Leading freelance platform Upwork, which connects businesses with independent talent, shared the top-searched skills for 2022 and a sneak peek for 2023 across categories like technology, marketing, and customer service.
Upwork’s 2022 report shows businesses mostly hired talent across Web Design, Social Media Marketing, and Customer Service categories. Its 2023 report indicates that these categories remain strong, but there’s also a greater demand for services in Accounting & Consulting and Design & Creative compared to the previous year.
A comparison of Upwork’s 2022 and 2023 reports reveals some tech services dramatically changing positions in just a year. Web Design topped the list in 2022 and dropped to fifth in 2023. One reason for the decline in demand may be that people are increasingly turning to website builders to design their site. These platforms offer professionally designed templates, require no coding knowledge, and cost far less than web designer rates.
Upwork’s Top 10 MostIn-Demand Tech Skills 2022
Upwork’s Top Most In-Demand Tech Skills 2023
Web design
Full-stack development
WordPress
Front-end development
Web programming
Back-end development
JavaScript
Mobile app development
CSS
Web design
HTML
E-commerce website development
PHP
UX/UI design
Shopify
CMS development
API
Manual testing
Graphic design
Scripting & automation
Social media marketing remains one of the most sought-after skills in the Marketing category, although the table below indicates that businesses are shifting focus toward improving their SEO.
Upwork’s Top 10 Most In-Demand Marketing Skills 2022
Upwork’s Top Most In-Demand Marketing Skills 2023
Social media marketing
SEO
Lead generation
Social media marketing
Facebook
Other digital marketing
SEO
Lead generation
B2B marketing
Sales & business development
Instagram
Telemarketing
Marketing strategy
Search engine marketing
Social media management
Email marketing
Email marketing
Marketing strategy
Marketing research
Marketing automation
The 2023 report introduces two new categories: Accounting & Consulting and Design & Creative. It’s important to note that by introducing a new category for design and creative services, Graphic Design has moved from 10th in Tech in 2022 to the first position in Design & Creative for 2023. Video Editing and Illustration round out the top three in this new category.
Both reports highlight the importance of highly skilled freelancers who can fill talent gaps across organizations globally. Margaret Lilani, VP of talent solutions at Upwork, advises that “it’s a perfect time for freelancers to expand their skill sets or break into a new career, while companies seek independent talent across a broader range and at a higher rate than ever before.”
Ivana is a full-time content writer and expert reviewer passionate about tech, finance, business, and too many other things to name. After getting her bachelor’s degree in Economics, she decided to ditch a career in accounting and turn her passion into a full-time writing affair. You can find her listening to finance podcasts, reading self-help books, glamming up, and rocking bold outfits. She’s also advocating for animal welfare and women’s rights.
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