Interview with Stefania Volpe: The Future of Freelancing

1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at freelancermap?

I’m Stefania Volpe, Project Manager at freelancermap.com. I joined the team nearly four years ago. My role focuses on developing and optimizing our platform to support freelancers and IT professionals in finding projects and connecting with clients worldwide.

2. freelancermap offers over 10,000 open projects. What types of projects are most in demand right now?

Although AI has rapidly advanced and is already aiding in daily tasks and routine work, it cannot replace humans. However, those who master and efficiently use AI may outpace those who do not.Experts like Prompt Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, and Data Scientists are in increasing demand. These professionals are expected to bring advanced expertise and specific, tailored skills to their respective fields, making them pivotal in an AI-driven future.

3. What are the key steps freelancers should take to make their profile stand out on freelancermap?

First impressions are crucial in a professional setting. A strong freelance profile should clearly convey your skills and services. Include a catchy headline, a detailed and updated bio, and a complete overview of your expertise, skills, and experience. Adding a creative headshot can personalize your profile. To further stand out, include your resume and portfolio, which are essential for attracting potential clients on freelancermap.An optional subscription increases a freelancer's profile visibility and unlocks additional features, such as unlimited client contact requests, full access to the mailbox, and detailed account performance statistics, among other benefits.

4. How does freelancermap help freelancers with specialized skills, like SAP or Java, find the right projects?

Clients are increasingly seeking highly specialized freelancers. Our platform caters to a wide range of industries and skills, offering detailed profile creation and advanced filters to help freelancers showcase their expertise and connect with clients looking for specific skill sets.

5. What makes freelancermap different from other freelancing platforms?

freelancermap is an open marketplace where freelancers and project providers connect directly. Unlike many platforms, freelancermap does not charge commission fees when freelancers secure assignments. Additionally,  freelancermap is specifically designed for tech freelancers. This focused approach allows us to offer curated, high-quality project opportunities in this field - especially IT and engineering - that are often difficult to find on more generic platforms.

6. How does freelancermap support remote freelancers in managing projects and staying productive?

At freelancermap, we aim to be a trusted partner in every freelancer’s journey, helping them thrive in a competitive, remote-first world. Here's how we do it:

• We share tips, strategies, and actionable advice through our blog, social media channels, and newsletter. These resources cover a wide range of topics, including project management, time management, and productivity tools. Freelancers gain access to proven techniques to streamline their workflows and achieve better outcomes in their projects.
• We actively run surveys (like for example our annual freelancer report) and engage with the freelancer community to understand the latest trends, challenges, and needs within the freelancing industry. The insights gathered are transformed into valuable content and resources, helping freelancers stay ahead of industry developments and adopt practices that enhance their productivity.

• Through webinars, live events (e.g. Freelance Unlocked), and online forums, we connect freelancers with experts and peers to exchange ideas, solve challenges, and learn from others’ experiences. Freelancers benefit from a collaborative community that encourages growth and shared success.

7. What common challenges do freelancers face on the platform, and how does freelancermap address these?

The number one challenge for freelancers is finding new projects and clients, and that's where freelancermap comes in. With AI-powered matching, freelancers can discover roles that align with their skills and preferences. Additionally, saved searches and alerts streamline the process, helping self-employed professionals save valuable time that can be invested in other tasks.

8. What are the best ways for freelancers to network and build connections on freelancermap?

According to our Freelancer Study 2024, 60% of freelancers secure projects passively, such as through referrals or follow-up work from existing clients. Networking is also essential for creating future opportunities. On freelancermap, the first step to building valuable connections is reaching out to clients using the contact form available to every freelancer on each project page. Professionals can share their CVs, and if their profiles are interesting and relevant, they may be shortlisted and even considered for future assignments. Additionally, our social media channels provide another avenue to connect and engage with followers, fostering valuable networking opportunities.

9. With global clients on the platform, how can freelancers leverage this to expand their careers internationally?

Access to work opportunities beyond their own countries opens many doors for freelancers. While the current market situation has seen better days, freelancing—with its flexibility, including remote work—allows professionals to collaborate with clients from around the world, expanding their client base and securing more opportunities.

10. What new features or updates can freelancers expect from freelancermap in the near future?

We’ve recently introduced the AI application process to support freelancers in their client search while saving valuable time. Additionally, we are continuously enhancing our matching process to help freelancers find the perfect projects more efficiently. We're also working to provide access to even more freelance opportunities, particularly international and remote ones.

11. What trends do you see shaping the freelance economy, and how is freelancermap adapting to them?

The major trend is likely remote work, which has become a standard expectation, allowing freelancers to collaborate with clients worldwide. We prioritize opportunities for international and remote projects, ensuring freelancers can connect with clients globally.

Additionally, AI and automation are transforming how freelancers work, from project discovery to client communication. We’ve introduced AI-powered features like advanced matching and an AI application process to help freelancers quickly find roles that align with their skills and preferences, saving them time and effort.

Clients are increasingly seeking highly specialized freelancers, particularly in fields like tech, digital marketing, data analysis, and other niche areas. Our platform caters to a wide range of industries and skills, offering detailed profile creation and advanced filters to help freelancers showcase their expertise and connect with clients looking for specific skill sets.