The concluding year has truly been eventful. While we’re all eager to see what 2021 has in store, the aftermath of 2020’s unprecedented events will likely linger a bit longer than we’d hoped for. With an eye on the future, the latest batch of studies and research serve as a beacon for what lies ahead. For those ready to brace for the new year, it’s the findings from notable industry players such as 99designs, Upwork, Content Marketing Institute, and McKinsey & Company that will be indispensable in your preparations.
A Look at Freelancers’ Struggles in 2020 Through a 99designs Study
The Design Without Borders 2020 report from 99designs is far from a grim piece, but it would be unrealistic not to address the hurdles faced by freelancers this past year. This research is one of the few that takes an in-depth look at specific challenges, including:
- A constant battle for 36% of freelancers to find consistent work or clients;
- 27% experiencing clients slashing their budgets, affecting freelancers directly;
- Project cancellations or indefinite suspensions impacting 26% of the freelance community;
- And 22% falling victim to client ‘ghosting’ at one point.
Is there a silver lining for freelancers amidst these challenges? Indeed, proactive approaches such as financial crisis management and targeting clients that value your creative output over mere man-hours can shift the narrative in your favor.
Educational Growth for Freelancers: Insights from Upwork
The landmark Freelance Forward survey spearheaded by Upwork highlights the evolving landscape of freelancing in the wake of the pandemic. Notably, freelancers are found to dedicate roughly 52% of their time to tasks that generate income. The issue at hand is the lack of delegation opportunities for solopreneurs, which paves the way for potential burnout. Upwork suggests a pivot towards enhancing non-design capabilities, which in turn may lead to more billable hours down the line.
CMI’s Yearly Recap Pinpoints Lucrative Paths for Web Designers
The latest B2B marketing trends from the Content Marketing Institute reveal several areas ripe with opportunities for web designers, offering a glimmer of hope especially for those hit hard by the challenges of 2020. Venturing into areas such as blog graphic creation, website redesigns, and improving user experience could be productive avenues as we enter into the new year.
McKinsey’s Analysis Predicts the Endurance of Digital Models in B2B
The shift to digital has been paramount in B2B dealings, a sphere historically reliant on direct interpersonal connections. According to statistics from McKinsey, digital-based sales and service interactions are becoming the new norm. Web designers can help B2B clients navigate this terrain through integration of tools and features that facilitate online engagement and self-service.
Conclusion
Looking back, 2020 was tough, but these insights carve a clearer path for the year ahead. By staying in tune with such research, web designers can better prepare for the demands and opportunities of the ever-evolving digital landscape.
