By Pascal Oparada
Whether you’re looking for another way to pay your bills, seek more professional development opportunities or just love the freedom that freelancing offers, there are freelance websites that can guarantee you regular streams of income.
There’s no question that millions of people have discovered the benefits of professional freelancing. As trends like the digital roamer lifestyle grow in popularity, the number of freelance resources out there has increased as well.
While you need patience, there are plenty of guides for striking out on your own, but as a freelancer, getting higher-paying gigs isn’t just a matter of signing up on popular platforms. You will have to branch out, establish a great portfolio of past work and maybe even prove yourself through tests that showcase your skills. Here are lists of popular websites that can engage you as a freelancer.
1. Upwork
With over 1.5 million clients, Upwork (previously known as oDesk) offers something for every type of freelancer. It accommodates both short- and long-term projects, hourly or per-project work and expert-level and entry-level engagements. Regardless of where you are in your career, Upwork is likely to have something for you.
But in a recently revised policy, UpWork announced that it would not take in more freelancers whose skill sets are preponderant on the website. It said this is because there more freelancers chasing fewer projects on its platform.
So, if you hope to land a gig with UpWork, you need to update your skills or learn new ones entirely.
2. Toptal
With a distinctly different approach than the other services on this list, Toptal is for seasoned, talented freelancers. Passing Toptal’s screening process gives you unparalleled access to meaningful projects with great clients (JPMorgan, Zendesk, Airbnb, etc.) and fair compensation (no low-bid contests). You’ll also be able to join the Toptal community for frequent meetups and tech events.
From developers, designers and finance experts, Toptal is a truly professional website for real professionals.
3. Freelancer
In addition to offering millions of projects, Freelancer allows you to compete with other freelancers in contests to prove your skills. If you’re competitive and confident in your expertise, it’s a great way to showcase your abilities and attract more clients.
The site gives you access to millions of jobs posted on its site on minute by minute basis and asks you to sponsor your bid to appear on top of employers page.
4. 99designs
A platform for Graphic designers, web developers, and illustrators, 99designs lets you compete in design contests and get feedback as clients choose the best ones. It’s a great way for talented designers to prove their talents.
According to the website, it has paid out over @150 million dollars to designers in the last 2 years.
5. Freelance Writing Gigs
Whether you’re a writer, editor, blogger, publisher or any combination of those, Freelance Writing Gigs is a great option for freelancers who have a way with words.
It is also a platform for creative types, including writers, filmmakers, producers, photographers and more. You work with the site to create unique content, engage audiences and promote your talents.
6. GetACoder
This site is for freelance writers, web designers, and programmers – exactly what small businesses need to get a website idea off the ground. GetACoder offers millions of smaller-scale projects to choose from.
7. iFreelance
This platform accommodates some of the usual suspects of the freelancing world (writers, editors, coders, etc.) but also features freelance marketers as well. Unlike other sites, iFreelance lets you keep 100 percent of your earnings.
9. Project4hire
With hundreds of project categories, Project4hire makes it easy to identify jobs that suit your skill set, without scanning through large volumes of posts. It’s great for coders, consultants, designers and more.
9. SimplyHired
With a wider range than most other freelance platforms offer, SimplyHired is perfect for everyone from salespeople to construction workers. It includes a blog with hiring tips, a company directory, and location-based search.
Whether you’re a programmer, designer, expert, college student or something in between, there’s a freelance platform out there for you. Check out the sites above to get started today!