Why focus on five high-income freelancing skills + Landing Pages
Today’s article is a guest piece adapted from a video by Mike Scully. Mike coaches ambitious people who want to escape their job and build AI-powered businesses. You can check out his YouTube channel for more great videos at https://www.youtube.com/@mike_scully and his website at mike-scully-ai.crd.co. Give Mike a follow Mike on X or Instagram for more insights.
if I were to start freelancing from scratch in 2024 there would only be five skills that I would possibly learn
Mike made over six figures in 2023 and went freelancing full-time. His advice comes from real experience. In this article, Mike shares the five high-income skills he would focus on if he were starting fresh in 2024.
Why focus on a small set of skills?
Many people try to learn too many things at once. They spread themselves thin. Mike takes a different approach. He focuses on a small set of high-income, in-demand skills. This strategy works better than learning many low-value skills.
When you focus on just five skills, you can master them faster. You become an expert. Clients pay more for experts. These skills are also in high demand. Businesses need them right now. That means you can find work quickly.
Skill #1: Landing pages
Landing pages come first on Mike’s list. This is the skill he used himself to build his freelance career. For modern businesses, a good landing page can make or break success.
page can be literally the difference between success and the difference between failure
A landing page is a single web page designed to convert visitors into customers. It’s where people land after clicking an ad or link. Every business needs one. Mike has created landing pages for automation agencies, coaches, real estate businesses, and consultants.
What makes a high-converting landing page?
A great landing page needs several key elements. First, it must have good user experience design. Visitors should find it easy to use. The page should load fast and look clean.
Second, you need to understand conversion rate optimization. This means knowing how to turn visitors into customers. Small changes can make a big difference. The right headline, the right colors, and the right layout all matter.
Third, every landing page needs a clear call to action. Tell visitors exactly what to do next. Make it obvious and easy.
Finally, the offer must align with what the visitor expects. If someone clicks an ad about weight loss, the landing page should focus on weight loss. Keep everything consistent.
Where to start learning
Mike recommends starting with free tools. You can use free page builders to create your first three pages at no cost. This lets you practice without spending money.
Learn conversion rate optimization through YouTube and Udemy. Many free and low-cost courses exist. Watch videos. Take notes. Practice what you learn.
Once you have the basics, build niche templates. Focus on specific types of businesses. Create templates for coaches, agencies, real estate professionals, or consultants. When you specialize, you stand out. Clients in that niche will seek you out.
Pricing your landing page services
Landing page pricing varies widely. You might charge $300 for a simple page when you’re starting out. As you gain skill and experience, you can charge $3,000 or more.
Several factors affect pricing. Your skill level matters most. Beginners charge less. Experts charge more. The size of the client also matters. Big companies pay more than small startups. Finally, complexity plays a role. A simple one-page site costs less than a complex page with custom features.
Next steps
Landing pages are just the first of five high-income skills. The other sections of this article will cover copywriting, no-code automation, data visualization, and video editing. Each skill offers its own path to high income.
For now, focus on learning landing pages. Start building. Practice often. Follow Mike on social media for more tips and resources. His channels provide ongoing guidance for freelancers at every level.
Copywriting — Persuasion, storytelling, and sales
Copywriting is skill number two on Mike’s list. It’s one of the most powerful freelance skills you can learn. Good copywriting drives business results. It turns readers into customers.
Why copywriting matters
The skill of persuasive copywriting is important across many areas. You’ll use it in marketing, advertising, and brand storytelling. Every business needs words that sell. Every campaign needs copy that connects.
a good copywriter can Captivate an audience and boost sales massively Beyond just attracting customers
A great copywriter does more than attract attention. They captivate audiences. They boost sales in big ways. They build long-term relationships with customers. Words have power. The right words can change everything for a business.
What copywriting includes
Copywriting covers many types of writing. You might write headlines that grab attention. You might create hooks that pull people in. You might write email sequences that guide people through a sales journey.
Other common copywriting tasks include ad copy for social media or search engines. You might write landing page copy that converts visitors. You might create product descriptions or sales letters. All of these require the same core skill: persuasive writing.
Good copywriters know the difference between features and benefits. Features describe what a product does. Benefits explain how it helps the customer. Benefits sell. Features inform. You need both, but benefits matter most.
Learning copywriting
Mike recommends starting with proven resources. One book stands out: Cashvertising. This book teaches the psychology behind persuasive writing. It shows you how to write copy that actually works.
You can also join communities and courses focused on digital marketing and copywriting. YouTube offers free training. Udemy has affordable courses. Look for teachers with real results. Learn from people who have actually made money with copywriting.
Practice is essential. Write every day. Study ads that work. Copy them by hand to understand their structure. Then create your own versions. The more you write, the better you get.
Packaging your copywriting services
You can offer copywriting in several ways. Some freelancers sell standalone sales pages. Others create email funnels that nurture leads over time. Ad copy bundles work well for businesses running paid campaigns.
Retainers provide steady income. With a retainer, you work with a client on ongoing campaigns. You might write their weekly emails, monthly ads, and quarterly sales pages. This creates predictable revenue for you and consistent support for them.
Pricing copywriting work
Copywriting pricing depends on the results you can demonstrate. New copywriters might charge a few hundred dollars per project. Experienced copywriters can charge thousands or even tens of thousands.
The key is to position your copy as revenue-generating work. You’re not just writing words. You’re creating sales tools. When your copy brings in $50,000 for a client, charging $5,000 seems reasonable.
Track your results. Show clients the open rates, click rates, and conversion rates your copy achieves. When you prove your value, you can raise your prices. Good copywriters are always in demand because they make businesses money.
No-Code Automation — Efficiency as a marketable service
No-code automation is skill number three on Mike’s list. This skill has taken the internet by storm recently. It’s one of the most valuable services you can offer in 2024.
we’re now in an era where efficiency is King being skilled in automating tasks and workflows is truly invaluable
What no-code automation covers
No-code automation means building automated systems without writing code. You connect different apps and tools to work together automatically. This can range from simple email automations to complex business processes.
For example, you might automate lead collection. When someone fills out a form, their information goes straight into a database. They receive a welcome email. A task gets created for the sales team. All of this happens automatically, without any manual work.
Other common automations include social media posting, invoice generation, data entry, and customer onboarding. The possibilities are endless. Every business has repetitive tasks that can be automated.
Why it’s valuable in 2024
Efficiency is king in today’s business world. Companies want to do more with less. They want to save time and cut costs. Automation delivers both.
When you automate a task, it gets done faster and more reliably. There are no human errors. Nothing gets forgotten. The process runs the same way every time. This consistency is valuable.
Businesses pay well for time savings. If you can save a company 10 hours per week, that’s worth thousands of dollars per month. The return on investment is clear and easy to measure.
Tools to learn
Several no-code automation platforms dominate the market. Zapier is the most popular. It’s user-friendly and connects to thousands of apps. Make (formerly Integromat) offers more advanced features. It’s perfect for complex workflows.
Other popular tools include Airtable for databases, Notion for organization, and various API connectors. Start with one platform. Learn it well. Then expand to others as needed.
Learning path
YouTube and Udemy offer excellent courses on no-code automation. Many are free or very affordable. Start with beginner tutorials. Learn the basics of how automation platforms work.
Begin with simple automations. Connect two apps. Make them talk to each other. Once you master simple workflows, move to multi-step processes. Add conditions and logic. Build complex systems that handle multiple scenarios.
Practice is essential. Build automations for yourself first. Automate your own tasks. This gives you real experience and examples to show clients.
How to sell it
Start by auditing a client’s processes. Look for repetitive tasks. Find bottlenecks. Identify areas where automation would help most.
Build automations that deliver measurable results. Show the time saved. Calculate the cost savings. When you can prove that your automation saves 20 hours per month, the value is obvious.
Offer both setup and maintenance. You can charge for the initial build. Then offer a monthly retainer to monitor and maintain the automations. This creates ongoing income for you and peace of mind for the client.
Pricing and scope
Pricing varies widely based on complexity. A simple two-app automation might cost a few hundred dollars. A complex multi-step workflow could cost several thousand.
The key is to position automation as an ROI-driven service. You’re not selling hours. You’re selling results. When your automation saves a company $5,000 per month in labor costs, charging $3,000 for the setup is a bargain.
Many automation freelancers also charge monthly maintenance fees. This covers monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting. Monthly fees typically range from $200 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of the systems you manage.
No-code automation does have a steeper learning curve than landing pages or copywriting. But the payoff is worth it. Once you master these tools, you can command premium rates and help businesses transform their operations.
Data Visualization — Turning data into decisions
Data visualization is skill number four on Mike’s list. This skill has become essential in 2024. Businesses make more decisions based on data than ever before. They need people who can turn raw numbers into clear insights.
Why data visualization is valuable
More businesses are data-driven today. They collect huge amounts of information. But raw data is hard to understand. Numbers in spreadsheets don’t tell a story. That’s where you come in.
companies with a lot of data will pay big money to see their data visualized accurately on a daily basis a weekly basis and a monthly basis
Data visualization makes complex information easy to grasp. You create dashboards, reports, and visuals. These tools help stakeholders understand what’s happening. They make better decisions faster.
This skill offers a competitive edge in the freelance market. Not everyone can do it well. When you master data visualization, you stand out. You become valuable to many different industries.
What you deliver
Your job is to display data in a clear and impactful manner. You take messy spreadsheets and turn them into beautiful, useful dashboards. You create reports that tell a story.
You might build a marketing analytics dashboard. It shows which campaigns work best. You could create a sales pipeline visualization. It helps teams see where deals get stuck. Product metrics, operations reporting, and financial tracking all need good visualization.
The key is making data actionable. Your visuals should help people make decisions. They should answer important questions at a glance.
Tools to get started
Several tools dominate the data visualization space. Power BI is popular and powerful. It connects to many data sources. Tableau offers advanced features and beautiful visuals. Google Data Studio is free and works well with Google products.
Each tool has strengths. Start with one. Learn it thoroughly. Then expand to others as needed. Many businesses use multiple tools, so knowing several increases your value.
Industries and use cases
Almost every industry needs data visualization. Marketing teams need to track campaign performance. Sales teams want to see their pipelines. Product teams monitor user behavior and feature adoption.
Operations teams track efficiency metrics. Finance teams need clear financial reports. HR departments visualize hiring and retention data. The list goes on.
This creates recurring work opportunities. Companies with lots of data need regular updates. They want daily, weekly, or monthly dashboards. This means steady income for you.
How to package your services
You can offer data visualization in several ways. Dashboard subscriptions work well. You create and maintain dashboards that update automatically. Clients pay monthly for this ongoing service.
One-off visualizations are another option. A client needs a specific report or dashboard built once. You create it and deliver it. This works for project-based needs.
Consulting on data strategy is a premium service. You help clients figure out what data to track. You advise on which metrics matter most. You design a complete data visualization system for their business.
Pricing signals
Companies with lots of data pay handsomely for accurate, timely visualizations. The value is clear. Good dashboards save time. They improve decisions. They can reveal opportunities or problems worth thousands or millions of dollars.
Your pricing should reflect this value. Simple dashboards might cost a few hundred dollars. Complex systems with multiple data sources can cost thousands. Monthly maintenance and updates add recurring revenue.
As you gain experience, you can charge more. When you specialize in an industry, you become even more valuable. A marketing analytics expert can charge premium rates because they understand both the data and the business context.
Getting started
Learning data visualization doesn’t require a data science degree. YouTube and Udemy offer many courses. Start with beginner tutorials on your chosen tool. Learn the basics of connecting data sources and creating visuals.
Practice with real data. Use public datasets or your own information. Build sample dashboards. Create a portfolio showing different types of visualizations. This proves your skills to potential clients.
Data visualization keeps you relevant in a quickly evolving landscape. As businesses collect more data, the need for visualization grows. This skill will remain in demand for years to come.
Video Editing — High demand, retainers, and content stacks
Video editing is skill number five on Mike’s list. It’s one of the most in-demand freelance skills right now. Many people can’t do it to a high standard. That creates a big opportunity for you.
Why video editing remains in high demand
Videos are constantly blowing up on the internet. Short-form content dominates TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Long-form videos still perform well on YouTube and other platforms. Every business wants video content. Every creator needs an editor.
Being good at editing is a highly sought-after skill. The demand will only grow in 2024, 2025, and beyond. Video captures attention better than any other format. Businesses know this. They’re willing to pay for quality editing.
What high-value video packages look like
The best video editing packages combine different types of content. You might edit a few long-form videos each month. Then you repurpose those videos into many short clips. These clips go to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and other platforms.
This approach is called a content stack. One long video becomes 10, 20, or even 30 short clips. Each clip targets a different platform or message. This maximizes the value of every piece of content your client creates.
Clients love content stacks. They get massive reach from a small amount of filming. You do the work of cutting, optimizing, and formatting for each platform. This saves them huge amounts of time.
Retainer potential
Video editing offers excellent retainer opportunities. Clients need consistent editing work. They create content regularly. They need someone reliable to handle it.
I’ve personally seen people charge 3K per month for just one client for video editing Services
Mike has seen editors charge $3,000 per month or more for a single client. These retainers typically include full content stacks. You might deliver 30 short clips plus several long videos each month. The volume is high, but so is the pay.
Retainers create predictable income for you. They also build long-term relationships with clients. As you learn their style and brand, you become even more valuable. You’re not just an editor. You’re a key part of their content strategy.
How to learn video editing
You don’t need expensive film school to learn video editing. YouTube offers countless free tutorials. You can learn the basics in a few weeks. Popular editing software includes Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
Online editing courses provide structured learning. Udemy and other platforms offer affordable options. Look for courses that teach both technical skills and storytelling. Good editing isn’t just about cutting clips. It’s about creating a narrative that keeps viewers watching.
Build a portfolio with repurposed content examples. Take a long video and create multiple short clips from it. Show potential clients how you can maximize their content. Demonstrate your understanding of different platform requirements.
How to price and scale
Start with monthly retainers. This provides steady income and builds client relationships. Price based on deliverables. How many videos will you edit? How many short clips will you create? What platforms need optimization?
Offer tiered packages. A basic package might include 10 short clips per month. A premium package could include 30 clips plus long-form videos. This lets clients choose the level that fits their needs and budget.
As you gain experience, raise your rates. Track the results your videos achieve. When your edits drive views, engagement, and sales, you can charge more. Your work has proven value.
Key differentiators
Several factors separate great video editors from average ones. Speed matters. Clients want quick turnarounds. If you can deliver quality work fast, you’re more valuable.
Storytelling skills set you apart. Anyone can cut clips. Not everyone can craft a compelling narrative. Learn how to structure videos for maximum impact. Understand pacing and emotional flow.
Hook design is critical for short-form content. The first three seconds determine if someone keeps watching. Master the art of creating hooks that grab attention immediately.
Platform optimization shows expertise. Each platform has different requirements. TikTok videos need vertical format and trending sounds. YouTube videos need strong thumbnails and titles. Instagram Reels have their own best practices. Know these differences.
Consistency builds trust. Deliver on time, every time. Maintain quality across all your work. Reliable editors are rare and valuable.
Getting started
Begin by editing your own content or offering free work to build your portfolio. Practice with different video styles. Try short-form and long-form content. Experiment with different platforms.
Join communities of video editors. Learn from others. Share your work for feedback. Stay updated on trends and techniques.
Video editing combines creativity with technical skill. It’s in high demand and pays well. As video content continues to dominate the internet, skilled editors will remain essential. This skill offers a clear path to building a profitable freelance business in 2024 and beyond.
Bringing it together — How to learn, package services, and next steps
You’ve now learned about five high-income freelancing skills. Each one offers a path to financial freedom. Let’s bring it all together and help you take action.
Recap of the five skills
Here’s a quick summary of what we covered. First, landing pages help businesses convert visitors into customers. Second, copywriting uses words to persuade and sell. Third, no-code automation saves businesses time and money. Fourth, data visualization turns numbers into insights. Fifth, video editing creates content that captures attention.
Each skill is in high demand. Each one can earn you significant income. The question is: which one should you learn first?
How to choose your first skill
Start by thinking about demand in your target market. Which businesses need this skill most? Research job boards and freelance platforms. See what clients are asking for.
Consider your personal interests too. Which skill excites you? Which one feels natural? You’ll learn faster when you enjoy the work. You’ll stick with it longer.
Look for quick wins. Which skill can you prove results with fastest? Landing pages and video editing often show results quickly. You can build a portfolio in weeks. Other skills like data visualization might take longer to master.
Match your choice to your background. If you love writing, start with copywriting. If you’re technical, try no-code automation. If you’re creative, video editing might be perfect.
Packaging tips for success
Once you choose a skill, package it well. Niche down to a specific type of client. Don’t try to serve everyone. Focus on coaches, or real estate agents, or e-commerce stores. When you specialize, you become the obvious choice for that niche.
Create repeatable templates. Build systems you can use again and again. This speeds up your work. It also ensures consistent quality. Templates let you deliver faster and charge more.
Sell outcomes, not hours. Don’t tell clients you’ll work 10 hours. Tell them you’ll increase their conversion rate by 30%. Or save them 20 hours per week. Or generate 50 pieces of content per month. Clients care about results, not time.
Focus on measurable results. How much revenue will you generate? How much time will you save? How much engagement will you create? When you can prove value with numbers, pricing becomes easier.
Learning habits that work
Use free and low-cost resources to start. YouTube offers thousands of tutorials. Udemy has affordable courses. Books provide deep knowledge. Mike mentioned several resources throughout this article. Start with those.
Build real projects from day one. Don’t just watch videos. Create actual work. Build landing pages for imaginary clients. Write copy for products you use. Create automations for your own tasks. Real projects teach you more than theory ever could.
Join communities of other freelancers. Learn from people ahead of you. Share your work for feedback. Stay updated on trends and techniques. Communities provide support and accountability.
Iterate fast. Don’t aim for perfection. Create something, get feedback, and improve it. Speed matters more than perfection when you’re learning. Each project teaches you something new.
Business tips for freelancers
Offer case studies to attract clients. Show the results you’ve achieved. Even if you start with free projects, document the outcomes. Case studies prove your value better than any sales pitch.
Set clear deliverables for every project. What exactly will you deliver? By when? In what format? Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings. They also make you look professional.
Upsell retainers whenever possible. One-time projects are fine for starting out. But retainers provide steady income. They build long-term relationships. Look for opportunities to offer ongoing services.
Include monthly reporting or content stacks in your packages. This adds value for clients. It also gives you more to charge for. Regular reports show your ongoing impact. Content stacks maximize the value of every piece of work.
Start your freelance journey today
by mastering one of these skills you’re not just learning freelancing you’re putting yourself at the Forefront of the freelance Revolution
You now have a roadmap to high-income freelancing. You know which skills pay well. You understand how to learn them. You have strategies for packaging and pricing your services.
The future is in your hands. Start learning today. Pick one skill. Take the first step. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Begin now with the resources you have.
For more guidance on building your freelance business, follow Mike Scully. His YouTube channel offers ongoing advice and inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/@mike_scully. Visit his website at mike-scully-ai.crd.co for additional resources and coaching.
Check the description on Mike’s videos for links to courses, tools, and communities. He shares everything you need to begin your freelance journey. Subscribe to his channel. Like his videos. Join the community of people building better lives through freelancing.
The freelance revolution is happening right now. You can be part of it. Choose your skill. Start learning. Take action today. Your future self will thank you.
Leave your comment