Santiago Sanchez
6/18/2024Struggling to find freelance work as an independent professional? Freelance platforms might just be your answer!
But with so many options out there, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming.
Don't worry, we've got you covered! We've done the legwork and created this list of 20 of the best freelancer platforms to help you find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.
Freelance platforms are online spaces created to connect individuals working independently with clients who need their services.
Simply put, these sites act as intermediaries, like an online marketplace.
It's a win-win: freelancers can find jobs in their field that matches their skills, while businesses get a flexible and efficient way to get things done.
Some of the most common freelance services include:
Content creation
Consulting
Translation
Graphic design
Programming
The beauty of freelance platforms lies in the freedom they offer. As a freelancer, you're not limited to a single employer or project type. You can cherry-pick jobs that perfectly match your skillset and areas of expertise, so you can showcase your talents in diverse projects, constantly learning and growing in your field.
Not only that, but these freelancer platforms can be a one-stop shop for seamless collaboration, with built-in tools to discuss project details, share updates, and process payments securely.
Want to start working on freelancer platforms? Here are our tips:
From the start, clearly explain your work process, duration, and your rates.
On your profile, include a link to your portfolio with your most relevant experience to show why you’re best for the task.
Focus on a niche to stand out as a specialist in your chosen industry.
Set competitive rates based on your experience.
The more experience you gain and positive reviews you collect, the better! That way, you can gradually increase your rates on these freelancer platforms.
Good reviews show clients your value and expertise, making your profile stand out and attracting even more projects your way.
The number of professionals starting to freelance has been growing around the world since 2020 — partly due to job losses, but also as a side hustle for more income.
So where do you start? Well, there are lots of options for freelancer platforms, but here are the top 20:
Fiverr is a giant in the freelance world — it’s once of the most popular platforms for both freelancers and those looking to hire freelance help.
Why? The variety of freelancing services you can offer — everything from graphic design and writing to programming and social media marketing.
Fiverr makes things easy by offering pre-made packages for specific services, or you can find smaller, bite-sized projects called "micro-jobs" that are perfect for quick tasks.
Workana is one of the biggest freelancer platforms in Latin America.
On Workana, clients post their projects and independent professionals can find job offers or offer their remote services in different sectors.
Like the other well-known freelancing platforms, Freelancer connects businesses with a massive pool of freelance talent around the world, in various industries and with different skill sets.
Businesses simply post their project details and budget, and freelancers can submit proposals — businesses can even hold contests to have freelancers compete for their projects.
Another big name in the freelancing world, Upwork is one of the largest and most well-known platforms for finding freelance work or hiring freelancers.
The platform also has built-in tools to make working together smooth, like a virtual workspace where you can chat with businesses, share files, and track project progress.
Toptal, like other freelancing websites, helps companies find freelance workers, or freelancers, for important projects in business, design, and technology.
But where it stands out from the rest is in it’s vetting process to ensure that only the best freelancers are part of their network — so businesses can only hire the best freelancers.
With millions of users worldwide, PeoplePerHour is another big-hitter in freelancing.
They offer flexibility for both freelancers and clients — freelancers can choose to be paid per project or by the hour, and projects can span a wide range of areas, from web development and graphic design to marketing and writing.
99 designs is aimed at graphic designed freelancers looking for work — you can participate in design contests to get jobs, and easily find the right opportunity based in your profile.
If you're a freelancer in fields like architecture, web development, design, writing, or consulting, Guru could be a great fit for you.
They connect you with clients looking for help on projects in these areas — whether you're a seasoned architect or a talented writer, Guru can help you find freelance work that matches your expertise.
Another popular graphic design freelancer platform, Designhill includes collaboration tools and has preset prices so clients can anticipate the final cost of the finished project.
While Simply Hired isn't exclusively for freelancers, it can be a helpful tool in your search for freelance gigs.
You can search for jobs by location, which can be a major perk for freelancers looking for local projects.
World Freelance offers a more traditional approach to finding freelance work.
Instead of browsing proposals, you can directly apply to specific job postings in various fields like design, accounting, and programming — ideal if you prefer a more structured job search experience.
Aquent is well-known platform that connects creative and marketing professionals with both freelance and full-time job opportunities — whether you're looking for a short-term project or a permanent position.
The Creative Group (or TCG) focuses on the creative industry, with freelance opportunities in fields like marketing, design, and advertising.
With a user-friendly interface and the option to customize job searches, Nexxt stands out for creating inclusive work environments and connecting you with freelance projects to help you build your skills and experience in the direction you want to take your career.
Skyword connects creative freelancers like writers, graphic designers, and videographers with top brands. They help you find and manage freelance work — and even take care of payments.
Plus, Skyword offers resources like a talent network and training to help you succeed.
If writing is your thing, Writer Access might be the best website for you!
It specializes in written content and helps link freelance writers with companies looking for people like you.
Soy Freelancer is a freelancing platform for Latin American freelancers and businesses, but what makes it unique is its active community. Plus, you can create tasks or freelance projects in a range of areas and sectors.
TaskRabbit is different from most on this list. It connects people in your area who need help with everyday tasks, like furniture assembly or plumbing, with people who can do those jobs — like an online marketplace for local, non-digital work.
FlexJobs is ideal for finding you remote work opportunities that fit your lifestyle.
They specialize in jobs with flexible schedules, locations (like working from home!), and work arrangements — ideal for freelancers looking for longer-term projects or roles.
The freelance world can be competitive, so it's important to make yourself stand out, so you can get more high-quality projects!
Not sure how to stand out from the rest? Here are our top tips:
Update your profile: Whichever freelancing platform you choose, keep your profile updated with relevant information, like previous brands and projects you've worked on, any qualifications, your availability, and your rates.
Get networking: Connecting with other professionals and freelancers is essential to finding potential clients.
ABL (always be learning): Sharpen your skills to win more projects — the more you learn, the more valuable you become as a freelancer.
Be proactive in your search: Actively pitch to brands you want to work with, keep networking, and stay up-to-date on your freelancing platforms.
Always do your best work and show your clients how committed you are, to build your reputation and continue to attract even better projects in the future.
Freelancing is the choice of many professionals across a range of industries and sectors, with benefits like:
Being your own boss: You get to choose the projects you take on, so you can focus on what you enjoy and what you're good at.
Working from anywhere: As long as you have a laptop and internet connection, you can work from home, a coffee shop, or even the beach (as long as there's WiFi!).
Flexible hours: No more 9-5 grind! You can set your own schedule and work the hours that fit your life.
Potentially higher income: Your earnings depend on the projects you take on and your rates. There's no ceiling on how much you can make!
Becoming a freelancer takes some effort, but it can be well worth it. Here’s how you can get started:
Find your niche: Think about what you're good at and what services you can offer. Research in-demand skills and pick an area where you can shine.
Know your target audience: Who are you trying to reach with your skills? Are you targeting businesses or individuals? Understanding your ideal client will help you tailor your offerings.
Set your goals: What do you hope to achieve as a freelancer? Do you want to work full-time or just a few hours a week? Having clear goals will help you stay motivated and focused.
Build your brand: This is all about creating a professional image online. Set up a website or online portfolio showcasing your past work, and showcase your expertise online, focusing on social media platforms where your potential clients will be.
Get started! Look for platforms and websites that connect freelancers with clients, like the ones on this list! Don't be afraid to start small and build your reputation with positive reviews.
No, freelancing itself does not break any laws. It's a legitimate form of independent work where you're responsible for your taxes and comply with relevant labor laws in your country.
The world has borders. Your finances don’t have to.
Freelancer tips Creative work opportunities are available on both Creative Market and Fiverr, but which one best suits your projects? Read this comparison and decide for yourself.
Freelancer tips Freelancing offers plenty of perks, but it also comes with some downsides you should know before diving into working from home on your own.
Freelancer tips Upwork and PeoplePerHour each offer unique benefits for working from home. Check out this comparison to find the best platform for you.
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