27 Best Freelance Marketplaces to Find Paid Work in 2023

Are you looking for the best freelance marketplaces to kickstart your freelancing career or take it to the next level? 

As more and more people embrace remote work and the gig economy, the demand for online freelancing platforms has skyrocketed. 

Freelance marketplaces provide a convenient way to connect with clients, showcase your skills, and earn money doing what you love. 

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best freelance marketplaces on the web, including Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and Guru. 

Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, these platforms offer a wealth of job opportunities across various industries and skill sets. 

Each of these platforms has its own unique features and benefits, making them worth exploring for anyone looking to start or grow their freelance career.

So, let’s dive in and find out which one is the best fit for you!

The Best Freelance Marketplaces to Find Paid Work 

When it comes to finding freelance work, there are plenty of websites to choose from. However, not all freelance marketplaces are created equal. 

Here are the best freelance marketplaces that offer a wide range of job opportunities and reliable payment systems.

1. Upwork – Marketplace for freelancers. 

Upwork is one of the largest and most popular freelance marketplaces. It offers a variety of job categories, including web development, design, writing, and customer service. 

Upwork has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to browse job postings and submit proposals. 

Freelancers can also take skill tests to showcase their abilities and increase their chances of getting hired.

It connects independent professionals and agencies.  

Recently, Upwork have made some major changes in their fee structure. And, beginning May 3, 2023, the freelancer service fees will be 10% for all new contracts regardless of contract value.

Upwork is very beginner-friendly platform, but be prepared to take lower-priced freelance jobs through the site.

LEARN MORE ABOUT UPWORK

• How to get started with Upwork and make money
• How To Create a Perfect Freelancer Profile On UpWork
• Upwork Readiness Test Answers 2023 (Best Guide)
• Upwork vs Fiverr: What’s the best place to sell?

2. Fiverr 

Fiverr is among one of the world’s largest marketplace for digital services. Good for freelance beginners.

It’s a popular freelance marketplace that specializes in small projects or “gigs.” 

Freelancers can offer services such as graphic design, social media marketing, and writing starting at just $5. 

Fiverr is an excellent platform for freelancers who want to build their portfolio and gain experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIVERR

• How To Create A Gig On Fiverr in 2023 (Complete Tutorial)
• How To Make Money On Fiverr: The Best Guide
• Discover The Best Fiverr Gig Ideas For Beginners To Make Money In 2023

3. PeoplePerHour – UK-based freelance job platform.

PeoplePerHour is a freelance marketplace that specializes in web development, design, writing, and marketing. 

It offers a unique “hourlie” feature, where freelancers can offer a specific service for a fixed price and delivery time. 

PeoplePerHour also has a user-friendly interface and a reliable payment system.

4. Guru – Great platform for new freelancers to build their portfolio.

Guru is a freelance marketplace that offers a variety of job categories, including web development, design, writing, and administrative support. 

It has a user-friendly interface and allows freelancers to showcase their portfolios and receive feedback from clients. 

Guru also offers a SafePay system that ensures freelancers are paid for their work.

5. Toptal 

Toptal is a platform that connects businesses with the top 3% of freelance talent in fields such as software development, design, and finance. The platform has a rigorous screening process to ensure that only the best freelancers are accepted.

6. FreeUp 

FreeUp is a platform that specializes in eCommerce and digital marketing freelancers. The platform has a unique approach to vetting freelancers, with a 15-step process that includes skills tests, background checks, and interviews. This ensures that businesses get access to the best eCommerce and digital marketing freelancers available.

7. Freelancer 

Freelancer is another well-known freelance marketplace that connects businesses with freelancers from around the world. It offers a range of job categories, including programming, design, writing, and data entry. 

Freelancer also has a contest option, where businesses can post a project and receive multiple submissions from freelancers, allowing them to choose the best one.

8. myTEFL 

Do you want to teach English abroad? Do you want to make money while living overseas?

myTEFL is a platform that connects businesses with freelance English teachers. The platform has a large pool of experienced teachers from around the world, and offers a range of services, including online classes, curriculum development, and teacher training. 

9. The TEFL Academy 

Teaching English as a foreign language around the world? You acquire the skills needed to teach English as a foreign language, whether it be through our specialist online TEFL course or our combined TEFL course.

10. FlexJobs 

FlexJobs is a platform that specializes in remote and flexible work opportunities. The platform has a large pool of freelance talent in fields such as writing, editing, and customer service. FlexJobs is a great option for businesses that need to hire freelancers for short-term or project-based work.

Freelance Websites for Designers & Developers

11. 99Designs 

The global creative platform that makes it easy for designers and clients to work together.

99Designs is a platform that connects businesses with freelance designers. The platform has a large pool of talented designers from around the world, and offers a range of design services, including logo design, web design, and packaging design. 

12. Freelancer 

An online outsourcing platform that focused on web developers and designers.

13. Remotive 

A job board that you can search from software development to customer support.

14. Gun.io 

Great platform for hiring software developers. This site requires a test for freelance developers to sign up as a “technical talent.”

15. Codeable 

This site is for WordPress developers. $70-120 USD /hr – the guaranteed minimum rate but you can’t just apply for a job. Go to “Apply as an Expert” under “Developers” and read carefully the overviews.

16. Mandy 

This is one of the world’s largest creative communities of actors, film and TV crew, theatre professionals, voice-over artists, dancers, singers, musicians, models, etc.

17. Production hub 

This site helps you to find work in film and video production that meets your unique skill-set, anywhere at any time.

18. Twine 

Freelance marketplace for creators like graphic designer, web developer, animator, music producer, illustrator, etc.

19. Sound Better 

Music Production & Engineering Job Board.

Freelance Websites for Virtual Assistants & Writers

20. Scripted 

Freelance marketplace for copywriters and writers.

21. PubLoft 

Freelance marketplace for writers.

22. Belay Solutions 

An online outsourcing platform that focused on virtual assistants, bookkeepers, and web developers.

23. Freelance Writing 

The site provides a writing job board as well as writer resources.

24. All Freelance Writing 

This is Freelance Writing Job Board run by a professional blogger.

25. Blogging Pro 

The site is dedicated mainly to bloggers! If you want to build a blogging career, check the “Blogging Job.”

26. iWriter 

This is not like a job board. Before you sign up as a freelance writer to receive job offers, you’ll need to submit 200 words of your writing.

27. Pro Blogger 

ProBlogger has been the home for bloggers wanting to create and grow their blogs. They have a job listing section special for people who are looking for writers and are updated frequently with content writing jobs.

How to Choose the Best Freelance Marketplace

When it comes to choosing the best freelance marketplace, there are several factors to consider. 

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Consider Your Needs

The first step in choosing the best freelance marketplace is to consider your needs. 

What type of work do you need to be done? 

What skills are required? 

Different marketplaces cater to different types of work, so it’s important to choose one that matches your needs.

2. Read Reviews and Ratings

Before signing up for a freelance marketplace, it’s important to read reviews and ratings from other users. This will give you an idea of the quality of work and the reliability of the platform. 

Look for marketplaces that have a high rating and positive reviews from users.

3. Check the Fees and Commission

Freelance marketplaces typically charge a fee or commission for their services. It’s important to check the fees and commission rates before signing up for a platform. Some marketplaces charge a flat fee, while others charge a percentage of the project cost. Choose a platform that offers fair and transparent pricing.

4. Look for Payment Protection

Payment protection is an important consideration when choosing a freelance marketplace. Look for platforms that offer payment protection to both freelancers and clients. This will ensure that you are paid for your work and that clients are protected against fraud.

5. Evaluate the Quality of Freelancers

Finally, it’s important to evaluate the quality of freelancers on a platform before signing up. Look for marketplaces that have a rigorous screening process for freelancers. 

This will ensure that you are working with qualified and experienced professionals.

Tips for Freelancers to Succeed on Freelance Marketplaces.

Freelance marketplaces offer a great platform for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with potential clients from all over the world. 

However, to succeed on these platforms, freelancers need to be strategic and follow some best practices. 

Here are some tips for freelancers to succeed on freelance marketplaces.

1. Create a Strong Profile

A strong profile is the first step towards success on any freelance marketplace. A well-crafted profile should highlight your skills, experience, and expertise. It should also showcase your personality and communication style. 

Freelancers should ensure that their profile is complete and up-to-date. They should also use a professional profile picture and a catchy headline to attract clients.

2. Build a Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best work samples that showcase your skills and expertise. 

Freelancers should create a portfolio that highlights their strengths and demonstrates their ability to deliver quality work. 

They should also ensure that their portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing. 

Freelancers should also keep their portfolio up-to-date by adding new work samples regularly.

3. Set Competitive Rates

Setting the right rates is crucial for freelancers to attract clients and win projects on freelance marketplaces. 

Freelancers should research the market rates for their skills and experience and set their rates accordingly. 

They should also be flexible and willing to negotiate their rates based on the project requirements.

4. Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is key to building a strong relationship with clients on freelance marketplaces. 

Freelancers should respond promptly to client messages and be clear and concise in their communication. 

They should also be proactive in their communication and keep clients updated on the project progress.

5. Deliver Quality Work on Time

Delivering quality work on time is the most important factor in building a successful freelance career. 

Freelancers should ensure that they understand the project requirements and deliver work that meets or exceeds client expectations. 

They should also ensure that they deliver work on time and communicate any delays or issues with clients.

Final Thoughts.

In conclusion, choosing the best freelance marketplace requires careful consideration of your needs, fees and commission rates, payment protection, and the quality of freelancers. 

By following these tips, you can find a platform that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals as a freelancer.

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