Top 15 Platforms to boost your freelance career

Embarking on a freelance career offers flexibility and opportunities for professionals seeking autonomy in their work life. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting, choosing the right platform is crucial.

In this article, we'll delve into the diverse world of freelance websites, providing insights into the pros and cons of each. Here are our top 15 freelance platforms, covering a spectrum of industries and services.

Behance

• Freelancing Type: Illustration, photography, web design
• Pros: Large audience, networking opportunities, personalized content
• Cons: Competitive environment, limited image file size
• Overview: Behance is a social network for creative talents to showcase portfolios. Building a profile and connecting with others increases exposure. Freelancers receive personalized job recommendations based on skills and categories.

LinkedIn

• Freelancing Type: Copywriting, translation, graphic design
• Pros: Networking opportunities, recent news updates, cost-effective
• Cons: Spam content from malicious users
• Overview: LinkedIn, a popular professional network, also serves as a platform for freelance opportunities. Creating a detailed profile with skills and work experience enhances visibility. Browsing job postings and using related keywords aids in finding freelance opportunities.

SimplyHired

• Freelancing Type: Human resources, finance, data entry
• Pros: Email alerts, helpful guides, free job tools
• Cons: Spam from unreliable third-party websites
• Overview: SimplyHired is a job board where companies post free job opportunities, aggregating listings from various sources. Users can browse without an account but gain access to tools like salary estimators and resume builders with a profile.

Toptal

• Freelancing Type: Software development, financial consulting, interim management
• Pros: Top-tier clients and talent, free invoicing and payments
• Cons: Extensive screening process, tailored for big projects
• Overview: Toptal caters to high-profile clients, including Motorola and Airbnb, connecting them with the top 3% of freelancers. The platform's rigorous screening process ensures quality. Freelancers enjoy access to top projects and can use TopTracker for invoicing and payments.

DesignHill

• Freelancing Type: Website, brand, and merchandise designs
• Pros: Built-in online store, no service fees, live chat support
• Cons: Not a good option for non-designers
• Overview: DesignHill is a creative marketplace where businesses source quality design from professional designers and artists. There is a broad range of design jobs available, including logos, websites, and brochures.

People Per Hour

• Freelancing Type: Programming, journalism, branding
• Pros: Automated invoice, location-based listings, secure payment
• Cons: Free bids are limited to $15/month
• Overview: People Per Hour connects businesses with freelancers for hourly or project-based work. Freelancers set up profiles and bid on projects. The platform charges a service fee, decreasing as freelancers accumulate earnings.

Freelancer.com

• Freelancing Type: Content translation, web development, social media marketing
• Pros: Progress tracker, live chat, 24/7 customer support
• Cons: Complex interface, spam applicants, and fake clients
• Overview: Freelancer.com offers a wide range of expertise with projects and contests. Freelancers benefit from contests, earning money and reviews. The platform charges a 10% fee on earnings, and freelancers can withdraw funds through PayPal or wire transfer.

Flexjobs

• Freelancing Type: Writing, content marketing, transcription
• Pros: Scam-free, 30-day money-back guarantee, reliable support
• Cons: Some premium jobs found outside the platform
• Overview: Flexjobs specializes in flexible job opportunities, ensuring legitimacy by verifying and screening all listings. Users pay for subscriptions starting from $6.95/week, gaining access to a scam-free job environment with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Guru

• Freelancing Type: Marketing, programming, administration
• *Pros: Secure payment, customized job listings, free membership
• Cons: Potential fake clients
• Overview: Guru connects freelancers with global companies, allowing bidding on short or long-term projects. Freelancers can set project prices and benefit from SafePay protection. A free basic membership is available, and paid plans enhance profile visibility.

Jooble

• Freelancing Type: Writing, graphic design, data entry
• Pros: Centralized job discovery, email alerts, no signup necessary
• Cons: No quick application – must apply from each job vacancy’s source
• Overview: Jooble acts as a job search engine, aggregating opportunities from 140,000+ sources globally. Freelancers can find jobs in specific regions without creating an account, simplifying the job discovery process.

Dribbble

• Freelancing Type: Mobile design, illustration, animation
• Pros: Large network, global community, abundant design inspiration
• Cons: Lists of freelance jobs available with a pro version
• Overview: Dribbble serves as a platform for creative talents, emphasizing networking and showcasing work. Premium users gain access to freelance job lists, expanding opportunities for designers and artists.

99designs

• Freelancing Type: Web, logo, and graphic design
• Pros: Dedicated environment, payment security, active community
• Cons: High service fees, limited designer levels
• Overview: 99designs focuses on design projects, allowing designers to bid on various creative opportunities. Designers undergo a curation process determining their level. The platform charges fees based on the designer's level, with payments processed through PayPal or Payoneer.

Upwork

• Freelancing Type: Brand marketing, programming, website design
• Pros: Payment protection, credible clients, budget-based projects
• Cons: Lengthy selection process, high service fee
• Overview: Upwork facilitates global connections between clients and freelancers. Freelancers can bid on projects or offer predefined services. The sliding scale commission fee starts at 20% and reduces as freelancers accumulate earnings. Withdrawal options include direct transfer, PayPal, and wire transfer.

Fiverr

• Freelancing Type: Digital marketing, web development, social media
• Pros: Diverse categories, free registration, online courses
• Cons: High commission charge, lengthy payment process
• Overview: Fiverr connects freelancers with businesses seeking various digital services. With a user-friendly interface, freelancers, referred to as sellers, can list their services, or gigs, allowing buyers to make purchases directly. Payment is secured through an SSL certificate, and sellers enjoy around-the-clock customer support.

ServiceScape

• Freelancing Type: Academic writing, document translation, manuscript editing
• Pros: Custom pricing structure, flexible scheduling option, effective communication
• Cons: High commission percentage and limited field of expertise
• Overview: ServiceScape is an online job board specializing in freelance writing, editorial, and translation work. The platform helps freelancers build profiles and promote them to a growing client database.

Conclusion

Navigating the freelance landscape requires finding the right platform that aligns with your skills and preferences. Each of these platforms has its unique features and advantages, catering to a diverse range of freelancers. Whether you're a designer, writer, programmer, or marketing expert, there's a platform tailored to your needs.

Start exploring, building your profile, and unlocking the vast opportunities that the freelance world has to offer.