by So you’re officially a freelancer. You’ve figured out what service you want to provide, and now it’s time to focus on getting clients. The best way to do that is by creating a profile on one of the many freelancing websites out there right now.
And when I say many, I mean many. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Toptal, Guru, 99designs, FlexJobs, Dribbble, TaskRabbit, and countless others make choosing the right one a real minefield.
That’s why today, I’m narrowing it down to just the three best freelancing sites for you to start using. These are my personal recommendations, but if you’ve got other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Let’s weigh up each platform’s pros and cons to make your decision easier.
Upwork: A Market Leader with Structured Opportunities
If you’ve heard of freelancing websites, chances are you already know about Upwork. It’s one of the most popular platforms for freelancers and side hustlers alike.
How It Works
On Upwork, freelancers create a profile listing the services they offer. Clients browse profiles rather than gigs, and key metrics like:
- Your rate
- Earnings to date
- Job success rate
- Specialty tags
…play a huge role in whether clients choose to work with you.
Pros
- You can consistently apply to client-posted jobs every day.
- Building long-term relationships and securing large projects is common.
- Free to sign up, and the commission rate is 10% per completed job.
Cons
- Upwork restricts you to specialize in one niche, limiting versatility.
- Applying to jobs can be competitive, with 100+ freelancers vying for the same position.
- Crafting standout proposals is time-consuming, especially for beginners.
While they’ve added a Fiverr-style gig option, it feels rushed and prone to misuse, with users copying gigs from other platforms. Despite this, Upwork remains a reliable choice for consistent, long-term freelancing work.
Fiverr: Versatility and a Gig-Driven Approach
Fiverr ranks alongside Upwork as one of the largest freelancing platforms. It has carved a niche for itself with its gig-driven system.
How It Works
Freelancers create a standard profile and list multiple gigs in different categories. Ranking levels—New Seller, Level 1, Level 2, and Top Seller—determine the number of gigs you can post.
Pros
- No need to niche down—you can post gigs in multiple categories.
- Once a gig gains traction, it ranks higher, leading to steady client inquiries.
- Fiverr heavily invests in advertising, driving significant client traffic.
Cons
- New gigs often languish on the last pages initially.
- Fiverr charges a 20% commission on all completed orders.
- Success is algorithm-dependent, with limited proactive job applications.
Despite some negatives, Fiverr’s robust advertising ensures a steady influx of clients. If you’re consistent and patient, it can become a rewarding platform.
Freelancer.com: Affordable but Highly Competitive
Freelancer.com is another major player, but it’s not without its challenges.
How It Works
Similar to Upwork, clients post projects or contests, and freelancers submit proposals. While free to join, competition is fierce, especially with low-cost bids dominating the platform.
Pros
- Free to get started, with a low 10% commission rate.
- The chance to apply to numerous projects and contests.
Cons
- High competition with freelancers offering services as low as $2–$3 per hour.
- Budgets are often too low to justify the effort.
- Quality of work can be inconsistent.
This platform may work for freelancers who are willing to put in extra effort and deliver standout work to gain traction. However, for many, the competitive pricing makes it a tough landscape to succeed in.
Conclusion
Choosing the right freelancing platform depends largely on your niche and work style:
- If you’re looking for long-term relationships and bigger projects, Upwork is your go-to.
- For versatility and quick project turnover, Fiverr excels.
- If you don’t mind the competition and low-budget projects, Freelancer.com can be an option.
Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so think about your goals and preferences before diving in. If you need help deciding which platform suits your services best, drop a comment below.
Otherwise, stay tuned for more tips and insights, and I’ll see you in the next one!
