Using AI tools as a freelancer can lessen stress and reduce wasted resources including time and … [+] costs

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Ever wondered how some freelancers are able to make money online and make it appear effortless, while you’re struggling to acquire clients or consistently grow your side hustle?

It can be extremely frustrating, spending hours and sleepless nights working on your passion project, only to receive little response or engagement, resulting in you not having a steady stream of income to supplement your job. After all, you started your side hustle or freelancing endeavor because you’re passionate about what you do and desire financial freedom—but what’s the point if you’re sacrificing your wellbeing and gaining little positive results in the process?

In 2024 there has been a steady rise in the number of full-time and part-time freelancers, with one study by MBO Partners noting that one in five are making $100,000 or more, and that part-time freelancers (or those running a side hustle) comprise the greatest number of independent workers.

What’s equally fascinating is that AI (artificial intelligence) undoubtedly is a strong factor that is influencing the influx of professionals entering the freelance workforce.

The MBO report found that in summer 2024, more than two-thirds of freelancers (65%) employ AI in their work, up from 37% in summer 2023. And what have been the results?

“For the large majority of independents, the experience has been positive: 62% say it complements their work,” the report continues. “And 69% say they find it extremely or very helpful, up from 51% in 2023. The main benefits have to do with increasing throughput and productivity,” adding, “95% of independents say GenAI makes them more competitive, while 66% said it increased their productivity/efficiency.”

Therefore, if you’re looking for a solution to your burnout as a freelancer and want to find clever ways to stay competitive in your industry so that you become the go-to solution for potential clients, knowing how to use and integrate AI effectively into your workflow would be a smart move.

When it comes to multiple use cases for freelancers to use AI in their work, the findings of the study uncover that the most popular ones are:

Writing (43%)
Research (42%)
Creative tasks (36%)

Let’s break down each one further, with some examples so you can put these into practice within your workflow and make more money—even in your sleep:

1. Writing

Whether you’re a freelance writer, content creator, or aspiring industry thought leader, here are several ways you can incorporate ChatGPT into your work, to save hours of mundane work, free up your mental space, and complete more projects in less time.

Drafting long-form content including personal blogs, guest blogs, and newsletters or client content. (This can save you time in the initial stages of writing—but when writing for clients, you will need to ensure that the complete product is your own, not AI-generated.)
Using AI tools such as Grammarly for editing, to enhance your grammar, style, and clarity, for a polished final draft.
Creating SEO-optimized content
Writing catchy titles or subject lines for email campaigns and social media posts
Drafting client proposals and agreements, and outreach emails for email marketing
Writing captions and memes for social media
Writing ad copy and product descriptions
Building out your LinkedIn profile using LinkedIn Premium’s AI tools

2. Research

As a freelancer you will need to constantly keep tabs on what’s happening in the world around you, and you will need to regularly analyze your market. AI tools can save you time in this process and ensure your insights are accurate and relevant.

Performing competitor analysis, using SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats).
Collecting data and statistics on industry trends
Condensing lengthy blurbs of information into key points that are easy for you to understand
Analyzing audience demographics and identifying market gaps

3. Creative Tasks

A freelancer is always creating something—be it their own product or service, content marketing so they can win more clients, or simply ideas to get off the ground in the first place. Here are some ways you might find AI tools helpful in your work:

Brainstorming solutions and product or service ideas
Brainstorming ways to make your personal brand as a freelancer unique
Generating presentation templates
Creating video scripts for content creation and marketing purposes
Ideation for blog and content topics, and campaign ideas
Help with coding and programming to build apps and your own website
Streamlining photo touch-ups and video editing

Even vlogging can be made easier thanks to AI

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Try these 19 clever AI shortcuts, so you can get back to doing what you do best—working in your passion.