Being a freelancer can be both liberating and nerve wracking. You can set your own prices and hours, and choose which projects to devote your time to. But you never feel you have the security of a full-time employee.
A lot of freelancers feel like they’re always chasing the next opportunity, splitting their time between securing work and finishing it.
Many websites are out there to help freelancers find projects. While they’re not all created equal, and some are meant only for workers with specific skills, the right website can help you spend less time looking for work, so you can spend more time on-task.
Table of Contents: Best Freelance Sites
Upwork
Upwork is a remote work platform that connects clients with skilled independent workers from around the world. Whether you’re an accounting expert, developer, web designer, writer, customer service worker, or any other type of specialist, you’ll find jobs that meet your needs on Upwork.
Fiza
With Upwork, small businesses or clients can post jobs and wait for skilled freelancers to apply. Or they can hire workers who specialize in particular tasks using the Project Catalog.
Meanwhile, freelancers can create a profile and even add an introduction video that showcases their skills, personality, and experience. Then, they can wait to be discovered by clients or respond to job posts directly.
Here are some of the benefits of using Upwork:
However, there are some aspects of Upwork that not everyone may like.
Upwork has a free basic plan for freelancers, but the Freelancer Plus plan is $14.99 a month and includes perks like a customized URL and 80 Connects per month.
Interested in seeing how Upwork can help propel your freelance career forward? Sign up today.
Toptal
Toptal helps a variety of highly qualified freelancers find work. Professionals who specialize in things like software development, project management, and business consulting can particularly benefit from this site. However, note that Toptal has a rigorous five-step selection process for identifying the best workers in any field
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The intense process begins with an English test and project assessment. Only the top 3% of freelancers are accepted on the platform. Those who make it through then apply for job posts from well-known businesses like Airbnb. Freelancers who fail the test have to wait several months before taking it again.
Some benefits of using Toptal include:
Some disadvantages of using Toptal:
Toptal doesn’t take any fees from freelancers, but companies can easily spend over $200 per hour to hire a freelancer on the site.
Fiverr
Fiverr makes it simple for digital freelancers to find people looking for their services. There are many project listings on Fiverr, from content creation and video production to app design to almost any other type of project you can imagine.
Fiverr has a very simple model: Sellers (freelancers) can create free profiles listing the gigs (services) they offer without sending bids or pitching prospects. Buyers (businesses) can simply purchase the services that work best for them.
Some benefits of using Fiverr include:
Some disadvantages to using Fiverr include:
After a seller finishes a gig, Fiverr takes 20% of their commission. It can take a few weeks for a seller to be able to withdraw payments from the site as well.
Designhill
Designhill connects freelance artists and designers with businesses seeking things like website, logo, and catalog design. In addition to offering a large list of design opportunities, the site is helpful for freelancers learning to manage their business.
It has resources that allow freelancers to open their own stores to clients all over the globe. There are also management tools that can help freelancers measure profits, make business cards, and create digital marketing materials.
Some benefits of using Designhill include:
Some disadvantages of using Designhill include:
LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals, and is one of the most reputable career resources around. On the site, you can create a profile to showcase your experience, education, work history, past projects, and skills to businesses looking for new talent.
You can also create and share posts to give companies a glimpse into who you are and your interests. LinkedIn has a huge list of freelance and full-time opportunities.
Unlike most of the platforms we’re discussing, LinkedIn isn’t a dedicated job site for freelancers, but it does feature a range of opportunities for independent professionals. Freelance graphic designers, developers, and copywriters, and more can all look for work using LinkedIn.
Some benefits of using LinkedIn include:
Some disadvantages of using LinkedIn are:
Freelancers can use basic LinkedIn features for free. A Premium account, for $39.99 a month, offers learning courses, allows users to track employers who view their profile, and increases the number of connections users can make.
SimplyHired
SimplyHired features a wide range of freelance jobs, though it isn’t specifically for freelancers. The site has an easy-to-use interface that helps job seekers find opportunities from all over the web. Some job fields featured on the site include finance, marketing, and administration.
Applicants can customize job searches based on factors like their preferred industry, location, and interests. SimplyHired also lets you view company pay scales and see reviews written by former or current workers.
Benefits of using SimplyHired include:
Some disadvantages of using SimplyHired include:
Freelancers can apply for jobs and create profiles on SimplyHired for free.
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