In this post we talk about the 9 best freelance websites for beginners.
The way that we work is changing. Technological advancements and increased connectivity are helping to create a completely new ballpark for budding self starters across the world.
Some people just aren’t built for a nine to five job and the lifestyle that comes with it. Whilst having a set structure can provide a degree of security, it can also drain your life of spontaneity and destroy your work-life balance.
More and more people are choosing to become self-employed, empowering themselves to work from practically anywhere in the world. Imagine having the freedom to work from somewhere truly exotic or wild and having the time to pursue your real interests instead of working a set schedule.
If it’s your dream to work digitally while you travel or simply set up shop from the comfort of your own home, it’s crucial to know where your work is going to come from in order to make it feasible and financially viable.
So, if you’re a veteran digital nomad looking to expand your network or if you’re a freelancer starting out on a new career path, this list of websites will provide you with all the resources you need to land that next contract and send you on the path to achieving professional independence.
The Benefits of Freelancing
There are tons of perks to life as a freelancer waiting to be taken advantage of. You’ll be free to:
- Set your own hours.
- Travel while you work.
- Work remotely.
- Meet new people.
- Collaborate with people and companies from all over the world.
- Choose projects that really excite you.
- Spend more time doing the things you love.
What do I need to become a freelancer?
If you’re serious about being self employed, you’re going to need to be patient, dedicated, organised and flexible. You’re also going to need a marketable skillset – web development, coding, graphic design or journalism are a few common examples of the kind of work you can do as a freelancer, but the possibilities are endless.
Now, whatever your speciality is, you’re going to need a laptop and a decent internet connection to access online job boards and you’re ready to go – it’s as simple as that. Well almost…
As a freelancer you’re going to have to be comfortable with meeting deadlines and balancing multiple projects simultaneously, therefore time management and discipline are key to a successful career.
If you think you’re the kind of person who could make the most of freelancing, then this list of the best online job boards will aid you in landing those all important first gigs.
9 Best Freelance Websites for Beginners
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the most commonly used freelance job platforms out there. Their system allows freelancers to hook up with potential clients for all manner of jobs. They have postings for short-term, one-off projects as well as more long-term positions and recurring gigs allowing freelancers and contractors to collaborate casually or build more solid professional relationships.
For freelancers, Upwork has a number of supportive features. Their reports allow freelancers to securely show the time spent on each project allowing you to verify your hourly rate. These reports, such as timesheets, earnings and transaction history come in handy when it comes to the dreaded annual tax-return. Having your earning history easily accessible at the click of a button means much less hassle when crunching those numbers.
Each month, Upwork provides its freelance users with connects. Essentially, these are digital tokens which are used to fund applications for the jobs posted by clients. Some proposals require more connects than others and occasionally connects are refunded if you’re not chosen to work a certain project. You can buy more connects in order to submit more proposals. When you’re commissioned for a job on Upwork, they’ll take a service charge from your fee, but it’s a small price to pay when you take into account the advantages of using their platform.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is the world’s largest marketplace for digital services. Their super user-friendly platform allows businesses to connect with potential freelancers based upon their skillset and rate.
To become active on Fiverr and start collaborating with clients, you’ll need to create your seller profile to help showcase your talent and the services that you provide. Make sure you spend a good amount of time and effort on building your profile, after all you’re selling yourself and in order to attract clients you’re going to need to stand out from the crowd.
As a Fiverr seller, you’ll gain access to a number of tools to help build your business and increase your earnings. Once contracted, their up-selling tool allows you to offer additional services to your client. You’re also entitled to send out proposals to potential clients offering your specialised services. On top of this, Fiverr provides information to help you become a successful freelancer and free online sales course.
3. Freelancer
One of the best places for freelancers to start looking for work is, believe it or not, Freelancer. It’s a secure platform with a range of projects on offer for pretty much the whole spectrum of freelance sectors. They also provide 24-hour user support to aid you in any issues that need troubleshooting.
The Freelancer mobile app is really handy as it sends you notifications of jobs that best match your skills and abilities. When bidding for projects, you’ll be able to set your own pay scale and decide whether you want to charge a set fee or an hourly rate.
Freelancer has pages dedicated to helping new users get the most out their platform. They’ll give you advice on the best ways to bid for jobs and go the extra mile to sell your services successfully.
4. People Per Hour
In its thirteen-year history, People per hour has dished out over a million projects and helped freelancers worldwide collectively earn over 150 million dollars. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of then sign up today and start your freelance job search.
Whatever your niche, your bound to find a gig on People per hour. Like Upwork and Fiverr they don’t specialise in a certain field so there’s hundreds of jobs posted daily for writers, graphic designers, social media gurus, music and audio freelancers as well as videographers and digital marketing specialists to name a few.
People per hour is appealing thanks to its offers feature. This allows freelancers to add bespoke services in a stylish and compact way. It gives you the chance to personalise your skillset and present your services to potential buyers with relative ease.
5. Vitamin T
Vitamin T (the ‘T’ standing for talent) links digital creative with a range of global clients. If you’re a web developer, copywriter, graphic designer or if you specialise in marketing technology, Vitamin T could be a great platform for you to showcase your professional abilities.
Searching for jobs through Vitamin Talent will require a lengthier application process when compared to the previously mentioned platforms. You’ll already need a portfolio of work to be assessed, references from previous or existing clients and there’s a skill assessment to carry out before successfully registering, so this is a place for more established freelancers. It may seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, but the idea is to partner clients with the best and most suitable freelance talent.
The benefits of freelancing through Vitamin T are plentiful; firstly, their system assists in matching clients with the most suitable freelancers, aiding you in your job search. As well as this, you’ll be entitled to access health benefits and support with payroll and taxes.
6. Writer Access
This platform is for all the wordsmiths out there. There are numerous branches to freelance writing; journalism, copywriting, blogging, ghost writing, editing and proofreading gigs are available in abundance if you know where to look.
Writer Access is a platform dedicated to matching freelance writers with bespoke projects from a range of clients and you can earn anywhere between three cents and two dollars per word. With freelance writing, your rate will depend on a combination of your experience and the nature of the project. To register, you’ll need to pass an online aptitude test and submit some writing samples to gain a profile rating which is used to best match you with potential clients and help find suitable projects.
As is expected, Writer Access will take a commission on any earnings through their platform but there are a number of features to help advance your freelance writing career. If a client is happy with your work, they’re free to add you their ‘love list’ which allows them to notify you directly of new projects. It’s a great way to build professional links and keep the work flowing.
7. Guru
Guru is similar to other job boards in the sense that you’re able to create a profile to showcase your talent and bid for jobs. However, what sets it apart from other platforms is its WorkRooms feature which allows users to collaborate on projects with ease. WorkRooms allows you to build a team where each individual carries out a role to contribute to an overall project and create a truly unique final product.
Guru’s service fees are relatively low when compared with other platforms and with multiple payment options available, you’re free to choose how and when you want to access your earnings.
It’s free to access their community, but if you want to access to advanced job searches, more bidding opportunities and discounted job charges, its definitely worth subscribing for premium membership.
8. Skyword
Do you want to freelance for top-tier brands across the globe? If so, Skyword is the platform for you. It’s a working community for writers and digital content creators to showcase their portfolio online giving potential clients the opportunity to view samples of your work before procuring your services.
It’s easy to upload your writing samples, photography or video projects through Skyword and you’re free to regularly change and edit your portfolio to enhance your visibility. You can choose to upload web links to direct potential clients to your work that’s been published online or you can add PDF files of unpublished work.
By creating a Skyword portfolio, you’ll not just publish your examples of your work, but be able to create a bio and link your profile to your personal website and social media accounts promoting the full scope of your abilities.
9. TaskRabbit
If you don’t work from your computer, freelancing is still possible with TaskRabbit. You can find all manner of local jobs that require a hands-on approach on their platform. It’s a great place for people who have a knack for DIY as people who aren’t use Taskrabbit to post jobs that they need help with from handyman contracts to yard work.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing is the future. Millions of people worldwide are taking control of their careers and optimising their work-life balance. Becoming self employed will liberate you from the strains of office life or provide a side hustle that you can carry out casually from your sofa.
When using online job boards it’s important to remember the following tips:
- Sell yourself – when bidding for jobs you’re going to be competing against other freelancers so it’s crucial that you stand out from the crowd. Don’t fall into the trap of only highlighting your skills. It’s important to ask the client questions to ensure you’ll make the most of the project.
- Use multiple platforms – you don’t have to sign up with just one website. Each platform has its advantages so make sure you spread your chips and maximize your chances of finding work.
- Manage your time – as a beginner you’re going to have to make use of your time in order to meet deadlines and get great feedback to enhance your chances of winning future contracts. Don’t bite off more than you can chew!
We hope you enjoyed this list of 9 best freelance websites for beginners. If you take into account these pointers when using online job boards, you can say goodbye to the nine to five life and start your adventure as a freelancer. Good luck!
