Freelancing is a great way to earn money, work on your own terms, and showcase your skills online. However, finding freelance jobs can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to look. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best freelancing websites for finding online work in 2023.

These websites are platforms that connect freelancers with clients who need various services, such as web development, graphic design, content writing, voice-over, and more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced freelancer, you can find opportunities that suit your skills, experience, and budget on these websites.

Here are some of the factors we considered when choosing the best freelancing websites:

– The diversity and quality of the projects available

– The ease of use and registration process

– The payment methods and fees

– The reputation and reviews of the website

– The support and resources for freelancers

Based on these criteria, here are our top 20 freelancing websites to find work in this year:

1. Fiverr

Fiverr is one of the most popular and diverse freelancing websites in the world. It offers gigs in over 500 categories, ranging from digital marketing to AI services. Freelancers can sign up for free, create their own gigs, and set their own prices. Clients can browse through the gigs and purchase them directly.

Fiverr has a simple and streamlined process for both freelancers and clients. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as a high commission fee (20% of each gig) and a long payment process (up to 14 days). Freelancers can withdraw their earnings via debit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.

Fiverr has over 3.4 million active buyers and guarantees secure payments and 24/7 customer support for freelancers.

2. Upwork

Upwork is another leading freelancing website that connects freelancers with clients from various industries and niches. Upwork has a wide range of projects, from short-term tasks to long-term contracts. Freelancers can create their profiles, bid on projects, and communicate with clients through the platform.

Upwork aims to find the best workers from all over the world to fill clients’ open positions. However, this also means that the competition is high and the hiring process can be long and selective. Upwork also has a relatively high service fee (20% of your first $500 bill) that decreases as you earn more from each client.

Upwork has over 5 million registered clients and offers multiple payment options and protection for freelancers.

3. Toptal

Toptal is a freelancing website that focuses on providing high-quality talent to top clients. Toptal only accepts the top 3% of freelancers who apply to join its network. These freelancers are experts in fields such as software development, design, finance, project management, and more.

Toptal has a rigorous screening process that includes tests, interviews, and trial projects. Freelancers who pass the screening can access exclusive projects from leading companies such as Airbnb, Shopify, Netflix, and more. They can also set their own rates and work on flexible schedules.

Toptal has a low service fee (10% of each project) and pays freelancers on a regular basis via PayPal or wire transfer.

4. Jooble

Jooble is a job search engine that aggregates freelance opportunities from various sources across the web. Jooble allows freelancers to search for jobs by keywords, location, salary range, date posted, and more. Jooble also provides useful information such as company ratings, reviews, and contact details.

Jooble is free to use for freelancers and does not charge any commission fees or require any registration. However, Jooble does not handle the payment or communication between freelancers and clients. Freelancers have to apply directly to the job postings and follow the instructions of each client.

Jooble has over 90 million monthly visitors and covers over 70 countries worldwide.

5. Freelancer

Freelancer.com is one of the oldest and largest freelancing websites in the world. It has over 50 million registered users and over 20 million posted projects. Freelancer.com offers jobs in various categories such as web development, graphic design, data entry, writing, engineering, and more.

Freelancer.com allows freelancers to create their profiles, bid on projects, chat with clients, and receive payments through the platform. Freelancer.com also has a contest feature where clients can post their requirements and freelancers can submit their entries for a chance to win prizes.

Freelancer.com has a low service fee (10% or $5 minimum) for fixed-price projects and an hourly fee (10% or $0.75 minimum) for hourly projects. Freelancers can withdraw their earnings via PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer, or wire transfer.

6. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is a freelancing website that specializes in remote and flexible jobs. Flexjobs has over 50 career categories and over 30,000 verified employers. Flexjobs offers jobs that are part-time, full-time, freelance, contract, or temporary. Some of the popular categories are web development, writing, customer service, education, and more.

Flexjobs requires freelancers to pay a subscription fee to access its job listings. The subscription fee ranges from $6.95 per week to $49.95 per year. However, Flexjobs also provides various benefits for freelancers, such as career coaching, resume review, skills tests, and discounts on products and services.

Flexjobs has over 4 million monthly visitors and has been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.

7. SimplyHired

SimplyHired is another job search engine that aggregates freelance opportunities from various sources across the web. SimplyHired allows freelancers to search for jobs by keywords, location, industry, company, and more. SimplyHired also provides useful information such as salary estimates, company reviews, and career advice.

SimplyHired is free to use for freelancers and does not charge any commission fees or require any registration. However, SimplyHired does not handle payment or communication between freelancers and clients. Freelancers have to apply directly to the job postings and follow the instructions of each client.

SimplyHired has over 30 million monthly visitors and covers over 24 countries worldwide.

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8. Guru

Guru is a platform that helps you find and manage freelance work. You can create a profile, showcase your portfolio, search for jobs, send quotes, and get paid through the platform. Guru also has a feature called WorkRooms, which allows you to collaborate with clients and other freelancers on projects.

9. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a platform that connects clients and freelancers based on their hourly rates. You can create a profile, post an offer, or apply for jobs that match your skills and availability. You can also use the platform to communicate, track time, invoice, and get paid.

10. 99designs

99designs is a platform that specializes in graphic design work. You can join as a designer and participate in contests where you submit your designs based on the client’s brief. The client then chooses the best design and awards the prize money to the winner. You can also work directly with clients through 1-to-1 projects.

11. Behance

Behance is an online portfolio platform where you can showcase your creative work and discover other talented creatives. You can also use Behance to find freelance jobs in fields like graphic design, photography, illustration, animation, and more.

12. Dribbble

Dribbble is another online portfolio platform where you can share your design work and get feedback from the community. You can also use Dribbble to find freelance jobs in areas like web design, logo design, branding, UI/UX design, and more.

13. AngelList

AngelList is a platform that connects startups and talent. You can create a profile, browse jobs at thousands of startups, apply with one click, and get hired directly by the founders. You can also find freelance opportunities at startups that need short-term or project-based help.

14. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world where you can build your online presence, network with other professionals, and find career opportunities. You can also use LinkedIn to find freelance jobs by creating a profile that highlights your skills and experience, searching for relevant keywords or hashtags, and sending messages or proposals to potential clients.

15. Indeed

Indeed is one of the most popular job search engines in the world where you can find millions of job listings from various sources. You can also use Indeed to find freelance jobs by filtering your search by location, type, salary, and more. You can also upload your resume, create job alerts, and apply directly through the platform.

16. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a platform that provides insights into companies, salaries, interviews, and more.

You can use Glassdoor to find freelance jobs by searching for keywords or companies, reading reviews from employees or freelancers, and comparing salaries or ratings. You can also apply directly through the platform or visit the company’s website.

17. Craigslist

Craigslist is a classifieds website where you can find local listings for various categories, including jobs. You can use Craigslist to find freelance jobs by browsing the gigs section, which has subcategories like computer, creative, writing, and more. You can also post your own ad in the services section, offering your skills and availability.

18. CloudPeeps

CloudPeeps is a platform that connects freelancers and clients who value quality, trust, and community. You can create a profile, join a community of peers, browse jobs, send proposals, and get paid through the platform. CloudPeeps focuses on work in areas like marketing, content, social media, and PR.

19. SolidGigs

SolidGigs is a service that helps you find the best freelance jobs. For a monthly fee, SolidGigs sends you a curated list of freelance gigs from various sources every week. You can also access resources like courses, tools, and templates to help you grow your freelance business.

20. Contently

Contently is a platform that helps you create and manage content for your clients. You can join as a freelancer and create a portfolio that showcases your work and expertise. Contently then matches you with clients who need content in your niche. You can also use the platform to communicate, collaborate, and get paid.

21. Bonsai

Bonsai is a platform that helps you run your freelance business with ease. You can use Bonsai to create proposals, contracts, invoices, and more. You can also track time, expenses, and payments. Bonsai integrates with other platforms like Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, and more.

22. Codeable

Codeable is a platform that connects clients and WordPress experts. You can join as a freelancer and apply for projects that require WordPress development, design, maintenance, or support. Codeable vets both clients and freelancers to ensure quality and trust.

Advantages and disadvantages of freelancing websites

Freelancing websites are a great way to find online work opportunities, but they are not perfect. As a freelancer, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of using these platforms before you sign up. Here are some of the main points to consider:

Advantages:

– You can access a large pool of potential clients from different industries and locations.

– You can choose the projects that suit your skills, interests, and availability.

– You can set your own rates and negotiate the terms of your contracts.

– You can work from anywhere and anytime, as long as you have an internet connection and a device.

Disadvantages:

– You have to compete with other freelancers who may offer lower prices or higher quality.

– You have to pay fees to the platform for using their services, which can reduce your earnings.

– You have to deal with unreliable clients who may delay payments, cancel projects, or give negative feedback.

– You have to manage your own taxes, insurance, and legal issues.

Which one of these freelancing websites should you choose?

There is no definitive answer to which freelancing website is best for you. It depends on your skills, preferences, goals, and budget. You may want to try out different platforms and see which one works best for you. You may also want to use more than one platform to diversify your income sources and opportunities.

However, here are some general tips to help you choose:

– If you are new to freelancing or have a low budget, you may want to start with Fiverr or Upwork, as they have lower barriers to entry and more projects available.

– If you have specialized skills or want to work on high-quality projects with reputable clients, you may want to try Toptal or Freelancer, as they have higher standards and rates.

– If you want to have more control over your pricing and terms, you may want to avoid platforms that charge high service fees or have fixed-price models.

– If you want to build long-term relationships with clients or work on larger projects, you may want to use platforms that allow direct communication and collaboration.

Conclusion

Whatever platform you choose, make sure that you create a professional profile, showcase your best work samples, write clear and compelling proposals or gigs, deliver quality work on time, and communicate effectively with your clients. These are the keys to success as a freelancer. Happy freelancing career