Where can you get the ideal work or client? If you’re a freelancer, we can help point you in the right direction.
We know that freelance work has its perks, and searching for customers isn’t one of them. Marketing your services is indeed one of the most tedious tasks that you can face. This is where freelance websites come in.
However, websites offering freelance work come at varying degrees of reach, work types, and payment terms. If you’re not careful, you can end up wasting time, effort, and, worse, money on platforms with questionable standing.
That’s why we came up with this 20 best freelance websites for beginners and professionals, so you can weed out undesirables and focus on the most reliable ones. After all, time is money. Below, you’ll find it easy to compare the similarities and, more importantly, differences between each platform. Key features to consider include job types, payment terms, and communication channels.
What are the 20 best freelance websites?
Freelancing is a big part of the US economy. In 2020, the industry contributed $1.2 trillion to the economy. This was possible through 59 million Americans who took freelancing jobs, who made up 36% of the total US workforce.
Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus pandemic, 10% of freelancers had to pause their activities. That is because they were working in industries that were most hit by the outbreak. However, 88% are optimistic that they will continue doing freelance work in the future.
Freelancers will also become a more critical part of the workforce in the coming years. According to Forbes (2021), there is a global tech talent gap that they are suited to fill. For example, Canada is in need of 200,000 more tech professionals. In the United States, there is a shortage of one million tech workers. In Latin America, the shortage is the same number. Of all the regions that need additional tech professionals, China has the highest requirement: three million.
Rather than be limited by geographical boundaries and budget, organizations can look towards freelancers and remote workers instead. Freelance platforms exist to act as a bridge between freelance workers and companies. These platforms give employers an edge when it comes to hiring and managing employees while ensuring that all payments due are accurate, transparent, and on time. For freelancers, these give them a secure way to find good gigs or jobs that are secure. It was found that 90% of remote workers never want to go back to a 9-to-5 job for the rest of their careers. And, freelance platforms provide the avenue and possibility for many people to do just that.
If you haven’t explored the possibility of using such a system, now would be a good time to start doing so as the stats favor freelance work. In any case, getting off on the right foot means using any or some of these top freelance websites.
1. Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelance service marketplace designed to help individuals get started with freelance work. The service accommodates different types of professionals, including writers, programmers, and graphic artists, to name a few. It has been growing in popularity among freelancers as it charges them a minimal fee, making it a lot easier to look for freelance jobs.
Just about anybody can market their services through the platform as it does not require extensive technical skills. You can be a creative or technical professional and still be able to sell over Fiverr, which also gives you that needed exposure to boost your career. What’s even better is that the service sets you up in such a way that you actually make money for doing what you love most. You can also rest assured that your personal data are protected as the website never shares seller information to any other party.
What’s Unique About Fiverr?
- Secure/Private Communication Channels. Fiverr values the privacy of sellers and employers utilizing their application. Thus, they make use of state-of-the-art anti-fraud and data security measures. Other than protecting personal information, these measures also let users communicate and exchange files through a secure messaging system within the platform.
- Easily sell your services. The platform helps you market your service easily as it charges a minimal signup fee. Any freelancer can sell on Fiverr, which, incidentally, is quite easy to use and does not require one to be that technology savvy.
- Secure personal data. You do not have to worry about unauthorized access to your personal details as the system keeps them safe and secure. The use of your information is limited to helping buyers screen freelancer skills. No details are shared with any third-party so that you can rest assured that all your personal details are kept confidential.
Detailed Fiverr Review
2. Upwork
A cloud-deployed global freelance platform, Upwork boasts of the largest job finders pool to date. It is the ideal place where freelancers can market their services, offering them highly-competitive rates. Effectively linking sellers to buyers, the website lets you secure the best deals while making sure that you work only for legitimate employers. You can sign up for the service for free, allowing you to test the solution before making a commitment.
Detailed Upwork Review
What is unique about Upwork?
- Easy Billing. You can send billings to employers that reflect hours worked for hours-based contracts. To give your clients a bigger picture of what they owe you, the platform comes with a Work Diary, which is also useful for buyers as they are assured of accurate billing. It helps verify work hours rendered and track billable time.
- In-App Communication Channels. Coordinating work among workers–be it part-time or full-time is important to ensure the productivity of your operations. Communicate with your talents on-the-go using the in-app messaging tool of Upwork. Through this feature, you can provide feedback via text or video as well as share files with your freelancers. This feature promotes collaboration between employers and freelancers.
- Easy and Secure Payments. Freelancers get to receive payment as soon as a job is completed. This is because the system allows buyers to pre-fund their accounts for faster payments. This is apart from the system’s support of credit card payments and electronic payment gateways. You are assured that you get what you are owed on time.
3. Freelancer.com
Freelance service marketplace and crowdsourcing platform Freelancer.com was built to link buyers and sellers in a single location. It is popular among freelancers as it allows them to market their services easily, supporting professionals, creatives, and technicals. If you are a freelancer, you can use the platform to bid on projects such as data entry, software development, writing, marketing, accounting, and engineering, to name a few. Freelancer pricing plans are quite flexible, with the system being offered in monthly and annual subscription packages.
Detailed Freelancer.com Review
What is unique about Freelancer.com?
- Safe and Secure Payments. This platform uses a milestone payment system that offers protection to all users of the site. It guarantees freelancers that the payment for their work is available and ready for release.
- Easy Progress Monitoring. The system helps you maintain work transparency with your clients by monitoring the time spent on tasks, sharing data, and letting them check on project progress. You can likewise connect to your clients as the platform comes with live chat functionality. You can likewise use this feature to update employers on project status.
- Fuss-Free Job Hunting Solutions. Using Freelancer.com, you can upload your skills profile for prospective employers to see. This way, buyers and sellers are effectively connected. Companies can choose from a myriad of sellers by allowing them to peruse their profiles and find the right individual for the right job. It likewise allows you to bid on the best projects quickly and easily.
4. Envato Studio
Freelancing website Envato Studio is built to promote collaboration among creatives, developers and designers, and experts who are working on jobs. Freelancers can use the solution to offer a wide array of services, from app development to animation to website design. You can work on just about any project there is, all you have to do is have the right skill set, and the system does the rest. You can pick clients of your choice, be they small firms or large enterprises, Evato Studio will aid you on your hunt for a freelance job.
Detailed Envato Studio Review
What is unique about Envato Studio?
- Easy-to-use Solution. Envato Studio is highly-intuitive and does not require you to be that technology-savvy. Once you land a project, you can easily collaborate with buyers using the app’s messaging feature. This allows you to come up with great output.
- Makes Project Hunting Easy. Because you get to upload your portfolios into the system, job hunting becomes a much easier undertaking. All it takes is to sign up for the service, upload your professional information, and off you go. Once you upload your data, those hunting for freelancers can quickly find your profile and enlist your services.
- You can do your job better. Envato Studio is very useful in improving freelancer productivity. It does this by allowing employers to provide feedback in real-time. The project development process is also streamlined through the job management functionalities that come with the tool.
5. Brybe
Brybe is a digital service marketplace designed to help buyers, influencers, and freelancers connect with each other. This intuitive and easy-to-use solution comes equipped with a powerful search engine that allows businesses to find talent services in over 340 categories. It has comprehensive search filter options, influencer tiers, as well as built-in communication tools that make it easy to collaborate. Moreover, it supports online payment through bank cards, Stripe, and PayPal for faster transactions.
Meanwhile, for content creators and freelancers, the platform offers personal brand pages that they can customize. This allows them to showcase what they have to offer well before a business contacts them. It also comes with a buyer request management panel which makes it easier to keep tabs on new and pending projects.
What is unique about Brybe?
- Streamlined Communication. Brybe has a built-in communication module wherein buyers can get in touch with the freelancers and influencers they hire. This makes it easy for them to discuss projects and negotiate transactions. Moreover, this allows them to share digital assets more seamlessly.
- Extensive Influencer Network. Brybe has a wide variety of freelancer and influencer catalogs that buyers can choose from. For starters, they have talent services in over 340 categories. Buyers can use the platform’s search engine and comprehensive search filter options to conveniently browse through the freelancers and influencers who use the platform.
- Personal Brand Profiles. Influencers can create personal brand profiles on the platform. This allows them to give buyers an idea of what your core values are and what kind of content you can produce for them. Through this, you can also create packaged offers and custom offers for prospective clients.
Detailed Brybe Review
6. CrewScale
CrewScale is known as a hub for end-to-end talent acquisition, this platform connects startups and enterprises to a global pool of top freelance tech talents from app developers and UI/UX designers to full-stack developers and software engineers. Plus, with their four-step vetting process which includes the initial screening, an in-depth skill review, a live technical interview, and domain-specific test projects, they can ensure that all the freelancers in their directory are top-tier, making it easy for companies to hire the best of the best.
In addition to finding the top 1% of talents in the tech industry, CrewScale also leverages advanced technologies such as machine learning to help you expedite the recruitment process. Their matchmaking process can account not only for skill relevance and a freelancer’s work history but also their soft skills and other competencies so you can sure you get an accurate match every time you use their platform.
What’s Unique About CrewScale?
- Global pre-vetted pool of freelancers. CrewScale uses a strict four-step vetting process to ensure that their talent pool remains top-notch. They handle everything from skills assessments and live interviews to proficiency tests before they add a talent to their pool. They also accept candidates from all parts of the globe so your choices are not limited by geography.
- Recruitment process powered by machine learning. With CrewScale, all you’ll have to do is list down your requirements and let the platform’s machine learning algorithms do the work for you. It will sift through profiles, work histories, skillsets, and more until it finds an accurate match for the job position you’re trying to fill. Once it’s done, CrewScale’s talent acquisition lead will get in touch with you in less than 48 hours.
- Completely remote hiring process. What makes this platform great is the diversity it can offer to companies. They already have talents all over the world for you to choose from so you don’t have to spend too much time and money in hiring freelancers.
Detailed Crewscale Review
7. PeoplePerHour
Freelance service marketplace PeoplePerHour allows professionals around the world to find work that are suited to their qualifications. It optimizes the way sellers connect with businesses while equipping them with a variety of tools that freelancing tasks require. It showcases numerous features that include proposal viewing, in-app messaging, account management, and invoicing. PeoplePerHour pricing plans come in different plans such as monthly, one-time, and quote-based payments and can suit individual freelancers.
Detailed PeoplePerHour Review
What is unique about PeoplePerHour?
- Financial Protection. With PeoplePerHour, you do not have to worry about not getting paid on time, as the platform requires buyers to make down payments before you start working on a project. This also protects buyers against the possibility of a freelancer not being able to meet job specifications.
- Regional recruitment. If you are a freelancer looking to work more comfortably, then PeoplePerHour is the right service for you. It allows you to search for buyers within your region while facilitating better understanding between buyers and sellers.
8. Toptal
If you are a finance expert, designer, or software developer who is a top performer in your field and is very fluent in the English language, then Toptal is the freelance platform you are looking for. This service helps freelance professionals connect with businesses looking for top talent. Whether you need a part-time, full-time, or hourly rate jobs, Toptal can get it for you. It is ideal if you are a highly skilled freelancer who is used to working in critical projects.
Detailed Toptal Review
What is unique about Toptal?
- You can easily integrate with work environments. The service’s screening process ensures that you get compatibility with work environments. It also allows you to easily meld with work teams, helping you work efficiently. Toptal makes sure that you can adapt to certain collaboration and project management tools that buyers use.
- Trial period. Freelancers are given ample time to learn the ropes of the job, with the platform allowing for a trial period of a maximum of two weeks. This way, you can determine if you can sustain working on any project.
- Quick recruitment. With Toptal, you can quickly find projects to work on, provided that you have what it takes to get the job done. This is made possible by the platform’s commitment to finding buyers freelancers within three weeks.
9. Guru.com
Guru.com is a freelance platform that offers professionals a hassle-free way of finding jobs and projects by effectively linking skilled individuals and companies all over the world. It allows for region-specific job posting while accepting a vast selection of job categories. You also get to easily communicate with employers as the solution comes with a powerful dashboard that facilitates such. It is also able to streamline all project management tasks so that businesses can better handle projects. These tasks include document sharing and crafting payment deals.
Detailed Guru.com Review
What is unique about Guru.com?
- Robust Dashboard. Project management is a breeze with Guru.com, as it allows users to set tasks and communicate with their workers with a singular dashboard. As a freelancer, this benefits you as you can easily receive key tasks, updates, and even documents, keeping you in the know. Private communication with clients can also be done from the dashboard.
- Easy and Secure Payments. Finding a job using the platform assures you of timely and accurate payments. This is because the service automates payments, regardless if they are under recurring payment, hourly, or fixed-price agreement. Payments are kept secure while enabling both parties to file disputes and request for refunds.
- Long-Term Relationships. Freelancers are rewarded with long-standing client relationships as Guru.com keeps tabs on capable workers who are seen to effectively carry out projects. This allows you to work with the same employers in the future.
10. DesignCrowd
Primarily a custom design marketplace, DesignCrowd helps organizations and companies use crowdsourcing to transform their ideas into reality. If you are a freelance designer, you can easily submit design proposals through the site, which can easily be seen by buyers from all over the world. The service hosts more than 600,000 freelance designers to help companies find content for design contests. The service charges a meager $79 for a buyer to post a design contest, making room for more than 50 designs from different artists. Job searches also get to have quick results, with deadlines ranging from 3 to 10 days. Designs can be shortlisted, while buyers can provide feedback to designers.
Detailed DesignCrowd Review
What is unique about DesignCrowd?
- Market Your Designs. You get to submit your designs and make your work known to prospective buyers. But what makes things even better is that you can submit multiple designs with the system for contests with longer deadlines allowing for more submissions.
- Total Design Process. You’ll never lose yourself in the design process as the service requires buyers to submit a design brief, making sure all submissions are aligned with their respective plans. To further help keep you on track with client specifications, the platform accommodates buyer feedback and even calls for revisions.
- Easy Freelancer Payments. Design professionals are assured that they get paid on time with the system, supporting a variety of payment methods. Also, payments can be made in different currencies.
11. Nexxt
Cloud-based freelance platform Nexxt is designed to connect highly-skilled professionals and businesses looking to hire great talent. Freelancers can easily hunt for highly-suitable projects and jobs by simply going through advertisements and position descriptions displayed by the system. You can choose from a variety of business clients, which range from small to large enterprises. Communication between clients and professionals is also improved, allowing both parties to work more harmoniously.
Detailed Nexxt Review
What is unique about Nexxt?
A central hub for freelance talent. For skilled professionals in search of both long- and short-term projects, Nexxt is the right platform to be. All you have to do is sign up for the service, and you’re good to go. Of course, you will need to provide the platform with your professional details. In case you are the hands-on type, you also have the option to browse for available jobs right from the system.
- Easy Job Search. You can easily search for projects and jobs that are tailored to your qualifications as the solution promotes job positions through best advertising practices. You can use your logo, provide personal and contact information while being able to provide clients with detailed reports of your activities.
- Better Communication. Nexxt facilitates improved communication between buyers and sellers. This allows for better working conditions as clients can check on project progress and give valuable feedback.
12. MarketerHire
MarketerHire is an online talent platform where companies can find expert marketers on-demand. Unlike in other freelance marketplaces, businesses need not go through the hassle of creating job postings or conducting interviews to find freelancers. Instead, the platform makes use of an AI-enabled system that matches companies to freelancers based on their requirements. More often than not, matches are made in as little as 48 hours so you can start your campaigns sooner rather than later.
In addition to the speed of their services, MarketerHire also has a stringent vetting process that not only assesses a professional’s technical skills but also their ability to communicate efficiently, remain professional, and capacity to apply industry best practices. This way, you can rest assured that all the talents on their platform are experienced, reliable, and have the credentials needed to meet your demands.
What is unique about MarketerHire?
- Vetted Professionals Specializing in Marketing. All professionals in the MarketerHire database are fully vetted. Moreover, the talents in the marketplace all specialize in one or several aspects of digital marketing. Meaning, you can ensure that you will get access to experienced marketers for whatever campaign you are planning on rolling out.
- Expert Matching Services. One of the most unique aspects of MarketerHire is that it uses a system called MarketerMatch which leverages AI as well as human brainpower to match companies with marketers based on their project requirements. This allows companies to quickly find talents with the right skill set for their campaign.
- Transparent Pricing. MarketerHire only offers pricing for three hiring conditions, namely hourly, part-time, or full-time. They do not charge fees or termination, recruitment, or placement so you don’t have to worry about spending over your hiring budget.
13. DesignContest
Professional designer marketplace DesignContest is designed to help artists, businesses, and organizations create design contests as a means to gather designs to reflect their brands. It’s a place where designers from all over the world can submit their work for buyers to choose from.
With the service, you can easily market your designs to notable clients while joining the ranks of highly-talented professionals who use the platform. It is highly-recommended for freelance designers, providing them with a conducive work environment where collaboration is promoted.
Detailed DesignContest Review
What is unique about DesignContest?
- One Platform for Designers and Buyers. DesignContest brings together professional designers, organizations, and businesses in a single platform. It essentially serves as a marketplace where freelancers get to sell their services to buyers looking for professionals to render design work for them.
- Impeccable Reputation. Because designers are screened and pre-qualified to meet the service’s standards, you get to showcase your work to prospects. DesignContest is also known for having over 160,000 designers.
- Long-Term Relationships. The platform gives you the opportunity to establish sustainable client relationships. Clients who find your work satisfactory are allowed to reenlist your services in future projects.
14. TaskRabbit
Freelance platform TaskRabbit is known for its same-day service capabilities. It allows both professionals and companies to run more errands more quickly and efficiently. If you are a freelance worker, you can use the platform to search for all kinds of jobs, which include yard work, housekeeping, grocery delivery, and even furniture assembly. TaskRabbit enables you to communicate with clients who can describe to you the services they require. To make the job much easier, the platform also informs you when a task is due.
Detailed TaskRabbit Review
What is unique about TaskRabbit?
- Secure Deals. TaskRabbit allows you to conduct all transactions online regardless if you’re using a desktop computer or mobile phone. You can easily view job posts and receive payments securely upon completion of a task.
- Market Your Skills. The platform lets you market your skills to a prospective client with ease. All you have to do is sign up for the service and provide the system with your professional info.
- Improved Communication. The solution lets you connect to clients quite easily, resulting in more efficient and error-free work.
15. crowdSPRING
A platform created to connect freelancing professionals with entrepreneurs, crowdSPRING is targeted at creatives looking for great projects. It is popular among many designers, offering them the opportunity to showcase their skills. This assists them in their entry to the world of online professionals. It hosts more than 200,000 creative talent and is used by at least 50,000 businesses worldwide.
Detailed crowdSPRING Review
What is unique about crowdSPRING?
- Detailed Guides. The vendor has included comprehensive guides that include tips that make sure that you don’t lose your way in your quest for clients. It gives you an idea of how to deal with customers and even come up with a name for your business.
- Outreach Programs. The service allows nonprofits and charities worldwide to post design projects every few months. You can engage in these charitable activities by submitting your designs. It’s a great way to display your skills while being able to help the needy.
16. Hireable.com
Job marketplace Hireable.com is a place where freelancing professionals can hunt for projects for free. Job hunting is made easy as the platform comes with a search engine that yields numerous results with just a few mouse clicks. You can even use a single keyword to conduct a successful search, accelerating the job search process.
Detailed Hireable.com Review
What is unique about Hireable.com?
- Automated Notifications. Hireable.com comes with a feature that notifies job seekers of newly-posted job offers. This way, you get to know about new jobs and see if your skills match the positions being offered.
- Quick Web Search. The system has a robust search engine that gives freelancers quick results whenever they conduct job searches. It is so powerful that even a single keyword can display multiple results from different industries, while the use of numerous words can narrow your searches significantly.
- Job Recommendations. The platform recommends the right jobs to the right individuals. It doesn’t matter if a job offer comes from different companies, you get notified of the posting as long as the job description matches your skills. What’s even better is that all your personal data are kept secure with shared information limited to those you give out to companies.
17. WriterAccess
Essentially a forum designed to link writers, editors, content strategists, translators, and proofreaders, WriterAccess allows freelancers to post talent profiles that include work portfolios for prospective clients to see. This lets buyers accurately evaluate professionals and see if they suit their projects. It comes with content creation features that help both talent and companies come up with beautiful and compelling content, which can be published directly to external platforms.
Detailed WriterAccess Review
What is unique about WriterAccess?
- Comprehensive Content Creation. WriterAccess offers professionals powerful content creation tools that include keyword optimization, research, analytics, easy order forms, and Getty images. This allows freelancers to create great content, which can be published to other platforms like Hootsuite, WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot, to name a few.
- Professional Teams. Using the platform allows you to join a team of highly-skilled professionals where each member gets a star rating using past work experiences, customer reviews, online test results, and industry certifications as basis. High ratings give you more chances of getting hired.
- Multimedia Resources. Writer Access has numerous visual, audio, and audio-visual content that are of great help to both creatives and marketers. Such come in the form of podcasts, books, and webinars, among many others. The great thing about these resources is that they can be downloaded absolutely for free.
18. 99Designs
Freelance platform 99Designs is popular for the flexibility and global reach that it provides to professionals. If you are a design professional with good skills, then the platform is the right place for you. It will help you find the right project as the system is backed by an extensive business community motivated by growth. 99Designs has four distinct locations in four continents worldwide.
Detailed 99Designs Review
What is unique about 99Designs?
- Comprehensive Resource Centers. The website comes with a variety of resource centers that are very useful both to freelance designers and entrepreneurs. They provide tips on how to get the most out of designers while advising buyers on how to go about starting a design contest. Creative professionals also get to improve their skills using the system’s tutorials, toolkits, and interviews with known designers.
- Partner Services and Affiliates. 99Designs’ affiliates and partners have helped by providing discounts. They also offer assistance in website design, education, and design.
19. Catalant
Freelance website Catalant assists professionals by helping them connect to the right businesses who need their services, making use of an agile operating model to accelerate the work process. It employs machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance the system with functionalities that include content similarity, collaborative filtering, and knowledge management. If you are a freelancer, you are given a chance to join a rich talent pool where you can market your skills to a variety of companies.
Detailed Catalant Review
What is unique about Catalant?
- Agile Operating Model. The system can easily adapt to changes and demands while promoting innovation and improving efficiency.
- Project Workspace. Catalant comes with a workspace where freelancers and businesses can communicate and collaborate.
- Different Project Types. It supports diverse types of projects such as social media advisory, marketing analysis, business plans, financial projections, and research.
20. Bark
Bark is a web-based platform that is aimed at reforming the work landscape for local sellers and buyers. Designed to prevent businesses and freelancers from wasting time on search engines and directories, this application uses smart people and technology who will put your best interests first. All you have to do is let them know the services that you can offer, and Bark will find you the ideal buyer.
Detailed bark Review
What is unique about Bark?
- Job Hunting Made Easy. For freelancers, the platform makes job hunting a lot easier as it serves as a link between you and prospective employers. It does this by contacting buyers on your behalf. In doing so, it also makes sure that you land the job or project that’s perfect for you.
- Secure Communication. Bark allows you to communicate with your clients seamlessly with its Bark messenger. This tool manages all conversations where you can share job estimates and receive contact details.
- Wide-Array of Freelance Jobs. What’s great about the system is its support of different kinds of freelancers. Jobs available include writing, transcription and translation, web design, pet, and personal services, to name a few.
What Criteria Should You Use to Choose a Freelance Website?
Selecting the right freelance website depends on various factors. Here are essential criteria to consider:
- Payment Security: Choose platforms with reliable payment systems to ensure you receive payment for completed work. Look for options like escrow services, secure transactions, and transparent payout methods.
- Project Volume: Platforms with a high volume of projects increase your chances of finding consistent work. Check the types and frequency of job postings to find a website that aligns with your desired workload.
- Skill Fit and Demand: Some websites are better suited to specific skill sets (e.g., design, writing, tech). Review which skills are in demand to find a platform with opportunities that match your expertise.
- Client Quality: Websites that vet clients often provide higher-quality opportunities, reducing the risk of poor communication or unclear job expectations.
- Support and Resources: Websites offering resources like tutorials, forums, or customer support can benefit beginners, providing guidance as you navigate freelancing.
- Fee Structure: Understand each platform’s fees, including membership and transaction fees, to estimate how much you’ll earn. This information helps you budget and decide if the platform fits your financial goals.
How to Benefit From Freelancing Platforms
If you are just starting out as a freelancer, there are some things that you might want to consider before diving into the fray. Doing so would help you avoid the mistakes that most new freelancers often make. Understanding freelance platforms entails benefits that could greatly improve your career. And the most important of these is marketing. So far, the best place to market freelance services is still freelance platforms. Now, this may not be so for established freelance professionals, but this isn’t the case for newbies.
As a rookie, you can learn a great deal from signing up with such platforms. These include proposal writing, which is very effective in establishing the ideal profile. You can also build a reputation on such platforms as they allow for customer reviews. If you play your cards right, positive reviews will pile up, leading to more and more clients and projects. But make no mistake, these sites are but designed to help you secure clients. It is still your performance that will matter at the end of the day. Different freelance platforms offer various benefits. Try signing up for a couple of services and see what works for you.
And there you have it, the 20 best freelance websites as ranked by our experts. These platforms are bound to help you in establishing or furthering your career as a freelancing professional. Signing up for a service means you no longer have to make phone calls or email clients. But don’t just jump into a deal yet, go for free trials where available and see if these websites work for you. For those of you who want to get into the big league, ecommerce solutions may be the way to go.
Key Insights
- Top Freelance Platforms: The article highlights 20 of the best freelance websites for beginners and professionals, including Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Envato Studio, and others.
- Freelance Market Growth: Freelancing significantly contributes to the US economy, with $1.2 trillion in 2020 and 59 million freelancers making up 36% of the workforce.
- Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic caused 10% of freelancers to pause their activities, but 88% are optimistic about continuing in the future.
- Global Tech Talent Gap: There is a significant global shortage of tech professionals, which freelancing can help fill. Countries like the US, Canada, and China have substantial tech worker deficits.
- Platform Benefits: Freelance platforms offer secure payment systems, easy communication channels, and job hunting tools, making it easier for freelancers to find and manage projects.
- Special Features: Each platform has unique features, such as Fiverr’s minimal fees and secure communication, Upwork’s easy billing and in-app communication, and Guru.com’s robust dashboard and long-term client relationships.
FAQ
- What is the best freelance website? The best freelance website is Fiverr. It is a freelance service marketplace where employers can find professionals for various projects. With an extensive network of vetted writers, graphic artists, programmers, and other professionals, companies can find the right freelancers at the right rates.
- Where can you get the ideal work or client as a freelancer? Freelance websites are ideal for finding work or clients. These platforms help freelancers market their services, connect with clients, and secure projects. The top freelance websites include Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Envato Studio, and others.
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect freelancers? The pandemic caused 10% of freelancers to pause their activities due to the impact on certain industries. However, 88% of freelancers are optimistic about continuing their freelance work in the future.
- What is the global tech talent gap, and how can freelancers fill it? There is a significant shortage of tech professionals globally. For example, the US needs one million tech workers, Canada needs 200,000, and China needs three million. Freelancers can help fill this gap as organizations look towards remote workers to overcome geographical and budget constraints.
- What are the benefits of using freelance platforms? Freelance platforms offer several benefits, including secure payment systems, easy communication channels, job hunting tools, and marketing opportunities. These platforms help freelancers find and manage projects efficiently while ensuring secure and timely payments.
- What unique features do some top freelance platforms offer? Fiverr stands out for its minimal signup fees, secure/private communication channels, and robust data protection. Upwork offers easy billing, in-app communication, and secure payments, enhancing the overall user experience. Freelancer.com provides safe payment methods, effective progress monitoring, and efficient job hunting solutions. Guru.com is known for its robust dashboard, secure payment system, and the ability to foster long-term client relationships.
- Why is it beneficial for new freelancers to use freelance platforms? Freelance platforms help new freelancers learn essential skills like proposal writing, profile building, and gaining customer reviews. These platforms provide a secure and efficient way to find and manage projects, helping freelancers establish their careers.
A great article indeed, but there is one thing the author forgot to mention - competition. And this is where the fun starts, because even if you're full of enthusiasm and know your trade, once you come around a well-known platform, you meet a lot of competition on two sides. On one side you have professional with good reputation, portfolio and good reviews. They have a solid reputation at the platform and are usually the ones who get the best orders. And on the other side you have people who are in need of any job at all and they offer the lowest prices possible. So either you're outmatched by professionals, or outnumbered by people ready to work dirt cheap. All you can do is persuade the client that your price is not high, but average. But hey, who needs average prices when most people tend to purchase any kind of service for as cheap as possible?
One way to solve this problem is to search for places which are less crowded. For instance, one place I found some time ago was Insolvo. And I can't say that it's worse than Upwork or Fiverr. It's fast, reliable, secure and they say there is a good AI observing the place.
My point is - don't be afraid to look around. Don't rush to well-known and popular places just because. Risks are high that you won't find place for yourself there.
Hi, it would be helpful to explicitly say when a platform charge a commission on your earnings. Otherwise, great job! Thank you
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