There are lots of benefits of being a freelancer. You can follow your passion, you can set your own working hours and you have more freedom – but there can be downsides. One of the most common problems with freelancing is job searching, as some jobs are scams, and occasionally freelancers don’t get paid.
The good news is that there are trustworthy, legitimate sites to help freelancers find paid work online. Whether you are a programmer, writer, designer or artist, there is a job platform out there for you. Check out 9 of the best sites below so you can start to apply for jobs today!
1. Peopleperhour
If you are a writer, web developer, designer or SEO specialist, there is work for you on peopleperhour.
It is worth noting that projects are posted 24 hours a day on peopleperhour, and you are more likely to be noticed if you are one of the first people to make a job proposal. Make sure you look out for brand-new jobs whenever you sign on!
2. Upwork
Upwork has over 1.5 million clients, so there is work for most types of freelancers. There are jobs for both beginners and experts, and projects can be as short as one hour or much longer. One of the main benefits of Upwork is that you can find long-term job contracts, some lasting over 6 months.
3. Craigslist
Lots of people think that Craiglist is a platform for buying and selling things, but it is also an excellent job site for freelancers. You can either search for local jobs in your area by searching local offerings, or you can find remote work by searching through major cities.
4. Toptal
Toptal is slightly different to the other job sites on this list, as it is only aimed at experts and pros. Before you can find work on Toptal, you must pass their thorough screening process. If you are accepted you will have access to important projects for big clients, such as Airbnb, with reasonable compensation. You will also be able to attend Toptal meet-ups and events.
5. Demand Media
Demand Media is a job platform for creative freelancers, such as writers, film makers and photographers. The site offers reasonably paid work with the chance to promote your talents, and it also has a blog with helpful tips and advice on how to improve your marketing skills.
6. 99designs
99designs is a platform for freelance designers that holds design contests to hire designers. The process means that designers get feedback from possible clients, helping them to improve their talents. It joins designers to small businesses, helping the designers to build up reputable portfolio.
7. College Recruiter
If you are a recent graduate or a student, College Recruiter is the perfect job site for you. They only offer jobs to students and graduates, and they list both entry level jobs and intern-ship. They offer work in accounting, marketing, business, education, computer science and more.
8. Freelancer
Freelancer is a competitive job platform, so it is ideal for confident and qualified freelancers. For each project, hopefuls compete with each other to prove their skills. Although the process can seem tough, the jobs are well worth the competition.
9. Freelance Writing Gigs
Freelance Writing Gigs is ideal for writers, editors, publishers and bloggers. It offers paid writing work, and it also runs a blog with tips on writing, blogging and business. It also has posts to help freelancers apply for work, which is useful for people who are just starting out as a freelancer. Good luck!