Discover the Top 16 Freelance Platforms for Beginners 2023

Discover the Top 16 Freelance Platforms for Beginners 2023

Discover the Top 16 Freelance Platforms for Beginners 2023 In recent years, the allure of freelance work has reached unprecedented levels. The adaptability and remote nature of such work have revolutionized the traditional work paradigm.

Today, a multitude of freelance opportunities cater to diverse skill sets, from web development to copywriting. Nevertheless, navigating this landscape to find the right gig can still be challenging, even for those with an established online portfolio.

Thankfully, there are numerous freelance platforms that can be invaluable in your quest for the perfect freelance project. In this article, we present the 16 premier freelance platforms to facilitate your search in 2023.

Top 16 Freelance Platforms for Finding Work:

  1. Fiverr
  2. Toptal
  3. Jooble
  4. Freelancer.com
  5. Upwork
  6. Flexjobs
  7. SimplyHired
  8. Guru
  9. LinkedIn
  10. Behance
  11. 99designs
  12. Dribbble
  13. People Per Hour
  14. ServiceScape
  15. DesignHill
  16. TaskRabbit

Our Selection Criteria for the Best Freelance Platforms:

Frequently Asked Questions about Freelance Work:

  1. What is Freelancing?
  2. What Are the Advantages of Being a Freelancer?
  3. How to Become a Freelancer?

When initiating your freelance career, you have two primary choices. You can either invest in web hosting and a domain name to create your personal website for offering services online, or you can register an account on one of the many freelance platforms. If the latter option aligns better with your current needs, you’ll find our list exceptionally useful.

Here are our top 16 freelance platforms to choose from:

  1. Fiverr:

    • Freelancing Specialties: Digital marketing, web development, social media.
    • Pros: Diverse categories, free registration, access to online courses.
    • Cons: High commission charges, lengthy payment process.

Fiverr serves as a platform connecting freelancers with business owners seeking services in various digital domains, including website design, content writing, and voice-overs. On this platform, freelancers are referred to as “sellers,” their services as “gigs,” and business owners as “buyers.” Instead of submitting bids, sellers can sign up for free, list their gigs, and set their prices. Buyers can conveniently browse through different categories to make their purchases. When a buyer acquires a gig, the system automatically deducts their account and places the funds on hold. It then charges a commission fee and disburses 80% of the offered price to the freelancers. The time it takes to withdraw earnings varies depending on the seller’s level and can be up to 14 days. Multiple withdrawal options, including debit cards, PayPal, and wire transfers, are available. Fiverr boasts 3.42 million active buyers and offers project-based pricing rather than hourly rates, allowing freelancers to set their rates. The platform ensures secure payments with an SSL certificate and offers 24/7 customer support.

       2. Toptal:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Software development, financial consulting, interim management.
    2. Pros: High-caliber companies and talent, free invoicing and payments.
    3. Cons: Rigorous screening process, caters to substantial projects only.

Toptal connects highly qualified freelance experts from various industries with companies seeking specialized skills. It boasts a wide array of freelancers, from web developers and web designers to finance consultants and product managers. To become a freelancer on Toptal, one must navigate a comprehensive screening process comprising five stages, including an English evaluation and project assessment. Only the top 3% of applicants succeed in gaining access to job listings from top-tier clients and companies, including well-known names like Motorola and Airbnb. Failing any part of the test can result in your application being put on hold for several months. Toptal also offers a dedicated service for time tracking and invoicing called TopTracker. Freelancers can specify their total price and receive payments via Payoneer, PayPal, or direct local bank transfer.

  3. Jooble:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Writing, graphic design, data entry.
    2. Pros: Centralized job discovery, email alerts, no need for sign-up.
    3. Cons: No direct application; must apply through the job vacancy’s source.

Jooble functions as a job vacancy search engine, aggregating listings from over 140,000 sources worldwide, including corporate websites, online job boards, freelancing platforms, social networks, and classifieds. What sets Jooble apart is its ability to streamline the job discovery process, eliminating the need to check multiple online job boards and freelancing platforms. Users can narrow down job searches by selecting a specific city within their country on the homepage. Registration is not required to find freelance opportunities on Jooble; you simply enter your desired job’s keyword into Jooble’s search engine. You can apply various filters, such as salary range, work experience, and post date, to refine your search results. Jooble, being an aggregator, redirects you to the source of the job vacancy when you select a search result. It also offers email alerts for those interested in getting notifications about new jobs matching their chosen keywords.

  1. Freelancer.com:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Content translation, web development, social media marketing.
    2. Advantages: Real-time progress monitoring, constant 24/7 customer support via live chat..
    3. Cons: Complex interface, spam applicants, presence of fake clients.

Freelancer.com serves as another platform where professionals and companies from around the world collaborate on diverse projects, thanks to a wide range of expertise. Freelancers can sign up by filling out a brief registration form, providing comprehensive details about their skills, education, and work history. The platform also hosts various contests, allowing freelancers to earn money and receive reviews on their profiles. Freelancers receive full payment after completing a job, but the platform deducts a 10% commission from their total earnings for contests and fixed projects. Like most freelance sites, freelancers can choose to withdraw earnings through PayPal or wire transfers.

       4. Upwork:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Brand marketing, programming, website design.
    2. Pros: Payment protection, reputable clients, project-based pricing.
    3. Cons: Lengthy selection process, high service fees.

Upwork is a global freelancing platform connecting clients and freelancers from various corners of the world. It offers a broad spectrum of categories, including web design, software development, customer service, and accounting. Clients and freelancers can engage in multiple ways, with clients posting jobs and hiring talent or purchasing predefined services from the project catalog. Freelancers, in turn, can access the job board and offer their services. To become a freelancer on Upwork, start by creating a profile with details about your skills, expertise, and work history. Keep in mind that clients assess your qualifications by reviewing your profile when you bid for jobs or propose projects. Upwork utilizes a sliding scale for its commission fees, which decrease as you earn more.
You can withdraw your earnings through options like direct transfer, PayPal, and bank transfer.

      5. Flexjobs:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Writing, content marketing, transcription.
    2. Pros: Scam-free, 30-day money-back guarantee, reliable support.
    3. Cons: Some premium jobs may be found outside the platform.

Flexjobs is a platform specializing in flexible and remote job opportunities, encompassing freelance, part-time, and full-time positions. It covers a wide range of categories, from education and training to journalism and writing jobs. Flexjobs distinguishes itself by ensuring the legitimacy of every job listed on the platform, filtering out scams and fraudulent companies. Unlike many online job boards, this freelance website doesn’t display any advertisements on its pages. To access freelance jobs, users must sign up for a subscription, with plans starting at $6.95 per week. Subscribers gain unlimited access to job listings, a personalized work portfolio, career advice, and free skills testing. Payment for subscriptions can be made through prepaid cards or PayPal, with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for those who may not be fully content with the service.

    6. SimplyHired:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Human resources, finance, data entry.
    2. Pros: Email alerts, useful guides, free job tools.
    3. Cons: Occasional spam from unreliable third-party websites.

SimplyHired operates as a job board where companies can post job opportunities at no cost. It also aggregates job offers from across the internet into one unified page. The site features a clean user interface, simplifying job browsing by category. Various freelance opportunities span different fields, including finance and marketing. To find a specific job, users can enter related keywords into the search box and narrow results by indicating their city, state, or ZIP code. Job seekers can also explore company pages to access additional information, such as salary overviews, benefits lists, and employee reviews. While browsing through SimplyHired is possible without creating a profile, doing so provides access to various job tools, including a salary estimator and a resume builder.

     7. Guru:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Marketing, programming, administration.
    2. Pros: Secure payment, customized job listings, free membership.
    3. Cons: Potential presence of fake clients.

Guru serves as a platform for freelancers and companies worldwide to collaborate. Companies can hire professionals with a range of skills, including programmers, graphic designers, and product managers. This freelance website simplifies the process of browsing job listings and submitting quotes to clients. It starts with signing up and creating a freelancer profile. The system offers job recommendations based on your skill set and work experience. Freelancers can bid on both long and short-term projects and specify a fixed price for each project. Multiple withdrawal methods are available, including PayPal and wire transfer. The site also ensures that freelancers are paid promptly with SafePay protection. Every freelancer who registers on this freelance website receives a free basic membership, but paid membership plans provide additional tools to make your profile more prominent.

   8. LinkedIn:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Copywriting, translation, graphic design.
    2. Pros: Networking opportunities, real-time news updates, cost-effective.
    3. Cons: Occasional spam content from malicious users.

LinkedIn ranks among the most popular job sites, providing an easy route to finding employment in various fields. It also serves as a social networking platform for professionals to connect and interact. Initiating your journey is as simple as signing up and creating a profile, including comprehensive details such as your skills, education, and work history. A robust LinkedIn profile can open doors to numerous job opportunities. Posting new content can enhance your profile’s visibility, making you more attractive to potential employers. Browsing LinkedIn’s job postings is an effective means of discovering freelance opportunities. To find your ideal freelance job, ensure you use relevant keywords and sort results by the most recent postings.

    9. Behance:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Illustration, photography, web design.
    2. Pros: Extensive audience, networking opportunities, personalized content.
    3. Cons: Competitive environment, limited image file size.

Unlike other platforms on this list, Behance stands out as a social network tailored to creative talents. Creatives worldwide use this platform to construct portfolios and showcase their work, spanning animations, illustrations, websites, and graphic design. Freelancers in fields like graphic design, web design, and animation can leverage Behance to gain exposure and connect with potential employers. Registering for an account and setting up your profile marks the starting point. As a networking site, following more profiles can yield more content in your feed, broadening your horizons for freelance work opportunities. Behance also provides a job board, offering personalized job recommendations based on your skills and areas of expertise.

    10. 99designs:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Web, logo, and graphic design.
    2. Pros: Tailored environment, payment security, active community.
    3. Cons: High service fees, design levels may be limiting.

99designs caters to freelance designers seeking job opportunities, with a particular focus on design projects, including logos, book covers, clothing, and merchandise. Upon signing up, you’ll be prompted to create a profile, including your work experience. The curation team reviews applications and assigns a designer level based on your qualifications. A higher designer level translates to more visibility on the platform. 99designs simplifies the process of finding freelance jobs within your area of expertise. By selecting industries, styles, and design categories, you’ll gain access to a selection of jobs to choose from. When working with a new client, 99designs levies an introduction fee of $100 and a platform fee ranging from 5% to 15%. Freelancers receive payments via PayPal or Payoneer within three business days and even sooner for those with higher-profile levels.

        11. Dribbble:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Mobile design, illustration, animation.
    2. Advantages: Expansive network, worldwide community, and a wealth of design inspiration.
    3. Cons: Access to freelance job listings available with a pro version only.

Dribbble ranks among the most renowned platforms for creative talents to meet, interact, and collaborate. Designers and artists employ this platform to develop portfolios and promote their brands. Establishing a work portfolio on Dribble can enhance your prospects of being hired. To get started, sign up for an account and upload your designs. Another method for finding job opportunities is to explore the job board on the website. Dribbble offers various job types, including UI/UX design and content creation. However, access to freelance job listings is exclusive to premium users. Dribbble’s premium version comes with a monthly fee ranging from $5 to $15. It grants users the ability to upload videos and multi-shot images to their profiles and offers priority placement in hiring search listings.

   12. People Per Hour:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Programming, journalism, branding.
    2. Pros: Automated invoicing, location-based listings, secure payments.
    3. Cons: Free bids limited to $15 per month.

 

 

True to its name, People Per Hour assists businesses in finding professional freelancers to hire either by the hour or for project-based work. The platform hosts millions of freelancers from a multitude of industries, including public relations, marketing, and journalism. Freelancers can create an account for free and initiate their profile setup. Keep in mind that the platform’s moderators review each application before approval. Once approved, freelancers can start browsing jobs in various categories. When working on a project, freelancers can submit offers and set their prices. Upon project completion, they can conveniently create invoices from their dashboard. Like many freelancing sites, People Per Hour imposes a service fee on freelancers per client. For $350 earnings, this fee is 20% but decreases as you complete more work.

    13. Services cape:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Academic writing, document translation, manuscript editing.
    2. Pros: Custom pricing structure, flexible scheduling options, effective communication.
    3. Disadvantages: Elevated commission rate and restricted scope of expertise.

ServiceScape operates as an online job board specializing in freelance writing, editorial work, and translation projects. The platform helps freelancers construct profiles and promotes them to a growing client database. ServiceScape distinguishes itself through its hiring process. Instead of bidding on projects or submitting proposals, freelancers simply await work offers from clients, making it essential to have a standout profile. Freelancers and employers can effortlessly connect on ServiceScape, exchanging messages and scheduling conference calls. Income distribution occurs monthly via PayPal, check, and Gusto. Freelancers can specify custom pricing structures, either project-based or hourly. However, the platform charges a commission fee of 50% for each completed work.

 14. DesignHill:

    1. Freelancing Specialties: Design hill Website, brand, and merchandise designs.
    2. Advantages: Inherent online store, absence of service charges, and live chat assistance.
    3. Cons: Not suitable for non-designers.

DesignHill functions as a creative marketplace where businesses can source high-quality designs from professional designers and artists. A broad range of design projects is available, including logos, websites, and brochures. Upon signing up for an account, you gain access to a diverse selection of freelance design jobs and design contests. This presents an excellent opportunity to build your work portfolio and establish relationships with clients. As a freelancer on this platform, you can construct your stores and begin selling globally, aided by tools such as a profit calculator and business card maker. Importantly, DesignHill only charges service fees to clients, meaning freelancers receive the full amount for their work, contests, or store sales. For payment withdrawal, the platform supports PayPal and Payoneer.

These 16 platforms offer a wealth of freelance opportunities spanning diverse domains. Depending on your skills and preferences, one of these platforms could be your ideal gateway to the thriving world of freelancing.”

 

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