You may already be familiar with the many benefits of hiring a freelancer or independent contractor to assist your business during the COVID-19 lockdown, but did you know you can hire freelancers to complete tasks outside of ordinary gigs like writing, accounting, bookkeeping, and graphic design? That’s right — freelancers can help you to tackle unique tasks like link building and software development as well. To explore five different types of freelancers that can be utilized during COVID-19, read on!

1. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is crucial to the success of your business, especially in the age of the coronavirus. If you don’t already have someone to manage your social media accounts throughout the pandemic, you could hire a freelancer to assist you in sharing content, keeping your customers and social media followers updated on important changes to your business, and responding to any comments and messages. While these freelancers are typically skilled in social media management, marketing, and advertising, some professionals may also be available to create content for your business website and blog.

2. Cybersecurity

According to TechRepublic, cybersecurity specialists are vital in the age of COVID-19 — especially as cyberattacks become more common as employees transition to working from home due to local shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders. In fact, freelance security professionals could help to protect your business from security threats during the pandemic — even if you have already full-time cybersecurity professionals on your team.

3. Link Building

If you’re hoping to improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO), a freelance link builder can help you to do it. With skills in SEO, backlinking, keyword research, internet marketing, and content creation, a freelance link builder can help to improve the ranking of your website and drive traffic to it. If your freelancer has a background in writing or blogging, he or she could also help you to create guest posts and press releases that link back to your business website.

4. Software Development

Whether you’re looking to build or upgrade an application or systems software, a freelance developer can help you get the job done during the COVID-19 lockdown — even if you can’t afford to add a full-time software developer to your team. When hiring a freelance software developer to assist your business during the coronavirus crisis, here are some things to look for:

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field.
  • Strong programming, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Technical knowledge in the specific type of project you’re looking to complete.

5. Spreadsheet Specialists

Spreadsheet specialists are another unique type of freelancer, as these professionals can help your business to adjust its Excel spreadsheets, and input, organize, and analyze spreadsheet data. Many spreadsheet specialists are also skilled in using programs like Microsoft Word and Access, and can input data into other types of documents and databases.

The Bottom Line

If you’re ready to hire a freelancer to assist your business with completing various tasks during the pandemic, Geekflare recommends heading to websites like Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Flexjobs. Plus, financial assistance is available to you if you need help with hiring and paying your freelancers during the pandemic. With the ZenBusiness COVID-19 grant, for instance, you could receive a grant for $1,000 if you have a recurring ZenBusiness subscription or sign up as a new customer. Other small business grants are available through Facebook, Google, GoFundMe, and various cities, states, and counties throughout the U.S.

Even if you can’t afford to hire a full-time employee amid the pandemic, or you only need help with completing a project or two, a freelancer could be an excellent addition to your team. Whatever it is you’re looking for, these tips will help you to find the right type of freelancer for your business needs and goals!