What Are the Benefits of AI for Freelancers?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made big strides recently, raising questions about how it might alter the world of work now and in the near future.

If you’re a freelancer, you might be wondering what the rise of AI means for you and your career. Luckily, we’re here with the details. In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• What AI is
• Whether freelancers should be worried about AI
• Five benefits of AI for freelancers

What Is AI, Exactly?

AI is a field that makes use of computer programs and software to solve problems by mimicking the human thought process. Within the field of AI is an area called generative AI. This term refers to algorithms that are “fed” data to produce new content, such as images, text, or audio.

Generative AI programs include:

• DALL-E and DALL-E 2, an AI system that generates images and artwork based on text prompts provided by users.
• Midjourney, another AI program that produces image-based content.
• ChatGPT, an AI language tool that generates natural-sounding, conversational text in response to prompts and questions.

Recent developments within the industry have seen an increase in public interest in the uses of AI, particularly in the field of work and business.

Should Freelancers Be Worried About AI?

The recent developments in AI mean it is now possible to automate certain tasks, some of which previously fell to freelancers.

This has led some, particularly freelance creatives such as writers and artists and freelance editors, to express concerns that AI could pose a threat to freelance job security.

But although AI is an exciting tool with many possible applications, it does have its limitations. Some aspects of freelancing that AI might struggle with include:

• Creating unique ideas. Generative AI programs rely on the data and input they are “fed” to produce content. This means that AI programs cannot produce something completely new or unique.
• Maintaining client relationships. While AI programs, such as ChatGPT, can simulate human-sounding conversations, part of being a freelancer means being able to maintain long-term client relationships and adapt to a client’s changing needs. This personalized aspect is something AI may not be able to match.
• Producing factually correct content. A known issue with many AI programs is the tendency to produce content that, while sounding reasonable, is incorrect, untrue, or misleading. The specialist expertise and experience that freelancers bring to the table help avoid errors like these.

All this goes to show that, when it comes to freelancing, the human touch is still very much necessary.

5 Benefits of AI for Freelancers

As a freelancer, it’s more useful to approach AI as a tool to aid you and make your work easier rather than as a competitor that could replace you.

Below are five benefits that AI can provide freelancers.

1. Automating Tedious Tasks

AI can be used to take care of the more menial, repetitive aspects of freelancing, such as:

• Using SEO
• Generating email responses
• Creating invoices

With the repetitive tasks taken care of by AI, freelancers have more time to focus on the complex stuff.

2. Improving Efficiency

In addition to handling the less important tasks, AI can also improve freelance efficiency in other ways. AI-based project management tools can help you plan out your schedule and prioritize tasks.

Time trackers that use AI can also analyze what tasks you spend your time on, helping you identify and rectify any issues with your workflow. While it’s up to you to make any changes to your routine as a freelancer, AI can at least point you in the right direction.

3. Helping with Research

For freelancing projects that require research, AI can help streamline the process. This is because AI programs can collate and summarize relevant information from a wide variety of sources in one place.

Of course, it’s important to double-check any facts and figures that AI provides you with. But ultimately, using AI as a research tool will save you many hours of work.

4. Providing Inspiration

The content AI programs produce in response to prompts can be used as a starting point for your ideas. For example, a freelance writer could use AI to generate a list of titles for blog articles.

AI, therefore, acts as a useful inspirational springboard that can help freelancers:

• Combat writer’s block
• Approach a topic from a new angle
• Expand on ideas and outlines

5. Reducing Burnout

Using AI can help freelancers reduce the risk of burnout.

As we have seen, AI programs can reduce repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and provide ideas. These benefits mean freelancers have more time for their work and life outside of work. In turn, a healthy work-life balance results in less stress and improved mental and physical health.

Training with Knowadays

Keeping your skills and knowledge up to date is crucial in the ever-changing world of freelancing. So, to stand out from other freelancers (and AI too), consider sharpening your skills with an online course.

Whether you’re interested in Becoming A Proofreader or Becoming An Editor, we offer training that will provide you with the essential toolkit you need to thrive as a freelancer.

Even better ‒ you can try out our courses for free!

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