Best Freelancing Sites for Beginners: Build Online Career Now

How to Become a Freelancer?

1. Identify Your Skills: Determine what services you can offer based on your skills and experience.
2. Create a Portfolio: Showcase your work through a portfolio to attract clients.
3. Choose a Platform: Sign up on freelancing platforms to find clients.
4. Set Your Rates: Determine how much you will charge for your services.
5. Apply for Jobs: Start bidding on projects that match your skills.
6. Build Your Reputation: Deliver high-quality work to earn positive reviews and build your reputation.

How to Know a Scam?

• Too Good to Be True: The offer seems too good and probably is.
• Upfront Fees: Avoid sites or clients that ask for upfront fees.
• No Contact Information: Legitimate clients and platforms will have verifiable contact information.
• Check Reviews: Research the platform or client online to see reviews of others.
• Secure Payment Methods: Ensure the platform has a secure payment system.

1. Upwork

Type of Freelancing: Writing, design, marketing, programming, virtual assistance, customer service, and more.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, Payoneer, direct bank transfer, wire transfer.

Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing platforms, offering job opportunities in categories like writing, design, marketing, programming, and more. Freelancers can find short-term projects and long-term contracts, making it a flexible option for those who want to work independently.

The platform connects freelancers with clients from all over the world, and Upwork’s tools make it easy to track time, manage tasks, and communicate effectively with clients.

Pros:

• Upwork offers a wide range of job categories, making it easy for freelancers to find work that matches their skills.
• The platform provides secure payment options.
• Upwork’s global reach allows freelancers to work with clients from various industries and locations, giving them diverse opportunities.

Cons:

• Upwork charges service fees as high as 20% for new freelancers, which can significantly reduce earnings.
• Competition on Upwork can be intense, especially for beginners, making it harder to land the first few gigs.
• Some freelancers may find it difficult to build long-term relationships with clients due to the nature of short-term projects on the platform.

2. Fiverr

Type of Freelancing: Graphic design, writing, video editing, and more.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, Payoneer, and direct deposit.

Fiverr is a well-known freelancing platform that allows freelancers to offer services (called “gigs”) across various categories, from graphic design to writing, programming, and more. Freelancers can set their prices and create packages to suit different client needs.

Pros:

• Freelancers can set their prices and create service packages, making it easy to attract different types of clients.
• The platform has a global reach, giving freelancers access to clients worldwide.
• Fiverr is easy to use, with a straightforward interface that helps freelancers manage their gigs and communicate with clients effectively.

Cons:

• Fiverr charges a 20% commission on each gig of freelancers, which can significantly reduce earnings.
• The platform is highly competitive, making it challenging for new freelancers to stand out.
• Some clients may expect high-quality work for low rates, leading to potential issues with pricing and expectations.

3. Freelancer.com

Type of Freelancing: Tech, design, writing, and marketing.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, Skrill, and wire transfer.

Freelancer.com is one of the largest freelancing platforms, offering various job categories. Freelancers can bid on projects posted by clients, and clients can also hire freelancers directly for specific tasks. The versatile platform caters to freelancers with different skill levels and expertise.

Pros:

• Freelancer.com offers various job categories, providing freelancers many opportunities to find work.
• The platform allows freelancers to bid on projects, giving them the flexibility to choose work that fits their skills and schedule.
• The platform has a global reach, which means freelancers can work with clients from different countries and industries.

Cons:

• The bidding system on Freelancer.com can lead to a race to the bottom in pricing, making it difficult for freelancers to charge fair rates.
• Freelancer platform charges fees on both projects and withdrawals, which can reduce overall earnings.
• High competition on the platform can make it challenging for new freelancers to secure projects.

4. Toptal

Type of Freelancing: Software development, design, finance, project management.
Withdrawal Method: Payoneer, PayPal, and direct to a bank.

Toptal is a high-end freelancing platform that connects freelancers with clients who need help in software development, design, finance, and other professional services.

The platform is known for its rigorous screening process, ensuring that only the top 3% of applicants are accepted.

Pros:

• A rigorous screening process ensures that freelancers work with high-quality clients paying premium rates.
• The platform offers opportunities for long-term projects, which can provide freelancers with more stable income.
• Toptal provides a supportive environment, resources, and a community that helps freelancers succeed.

Cons:

• The application process for Toptal is highly competitive, and only a percentage of applicants are accepted.
• Freelancers on Toptal must maintain high work standards to stay on the platform, which can be demanding.
• The platform’s focus on top-tier clients means that opportunities might limit freelancers who are just starting or do not meet the stringent criteria.

5. PeoplePerHour

Type of Freelancing: Writing, design, tech, marketing.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, Payoneer, and direct bank transfer.

PeoplePerHour is a freelancing platform that offers a wide range of job categories, from writing and design to IT and administrative support.

The platform allows freelancers to set their rates and bid on projects, giving them freedom in how they take on the work.

Pros:

• PeoplePerHour allows freelancers to set their rates and bid on projects, allowing them to control their income.
• The platform has various job categories, making it suitable for freelancers with different skills and expertise.
• PeoplePerHour offers a secure payment system, ensuring freelancers get paid for their work.

Cons:

• The platform charges fees on projects and withdrawals, which can reduce freelancers’ earnings.
• Competition on PeoplePerHour can be high, especially for popular job categories, making it challenging for new freelancers to get noticed.
• Some freelancers may find it difficult to negotiate fair rates due to the bidding system, which can lead to underpricing.

6. Guru

Type of Freelancing: Tech, writing, design, marketing, admin support.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, wire transfer, and direct deposit.

Guru is a freelancing platform that offers a wide range of job categories, from writing and design to programming and marketing. Freelancers can create profiles, showcase their portfolios, bid on projects, or be hired directly by clients.

The platform is known for its workroom feature, which allows freelancers to manage projects and communicate with clients efficiently.

Pros:

• The platform offers a comprehensive workroom feature, making it easy for freelancers to manage projects and communicate with clients.
• The platform provides various job categories, giving freelancers many opportunities to find work.
• Guru’s payment system is secure, with multiple withdrawal options to suit freelancers’ needs.

Cons:

• Guru charges fees on projects and withdrawals, which can reduce freelancers’ overall earnings.
• The platform is competitive, with many freelancers bidding on the same projects, making it difficult to stand out.
• Some freelancers may find the bidding process challenging, as it can lead to lower rates and less control over pricing.

7. Jooble

Type of Freelancing: Aggregates various freelancing jobs.
Withdrawal Method: Stripe

Jooble is a job search engine that aggregates freelancing opportunities from multiple sources. It is quick for freelancers to find all kinds of jobs in one spot. It’s powerful search engine helps you filter jobs by category, location, and salary, ensuring you find the best matches for your skills.

Pros:

• Jooble offers diverse freelance job opportunities, ensuring freelancers have plenty of opportunities.
• It aggregates listings from job boards, saving time and effort in searching multiple sites.
• The platform covers different industries, making it versatile for freelancers with different skills.

Cons:

• Because Jooble is an aggregator, some listings may be outdated or duplicated from other sites.
• It does not offer direct applications or communication with employers, requiring freelancers to navigate to external sites.
• The platform lacks specialized support for freelancers. It is not solely focused on freelance work.

8. SimplyHired

Type of Freelancing: Writing, customer service, tech.
Withdrawal Method: Varies by job (negotiated directly with the client).

SimplyHired is a job search engine that provides diverse freelance opportunities across various fields. It simplifies the process of finding freelance work by offering a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive job board.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface makes it easy for freelancers to search for and find relevant job listings.
• The platform offers diverse freelance opportunities, catering to different skill sets and industries.
• Freelancers can access job listings from multiple sources, increasing their chances of finding suitable work.

Cons:

• The job listings on SimplyHired may sometimes be outdated or duplicated from other platforms.
• There is no direct application process on the platform. Freelancers are often redirected to external sites.
• SimplyHired does not provide specific tools or resources tailored to freelancers.

9. LinkedIn

Type of Freelancing: Tech, writing, design, and marketing.
Withdrawal Method: Varies by job (negotiated directly with the client).

LinkedIn is a professional networking site that helps freelancers search for job opportunities. By creating a strong profile and connecting with potential clients, you can find a variety of freelancing gigs.

Job search functionality allows you to filter opportunities by type, location, and industry.

Pros:

• LinkedIn allows freelancers to build and showcase their professional profiles, helping them attract potential clients.
• The ProFinder service of the platform facilitates direct connections between freelancers and clients seeking specific services.
• LinkedIn provides opportunities for freelancers to network with industry professionals, leading to more job opportunities.

Cons:

• Competition on LinkedIn can be fierce, especially for in-demand freelancing roles.
• Some freelance opportunities on LinkedIn may require premium memberships to access fully.
• The platform focuses on professional networking, which might not appeal to all freelancers.

10. Behance

Type of Freelancing: Design, photography, illustration.
Withdrawal Method: Varies by job (negotiated directly with the client)

Behance is a platform for creative professionals to showcase their work and find freelancing opportunities. The site is ideal for designers, photographers, and illustrators looking to build portfolios and connect with potential clients.

The site allows you to create an online portfolio, participate in design challenges, and be chosen by companies looking for creative talent.

Pros:

• Behance provides an excellent platform for creative freelancers to showcase their portfolios and attract clients.
• The platform fosters a global community, offering freelancers an excellent opportunity to enhance their visibility among potential clients worldwide.
• Freelancers can receive feedback and interact with other professionals, helping them improve their work and grow their network.

Cons:

• The competition on Behance can be high, making it challenging for newcomers to stand out.
• Behance does not have a direct job application system, requiring freelancers to contact clients independently.
• It would be challenging for freelancers to keep their portfolios updated and polished to stay competitive on the platform.

11. Dribbble

Type of Freelancing: Design, illustration, UI/UX.
Withdrawal Method: Varies by job (negotiated directly with the client).

Dribbble is a community of designers where you can showcase your work and find freelancing opportunities. It is a platform for designers looking to get noticed by potential clients.

Dribbble also offers a job board where companies post freelance, part-time, and full-time opportunities for designers.

Pros:

• Dribbble allows freelancers to showcase their work in a visually appealing way to attract potential clients.
• The platform has a strong community of designers, offering opportunities for networking and collaboration.
• The job board specifically targets design professionals, making it easier to find relevant freelance jobs.

Cons:

• The competition on Dribbble is intense, with many talented designers vying for attention.
• Freelancers may need a Dribbble Pro account to access premium features and job listings.
• The platform’s focus on design limits opportunities for freelancers in other industries.

12. ServiceScape

Type of Freelancing: Writing, editing, translation, graphic design.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, check, and direct deposit.

ServiceScape is a platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for writing, editing, translation, and graphic design services. It’s a good site for professionals looking to offer services to a wide range of clients.

The platform provides a professional environment where freelancers can create detailed profiles and set their rates. Freelancers can ask for ratings and reviews from clients.

Pros:

• ServiceScape is known for its emphasis on quality, attracting clients willing to pay for professional services.
• The platform offers a wide range of services, making it versatile for freelancers with different skill sets.
• Freelancers can set their rates and receive ratings and reviews from clients, helping them build a solid reputation.

Cons:

• ServiceScape charges service fees from freelancers on completed projects, which can reduce earnings.
• The platform is highly competitive, especially for new freelancers trying to establish themselves.
• Freelancers continuously maintain high standards to keep their ratings and attract more clients.

13. Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)

Type of Freelancing: Tech roles, startups, software development, marketing, product management.
Withdrawal Method: Varies by job (negotiated directly with the client).

Wellfound, formerly AngelList Talent, is a platform designed for freelancers looking to work with startups and tech companies. It specializes in connecting freelancers with roles in software development, marketing, product management, and other tech-related fields.

The platform is popular among early-stage startups looking for talented freelancers to help build their businesses.

Pros:

• Wellfound is focused on startups and tech roles, making it ideal for freelancers in these industries.
• The platform allows freelancers to communicate directly with clients, increasing their chances of finding meaningful work.
• Freelancers have the opportunity to work on innovative projects, often with the potential for long-term collaboration.

Cons:

• Competition for positions in popular startups on Wellfound can be high, making it challenging for freelancers to stand out.
• The platform is focused on tech and startup industries, which may limit opportunities for freelancers in other fields.
• Freelancers may need to negotiate terms directly with clients, which can be time-consuming and complex.

14. Onlinejobs.ph

Type of Freelancing: Virtual assistance, customer service, graphic design, writing.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal and direct bank transfer,

Onlinejobs.ph is a popular freelancing site for Filipinos, offering many job options, including virtual assistance, customer service, graphic design, and writing.

The platform connects Filipino freelancers with clients globally, providing a secure and reliable environment for remote work.

Pros:

• Onlinejobs.ph offers various job categories, ensuring freelancers have diverse opportunities.
• The platform is secure and reliable, providing a trustworthy environment for freelancers and clients.
• It is focused on Filipino freelancers, making it easier for them to find relevant job opportunities.

Cons:

• Freelancers need to verify their ID to access the platform fully, which might be a bit of a hassle for some users.
• The platform charges recruiting fees to recruiters, which affects freelancers’ earnings.

15. Designhill

Type of Freelancing: Graphic design, logo design, branding, web design.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, Payoneer, and direct bank transfer.

Designhill is a popular freelancing platform focused on creative design work, including logo design, branding, and web design. It caters to individual designers and agencies, offering a marketplace where clients can post design contests or hire designers directly.

Designhill also provides a print shop and a tool for creating custom merchandise, making it a versatile platform for creative professionals.

Pros:

• Designhill is focused on design and creative projects, making it ideal for freelancers in these fields.
• The platform offers multiple ways to earn, like contests and direct gigs, giving freelancers more chances to earn.
• Designhill has a supportive community of designers, providing a space for networking and collaboration.

Cons:

• The high competition on the platform, especially in design contests, can make it challenging for new freelancers to win projects.
• Freelancers may incur fees for withdrawals and transactions, which can reduce their overall earnings.

16. DesignCrowd

Type of Freelancing: Graphic design, logo design, web design, illustration, branding.
Withdrawal Method: PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, and direct bank transfer.

DesignCrowd is a popular freelancing platform focused on creative services, particularly in graphic design. Freelancers can participate in design contests where multiple designers submit their work, and the client chooses the winning design.

The platform also allows freelancers to be hired directly for specific projects, giving designers flexibility.

Pros:

• DesignCrowd provides freelancers multiple ways to earn, from participating in contests to being hired directly for projects.
• The platform is focused on creative work, making it an ideal choice for graphic designers and artists.
• DesignCrowd offers secure payment methods, ensuring they get paid for their efforts.

Cons:

• The contest-based system on DesignCrowd can be challenging, as only the winning designer gets paid, which can result in wasted time and effort for others.
• Competition is fierce, with many designers submitting their work for the same project, making it harder to stand out.
• Some freelancers may find the platform’s fees and payment structure less favorable, especially when factoring in the commission and service charges.