Best 5 freelancing websites in 2021 to find work for beginners and experts

Best 5 freelancing websites for beginners and experts

Freelancing is one of the best ways to earn money from your own home in your own comfort zone. If you are someone who is looking to be a freelancer? And want to make money from freelancing at home? Then you should be aware of these freelancing websites. A large number of freelancing websites can be found on Google. These websites are completely free to use. Each website has its own set of rules and protocols for creating a profile and using them. They are all similar to one other while also being distinct.

In today's post, I'll list the top 5 freelancing sites that you should consider using to begin your freelance career. But before that let's have a look at some important topics.

Already a Freelancer? But not getting any clients on freelancing sites. Well, these can be those mistakes you are making. Know these "7 Reasons Why You Aren’t Getting any Clients".

How to choose a freelancing website?

It's important to pick the right freelancing website. While choosing a website, you should consider these points in your mind. 

Cost of Service - some sites charge a registration fee from you in starting and then you can start work there while some are free to use but deduct a fee from your earnings. You must determine which website is most useful to you. If you are unable to pay the registration fee,  then always proceed with free sites. Most sites are free to use. They also provide a variety of features to their users.
Freelancer protection- Go after those sites that assure payment. There will always be clients that are fraudulent and pretend to pay you. However, there are some freelance websites that ensure that their freelancers are well protected.
Terms of the services- Always read the terms of service before using a website. You must be familiar with the website's conditions, as well as what they expect from freelancers and how it works.
Categories-It's good if your skills fall under their freelance category. Always check out the categories they provide for freelancers. Suppose,  It will be a waste of time if you are a content writer or if you create a profile on a website that posts developer jobs. Hence make sure to read what categories of services they have for freelancers.
Site popularity-Always look into what other freelancers like to say about a specific website. Check over their reviews to see what kind of experience those freelancers have.
Customer service- Make sure the website has good customer support in case if in the future you need them. They should be willing to listen to their users and solve their problems.

Why use a freelancing website? Pros and Cons of freelancing sites-

Pros of freelancing websites -

These websites allow clients and freelancers to connect with each other in a flexible way. Websites are beneficial for both clients as well as freelancers. Clients get a pool of freelancers with expertise while freelancers get a chance to make money. These sites have made communication, delivery, flexibility, and security better. These sites make sure that the clients get what they want and freelancers don't get cheated. Look at this point to understand why using freelancing.

• Clients- You'll have a client pool. You have the right and power to choose the client with whom you wish to work. If you don't feel comfortable working with a client, you have the power to dismiss working with them.
• Secure payment- If you follow the rules of the website, your payment is fully protected.
• Time tracker- some websites also provide you with a time tracker for hourly projects and other operations.
• Free to use- The majority of freelancing websites are free to use. These websites do not require you to pay a large sum of money.
• Paid Membership- Sites also offer paid memberships to their freelancers, which include a variety of additional services and perks.
• Work from home- You may simply work from home and earn money with these sites.

Cons of freelancing websites-

• Clients- there you will also come across those clients who are fraudulent and can cheat you.
• Withdrawal- Third parties may deduct a fee while withdrawing money, resulting in low earnings.
• Service fee- Sites may deduct a service fee from your revenue as well.
• No job security - There could be times when you don't have any clients or money. There is no such thing as job security.
• No other benefits- Other perks are not provided by freelancing sites, like health insurance or PF.

1. UPWORK

If you are a beginner or expert this website is one the best platform. This platform has grown to become the most well-known and largest marketplace for both clients and freelancers in India and around the world. If you have professional skills, Upwork offers categories in which you can apply. It is one of the most professional platforms, and as a result, its policies are quite strict. Joining Upwork is completely free. However, to apply for jobs on Upwork, you only get a limited number of connects every month. To get started on Upwork you need the right skill and expertise. Here is the list of services you can provide to clients.

• Accounting & Consulting, 
• Admin Support
• Customer Service
• Data Science & Analytics
• Design & Creative
• Engineering & Architecture
• IT & Networking
• Legal
• Sales & Marketing
• Translation
• Web, Mobile & Software Development
• Writing

Click on the "Job Categories and Descriptions" to learn more about these categories. To work as a freelancer on Upwork, you must first create a profile. When you create an account, Upwork gives 80 free connects to their new users. Include info about yourself, your expertise, knowledge, and experience in the profile. When you apply for jobs or pitch a project, keep in mind that clients will check your profile to see if you're qualified. Short-term and long-term projects are available, as well as entry-level and expert-level projects.  Work can be on an hourly or project basis. It is defined by the client. They provide outstanding customer support and charge reasonable project rates. They charge a service fee from freelancers, whether the contracts are hourly, fixed-price, or projects on Project Catalog. These are like this, 

$0-$500: 20%

$500.01-$10,000: 10%

$10,000.01 or more: 5%

There are several payment methods including, direct transfer, PayPal, Payoneer.

Pros- 

• Upwork's payment platform provides very good security. since it offers direct bank account linkage, as well as provides high encryption and prevents hacking. It is also always fully accountable for its payments; if you complete the work in the time frame allotted, you will be paid.
• Other sites have a minimum rate, but Upwork does not, so competing with other freelancers becomes more exciting, when you obtain more work, you can expect progress and new clients which allows you not to be stuck at the same work rate.

Cons-

• Upwork takes a fee from every freelancer like other platforms.
• Because of the high volume of freelancers on the site, it may be difficult for beginners to get the first job, so be ready to set your price a little low as compared to others.
• Scammers are everywhere on the internet. So be sure that you are not getting in the trap of scammers. Always verify clients and if possible apply to those jobs that have verified payments.

Tips- Offer a lower rate than your competitors if you're new. Show your experience and expertise if you are an expert. Create a portfolio to show off your skills. It aids in the acquisition of clients and the development of trust. Be active and improve your profile on a frequent basis. Make the most of your connects and apply for as many jobs as you can. Provide competitive bids and write unique, professional, and appealing proposals to clients. Make sure Delivery is always on schedule. Also, ensure that your clients receive high-quality work.

2. FIVERR

With over 3.42 million active clients, Fiverr is another freelance platform for freelancers and clients. People who are looking for a way to make money online can consider this site. This site is open to both beginners and experts. All you need to know is how to use the site properly.  Keep in mind that on Fiverr,  freelancers are referred to as sellers as they sell their services or skills, and clients are referred to as buyers because they purchase those services. You do not apply for jobs on this platform, as you do on other platforms. Instead, you simply market your gig. Yes, you heard correctly. If you don't know what a gig is, let me explain. Let me explain: a gig is a term used to define the service you sell. There are many categories in which you can create gigs, here is the list.

• Graphics & Design
• Music & Audio
• Programming & Tech
• Digital Marketing
• Business
• Writing & Translation
• Data
• Lifestyle
• Video & Animation

Click Fiverr Gigs Directory" to get all the detailed services you can provide under these categories. 

The starting price for a Fiverr gig is $5. You can't sell at a lower price than this. You must follow these steps to start freelancing on Fiverr and to become a seller on Fiverr. 

To begin, create an account, which is completely free. Make a profile for yourself and fill in all of the required personal information. After you've set up your account, you'll have to start creating gigs. You have the option to select a mix of specialty or stick to one. You can only make up to 7 gigs as a newbie on Fiverr. Your gigs should be appealing and one-of-a-kind. Set the price accordingly. I recommend that you look out for your competitors in that field. Write a detailed description that includes all of the services and expertise that the buyer will receive as part of their work. Write faqs as well. 

Before beginning a project, always ask about the client's requirements. To draw more attention, include video or appealing images. And then publish your gigs. Fiverr deducts 20% of your earnings as a fee for freelance services. There's also a buyer request section where you may apply to projects from buyers that have specific requirements.

Pros- 

• Fiverr ensures complete payment security. When you receive an order from a buyer and deliver the work on time. You will be paid automatically. You do not need to communicate with the buyer about payment because buyers must pay the amount before placing an order. When it comes to payment, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
• You can offer a variety of services. You can make up to 7 gigs on Fiverr. What service you wish to sell is entirely up to you. You can, for example, sell graphic design jobs as well as translation jobs.

Cons-

• It's a little challenging for beginners because there are so many steps in establishing a full profile, from creating a gig to publishing it.
• Unlike Upwork, which takes a 10% cut of every order, Fiverr takes a 20% cut, resulting in lower earnings.
• Withdrawing money takes a while since the clearance process takes time. You can withdraw money using PayPal and Payoneer. (checkout "Withdrawing Funds")
• Some buyers take a long time to respond, don't explain criteria, and request additional revisions (even if you don't provide these)

Tips- Fiverr is a useful website. How it works for you totally depends on your gig. As a result, before creating your own gig, look at others', note their price, description, and unique offering, and then proceed to create your own. You can sell in as many categories as you want. Figure out which one you're good at. To deliver a project, always utilize the delivery button. Deliveries should never be sent to the message box.

Read the Ultimate Guide to starting freelancing on Fiverr. 

3. FREELANCER

This is the first site that comes up when you search the term “freelancing” on google.  It is another freelancing site with heavy competition. On the website, there are 20 million registered users, including freelancers and clients, and the number is expanding every day. This site is simple to sign up for and use to earn money. 

You can look through a variety of job opportunities and place a bid. And once you've been hired by a client, you'll be able to communicate with them. The only benefit you get from freelancing is the option to compete in contests for extra money and reviews that allow you to improve your profile. Freelancers also deduct a 10-percent service fee from freelancers' earnings. For withdrawals, you have the option of using PayPal or a wire transfer. 

To start earning money here, simply sign up and complete your profile. Write a brief description of who you are and what you do. Showcase a magnificent and diversified portfolio of your previous work, complete with clear images. After that, look for projects that are a good fit for your skills and start bidding. Check jobs and contests on a regular basis. Make sure you both (freelancer and employer) clear all of the requirements after hiring or before starting the job. You will be paid once the work is completed or use the Milestone Payment system to be on the safe side. You can withdraw your funds through PayPal Wire Transfer, Moneybookers, or a local bank account you choose (works through our Express Withdrawal System). Focus on receiving five-star reviews as well, as this can help you land new jobs.

You can apply in a number of different categories. Have a look at the following categories.

• Website and IT software
• Mobile phones and computing
• Writing and content
• Design, media, and architecture
• Data entry and admin
• Engineering and science
• Product sourcing and manufacturing
• Sales and marketing
• freight, shipping, and transportation
• Education
• Business, accounting, human resource and legal
• Translation and languages
• Local jobs and services

Click on "browse categories" to see more categories under these. 

Pros 

• The website is easy to use and apply to jobs. There is no complicated step like, Fiverr to create gigs. 
• By using on-page chat, it's simple to communicate with current and potential clients.
• You can apply for a number of different jobs. However, because most platforms are free to use, Freelancer's paid subscription plans are less expensive than those offered by other companies, such as Upwork.
• Money can be withdrawn in a variety of ways.

Cons-

• Many low-quality projects require a significant amount of effort and time, but the pay is not as excellent.
• When you look up this site on the internet, you'll notice that many people have said it's a scam. Let me tell you, the site is not a scam; the problem is that the freelancer fails to authenticate each freelancer and employer. As a result, scammers are taking advantage of it. If you are not cautious, you will fall victim to scammers. The good news is that freelancers offer a safe payment system that protects both the employer and the freelancer. it asks for an upfront payment from the employer. 
• In comparison to other platforms, their customer service is a bit poor and disappointing.

Tips-Make a strong profile and do competitive bidding. Don't start a project without upfront payment. Always use the Milestone Payment system. Especially,  if you are new or starting a project with a new client. It helps to divide payment into smaller parts and you get paid as you complete each part. Always be careful of fake employers. 

4. GURU

This platform has been helping freelancers display their expertise and services and find suitable jobs since 2001. Because of its simplicity to use and showcase skills, this website is regarded as one of the top ten freelancing websites. Guru has almost 3 million registered freelancers. Every day you will find a large number of job openings through Guru. Like other platforms, it also deducts a service fee that is 9% of your earning which is low as compared to others. There you will find mostly developer jobs, with few writing, and design jobs. But it doesn't mean there are no other categories. Look at these-

• Programming & Development
• Design & Art  
• Writing & Translation  
• Sales & Marketing  
• Administrative & Secretarial  
• Engineering & Architecture  
• Business & Finance  Legal  
• Education & Training

Click on “browse categories” to see more categories under these. To get started on guru, just visit the site, signup using an email account/google ID/LinkedIn account or Facebook account. Select freelancer, verify email, and fill in security questions. Then comes the important part, set up your profile. Add your services, portfolio, and other experience that will be useful to you. Make sure you complete your profile as it makes a good impression on clients. Now, start finding jobs by Browsing all freelance jobs online or get recommendations based on your skills. When getting hired, make sure you provide the same service you promise. Use SafePay, where the employer sends a minimum amount before starting the work. There are many withdrawal methods like  PayPal, Payoneer, wire transfer, or Direct Deposit (U.S. only). 

Pros:

• Guru provides safety to payments using SafePay, where the employer has to pay a minimum amount before starting the work.
• Here you can find a large number of job openings and customized jobs as well.
• This site is easy to use.
• Good withdrawal methods

Cons

• Paid membership members have a higher chance of getting more jobs and their service fee also decreases.
• Fake clients will also be there, which causes a hassle. Always make sure you are working with a true client.

Tips- Always make sure your client is using SafePay. If you are in a developing field, I would suggest you go to this site. There you will find mostly developer jobs. There are also other jobs no doubt, but not in greater numbers. Make your profile outstanding and add a portfolio as well. 

5. TOPTAL

Toptal claims that its freelancers are among the top 3% of the talent pool. Toptal is a great choice for experienced software developers who have skills and expertise. It got a 4.5 out of 5 rating in October 2021, based on a recent review of 7,362 freelancers. It provides jobs in the following categories-

• Developers
• Designers
• Finance experts
• Project managers
• Product managers

Check out “top 3 percent” The most demand skills on this platform right now are-

React.js

Node.js

C#

Python

JavaScript

To become a freelancer on this site, you must pass the screening process. Their screening procedure involves demonstrating your clear communication and domain skills, as well as participating in a real-world assessment. First is Language and Personality, then In-Depth Skill Review, then Live Screening, then Test Projects, and then last Continued Excellence. Go here to the “screening process” to know in detail about each step.

These are important steps in order to evaluate a freelancer's skills and making sure that the freelancer has all those skills. It is done to maintain professionalism on the platform and helps in eliminating unskilled freelancers. This process is a little lengthy and takes around 2-5 weeks. But the good news here is that you only have to pass it once. You can set your own rate on Toptal and find clients that are willing to pay that rate. At Toptal you can take up as many projects as you can, as long as you are able to handle them effectively. The best thing about this site which makes it unique from other sites is that they don't take any fee from your earnings. You will also get to use TopTal Tracker, which is a free time tracker. 

Pros

• This site is worth it if you have the best talent and skills. It will not be a waste of time or effort on your part.
• Your earnings will not be affected, unlike on other platforms. There is no service fee reduction from freelancer earnings on Toptal. You will be paid in full.
• It has got a 4.5 rating out of 5 from freelancers. 
• Here you will get more high-paying opportunities than other platforms. 
• This is a great website for experts. 
• You will get a chance to work with reputed companies.
• Payoneer, Paypal, or direct local bank transfer methods are available to withdraw money.

Cons

• This site is suitable for Developers, Designers, Finance experts, Project managers, and Product managers. There are limited categories available. 
• You can be disappointed if you are unable to pass the screening process. In order to be a freelancer on this site, one must have to pass the screening process.
• If you are new in the mentioned categories, then this site is not for you. Only experts who have skills and expertise can perform here.
• A rigorous selection procedure is followed. It takes 2-5 weeks which is lengthy. 
• This site is best suited for long-term projects.

Tips- You can apply here if you have any expertise in the above-mentioned categories and want to put it to good use. If you're a newbie with limited skills and knowledge, it's best to hold off for a while. This site is perfect for specialists with in-depth knowledge and abilities.

Conclusion

Freelancing websites are fantastic tools for both beginners and experienced. If you're looking to start freelancing, I recommend checking out these sites. There are plenty of other websites to choose from. These are both free and effective. Also, make sure to follow my tips, they may be helpful to you. While freelancing offers various benefits, it also has cons such as lack of stability, no guaranteed income, restricted communication, and time commitment. So, if freelancing is something you're considering as a job, make sure it's not your exclusive source of income. Begin with a part-time job. Don't leave your current job to pursue freelancing. 

I hope you enjoy reading this post and find it useful in some manner. Please let me know in the comment box which site you plan to use and which one you are presently using. If there's anything else I've overlooked, write in the comment box.

If you are a beginner and don't know how to start freelancing check out this post “ Easy guide to start freelancing as a beginner”. I have also left there some important FAQs as well.

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