Freelancers are the fastest-growing segment of the European labor market, driving the growth of independent work. The overall number of freelancers has been growing steadily over the last decade except for in Germany where the number of freelancers has remained constant at 1.3 million since 2009.
The rise in demand for freelance work has led to the rise of online platforms offering remote and project-based opportunities. As a freelancer, your needs vary significantly from those of the usual office-going employee, and so we decided to put together this complete freelancing marketplace list.
On the other side of the marketplace sits a massive customer base of many individuals or businesses looking for high quality work at lower costs. These companies benefit from the lower costs as compared to hiring agencies or larger companies. They also benefit from the many individuals who come from various backgrounds.
When browsing through the internet looking for freelance websites, there are several things you should consider. Some platforms have more users, so there's plenty of opportunities and gigs if you're looking to hire, while other platforms might deal with more specific fields and industries. And, of course, the pricing will vary across different platforms. While some industries and roles may look similar, the services on freelance platforms are vastly different, not just in terms of available employment, but also in terms of a membership structure. It’s important to be aware of pricing that might include any costs and finder's fees associated with working with a third-party supplier of this type. Availability and work quality may also change based on the freelance platform you use.
Each of these platforms has different USPs, and it is vital to research which is right for you. This article will introduce you to many popular freelance platforms and help you understand their areas of expertise, business model, payment processes, benefits, and drawbacks.
⚡ What we recommend: This comprehensive list covers the most-used marketplaces in 2024, but freelancers need more than just a marketplace.
What are freelance marketplaces?
Freelance marketplaces are online platforms for companies to meet and engage with freelancers who are looking to offer their services. Companies throughout the world use freelance marketplaces to recruit temporary workers for jobs and projects that don't need long-term commitment.
Freelancers can build a profile, present their work portfolio, connect with employers and find clients through freelancing platforms. Companies can search for a freelancer using a freelancer directory or by posting a job. This lets companies find freelancers based on experience, skills, and other relevant criteria.
Freelance marketplaces usually make money by collecting a percentage of the freelancer's earnings. These platforms provide both parties a hassle-free and seamless business experience for the commission they charge.
As a result, companies can outsource a variety of tasks to freelancers and focus on other core activities.
Best marketplaces to find clients as a freelancer
1. Xolo
Xolo knows freelancing, and its been the mission for over 8 years to make freelancing a better option for independents than being traditionally employed.
A neomarketplace, Xolo strives to bring clients to you (rather than the other way around), and offers a robust community centered around quality talent, strong client relationships and fair wages/rates. For freelancers new and old, Xolo is a great choice if you’re looking to do more than just network and find projects, as the service packages include everything from invoicing to company incorporation, admin and tax reporting solutions to team management, and much more!
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular freelancing platform with a wide variety of freelancing projects in fields such as graphics & design, marketing, tech & programming, and video animation, to name a few.
Fiverr review: Benefits of using Fiverr as a freelancer
Fiverr is unique from its competitors because of its commitment to users’ privacy and security. Fiverr guarantees that its client’s details are concealed. It only reveals enough information for freelancers to get in touch with their clients or vice versa. In addition, all payments are made within Fiverr’s interface, which means that no third party can see users’ payment details.
Further, clients can easily access freelancers’ profiles and ratings, which builds trust towards the platform and its freelancers.
Fiverr equips freelancers with automated time management and invoicing tools, allowing them to work efficiently.
Fiverr review: What are the cons of using Fiverr?
However, many freelancers often complain about the platform's high commission rate. For instance, Fiverr charges freelancers 20% of their total pay per project, which means that Fiverr takes $20 for every $100 earned. This high commission rate often leads to freelancers finding alternatives to Fiverr.
Couple the issue of high commission with the level of competition that freelancers at Fiverr face, and the platform isn’t so attractive to freelancers anymore.
Unfortunately, the bitter truth for many freelancers at Fiverr is that they are forced to undercut themselves initially.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is an excellent platform for small and medium-sized businesses that need access to expert talent and experience. Freelancer has the largest pool of freelancers globally, at over 50 million. Freelancers can bid for relevant projects and are hired when clients approve their bids.
Freelancer review: Benefits of using Freelancer
On Freelancer, you can talk to clients directly through live chat and business-to-business messaging. The time tracker also allows you to track how much time you have spent on a particular client without needing any third-party apps. Moreover, the variety of jobs available on the platform is incredible. Freelancers caters to a number of skill sets such as app development, logistics, design, and data entry, among others.
The Milestone Payments option at Freelancer offers protection to both clients and freelancers by giving equal control over created payments. Further, Freelancer has quick and reliable customer service.
Freelancer review: Cons of using Freelancer
Many freelancers often complain that it charges fees that are higher than its competitor platforms. Freelancer levies a fee on each project a freelance completes on an hourly-rate basis. Additionally, the fee for fixed-priced projects is 10% of the payment or $5.00, whichever is greater. Although you can start with a free account, unlocking better features and lower transaction fees requires you to pay. In addition, since competition is exceptionally high, it isn't easy to land your first project and get started on the platform.
4. Upwork
Upwork is a freelance marketplace platform that connects you with short- and long-term clients. It offers freelancing opportunities across sectors, including software development, creative design, sales, marketing, and more.
Upwork is considered a “luxury” platform, and the clients on the platform tend to pay higher than average rates for freelance services. However, this means that the expected work quality is higher and requires greater attention to detail.
Upwork review: Pros of using Upwork for freelancers
Upwork’s communication channels that allow for video messaging along with text are uniquely positioned to foster professional collaboration between clients and freelancers. The platform lets freelancers create message rooms with their clients, allowing you to share files, add members to the room, and track conversations. Upwork also provides a personal notepad for each room, allowing you to brainstorm and be better organized for each client. Additionally, the platform has a Zoom integration, allowing you to video call clients directly.
For ease of payment, Upwork gives freelancers the option to link their bank accounts, so project payments are transferred directly. Not needing a third-party payment application makes the process simpler for clients and freelancers.
Upwork review: Cons of using Upwork
However, Upwork is not without drawbacks. Many freelancers find the platform more competitive than Upwork alternatives. This means that you may not hear back from clients quickly or at all.
How to get more freelance clients on Upwork?
Our tip? Go the extra mile to stand out. Offer your clients world-class customer service, and you’ll keep them coming back for more!
Look at the competitiveness as an opportunity to grow as a freelancer, and you will gain access to a helpful and enthusiastic community at Upwork.
5. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is trusted by nearly 1 million businesses worldwide. It connects companies to an international community of freelancers. Its freelance opportunities, similar to Upwork, cover a wide range of categories: writing and translation, digital marketing, design, programming, branding, sales, and many more.
PeoplePerHour review: Pros of using PeoplePerHour
Unlike PeoplePerHour alternatives, the platform allows freelancers to work on-site. This means that clients can hire browse freelancers based on location and request them to come on-site for projects.
PeoplePerHour review: Drawbacks of PeoplePerHour
However, in PeoplePerHour’s reviews, freelancers often complain about PeoplePerHour’s fees, stating that it is not worth paying for what the platform provides. Further, clients also pay steep fees with many hidden costs such as an additional £10 to flag their project listing as urgent, £15 to mark their project as “featured,” and £26 to add a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The lack of a time tracking app in their website’s interface also poses difficulties for freelancers who offer services based on hourly rates. Adding this feature could give the platform the boost it desperately needs!
6. Toptal
Toptal helps companies find the top tier (3%) of world-class freelancers, including developers, designers, financial experts, and product managers. Freelancers undergo a rigorous screening process before being accepted onto the site, but the lucrative projects available make it worthwhile.
Total review: Benefits of using Total as a starting freelancer
Many freelancers choose Toptal because of its host of reliable clients. It allows users to work on projects with thousands of leading organizations worldwide. Since the clients are thoroughly vetted, too, you can rest assured you are only working with legit clients!
Ever been scammed or had payment delayed for months on end? It’s happened to the best of us. However, if you work at Toptal, you will be paid every two weeks, no matter what.
Beyond this, Toptal also leverages its network for social good. Their TopVolunteer program connects freelancers to global NGOs and charities in need of workers with relevant expertise, allowing freelancers to grow and give back to their communities.
Toptal also reimburses freelancers for Google Cloud Certifications, AWS certification, and more, proving that the company cares about you. The platform also has an active Slack community of freelancers who can guide you through technical challenges.
Total review: What are the cons of Toptal?
However, one of the most common complaints of freelancers with Toptal is the company's lack of transparency. Toptal charges more than the amount you earn from each client, but it is not clear how much more. Unfortunately, Toptal does not disclose the total amount it charges clients, which puts off some freelancers.
On other platforms, freelancers can see hourly or per-project rates of freelancers with similar backgrounds. This is not the case with Toptal, leading to freelancers demanding significantly higher or lower rates for work. This may prevent you from working with your desired clients or leave you underpaid for your work.
7. Guru
Guru, used by about 2 million freelancers worldwide, offers jobs in various sectors, including programming and development, writing and translation, legal services, and sales and marketing.
Why you should use Guru as a freelancer
Many clients like using Guru because it constantly reviews freelancers by publishing their feedback scores. From a freelancer point of view, Guru’s intuitive and user-friendly layout ensures that you can start applying for work without spending time learning how to use the platform.
Guru review: Drawbacks of using Guru for freelancers
However, recently there have been many complaints of scammers posing as freelancers on the platform. The best way to prove you are legit? Add as much information as possible, along with your portfolio, and customer reviews.
Another issue that many users report is that not all clients on the platform are legitimate or verified. Moreover, the competition among freelancers at Guru is exceptionally high and new freelancers often face difficulty in finding clients.
Customer service at Guru is also poor, and the department does not promptly reply to questions addressing log in issues and other such technical problems.
8. We Work Remotely
While this isn’t a freelance marketplace platform in the traditional sense, we felt it was worth writing about because of the many remote freelance opportunities also on this platform. We Work Remotely is a job board that hosts over 25,000 remote opportunities. According to its website, over 1,000 new positions are added every month from almost every country in the world.
We Work Remotely review: Benefits of using We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is an amazing resource for finding freelance or part-time opportunities with several leading companies worldwide. It is a great platform with a remote-work resources page that showcases books, apps, and other resources that can help you make remote freelancing work easier. Many freelancers often complain about feeling lonely and lost in their journey. We Work Remotely tries to solve that by providing you with a blog, a podcast, and an active Slack channel to connect you with other remote workers. They also host online events like remote job fairs, meetups, or AMAs with successful remote workers.
While these resources are free, for an additional cost, you could attend a career coaching session through their learning portal ($199 per session), get your resume reviewed (from $149), or get a LinkedIn review (starting from $149). All of these, along with its stellar templates for cover letters and resumes, its job trackers, and its interview prep resources, ensure that you are aware of remote-working opportunities and are also successful in being chosen by companies.
We Work Remotely review: What are some cons of We Work Remotely?
Much like any search engine, even in We Work Remotely, the ‘featured’ jobs appear first, which means that you would have to scroll a little to find the new postings. Other users have also said that they would have preferred more filtering options.
9. Clickworker
Clickworker is a data-processing website where you can carry out data-related tasks and get paid for them. Workers on its platform- called Clickworkers- carry out a range of tasks, including writing, translating, researching, and data processing.
Why is Clickworker a great platform for you to find freelance work?
Being a Clickworker is a great way to make some easy cash on the side. It does not require any particular skill or qualification, except that you register and have access to the internet. Clickworker also has strict quality assurance control done by AI tools to ensure that you are only being given legit tasks.
Clickworker review: Cons of using Clickworker
Online reviews talk about delayed payments and a lack of support from the Clickworker team. A few Clickworkers mentioned that they were rejected after having completed all the required work, which meant that they received no compensation for the time or energy they spent. There have also been complaints about a decrease in both the quality and quantity of tasks available, with users having to settle for low-paying jobs. Some users also complain that their accounts have been suspended/deactivated with no prior intimation. The customer care wasn’t much of a help to the users whose accounts were suspended.
10. goLance
goLance connects entrepreneurs and business owners to freelance developers, creative designers, SEO experts, email marketers, lead generators, writers, editors, proofreaders, and data scientists. More than 600,000 freelancers have provided their services on the platform to date.
goLance review: Benefits of using goLance
Many freelancers are particularly fond of the dynamic work tools that goLance provides them. For example, you can track where and how much time you spend using the goMeter Time Tracker. It helps boost your productivity and lets you give clients an estimated time for completing their projects.
Another feature of goLance is its work diary. This feature gives you an overview of all your gigs for the month and lets you update, make notes, and comment on the diary.
Another advantage of using goLance is its transparent billing policy. Freelancers send an invoice to their clients on completion of the project. The clients have five days to review the final product before making the payment. The platform has a security period that ensures clients are billed and payments are processed. It also has measures to let you reach out to clients for payments in cases where you don’t receive your payment.
Additionally, goLance also has an advance payment option that ensures that you receive an advance before completing your project.
goLance is cheaper than other freelance platforms. It charges a flat commission of 7.5% per project and does not charge users a membership fee.
11. ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is one of the world’s largest job boards, allowing you to find individuals and businesses who are in need of your freelance assistance. The ZipRecruiter platform has clients from across a broad range of industries and allows you to filter work according to niche and location.
What do freelancers love about ZipRecruiter?
ZipRecruiter is a freelance friendly platform, with multiple AI driven functions that help you streamline your job-seeking process. ZipRecruiter’s AI-powered tool, Phil uses your education, experience, interest and career goals to find you the most suitable jobs to apply to. The platform caters to freelancers across industries - from coders to warehouse workers. Finally, the platform is free for freelancers.
ZipRecruiter review: What are ZipRecruiter’s cons?
Many freelancers complain about ZipRecruiter not taking any action to prevent fraudulent customers. The company does not involve itself in any way after a connection has been made between the job-seeker and the client. This could put both parties at risk of fraudulent or unsafe activity. Besides that though, there haven't been any other commonly reported drawbacks of using Ziprecruiter, and so it's definitely worth a shot.
12. WorkMarket
WorkMarket is a freelance marketplace that connects freelancers with businesses in the healthcare, media and publishing, information technology, and marketing and advertising industries.
Why should you use WorkMarket as a freelancer?
WorkMarket offers various certification programs to help freelancers grow professionally.
The money you make on the platform depends on your location and the project you undertake. The platform supports payment via PayPal and charges a meager 2.5 % platform fee on the freelancer's income. Additionally, the ADP payment service on WorkMarket is an excellent tool, easy to manage and follow.
It examines scorecard ratings, insurance, certifications, test scores, background check, and drug tests to approve membership. Hopeful members have to shell out $20 for the background check and $25 for the drug test.
WorkMarket has decent customer support. Users can submit their doubts on the help page, and the support team gets back via email.
13. Jobs.com
Jobs.com is a platform that matches employers with job seekers who have the relevant skills and expertise.
Freelancers need to register as members and provide their general information, resume, and location to apply for jobs. The platform is free for job seekers. Members can apply to various positions, including a mailman, data entry operator, or customer service executive.
Jobs.com review: Cons of jobs.com
The platform claims it uses “smart technology” and artificial intelligence to match job seekers with recruiters. However, the platform doesn’t filter expired job listings.
According to most reviews, Jobs.com is an outdated platform that does not provide any unique services to freelancers. The platform does not guarantee that it will find workers with jobs that fulfill their financial or professional needs.
Furthermore, Jobs.com is neither reliable nor secure. The platform does not vet its clients and doesn't assure freelancers about the accuracy of job listings. The platform also lets third parties advertise job ads. Therefore, there is no way for freelancers to differentiate fraudulent job listing from legit ones.
14. Freelance.com
Freelance.com is an online marketplace that connects freelancers with highly specialized SMEs and start-ups. It operates in the UK, France, Germany, Morocco, Switzerland, and Singapore. The platform currently has more than 15,000 freelancers working on marketing, communication, IT, event management, and consulting-related projects. Freelance.com has also served global brands such as Columbia, Loreal, and Mazda.
Freelance.com review: Benefits of using Freelance.com for freelancers
The platform can help you with scheduling, deadline management, exchange of information and documents, and time tracking. It also lets you invite people from your network and create a multidisciplinary team to take on larger projects.
Freelancers can post their expected salaries, on a per-day basis, on their profiles. Information about standard salaries is transparent, ensuring that freelancers get fair pay. The platform also offers secure and easy payment services through MANGOPAY. In addition, the platform handles invoice management and other billing logistics tasks.
However, to work on Freelance.com, you have to pitch yourself to each client. The client will contact you if they are interested in hiring you. Therefore, it may not be the best freelance marketplace for freelancers just starting their careers.
15. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects buyers with freelancers who are willing to help with services like home repairs and errands. TaskRabbit's other popular services include furniture assembly, cleaning, delivery, carpentry, and handyman jobs. The platform is available to users in over 60 cities in the U.S. and some cities in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the U.K. Over 50,000 freelancers use the platform at present.
The platform's location-based interface allows freelancers to connect with buyers in their area. However, since TaskRabbit focuses on on-site opportunities, there are no virtual freelancing opportunities on the platform.
TaskRabbit review: Pros of TaskRabbit for freelance professionals
TaskRabbit helps sellers find customers quickly without promotions. Freelancers have to provide their hourly rates, time availability, and previous ratings. A new job order is placed as soon as a seller's work information matches a customer's requirements.
The platform also has a robust rating system, giving buyers and sellers an additional reason to trust TaskRabbit. Furthermore, the platform screens contractors and conducts background checks on freelancers. In addition, once a client hires a freelancer, they can communicate with each other via text messages or calls on the platform. However, sellers cannot contact buyers before they are hired.
TaskRabbit makes money by charging a commission – called "service fee" – to its sellers. Once a buyer pays a freelancer, the platform takes a 15% commission fee on the total amount received by the freelancer. Moreover, TaskRabbit also charges a non-refundable registration fee of $25 to its freelancers when they apply to become taskers on the platform.
16. Wonolo
Wonolo is an online freelance marketplace that connects job seekers with businesses looking for merchandising, manufacturing, warehousing operations, event management, and many more services. The name Wonolo is the short form for Work Now Locally. The platform is trusted by 592,193 freelancers and leading global brands such as Coca-Cola, Aramark, and ScriptDrop.
To work as a freelancer at Wonolo, you have to sign in to the platform and clear an onboarding process, which includes identity and background checks. After your profile is approved, you can start applying for the jobs based on the preferences listed on your profile. The sign-up process is free, and freelancers do not have to pay to apply for jobs.
Wonolo review: Benefits of Wonolo freelance marketplace
The platform has a strong focus on the well-being of its freelancers. They receive special discounts and health insurance from the platform. It also provides them Occupational Accidental Insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Additionally, the freelance platform partners with third parties to offer telemedicine, investment, and saving tools to its freelancers.
Wonolo gives some freelancers exclusive features, including time-tracking tools and allowing them priority access to job postings an hour before others.
The platform’s average estimated salary is $59 per hour. Unlike many other freelance platforms, it does not charge any commission from its freelancers.
However, it operates in only selective U.S. states, and the job listings on the platform are not guaranteed. Many freelancers on the platform have left negative reviews saying that payments aren’t processed on time and customer support is time-consuming.
17. SolidGigs
SolidGigs sets itself apart by alerting freelancers of the best 1% of jobs available daily; its team goes through dozens of job boards to bring the best opportunities to freelancers who are registered on its platform.
SolidGigs review: Benefits of SolidGigs freelance platform
SolidGigs provides excellent support to its freelance community by offering training on pitching, sales, and pricing. For example, the platform offers a vast library of videos and training courses from people who have succeeded as freelancers on the platform.
In addition to providing support, SolidGigs' main attraction is its weekly gig list. By screening job opportunities to ensure that freelancers get quality offers matching their skillset, the gig list is designed to save time spent scrolling through job sites. SolidGigs checks close to 100 different job sites, chooses the top jobs and sends a compiled list of them straight to their users’ inboxes.
Another attraction of SolidGigs is its reasonable price. Unlike other freelancing platforms that charge fees for unlocking better features, SolidGigs charges a standard monthly fee from all users.
|
SolidGigs pricing |
||
|
Plans |
Yearly |
Monthly |
|
Pricing |
$21 per month |
$35 per month |
SolidGigs review: Cons of SolidGigs
SolidGigs is a highly competitive platform. Therefore, it is probably best to avoid it if you are just starting your freelance journey.
Further, a significant issue freelancers face with SolidGigs is poor customer service. Users complain that the platform does not reply to emails on time. In addition, the platform does not have a FAQ page either.
18. Cloudpeeps
CloudPeeps connects freelancers with businesses looking for SEO, social media management, content marketing, graphic design, public relations, and web development related services.
How to use Cloudpeeps as a freelancer
The platform provides a unique feature where you can become a pro freelancer, also called a “Pro Peep.” CloudPeeps selects pros based on their work performance and ratings. As a result, Pro Peeps rank higher in client searches and get exclusive invites to various groups. The platform also provides invoicing and directory listing on its free and standard plans.
CloudPeeps’ intuitive interface, like its live function, lets freelancers communicate efficiently with clients. In addition, it provides sample freelance rates for all job categories, including hourly and one-off rates. It also allows freelancers to build a Storefront, where they can build packages, e.g., ten social media posts, for X US Dollars.
CloudPeeps has to approve you profile before you can start working on the platform. Also, you must operate from one out of 25 countries listed on their website to work on the platform. Another drawback is that creating a CloudPeeps profile requires ample time and information from applicants.
CloudPeeps takes 15% of freelancers’ earnings upon project completion. Additionally, it charges freelancers $9 before they can start to look for jobs and does not give a guarantee on payment.
19. Malt
Malt is a European freelance marketplace currently operating in France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Malt seeks to link businesses with freelancers and additionally helps firms manage administrative, legal, and payment processes securely and efficiently.
How to start using Malt as a freelancer
As of now, Malt has served over 40,000 clients with a freelance workers base of over 330,000. To sign up as a freelancer with Malt, professionals have to get verified by uploading a series of documents that protect the legal status of the freelancers and the client. Until the legal status of the freelancer has been confirmed by Malt's payment partner, MANGOPAY, the amount is held in an escrow account.
How can clients find freelancers using Malt?
Clients have to use Malt’s search engine that has filters for specific requirements such as only choosing profiles with a portfolio, minimum years of experience, and fees.
Malt also differs from other freelance marketplace competitors by asking its freelancers to display their charges per day instead of a lump sum charge or an hourly wage. If clients choose you, you need to submit a quote directly on Malt’s website.
Freelancers’ reviews about Malt
Freelancers' reviews are visible to the public, helping clients gauge their quality. The best freelancers are rewarded with the SuperMalter badge. Similarly, top clients get MaltPlus status that differentiates them from other recruiters on the website. This transparency assures professionals that the client has completed over ten assignments with Malt freelancers.
Malt is a good choice for European freelancers who are looking to work with local clients or clients from within Europe. It has a clean interface and is available in each country’s regional language. Malt's secure payment options and robust legal framework make it attractive to freelancers.
20. HireMyMom
HireMyMom is an online marketplace for work-from-home jobs primarily for remote working women. Established in 2007, HireMyMom has connected thousands of small businesses with remote work-from-home women worldwide.
How to make the most out of HireMyMom as a freelancer
HireMyMom takes a one-time charge from job seekers to connect them with prospective employers. The biggest advantage of using HireMyMom is that fewer candidates are applying for the jobs. This reduced competition directly translates to your application being given more time and consideration by the potential employer.
You can use this to their advantage by making your job application as detailed as possible, boosting your chances of securing a job. You can highlight your strengths and prove why you are a good match for a company.
Furthermore, HireMyMom primarily caters to remote jobs, making it easier for individuals who don’t want to go through the lengthy process of weeding out jobs requiring people to commute to a physical location. The site also reviews every job posting to make sure that the job posting is legitimate, reducing the likelihood of freelancers being cheated or denied payment.
HireMyMom review: What are HireMyMom’s cons?
HireMyMom primarily caters to remote workers in the North American region; most clients are from there and expect candidates to be familiar with the American business environment. As a freelancer, you can increase your chances of landing an offer by including work experiences gathered with previous North American clients and mentioning how you can work across timezones. HireMyMom is centered around providing remote jobs for women; men can use this platform, but it is harder to succeed as most clients look for remote working women.
21. Business Talent Group
Business Talent Group is a marketplace for companies to connect with independent consultants, including management consultants, subject matter experts, and executives. BTG combines its startup culture with leadership from industry experts, making it an excellent place for those in the early stages of their careers. Individuals who commence work through the firm are thoroughly vetted by its Full Circle Assessment, with regular check-ins and feedback even after the project has begun.
Business Talent Group review: Benefits of using Business Talent Group as a freelancer
With a well-rounded training and mentorship program, you will be working under the guidance of specialists and well-known figures from the consulting world. In addition to the exposure you’ll get, BTG also offers convenience by taking care of contracts, collections, and other administrative tasks. The company boasts of strong relationships with big companies across the globe, so you can expect to find a consistent stream of projects.
Business Talent Group review: Cons of using Business Talent Group
BTG’s process of placing you with projects is less streamlined than that of a traditional consulting firm. More exposure to team leaders and seniors in a typical workplace scenario gives management a better idea of what projects suit you best. With BTG’s flexible mode of work, the responsibility of communicating your areas of interest and expertise lies with you. Project timelines can also be short, with freelancers expected to complete a task soon after it is assigned.
Moreover, the onboarding to kick-off timeline can be lengthy and process-oriented compared to other freelance platforms.
22. Twago
Twago claims to be Europe’s largest platform for freelance work, with over 500,000 professionals and 175,000 projects on its website. It connects clients with experts in engineering, app development, writing, and online marketing.
It allows recruiters to post projects for free on the website; clients need to describe their project and outline expectations, budget, timeline, and other necessary details. Freelancers can then ask related questions or submit feedback for the project to the clients. The professionals then submit a proposal or a quote which is reviewed and compared by the employers to make their hiring decision.
Twago review: What are Twago’s benefits?
Twago has an innovative payment system that is praised for its efficiency and security. Upon hiring a freelancer, the client must make the agreed payment to a secure escrow account called Twago safePay. Once they complete the transaction, the professional begins working on the project.
Upon satisfactory completion of the project, the contractor receives the amount, of which Twago gets between 0-3%.
Twago review: What are Twago’s drawbacks?
If there is a dispute regarding completing a task, the amount remains with Twago. However, some users complain that money can get stuck in escrow for an extended time, and the customer service team takes a long time to solve disputes.
23. FreelanceZone
Designed solely for Singaporeans, FreelanceZone is a job search portal that allows job seekers access to several part-time or freelance work opportunities.
Why is FreelanceZone popular as a freelance portal?
Free registration and extensive job choices make FreelanceZone popular among Singaporeans.
Most job opportunities in FreelanceZone are tailored for Singaporeans who want to work from home. Based on your recent job searches, you can receive recommendations for top job opportunities by email or via the website.
How to start using FreelanceZone as a freelancer?
While registration is not mandatory for the platform, unregistered members can only view public job posts. To register as a job seeker on FreelanceZone, you can use the job seeker registration form and fill it in using your email address. Once you register, you can upload your resume and start looking for jobs. FreelanceZone also allows you to build a new resume by filling out the education, experience, and skills sections of your FreelanceZone profile.
How to find freelance job seekers on FreelanceZone?
While it is free to search and apply for jobs on FreelanceZone, employers can also pay to post job ads on the platform. They have an option to either purchase an individual job ad - where you are limited to one job post or a subscription package where you can save money if you want to post several job ads every month. You can find the various pricing options here.
24. Speedlancer
Speedlancer is a popular freelancing platform that offers multiple services to customers. It focuses on providing digital services such as video editing, web design, Shopify-related website management, app development, and so on.
What do freelancers love about Speedlancer?
Speedlancer, as the name suggests, focuses on delivering services to customers quickly - within four hours of accepting the project. The platform is ideal for freelancers who can get work done fast. Customers choose their pricing using a sliding scale, and it is up to the freelancers to decide if they want to accept it. Since Speedlancer is a smaller platform compared to its competitors, there is reduced competition between freelancers. If you are willing to work on a tight schedule and get the financial reward that comes with it, Speedlancer may be the ideal platform for you.
Speedlancer review: What are some disadvantages of using Speedlancer?
Speedlancer appeals to a very narrow audience. If you value flexibility and not being bound to tight deadlines, you might want to consider other alternatives. Speedlancer also charges a premium for the quick turn-around time, which not all clients can afford. The work would be in high-intensity spells for the freelancer, which could be stressful and result in low-quality output.
25. YunoJuno
YunoJuno is a marketplace that seeks to connect UK-based vetted freelancers with clients. It allows hirers to find a variety of freelancers whose specialties range from client services to design.
YunoJuno review: Benefits of using YunoJuno
YunoJuno allows for direct communication between the contractor and the hirer. There is also no need for the contractor/freelancer to pay any commission, as the hirer must bear this cost.
Each freelancer is vetted before being accepted, and they are paid well: on average they receive $497 per project. The platform has also tried to address one of the main problems with freelance work - that of unpaid invoices - by guaranteeing payment in 14 days irrespective of client payment.
Customer care is friendly, responsive, and ready to provide contractors with the necessary support.
As most of its freelancers are around London, it has tried to build a community with regular ‘drop-ins,’ a committed Slack channel, assistance with contractor profiles, and London-based events.
YunoJuno review: What are some drawbacks of YunoJuno?
Online reviews have mentioned the need for a better organizational structure. They also complain that the training being given is not adequate.
Some reviews state that despite the 14-day payment policy, freelancers are not paid on time, and their repeated requests go unnoticed.
26. Brigad
Brigad connects businesses in the hospitality and healthcare industries to experienced freelancers. The shifts are flexible, lasting anywhere from one day to an entire month. Currently, Brigad has nearly 10,000 freelancers across Europe.
What differentiates Brigad from other freelance marketplaces?
Brigad offers its community members gifts such as insurance premiums, discounts on equipment, training, and more upon signing in. It prides itself in being a social enterprise that makes work accessible to all.
Further, Brigad guarantees that freelancers are paid on time; often weekly. Brigad automatically generates your invoice to ensure your payment is made within seven days of completing a project.
Brigad is great for freelancers as it offers extensive support through its community partners, offering hospitality and healthcare training courses and a tax app for freelancers to track their income, expenses, and taxes.
Brigad review: What are the cons of using Brigad as a freelancer
A drawback of Brigad is its limited scope for freelancers as it only focuses on a few industries and is extremely niche. The platform plans to expand to the retail, health, and construction sectors to help attract more freelancers and clients.
27. Hoofdkraan
Hoofdkraan is a Dutch freelance marketplace. Their website is in Dutch, and their target audience is primarily based in the Netherlands and surrounding areas. If you offer digital services and are comfortable interacting with European and Dutch customers, Hoofdkraan is the perfect place to earn some extra money.
What do freelancers love about Hoofdkraan?
Hoofdkraan is a reliable source of work for freelancers since it offers jobs with absolutely no restrictions on the type of work or a freelancer’s ability. The process is simple - a client uploads an assignment onto the platform, and freelancers can respond by quoting a price. The platform plays no other role in the process.
It is also safe for freelancers and customers alike since the payment is made through escrow; when a customer accepts the freelancer’s quotation, they pay the money to Hoofdkraan, which gives the money to the freelancer when the work is completed. This process makes Hoofdkraan a trusted third party for both the freelancer and the customer.
Hoofdkraan review: Cons of using Hoofdkraan as a freelancer
Hoofdkraan is a client-friendly marketplace instead of being focused on freelancers’ needs. When freelancers quote their price to a customer, they are given a quotation price, customer references, contact information, and a personal message. Customers can rate your work, and the rating is made public. Also, while the service is free for customers, freelancers need to pay a subscription fee to be listed on the platform.
28. Movemeon
Movemeon seeks to satisfy a niche that other job posting websites are missing out on - highly qualified top professionals with substantial work experience. Founded by two ex-McKinsey consultants, Movemeon currently offers almost 390+ jobs at corporates, start-ups, consultancies, private equity and venture capital firms, and so on.
Their application process is quite straightforward: you simply submit your freelancer CV on their website. Movemeon’s in-house experts then review it, validate your membership and give you access to all the roles available on their website.
Movemeon review: What are Movemeon’s benefits for freelancers?
Movemeon’s job search engine is restricted to members being screened during the registration process itself. Recruiters are connected to professionals in their field without any additional screening process. Movemeon’s members come from top universities worldwide and often have over a decade of work experience. The website has already amassed a network of over 50,000 highly-qualified freelancers.
Additionally, employers can post jobs for free and only need to pay when they hire someone. According to Movemeon, this saves companies upto 50% when compared to traditional recruiting methods and 75% more than hiring a consultancy.
While compared to other freelancing websites, Movemeon might offer a smaller pool of jobs and freelancers, but it succeeds in connecting the best professionals with jobs that suit their background and experience.
29. WeWhoDo
WeWhoDo is a London-based freelance consultancy firm. In 2022, it pledged to work exclusively with companies that focus on a sustainable future and have a vision aligned with WeWhoDo’s core values. Only companies that pass its sustainability criteria are eligible for its sustainable start-up membership.
WeWhoDo review: Benefits of using WeWhoDo as a freelancer
WeWhoDo primarily focuses on three verticals - consulting, marketing, and technology. These categories are subdivided into their core competencies.
- Consultancy: Customer Experience, Risk Management, Programme Management, Finance, and Strategy
- Marketing: Marketing Strategy, Branding, Photo & Video, Social Media, Copywriting and Content Marketing, PR, and SEO
- Technology: UX Design, UI Design, Data Science, Mobile App Development, Software Development, and Product Management
WeWhoDo claims that its members represent the top 3% of professionals in their respective fields. 80% come from the best strategy and creative agencies around the world. Its goal is to create a better world by using business as a force for good. It assists organizations with carbon offsetting and creating eco-conscious workspaces. They even recycle plastic waste into designer bottles. To achieve this, WeWhoDo links the best talents to firms that want to make a change.
Having a university degree is not necessary to sign up on the website. You need to fill out a form, which takes about 2-3 minutes to complete, and membership currently costs £20 a month.
WeWhoDo is a good option for companies seeking to become more sustainable while hiring some of the best talent in the industry. However, this can also limit the scope of clients and projects available on the website, resulting in fewer opportunities in the long run.
30. Freelancers in the UK
Freelancers in the UK is a freelance recruitment website that was launched in 2005. With almost two decades of experience, this freelance marketplace already has the trust of thousands of self-employed professionals, consultants, and employers.
Freelancers in the UK review: Benefits of using Freelancers in the UK as a freelancer
The site's front page offers easy access to a list of commonly searched categories of jobs. These include administrational, design, editorial, educational, legal, sales, and other opportunities.
Freelancers can register on the website for £30 per year or get a lifetime membership for £60 in a one-time transaction. These memberships allow the applicant to write and receive reviews from clients and publish articles and events.
The banner advertisement membership costs £120 per month and offers prominent placement across the website to get better traction with potential customers. It also allows freelancers to choose their position on the website.
Freelancers in the UK review: Cons of using Freelancers in the UK?
The options on their website are limited, with only approximately 200 members currently listed; this may be the result of better services and features offered by their immediate competitors.
31. Guidepoint
Guidepoint specializes in connecting subject-matter experts to clients that require their expertise. Its advisors offer phone consultations, critical insights into their industry, detailed surveys, data analysis, and legal solutions. It currently has over a million experts on its website, all of whom have been thoroughly vetted to ensure that the best professionals get matched to projects that suit their expertise.
GuidePoint review: Benefits of using GuidePoint as a freelancer
Guidepoint’s current clients include 9 of the top 10 consulting firms globally, 100+ private equity firms, and several Fortune 500 companies; it works with over 3,500 organizations. Its service areas include accounting, financial services, media, aerospace and defense, insurance, law, energy, etc. Its presence spreads across three continents and over ten countries.
Apart from networking, another significant benefit of using Guidepoint is the myriad of end-to-end communication services.
GuidePoint review: Some cons of using Guidepoint
The limited number of clients vis-a-vis a large number of experts can translate into fewer projects for freelancers, even if the payouts from projects are sizable. This problem is mitigated for those specializing in finance, healthcare, and computer-generated solutions (CGS) since many companies allied with Guidepoint are from these sectors.
It is an excellent option for large firms with large budgets and for experienced freelancers who wish to work on projects that suit their areas of expertise.
32. Worksome
Worksome is a Copenhagen-based freelance marketplace specializing in on-site freelance work. It links highly-skilled professionals with small or medium businesses at the ground level, and serves a variety of industries, including IT, design, law, etc. It also provides automation services for freelancer payments, billing, and compliance processes.
How does Worksome work?
Freelancers need to register themselves on the website and create a profile listing their skills and experience. The website's algorithms then connect these professionals to job listings that best match their expertise. Freelancers bid on these openings, effectively starting a direct conversation with the client. While listing and finding a job is free, Worksome charges a 4% service fee once a professional gets hired from its site.
However, it is willing to amend this fee depending on the firm's scale and frequency of hiring. The billing and compliance mechanism is automated with invoices generated on the website, which cuts costs and reduces the hassle for firms and freelancers alike.
Which freelancing platform is right for you?
Freelancing gives individuals control over their working hours, environment, and earnings. These benefits, along with the pandemic-driven preference for remote jobs, are causing the gig economy to grow fast.
Using a freelancing website is worth your time and effort. Not only do they provide a diverse range of opportunities, but they are also an excellent opportunity to interact with high-quality clientele from all across the world. Best of all, you get to be your own boss, and work on your own time!
Freelance websites can be fantastic resources for both new and experienced freelancers, as well as those looking for solutions for their businesses or personal needs. Furthermore, the best freelance platforms include useful advice and guidance for new freelancers.
However, remote work comes with its own challenges, such as unpaid invoices, lack of employee benefits, and difficulty securing projects. Choosing the right platform that provides good payment terms, customer support, and a wide range of listings can help you grow your freelance career.
To thrive on freelancing platforms, regardless of your degree of expertise, you must be able to market your abilities, establish your pricing appropriately, and sell yourself effectively. Make sure you get outstanding reviews to set yourself apart from the competition.
You should now have a strong grasp of how freelancing works and what the best freelance websites are. You might even be confident of getting a job on one or more of these platforms and expanding your personal brand or business. If you have been considering starting your freelance career, now is the time to take advantage of these opportunities!
Ditch the marketplace, and get the whole package!”
Join Xolo.
