Freelance made up 40% of the u.s. workforce on 2021
According to a study conducted by the freelancing platform Upwork and the Freelancers Union, in 2021, freelancers made up about 36% of the U.S. workforce or about 57 million people. This is a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, and it includes a wide range of occupations, including creative professionals, writers and editors, web developers, and consultants, among others. Freelancers are often attracted to the flexibility and freedom that freelancing offers, as well as the ability to choose the projects and clients they work with. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the growth of the freelance workforce, as many people have turned to freelance as a way to earn income while working remotely.
12 best freelance websites to find work in 2023
There are many freelance websites that can help freelancers find work in 2023. Here are 12 popular options, along with a brief overview and conclusion for each:
- Upwork: One of the largest and most popular freelance websites, Upwork offers a wide range of projects in various industries, including writing, design, marketing, and more. Conclusion: Upwork is a great option for freelancers who want a lot of project options and a relatively easy-to-use platform.
- Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, Freelancer offers a wide range of projects in various industries. Conclusion: A freelancer is a good option for freelancers who want a lot of project options and a user-friendly platform.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is a popular platform for freelancers offering services in various categories, including design, marketing, writing, and more. Conclusion: Fiverr is a good option for freelancers who want to offer services in a specific area and are looking for a platform with a large user base.
- PeoplePerHour: This platform allows freelancers to offer their services in various categories, including design, marketing, writing, and more. Conclusion: PeoplePerHour is a good option for freelancers who want to offer their services to a global market and are looking for a platform with a large user base.
- Toptal: This platform is focused on connecting businesses with top-tier freelance talent in fields such as design, finance, and technology. Conclusion: Toptal is a good option for highly skilled freelancers who want to work with high-paying clients and are willing to go through a rigorous vetting process.
- 99designs: This platform is specifically geared towards design freelancers, offering a range of design contests and projects. Conclusion: 99designs is a good option for design freelancers who want to showcase their skills and potentially win projects through design contests.
- Hubstaff Talent: This platform allows freelancers to connect with businesses and organizations looking for remote talent in various fields. Conclusion: Hubstaff Talent is a good option for freelancers who want to work remotely and are looking for a platform with a focus on remote work.
- LinkedIn ProFinder: This platform, which is part of the LinkedIn job search platform, allows freelancers to connect with businesses and organizations looking for short-term or project-based work. Conclusion: LinkedIn ProFinder is a good option for freelancers who already have a strong LinkedIn presence and are looking to connect with professional clients.
- Craiglist: While not specifically geared towards freelancers, Craiglist can be a good source for finding short-term or project-based work in various fields. Conclusion: Craiglist is a good option for freelancers who are open to a wide range of project types and are comfortable using a more informal platform.
- Indeed: Similar to Craiglist, Indeed is a job search platform that can be a good source for finding short-term or project-based work in various fields. Conclusion: Indeed is a good option for freelancers who are open to a wide range of project types and are comfortable using a more formal platform.
- Guru: This platform allows freelancers to find work in various fields, including design, marketing, writing, and more. Conclusion: Guru is a good option for freelancers who want a wide range of project options and are looking for a user-friendly platform.
- FlexJobs: This platform focuses on connecting freelancers with remote and flexible work opportunities in various fields. Conclusion: FlexJobs is a good option for freelancers who are specifically looking for remote or flexible work opportunities.
Pros and cons for 12 best freelance websites.
Here are the pros and cons of the 12 best freelance websites above:
Upwork:
Pros: Large user base, a wide range of projects available, easy-to-use platform.
Cons: Fees for using the platform, and competition for projects can be high.
Freelancer:
Pros: Large user base, a wide range of projects available, user-friendly platform.
Cons: Fees for using the platform, and competition for projects can be high.
Fiverr:
Pros: Large user base, a specific focus on services, user-friendly platform.
Cons: Fees for using the platform, may not be suitable for all types of projects.
PeoplePerHour:
Pros: Global market, large user base, user-friendly platform.
Cons: Fees for using the platform, and competition for projects can be high.
Toptal:
Pros: High-paying clients, focus on top-tier talent.
Cons: Highly competitive, rigorous vetting process.
99designs:
Pros: Specific focus on design, opportunity to win projects through contests.
Cons: May not be suitable for all types of design projects, and competition can be high.
Hubstaff Talent:
Pros: Focus on remote work, user-friendly platform.
Cons: Limited project options compared to some other platforms.
LinkedIn ProFinder:
Pros: Connects with professional clients, easy to use for those with a strong LinkedIn presence.
Cons: May not be suitable for all types of projects, competition for projects can be high.
Craiglist:
Pros: Wide range of project options, informal platform.
Cons: May not be as reliable or professional as some other platforms, and lacks protections for freelancers.
Indeed:
Pros: Wide range of project options, formal platform.
Cons: May not be suitable for all types of projects, competition for projects can be high.
Guru:
Pros: Wide range of project options, user-friendly platform.
Cons: Fees for using the platform, and competition for projects can be high.
FlexJobs:
Pros: Focus on remote and flexible work, user-friendly platform.
Cons: Limited project options compared to some other platforms, the subscription fee for access to job listings.
How to get more clients from the best freelance websites
There are several strategies you can use to get more clients from freelance websites:
- Optimize your profile: Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date and includes a clear and concise summary of your skills and experience. Include a professional-looking profile picture and any relevant certifications or achievements.
- Tailor your proposals: When applying for projects, take the time to customize your proposal to the specific needs of the client. Show that you have read the project description carefully and understand what the client is looking for.
- Offer competitive rates: Consider what rates are typical for your industry and location, and make sure your rates are competitive. However, be careful not to underprice your services, as this can lead to a downward spiral of low-paying work.
- Build a strong portfolio: Include examples of your work in your portfolio, and make sure to highlight your best and most relevant projects. Consider including testimonials from satisfied clients.
- Be responsive and professional: Make sure to respond promptly to inquiries and requests from potential clients, and always follow through on commitments. Be professional in all your interactions, as this can help build trust and establish you as a reliable freelancer.
- Network and market yourself: Consider joining professional organizations or online groups related to your industry, and use social media and other online platforms to promote your services and connect with potential clients.
- Consider offering additional services or packages: In addition to your core services, consider offering additional services or packages that can help you stand out from the competition and provide additional value to your clients.