If you want to update yourself, be the best version of yourself, and, most importantly, get paid more, this guide is for you.

You’ve asked Google, AI, what skills I need to learn to get an upgrade; you got the answers, but many times, it isn’t what you need to do.

Then you go to YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit to find that content, but every piece of content that is part of some funnel may or may not be relevant to you.

So, because of so much information, you get confused, do nothing, and get stuck, or in the worst case, choose the wrong path and quit, which leads to a waste of time and energy.

So, the question is, will you take things into your hands, get your hands dirty, and find out the real answer? If you’re then below, I’ve given you the exact formula I’ve used to get the right direction.

The right formula to know your path is “AI + Human Research + AI.”

Ask AI direction, not the skill

Fill the blanks and paste this prompt in any AI tool

I want to become a Top 1% Freelance Copywriter (Write what you want to become). Give me a position hierarchy — a career ladder with specific titled levels from absolute beginner to elite — that a freelance copywriter (mention freelance or employee whatever you want for yourself) goes through.

For each level/position, include:
Title
Key skills required to reach and operate at that level
Type of work & clients at that stage
Approximate income range (freelance, per project or monthly)
Estimated time to reach this level (from the previous one)
What unlocks the next level (the skill or milestone that promotes you)

Make it specific to freelance copywriting (not in-house agency roles). The person starts with the following context (Give your context, name, age, background, current position, situation) and is based in (Your location, state and country)— factor in local market realities if relevant.

Format it as a numbered ladder from Level 1 to Level 7 (or however many make sense), not as general advice or a strategy guide.

You’ll get a position with a timeline, money estimation, but don’t take as a face value, do your own research.

It’s a time for your messy research

Now, create one document with different tabs from your current position to your dream position.

Then go to LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, and any other Job portal your country uses, type your position, then you’ll get multiple JDs, copy that and paste it as many JDs as you can in your document tab.

Note: if you’re doing freelancing, add Fiverr or Upwork gigs (What clients have asked), and JDs from an international company, or keep the location to a foreign country and get their JD. (Keep it at least more than 30)

You can use the data extractor tool, but in LinkedIn, avoid it, as it may cause problems with your account.

Get the conclusion

Now, when you're done with multiple JDs, open the current tab, download the file in Docs with the current tab only.

Then open Claude and paste this prompt.

I’m sharing [X] job descriptions for the role of [INSERT POSITION] from different companies and locations. Analyze them and give me the following:

1. Core Skills (Must-Have) List skills that appear across the majority of JDs. These are non-negotiable to even get considered.

2. High-Value Skills (Prioritized by earning potential) From the must-haves and common mentions, rank skills by how much they increase earning potential; either as a salaried employee or freelancer. Explain briefly why each skill commands higher pay.

3. Optional / Bonus Skills (Nice-to-Have) Skills mentioned occasionally that aren’t required but give you an edge or help you charge more.

4. Skill Gaps & Recommendations Based on what companies want most, tell me: if someone were starting from (Your situation), which 3–5 skills should they build first to become hireable fastest and earn the most?

Format: Use clear headers, ranked lists, and keep it scannable. No long paragraphs.

Here are the JDs: [PASTE JDs BELOW]

Once you do that, you’ll have the exact thing to do, indeed it took some time (estimate 90 to 120 minutes, if you do it at one seat), but it’s clear, practical, and according to your situation and locality.