Thinking of becoming a freelancer? Here are some of the best freelance websites

It’s no secret that many employees have moved to remote work as companies seek a way forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers are also considering freelancing gigs to either replace income lost or to make some extra money while sheltering in place. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of the best freelance websites to put some extra cash in your pocket.

Best freelancing websites

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Toptal
• Freelancer
• PeoplePerHour

Upwork

Upwork is great for a wide variety of skill sets and for longer and more short-term projects. Employers can post a job for free in web development, design, writing, sales, customer service and more and they’ll pick from any qualified proposal within 24 hours. That’s where you come in. After a company posts a project, you can apply to work on anything you feel you’re qualified to complete. You’ll communicate through the online chat or video call system for more details and to stay in touch during the project. Upwork is especially popular for one-off software and marketing projects.

Fiverr

Does your work speak for itself? Fiverr lets freelancers showcase any finished projects so potential employers can see exactly what you’ve worked on and how you did. Fiverr also has some big-name clients looking for work — including Facebook, Google, Netflix and Paypal. If you’re looking for high-profile jobs in graphic design, digital marketing, video or animation, this site is your best bet. When you’re ready to pick up a new skill or master the platform, Fiverr offers free learning courses on everything from brand building to pitching to clients.

Toptal

Toptal is known for looking for the best and most reliable freelancers around, so it’ll be hard to compete for gigs. But once you’re in, you’ll be more than glad you put in the effort. Companies involved with Toptal are looking for the “top 3%” of freelancing talent when it comes to software development, design, finance and project management. Hiring takes place within 48 hours of application and workers can fulfill commitments at an hourly rate or full time. Companies like Motorola and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise are known to work with Toptal.

Freelancer

If you’re interested in doing some work for small and larger businesses, Freelancer is a great all-purpose site to pick up a variety of gigs. Favored by companies like Microsoft, MetLife and Boeing, jobs are located on a general listings board and you’ll compete with fellow freelancers to place bids. If you’re offering quality work for the right price, you could nab web development, writing, design and marketing gigs within days. 

People Per Hour

If you’re looking to broaden your search for extra dough, People Per Hour may be your best bet. This freelancing site connects freelancers and businesses internationally, with nearly a million companies and 2.4 million workers currently using the platform. As you complete jobs, your services are reviewed and rated so you get free advertising for prospective employers. People Per Hour also has one of the most diverse ranges of categories with consulting, translation and 3D printing jobs, just to name a few.

Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing (and most competitive) professions among American workers. But with the right platform, skillset and a little extra time, you can start bringing in money to do the things you’re most passionate about. 

Find more resources, news updates and tips to make the most of your internet connection when you follow us on Facebook, Twitter or bookmark our Resource Center.