5 Things Every Digital Nomad Needs to Succeed

Offices today can take on many more shapes and forms than the traditional cubicles or open spaces. For some people, going to work in the morning might mean carrying their laptop to some exotic beach, pina colada in hand. Without a doubt, there are many advantages in the life of a digital nomad. What could be more appealing than traveling the world and experiencing new opportunities and diverse cultures, while enjoying a reliable source of income?

With Internet becoming globally accessible, working from anywhere and anytime has never been easier. Plus, in today's digital era, most industries embrace the concept of having employees (or freelancers) work remotely.

Whether you're hired by a company or are self-employed, the dream of global travel while making a living online is within reach. In fact, it's so popular that destinations far and wide have adapted themselves to digital nomads.

Still, such a significant lifestyle change requires thorough planning, on top of a specific set of skills that you can acquire. Read on to learn five things you'll need to succeed as a digital nomad today.

1. A reliable source of income.

Many personal factors contribute to successfully living as a digital nomad. For example, having an adaptable attitude and clear vision of your skillset and goals will help you thrive. It's also useful to connect to a local community within your industry wherever you are for networking and support. The most important factor, though, is having a reliable source of income that your new lifestyle will depend on.

Before you hop on the next flight abroad, answer these vital questions first: What will your main income be while you travel? What happens if you suddenly lose your main client? Do you have a plan B to cover living expenses while exploring new possibilities in a foreign country? Would you consider using your retirement funds?

No matter what your plans are, just remember this rule of thumb: Don't rely on a single source of income, and explore prospective freelancing opportunities so that you don't have all of your eggs in one basket.

2. Digital skills.

As a digital nomad, technology should become your closest friend. To transition into a location-independent lifestyle, you'll need to rely on your computer and the Internet to establish your professional livelihood. This will require a wide range of digital skills, such as research, analytics, photo editing software, information security, PowerPoint and Excel proficiency, online sales and marketing. Your digital skills will be a necessity in order to promote yourself.

If you're planning to earn a living by starting an online business using these skills, you'll also need access to an online marketplace, which will help you attract, nurture and manage a constant work stream. Let's say you're a web designer - having access to an online marketplace like the Wix Arena is a great way to obtain new clients who'll be happy to have you design their websites, portfolios or online stores.

3. Your own website.

As a digital nomad, you may enjoy the benefits of not being tied down to a permanent home. Online, however - you definitely need one. Your website is your virtual home, where you can showcase your business, achievements, products and services. It is also crucial to get your website on Google so that current and potential clients can easily find you. With the right SEO work, your website can target online service providers and social media platforms, increasing your chances of finding work, no matter where you are.

You don't have to be a designer or coder to create a quality, professional-looking website that clearly describes who you are and what it is that you do. There are many affordable and accessible ways to create a professional website. Chosen by 150 million users worldwide, Wix.com offers a user-friendly platform that lets you design your own website from a selection of fully-customizable templates and manage your business directly with free integrated tools such as email marketing, eCommerce, chat and more.

4. A memorable logo.

In Europe and the United States, around 162 million people, or 20-30 percent of the working-age population, engage in one form or another of independent work. This has created a gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts, inflate in freelance work and a crowded, highly competitive marketplace. The need to stand out from the crowd has never been greater. Having a memorable logo can help with this.

A unique logo will set your business apart immediately and help people identify, connect and remember you. Don't have a unique logo yet? Try this online logo maker, to create your own professional logo with a few simple clicks. Once you're happy with the results, you can download the logo in different sizes and formats, so that you can start spreading the word about your brand anywhere from passing out business cards to shining bright on Facebook and Instagram.

5. A blog.

Everyone seems to have a blog nowadays, and for good reason. Adding a blog to your website can increase traffic by as much as 434 percent. With Wix, you can seamlessly add a blog to your website, helping draw more curious eyes to you and your business. Learn more about how to start a blog in this new guide.

Once you've researched and decided on a subject that you can write about, it's time to build and nurture your online community. Focus on how your blog best serves your readers' needs. With time, you'll see a loyal base of readers following your every post. Note that running a blog could even become a profitable side business on its own. From compiling blog posts into an eBook for sale, to turning your valuable insights and experiences into online courses or workshops, there are many proven ways to monetize your blog.

With the right planning, digital skills and online tools, you can successfully earn a living online no matter where your travels take you. For digital nomads, a professional website is an essential step to maintaining a reliable source of income. Visit Wix.com today to create your virtual home to promote your business wherever you may roam. Start now, and you'll have the digital nomadic lifestyle you've been dreaming of in no time.