There are two major options when it comes to starting your freelance career. You can get web hosting and a domain name to build your own website to offer services online. Or you can register an account at one of the freelance platforms. If you feel like the second option fits your current needs better, then you’ll find this list very handy.
Here are our top 5 freelance websites to choose from:
1. Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform that connects freelancers with business owners looking for services in various digital projects, including web design, content writing, and narration. It’s one of the top freelance job websites for students.
This freelance website provides a reasonable method for both freelancers and business owners to interact. On the website, freelancers are referred to as sellers, their services are performance contracts, and business owners are buyers.
Instead of bidding, sellers can register for free, list their performance contracts, and set prices. Meanwhile, buyers can simply browse through various categories to make purchases.
Whenever a buyer purchases a performance contract, the system automatically charges their account and holds the money. The system then deducts a commission fee and sends 80% of the listed price to the freelancers.
Depending on each freelancer’s seller level, it can take up to 14 days to withdraw their earnings. There are many options to withdraw payments, such as debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers.
Fiverr opens up a potential sales world with 3.42 million active buyers. There are no hourly rates, only project-based prices that you can decide.
Sellers are assured that payments are protected with SSL certificates protecting payment information and personal information. Also, 24/7 customer support is always ready to help.
2. Toptal
Toptal is a freelance website that connects high-level professionals with companies. It hosts a variety of freelancers, from web developers and web designers to financial consultants and product managers.
Registering on Toptal as a freelancer requires passing five steps of the screening process, from comprehensive English evaluation to project evaluation. This process ensures that only the top 3% are allowed on the platform.
Once all steps are passed, you gain access to various job postings from top clients and companies, such as Motorola and Airbnb. However, failing the test will delay your registration process by a few months.
Toptal has a dedicated service called TopTracker for time tracking and invoicing. With this service, freelancers receive the total price they quote and get paid via Payoneer, Paypal, or direct bank transfers.
The types of freelance work include software development, financial consulting, and temporary management. The advantages are top companies and talents, free invoicing and payments. The disadvantages are a broad screening process and only large projects.
3. Jooble
Jooble is a job search tool that aggregates from over 140,000 sources worldwide, including company websites, online job boards, freelance platforms, social networks, and classifieds sites.
A significant advantage of using Jooble is that you don’t have to check multiple online job boards and freelance platforms as it centralizes the process of finding freelance opportunities.
Jooble only allows you to search for jobs in a specific area. On the homepage, you can select a specific city in your country to find jobs limited to that area.
You don’t need to create an account to find freelance jobs on Jooble. All you need to do is enter the keywords for the job you want into Jooble’s search tool. Apply various filters such as salary, work experience, and posting date to help find the job that suits you.
Since Jooble is an aggregator, selecting a search result will redirect you to the source of the job posting. There, you will find more detailed information about the job and how to apply.
Sign up for Jooble’s email notifications if you want to be notified whenever Jooble finds new jobs for the keywords you are interested in.
The types of freelance work include writing, graphic design, and data entry. The advantages are focused job discovery, email notifications, and no need for registration. The disadvantage is that you can’t apply quickly – you have to apply from each recruitment source.
4. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is another freelance website where experts and companies from all over the world collaborate on various projects. Thanks to its wide range of expertise, customers can easily find an expert in any field.
You can register as a freelancer or a business owner. Registering as a freelancer requires you to fill out a short registration form. Provide detailed information, including your skills, education level, and work experience.
In addition to projects, there are many contests, such as for artwork or design. Freelancers can benefit from these contests by earning money along with reviews on their profile.
Each freelancer will receive full payment after completing the work. However, this platform takes 10% of your total income for contests and fixed projects. Like most freelance websites, you can choose to use PayPal or bank transfer to withdraw money.
The types of freelance work include content translation, web development, and social media marketing. The advantages are progress tracking, direct chat, and 24/7 customer support. The disadvantages are a complex interface, spam registrants, and fake customers.
5. Upwork
Upwork is a global freelancing platform that brings together clients and freelancers. It offers a variety of categories, including web design, software development, customer service, and accounting.
On Upwork, clients can either post a job to hire freelancers or purchase a predefined service from the project catalog. Freelancers, on the other hand, can offer their services for sale on the job board.
To get started on Upwork, freelancers need to create a profile that includes their personal details, skills, and work experience. This profile is crucial as clients will review it when considering freelancers for their projects.
One of Upwork’s features is its sliding fee scale. This means that the more a freelancer works, the less commission they pay. For instance, the commission starts at 20% for the first $500 billed and decreases as the freelancer earns more.
Freelancers have several options for withdrawing their earnings, including direct transfer, PayPal, and wire transfer.
The types of freelance work include brand marketing, programming, and website design. The advantages are payment protection, credible clients, and projects that fit your budget. The disadvantages are a lengthy selection process and high service fees.
How We Chose Top Freelance Websites
To ensure that each freelance website on our list is reliable and trustworthy, we weighed in several factors, such as:
- Terms and conditions. Chosen freelance websites have well-documented terms and conditions that protect both freelancers and employers on said platforms.
- Customer support. Each freelance site provides customer support to guide users and resolve any disputes.
- Payment and withdrawal methods. Local and global freelancers can receive payment from freelance websites through multiple options, such as bank transfers and electronic payments.
However, don’t forget to double-check everything when applying for a job since there is always a possibility of being scammed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding freelance work online doesn’t have to be difficult. Most platforms only require you to create an account and set up a profile.
However, it’s important to understand how each freelance website operates before signing up. You should consider factors such as the payment system, withdrawal method, and service fees.
If you’re looking for administrative or technical jobs, such as web development, social media management, or financial consulting, here are some top recommendations for freelance websites:
- Upwork
- Toptal
- Jooble
On the other hand, if you’re seeking creative jobs, like writing, graphic design, or illustration, the following freelance websites might be more suitable:
- Fiverr
- Flexjobs
- Dribbble
Remember, you also have the option to create your own website or portfolio. All you need is a hosting plan or a user-friendly website builder.
Good luck in finding the best freelance project for you. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.
Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive virtual job board for more diverse freelance opportunities, especially in remote and virtual roles. It’s a valuable resource for freelancers seeking a wide range of online jobs that match their skills and interests.
