Freelancing is an increasingly common source of online earnings that enables individuals to work wherever they want and select their clients themselves Online freelance websites bring together companies and experts who provide writing design programming marketing and other services This article takes a look at the top available freelancer platforms today and how one can get started
What Are Online Freelancer Platforms
Freelancer websites are sites where freelancers can get work and connect with buyers These sites offer a safe environment where freelancers can display their talents negotiate orders and earn money for their services
Advantages of Utilizing Freelancer Sites
Global job market access Work for clients across the globe
Autonomous work schedule Select your working hours and load
Secure payment system Safety from non payment or fraud
Varied job types Opportunities in writing graphic design web development marketing and more
Leading Online Freelancer Websites
1 Upwork
Overview
Upwork is one of the largest freelance websites that provides jobs of different types like writing design programming and virtual support Clients list their job postings and freelancers submit bids to acquire projects
Pros
Well-paid job opportunities
Safe payment guarantee
Extensive range of job types
Cons
Intense competition for starters
Fees on the platform can be excessive
Best For
Freelancers seeking long term jobs and professional clients
2 Fiverr
Overview
Fiverr enables freelancers to post gigs providing services from five dollars Clients search for gigs and hire freelancers depending on their skills and ratings
Pros
Simple to sign up and begin working
No bidding involved clients approach freelancers
Ideal for small tasks and fast work
Cons
High platform charges on earnings
Difficult to acquire first clients without reviews
Best For
Freelancers who wish to offer particular services without bidding on projects
3 Freelancer
Overview
Freelancer provides professionals with an opportunity to bid on projects created by clients within areas such as programming writing marketing and more Freelancer accommodates both hourly and fixed price arrangements
Pros
Large number of job opportunities
Protection of payments via milestones
Free membership available
Cons
Extreme competition for new freelancers
Limited number of free bids per month
Best For
Freelancers who are comfortable bidding on work to obtain assignments
4 PeoplePerHour
Overview
PeoplePerHour is a digital service freelancer marketplace Freelancers can browse job postings and apply or submit service proposals for clients to buy
Pros
Excellent for European and UK freelancers
Enables hourly and fixed price arrangements
Secure payments system
Cons
High charges on services
Limited job options relative to the big platforms
Best For
Freelancers who want top notch clients and long term jobs
5 Toptal
Overview
Toptal is a high-end freelancer platform that matches top professionals with clients seeking top talent The platform has a rigorous selection process to ensure only the best freelancers are admitted
Pros
High paying projects with top companies
Access to an exclusive network of freelancers
No bidding needed
Cons
Must pass several screening tests
Only ideal for highly experienced freelancers
Best For
Senior professionals in software development finance and design
6 Guru
Overview
Guru is a freelance platform providing a workroom feature where freelancers and clients work securely The platform has several payment options such as hourly fixed price and milestone based payments
Advantages
Low service charges compared to the competition
Workroom feature provides better communication and collaboration
Flexible payment options
Disadvantages
Smaller job market than Upwork and Fiverr
Can be challenging to get first few jobs
Best For
Freelancers seeking a low-cost platform with flexible payment options
7 99Designs
Overview
99Designs is a graphic design focused freelance platform Clients hold design contests and freelancers submit their work for choice
Advantages
Excellent for branding and illustration specialist designers
Competitive rates for quality work
Innovative contest format where multiple freelancers compete for opportunities
Disadvantages
Not suitable for other freelance types
Pay only if the design wins in a contest
Best For
Freelance graphic designers seeking project based employment
8 Workana
Overview
Workana is a freelance platform targeting the Latin American market
It provides writing web development design and other job opportunities
Pros
Heavy presence in Spanish and Portuguese speaking markets
Less competition than international platforms
Convenient payment options for Latin American freelancers
Cons
Few international job opportunities
Low-paying clients are available
Best For
Latin American freelancers seeking regional job opportunities
9 We Work Remotely
Overview
We Work Remotely is a remote job board for professionals It posts job listings in many areas such as programming customer support and marketing
Pros
No bidding system jobs are listed by established companies
High quality remote job postings
No platform fees for freelancers
Cons
Fewer freelance job postings than other platforms
Some jobs are full time commitment
Best For
Freelancers seeking remote jobs with established companies
10 Kolabtree
Overview
Kolabtree is a scientists and researchers’ freelancer platform It brings experts into contact with clients requiring research and consulting work in niche areas
Advantages
Perfect for PhD graduates and subject matter specialists
Well-paying consulting projects
Niche centered on technical and academic industries
Disadvantages
Few opportunities for average freelancers
A high academic or research background is needed
Best suited for
Researchers scientists academics seeking freelance opportunities
How to excel on Freelancer Sites
Make a powerful Profile
Use a professional image and descriptive bio
Emphasize skills experience and past work samples
Price competitively according to industry standards
Apply to the Correct Jobs
Prioritize job postings matching your skills
Customize proposals to raise hiring odds
Steer clear of poorly paying jobs that devalue your skills
Establish a Good Reputation
Produce high quality work on time
Communicate effectively with clients
Ask for reviews and testimonials to enhance credibility
Stay Active and Continue Learning
Keep your profile and portfolio up to date
Take courses related to improving skills
Connect with clients and other freelancers for increased opportunities
Final Thoughts
Freelance platforms online are excellent platforms for professionals to work from home and establish a long term career Choosing the platform to use relies on the freelancer’s skills sector and interests By developing a solid profile applying strategically and producing quality work freelancers can achieve success and long term career development in the gig economy