7 Websites to Help You Find Freelance Work Online
There are many ways to approach finding freelance work, from advertisements to word-of-mouth recommendations. However, if you want to expand your reach and connect with clients around the world, joining an online freelance marketplace is an excellent option. Below, we explain what these marketplaces are, how they work, and introduce seven popular platforms that could help you find freelance work online.
What is a Freelance Marketplace?
Online freelance marketplaces are websites that connect businesses or individuals who need help with projects to freelancers who can do the work. If you’ve ever bought an item from a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay, you already have a basic idea of how a marketplace works. On these platforms:
- Freelancers can sign up, create a profile, and list the services they offer.
- Clients can either post jobs they need to fill or directly reach out to freelancers whose skills match their project requirements.
These sites can also be a great way to build your portfolio and network with potential long-term clients. And once a project is underway, marketplaces typically help with admin tasks such as client communication, billing, and tracking progress. This lets you focus on delivering great work without worrying as much about chasing invoices or finding ways to collaborate.
How Do Freelance Marketplaces Work?
Each marketplace has its own format, so it’s always wise to do some research before signing up. For instance, some platforms require freelancers to bid on projects, with the lowest bidder often winning the job. Others simply facilitate connections but may charge a commission or transaction fee whenever a project is successful. In some cases, you can set up gigs that clients browse and purchase. Whichever type of platform you choose, make sure to read its policies and consider its fee structure to determine whether it matches your needs.
How to Choose the Right Platform
Before selecting a site, think about the services you offer, where you’re located, and the type of clients you want to work with. While most general marketplaces have something for everyone, some platforms cater to particular industries. For instance:
- ProBlogger, Contently, and TextBroker cater to freelance writers
- Reedsy, Scribbr, and Gramlee cater to proofreaders and editors
- Dribbble, Behance, and Creative Market cater to artists and designers
Try to balance potential advantages – such as a large client base or user-friendly interface – against any fees. The right platform should help you find the work you want while fitting your budget and professional goals.
7 Websites to Find Freelance Work Online
Here are some examples of popular freelance marketplaces and what they offer.
1. Fiverr
On Fiverr, the services freelancers provide are called “gigs.” While it was once associated with $5 jobs, it now offers projects at a wide range of price points. For top-rated freelancers, there is also Fiverr Pro, an elite tier that can help you stand out and attract higher-paying clients.
Some benefits of using Fiverr include:
- It’s free to join
- The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate
- You can set your own rates
- You’ll have access to a global network of potential clients
Possible drawbacks of using Fiverr include:
- A 20% commission is charged for each transaction (including tips)
- Competition can be high, making it harder to establish yourself as a new freelancer
However, don’t be put off – there are lots of great guides to making Fiverr work for you. For example, this guide from freelance proofreader Lindsay Babcock covers 41 tips for succeeding on Fiverr.
2. Upwork
Upwork is one of the world’s largest freelance marketplaces. You can create a profile, set your own prices, and bid on projects as either an hourly or fixed-rate contract. Over time, completing high-quality work can help you earn badges like “Rising Talent” or “Top Rated,” which boosts your credibility and visibility.
Advantages of finding work through Upwork include:
- It’s free to create a profile
- It’s easy to find opportunities catered to your skillset
- You can set your own rates
- Payments are protected, and you can choose how you get paid (e.g., direct deposit, PayPal, Payoneer, wire transfer)
Some possible disadvantages of using Upwork include:
- You’ll pay a 10% service free on the money you earn from clients
- For each proposal you send, you’ll need to spend “Upwork Connects,” a kind of virtual currency
Want to learn more? Freelance graphic designer Morgan Overholt weighs up the pros and cons of using Upwork on their blog.
3. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based online marketplace that connects freelancers with small businesses. It has a straightforward interface that makes it easy to navigate projects, communicate with clients, and manage your workload. Though it’s particularly popular with UK freelancers, it’s open to a global audience.
Pros of using PeoplePerHour to find freelancer gigs include:
- Free profile setup
- Customized searches and notifications when a job matches your skills
- An escrow account clients pay a deposit into, which gives you some financial security
- Completely automated invoicing, reducing your workload
Here are the potential cons of using PeoplePerHour:
- Every proposal you send costs one credit – even if the buyer doesn’t accept it. Extra features, like Featured Proposals, cost more credits.
- There’s a 20% fee on your first £250 of earnings, and 7.5% between £250 and £5000.
Interested? Read more from Craig Campbell, a freelance SEO expert who discusses some of the pros and cons of PeoplePerHour for freelancers.
4. Freelancer
Freelancer is another long-established site that caters to freelancers in a huge range of industries, encompassing 247 countries, regions, and territories. Registration is free, though there are a variety of membership plans available that offer additional benefits, such as Highlighted Contest Entries and additional monthly bids.
Benefits of using Freelancer to find work include:
- Employer profiles, including payment history and reviews, so you can make an informed decision on who to work with
- The ability to set milestones for project tasks and get paid at each milestone
- Clear project tracking to help you stay on top of your workload
- A built-in messaging feature (with text messaging, audio call, video call, and file sharing functions) to make communication with clients easier
Drawbacks of using Freelancer to find work include:
- A 10% service fee on projects and contests
- A membership fee to access certain features
This review from Flexiple weighs up the pros and cons of Freelancer, with comments from freelancers who have used it to find work.
5. Guru
Guru is a competitive platform that showcases the services offered by freelancers from all over the world. It’s free to join the platform and create a profile.
Advantages of joining Guru include:
- Access to opportunities from 800,000 employers worldwide
- Payments secured with SafePay
- The choice of how to be paid (fixed price, hourly, task-based, or recurring payment)
- A relatively small service fee (2.9%) for each invoice
Disadvantages of Guru include:
- A smaller job pool than some of the larger platforms
- No formal vetting process for employers, meaning the quality of projects could vary
Check out this in-depth review of Guru from Forbes.
6. Airtasker
Originally launched in Australia, Airtasker has expanded to countries such as Singapore, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and Ireland. It allows clients to post tasks ranging from furniture assembly to marketing or proofreading. Freelancers then bid on these tasks, making Airtasker a good option for those who like flexibility and variety in the projects they take on.
Pros of using Airtasker to find freelance opportunities include:
- No fee to get started
- A user-friendly search page with a wide range of filters
- Notifications for jobs that match your skills and interests
- Payments managed through a secure escrow system
Cons of using Airtasker may include:
- A service fee of between 12.5 and 20% depending on your tier.
- Availability in only six countries, restricting opportunities
Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of Airtasker from content writer Alexios Georgakopoulos.
7. Toptal
Toptal connects freelancers and employers in a variety of disciplines, including business, design, and technology. Their clients are located all over the world and range from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Advantages of using Toptal as a freelancer include:
- Access to high-quality, often high-paying clients
- The platform handles the process of matching clients with freelancers – all you need to do is keep your profile up-to-date
- You can set your own hourly rate and will be paid based on the type of work you (full-time at 40 hours per week, part-time at 20 hours per week, or hourly)
Disadvantages of using Toptal as a freelancer include:
- A rigorous screening process that takes between three and eight weeks – Toptal claims to only approve 3% of applications!
- Unlike most platforms, Toptal doesn’t take a cut of your earnings
Here’s a review of Toptal from freelancer Evan Fisher, who has been on the platform for several years.
Ready to Start Freelancing?
Freelance marketplaces make it easier than ever to find freelance work online. They’re invaluable for all kinds of professionals who want a simple way to reach new clients. Whichever platform you choose, it’s crucial to research how the site operates, understand the fee structure, and tailor your profile to attract the clients you want to work with.
Knowadays courses can help you build your skills and gain the confidence you need to successfully find freelance work online. Boost your freelance resume, or start a brand new freelance career!
Updated on March 27, 2025
Your email address will not be published.