlers is one of the top in-demand freelancing skills in Pakistan
This type of communication refers to exchanging messages between two or more parties via text-based emails.
It can be used for personal and professional purposes, such as communicating with clients, networking with colleagues, setting up interviews, and submitting job applications.
Now, there are some clients that might need help in handling their email communications.
And that is where you come in.
Remember, this is different from the email marketing we looked at earlier.
With this type of job, you will be handling clients’ email chats.
This includes sending, replying, and following up on their behalf.
The key to successful email handling is finding the right balance between formality and friendliness while providing all relevant information.
This includes:
- using an appropriate greeting
- formatting the message correctly (including paragraphs)
- including a clear subject line
- avoiding overly long sentences and unnecessary jargon
- proofreading for any errors before submitting it
- and sending a polite follow-up if no response is received after a certain time period.
To ensure that both parties understand each other’s needs clearly, emails should also include questions or requests for additional information from the recipient when necessary.
Phone Support
Working as a phone support agent requires good customer service skills and knowledge of computers, networks, operating systems, hardware components and software applications.
You also need to be able to work effectively with customers of all backgrounds and levels of technical understanding.
Being patient and friendly while on calls will help people feel comfortable discussing their needs with you so that you can deliver appropriate solutions quickly and accurately.
Online Chat Support
This involves providing customers with real-time answers to their questions or concerns through an online chat platform.
The pay is between $10 and $19 per hour.
The requirements for getting into the field of online chat support are relatively low.
Most companies require applicants to have basic computer literacy and be able to type at least 25 words per minute accurately.
You should be familiar with various software tools such as CRM systems, social media platforms, live chatting programs and more in order to communicate with customers effectively.
And most importantly, possess excellent communication skills, be able to multitask, and demonstrate empathy and patience when communicating with customers.
Data Entry
Data entry is a type of freelance job that is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan due to its flexibility and potential for quick earnings.
With pay of $10–$20 per hour, this is an ideal job for those who are looking to work from home and have basic computer skills.
To get into data entry, have a solid understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and other software programs such as Excel or Access.
And be comfortable working with large amounts of data and possess good typing speed.
Data entry jobs in Pakistan can vary depending on the employer’s needs.
Some may require manually entering information into databases while others may involve converting paper documents into digital format or transcribing audio files into text documents.
To get hired though, you might be asked to show proof of their accuracy by completing tests before employers accept them.
Administrative Support
You can easily earn $15–$20 per hours helping with tasks such as scheduling meetings and taking minutes during meetings, preparing documents, distributing information, gathering data for reports, maintaining databases, and more.
To get into administrative support roles in Pakistan, a basic understanding of organizational procedures and processes is necessary.
Experience in customer service can be helpful when looking to break into the administrative support field in Pakistan.
As you can guess, customer service requires similar skills such as problem solving ability and the ability to work under pressure – all key attributes for most administrative support positions.
Final Thoughts
The freelance economy in Pakistan is snowballing and shows no signs of slowing down.
With the right skills, freelancers can earn a substantial income while still having the flexibility to work from home or anywhere else.
While many freelance jobs are available in Pakistan, we have highlighted 11 in-demand skills that will help you get started on your journey to becoming a successful freelancer.
Overall, freelancing has become an attractive career option for many people in Pakistan due to its flexible hours and potential for high earnings.
However, it’s essential to remember that success as a freelancer depends on having the right set of skills and knowledge.
Therefore, it’s essential for individuals looking to start their freelance journey first to assess their skill set and determine what areas need improvement before diving into this ever-growing industry.
Related: How To Start Freelancing in Pakistan With No Experience