Finding clients can be intimidating when you’re just starting out in the freelance world. As demand for freelancers continues to grow, so does the competition. Luckily, technology has made it easier than ever to find the best clients and projects.
Freelance job sites streamline the search process by matching clients with the best candidates. They provide a platform to showcase your unique skills and portfolio and filter out clients who aren’t looking for your specific services. As long as you take full advantage of the tools freelance sites have to offer, they can help you land clients and kickstart a successful career.
That said, it’s important to choose a freelancing site that’s best suited for your services. There are many platforms to choose from, so take some time to review all the options and weigh each site’s advantages and disadvantages. It could save you a lot of time in the long run.
Read on to discover 10 freelance job sites designed to match you with the perfect clients.
#1. Upwork
Upwork is a good option for any freelancer whose services only require a computer and internet access. Once you create an account outlining your services, skills and experience, Upwork’s algorithm will suggest relevant project opportunities and make your profile visible to potential clients.
Upwork will also reward you for completing consistent, quality work by boosting your profile’s visibility and lowering your service fee, so it’s best to use the service regularly.
How you get paid: Hourly or fixed-priced projects
#2. Fiverr
If you sell digital services and prefer a quick client turnover, Fiverr could be a good place to start. The platform offers services for as little as $5 and draws in huge numbers of clients. You might have to keep your prices low to stay competitive at first, but you can increase them – and your rating potential – over time as you complete more jobs.
Fiverr also encourages clients to tip, so you’ll be rewarded for quality work.
How you get paid: Fixed-priced projects + tips
#3. SimplyHired
This website can connect you with clients on both a global and local scale. SimplyHired allows you to search for potential clients in your area, so you can use it even if you don’t offer digital services. You can also use their salary estimator tool to compare your rates to other local freelancers’ in your industry.
How you get paid: Determined in client contracts
#4. 99Designs
99Designs was created for graphic design freelancers. You can work directly with clients and negotiate a price for your work, or you can use the site’s contest model.
To do this, you select an existing contest that interests you, create a mockup for the potential client and wait for them to choose their favorites. Finalists are then allowed to submit a completed design. If the client chooses your design, you earn a percentage of the contest fee.
How you get paid: Negotiate price per project or win a contest to earn a fixed percentage
#5. Freelancer
This online network, Freelancer allows you to submit bids for available projects or contests and create a profile that shows clients what you have to offer. You can also post your services at a set price and wait for clients to place an order.
Freelancer’s two-way rating system holds both parties accountable and affects your future billing potential, so you’ll want to focus on building a positive relationship with your clients.
How you get paid: Hourly or fixed priced projects
#6. Skyword
Skyword primarily works with writers, but graphic designers, videographers and other creatives can also use its services. The platform’s editors individually vet freelancers and select them for projects based on skills and keywords listed in their profiles.
Clients have the final say on who they hire, but you must impress the editors with a strong profile before you can access projects.
How you get paid: Payments processed via PayPal
#7. PeoplePerHour
Once you create a profile or project on PeoplePerHour, the platform’s AI will analyze it and present it to clients looking for related services. You can also browse projects on the site and submit proposals to the client. If they accept, Escrow.com will hold their payment and release it to you once the project is complete.
How you get paid: Hourly or fixed priced projects
#8. SolidGigs
With SolidGigs, you pay a monthly membership fee that allows you to outsource the client search process. The platform will send you relevant client leads a few times a week, and you can pick the projects you want to take on. You won’t have to cold-pitch to clients or spend extra time filtering out bad gigs.
A SolidGigs membership also comes with access to online courses and other freelancing tools, so it could be helpful if you’re new to freelancing.
How you get paid: Varies by client
#9. Nexxt
Nexxt is a free career network for freelancers and other outsourced workers that helps them find companies or agencies looking for their work. You can submit your resume and apply for jobs through the site, but the platform is not involved in the transaction after that step. Establishing a contract is up to you once you’ve submitted your application.
How you get paid: Determined in client contracts
#10. FreeUp
FreeUp is a freelance marketplace that requires a monthly membership fee to use. However, you must go through an application process before you can become a member. Once you are accepted, the service pairs you with relevant gigs and gives you access to Webinars, a Slack workspace and other resources.
How you get paid: Set your own hourly rates or offer fixed-rate products
Tips For Standing Out as a Freelancer
The number of people using these job sites is quickly growing, so it’s important to stand out over other freelancers. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your visibility on job sites and build your reputation for your business.
See the infographic below for tips on choosing a niche and landing your first client:
