Whether you’re looking for a way to break free from that tedious 9-to-5 job, or you’re just looking to make some extra cash on the side, freelancing may be the right path for you.
In fact, according to a 2018 study, around 56.7 million Americans dove into freelancing and the numbers are increasing exponentially. Even more, the same study says that about 70% of full-time freelancers find the idea of making this a long-term career quite appealing.
This growth was motivated by the rapid development of communication technologies and the explosion of freelance websites that play the role of intermediary between customers and professionals looking for work. However, the abundance of online platforms can also create confusion, especially among people who are just starting freelancing.
Since I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with these types of platforms, I decided to create a comprehensive guide for the best freelance websites to consider at the moment. So, if you’re looking for a side project and don’t know where to start, have a look at my list below.
Top 15 Freelance Websites to Try
Before I start the list, you should know that my main criteria were the Alexa ranking of the site, popularity among freelancers, number and type of available projects, and reliability regarding payments.
Fiverr (222 Alexa Ranking)
Fiverr is a freelancing platform that focuses more on creative people (although, they have a Programming & Tech section). As such, writers, designers, animators, programmers, and others will be able to find challenging side gigs.
However, it is more of a ‘get your foot in the door’ type of platform, which means there are plenty of beginners. As a result, the competition is quite fierce, and the rates are usually lower. Otherwise, the platform is safe to use, and the payment is delivered quickly once the client is satisfied.
Upwork (351 Alexa Ranking)
Upwork is one of the most popular online platforms as they offer access to a wide range of projects. There are job offers for writers, programmers, web designers, SEO specialists, project managers, experts in finance and economy, and more. Also, the interface is easy to use and understand.
However, fees are a bit high, but this helps professionals set more realistic rates and find better-paying customers. Not to mention, they are reliable when it comes to payments and customer service is ready to help.
Envato Studio (627 Alexa Ranking)
If you’re a professional web designer, programmer, or developer, the Envato Studio platform offers a plethora of freelance jobs with companies from all over the world. Created as a sort of talent hub for companies, the site is more focused on skilled professionals who can deliver fast turnaround and impressive quality.
Freelancer (907 in Alexa Ranking)
Also known as Freelancer.com, this is one of the oldest and most reliable freelance websites on the market right now. As such, they offer a wide range of work opportunities for freelancers.
Furthermore, they let you prove your skills by competing against other freelancers in contests organized by the platform or by customers. This is a great way to gain some traction as a beginner and stand out from the crowd.
99designs (4,178 in Alexa Ranking)
As the name suggests, 99designs is a site for design freelance jobs. This includes anything starting with logos, website templates, and ending with book covers and more.
Here, the job can be done in direct collaboration with a customer or by enrolling in an open contest, so everyone, regardless of experience, has a chance!
PeopleperHour
Even though the name suggests freelancers only get paid on an hourly basis, PeopleperHour also has fixed-rate projects. The platform is mostly focused on web-related projects, so if you’re a designer, developer, SEO specialist, and more in the field, go for it!
Toptal
Toptal boasts on the fact that only the most talented freelancers get to activate on their platform. To keep up with their promise, they screen each new profile and make sure you have the necessary skills before providing access to their exclusive network of customers.
So, if you are a highly trained professional in software development, design, finance, or product and project management, this is the platform to try!
Guru
Designed to help professionals all over the world find better customers, Guru.com is one of the most intuitive freelance websites right now. Freelancers have access to a dashboard that lets them keep projects well-organized and the platform even matches your skills with posted jobs.
FlexJobs
The job posts that may be appealing to freelancers are hand-screened to make sure you don’t waste your time on a fake lead. Also, FlexJobs offers opportunities from all walks of life, not just IT or creative projects.
The platform is amazing for anyone interested in a flexible or remote job to make some extra money.
TaskRabbit
Thanks to TaskRabbit, now even handymen can find freelancing projects to increase their monthly income! You get to set the rates, the type of work you want to do, and when you are available for it.
DesignCrowd
A platform for designers everywhere, DesignCrowd lets you work with customers or enroll in contests. Furthermore, you can submit existent designs (like a portfolio) so customers can appreciate your style and even bid on them.
Freelance Writing Gigs
Due to the sheer volume of freelance writers nowadays, It can be very difficult to find a well-paying job on a platform where the competition is open for anyone. Luckily, Freelance Writing Gigs does the search work and sends you possible opportunities from a wide range of platforms.
This way, you only need to decide on which job to apply to and reduce the time spent looking for something to fit your skills.
Kolabtree
Kolabtree is a special freelancing platform as it allows scientists, researchers, and academics in general to find side jobs. The freelancers who enroll on this platform are usually PhD-qualified professionals who offer writing, consulting, or data analysis services.
College Recruiter
In today’s economy, it can be difficult to land a good job right out of college if you’re not an IT major. That’s why a platform like College Recruiter that offers students or recent graduates access to challenging projects is more than welcome!
Hireable
Hireable is more of a job marketplace that allows professionals looking for freelance jobs to find the best options in their area and skills. The good news is that there are no fees to pay for using their search engine, but you will have to deal directly with the client (no intermediaries).
Wrap Up
As you can see, regardless of your skills and level of experience, there is a freelance platform for your needs. All you need to do now is decide which one provides the best offers, rates, and customers and go for it!
