As a freelancer, you can get work in all kinds of places. You might be a freelance programmer and know that there’s no shortage of websites where you can find work, either as a full-time gig or as a side hustle. But how do you know which sites to join? After all, there are many different options, and it may not be as easy as just signing up for one and getting started.
To help you make an informed decision about which websites to join as a freelance programmer, here are the top five options, complete with their pros and cons
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelance websites can be a great way for developers to find work and build their portfolio. |
| Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal, Guru, and Fiverr are some of the top freelance websites for developers. |
| To succeed as a freelance developer, it’s important to create a strong profile, set competitive rates, and market yourself effectively. |
| Freelance websites offer a wide variety of jobs for developers, including web development, mobile app development, software engineering, and database design. |
| Standing out on freelance websites as a developer requires a combination of strong skills, a solid portfolio, and excellent customer service. |
1. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by a number of users and projects. Freelancer.com connects over 59 million employers and freelancers globally from over 247 countries, regions and territories.
The platform enables businesses to find, hire and pay the best talent anywhere, anytime with flexible payment options. Employers are able to post projects online and immediately start receiving competitive bids from freelance professionals worldwide who specialize in fields such as software development, writing, data entry & research with some projects costing as low as US$30.
In addition to connecting individuals (employers and freelancers) through its core marketplace platform, Freelancer Limited provides other complimentary services including Escrow services for safe payments for employers; project management tools for both employer and freelancers; Enterprise solutions for corporate clients; a training platform called Freelancer Learn helping millions learn skills in a variety of fields that help them get hired through the marketplace.)
Unfortunately, there is an issue with getting paid on Freelancer due to their dispute resolution process where clients can request funds back from freelancers after payment has been made which makes them hold your funds until disputes are resolved which could take weeks or even months before it’s released back into your account.
Are you a programmer looking for freelance work? Look no further! Our guide on the 15 Best Freelance Websites for Programmers has got you covered with a list of the best websites to find programming jobs and make money.
2. UpWork
UpWork is one of the most well-known online freelancing platforms in the world. UpWork was formed when Elance and oDesk merged in 2013. UpWork’s major selling point is the regular stream of clients that are looking for programmers to hire on their platform.
Using Upwork as a programmer comes at a cost, though. For starters, you need to pay a fee for each job you get through Upwork. If your first $500 earned with a client goes through Upwork, they will take 20% of that as commission. The percentage decreases as your billings from that client increase: after earning $500 from them, this fee drops to 10%, and then drops again to 5% when your total lifetime billings with them exceed $10k.
Looking to make money as a freelance web developer? Our guide on 14 Proven Tips to Make Money as a Freelance Web Developer provides valuable tips on how to find clients, set your rates, and market your services to grow your business.
3. Guru
Guru is a great place to find freelancers for contract work. It was founded in 1998 and has since become one of the most common websites for finding freelance work.
Guru is great if you’re looking for a local freelancer that can meet with you in person. Because of the large number of freelancers, it’s also good if you are looking for someone specifically to fill a skill gap and don’t have time or resources to sort through stacks of resumes and candidate profiles.
Guru’s user interface is very easy to use and intuitive, so you can start browsing potential candidates right away. The site also allows you to narrow down your results by location, ratings, budgets, skills required, availability, education level, and company size (i.e., whether the freelancer prefers working solo or as part of an agency). The site will also give you recommendations based on what other users with similar criteria are hiring for.
Guru has a secure payment system that makes it easy for both parties (the client and the freelancer) to get paid without any confusion or miscommunication about how much money is owed when each stage of the project has been completed (and this includes things like initial consultation before work starts).
As a freelancer, finding programming work can be a challenge. Our guide on the Top 10 Programming Websites to Locate Freelance Work provides a comprehensive list of the best websites to find freelance programming work, so you can spend less time searching and more time coding.
4. Fiverr
Fiverr is a website where people can buy and sell a variety of digital services starting at $5. It’s one of the best websites to go to if you’re looking for things like voiceovers, graphic design work, or writing.
There are a variety of ways to sell your freelancing skills on Fiverr. You can perform tasks like creating a logo, designing a website or creating an app. Fiverr lets you choose between four different selling methods:
Standard Gigs- Perfect for when you have one type of service to offer and don’t need more than one pricing tier available.
Multiples Gigs– Perfect for when your service involves multiple options and different price points, such as a basic package, standard package, and premium package (For instance: for logo design).
Subscription Gigs– For when you want to offer monthly membership services (like managing social media profiles). You will continue earning from the services you provide until your customer decides to cancel their subscription.
Not only does Fiverr cater to all kinds of professionals, it’s also easy for customers to find you since there is no shortage of users on this platform.
How Much Does Fiverr Charge?
Fiverr charges $2 per job off the first $40 you spend.
How Does Fiverr Work?
You pay someone through the website who then provides you with whatever service they specialize in. For example, you may pay someone to write your blog post or create an illustration for your website. Y
ou can choose from a wide selection of people offering their services on the site, both professional and non-professional ones (i.e., writers or artists). You’ll find that there are many different kinds of freelancers available on Fiverr – just make sure not to get scammed by fake accounts!
We recommend only paying through Fiverr itself as opposed to PayPal which does not provide buyer protection like Square Cash does; otherwise, if something goes wrong with your order (e.g., it’s late) then you won’t be able to dispute it through PayPal’s dispute system because payments made via Paypal aren’t eligible for buyer protection from either party (buyer/seller).
If you want more information about how these types of payment systems work read our article: Buyer Protection: Square Cash vs Paypal vs Skrill vs Dwolla vs Apple Payment System before choosing which way will suit your needs better!
Are you interested in becoming a freelance web developer? Our guide on 9 Ways to Get Started in Freelance Web Development provides helpful tips on how to get started, including building a portfolio, setting up a website, and finding clients.
5. Peopleperhour.Com
PeoplePerHour.com is a UK-based freelance marketplace for web professionals. It has a strict rating system to give its clients peace of mind, and also makes it super easy for clients to find the services they want by having an extensive category system.
PeoplePerHour.com does not take a commission from its freelancers, only from the client when they make a payment into their online account, so freelancers can keep 100% of what they earn (unless you decide to pay them less than what’s in your account).
PeoplePerHour.com also has an escrow service available so that the money is held in trust until both parties are satisfied with each other’s work – this means that you can feel safe knowing that the project is going to be completed before you’re charged! PeoplePerHour.com has great reviews on TrustPilot too!
You also don’t need to be an expert – there is no qualification process and anyone who wants to set up a profile can do so; there are plenty of entry-level jobs available as well as more experienced ones.
One downside is that it isn’t free, with prices starting at $12 (around £9) per month although you get a 30-day free trial when you first sign up. You get fewer bids each month but then again, it’s good for getting work quickly and easily.
Picking the right medium will ensure timely work product and payment.
When you’re seeking work as a freelancer, it’s important to know that there are positives and negatives associated with each platform. In order to find success as a freelancer, you need to carefully consider the features of each site and assess whether or not they will help you achieve your goals.
As an aspiring freelancer, it is imperative that you fully understand the rules and payment systems for each platform on which you plan to engage in business. It’s also important that you carefully consider the size of each prospective client pool before choosing a site. A large client base will mean more opportunities for work, but it may also mean more competition from other freelancers vying for jobs.
Freelance web development can be a lucrative career, and there are many reasons why you should consider it. Check out our guide on the Top 13 Reasons Why You Should Think About Freelance Web Development to learn more about the benefits of this exciting field.
Final Thoughts
In this post, we’ve shown you a handful of great resources that can help you in your search for general programming work. While it’s easy to get discouraged with the resume-sending and skill-proving that these sites require, we hope that our suggestions might make applying a bit easier. And even though you’ve likely already tried a few of them, there’s no harm in reapplying if you’re (still) in need of web development work. The important thing is to maintain a positive attitude, and keep at it until you find the right opportunity.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you find freelance work as a developer:
The Best Freelance Websites for Developers: A comprehensive list of the best websites to find freelance work as a developer.
Top 10 Freelance Websites for Developers: A guide to the top freelance websites for developers, including information on how to get started and tips for success.
10 Best Freelance Websites for Developers: A roundup of the 10 best freelance websites for developers, with information on pricing, job types, and more.
FAQs
What are the best freelance websites for developers?
Some of the best freelance websites for developers include Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal, Guru, and Fiverr. Each website offers a unique set of features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
How do I get started on freelance websites as a developer?
To get started on freelance websites as a developer, you’ll need to create a profile, list your skills and experience, and start applying for jobs. It’s also important to set competitive rates and market yourself effectively to attract clients.
What kind of jobs can I find on freelance websites as a developer?
You can find a wide variety of jobs on freelance websites as a developer, including web development, mobile app development, software engineering, database design, and more. Some websites also offer specialized jobs for niche industries or specific technologies.
How do I set my rates as a freelance developer?
Setting your rates as a freelance developer can be a challenge, as you’ll need to balance your skills and experience with market demand and competition. It’s important to research industry standards and adjust your rates based on the complexity of the job, the client’s budget, and other factors.
How can I stand out on freelance websites as a developer?
To stand out on freelance websites as a developer, it’s important to have a strong portfolio, showcase your skills and experience, and provide excellent customer service. You can also use social media and other marketing channels to promote your services and attract clients.
What Can You Expect From A Freelance Job Website?
A lot! These websites, also called freelance marketplaces, connect freelancers with companies and individuals who need their skills. You can expect to find all kinds of opportunities on freelance job websites: web design work, software development, writing, copyediting, translation, administrative tasks the list goes on and on.
If you’re looking for a new side gig or a full-time career, you can use these sites to get gigs for yourself. If you’re looking for the quality help at an affordable price, you can browse the available freelancers and hire someone to help you with your project. And if you’re just looking to save some money on your next project and don’t have time to manage an entire project yourself, consider hiring a virtual assistant!
Freelance job websites also allow you to stay in touch with the latest industry trends. Their forums and Q&A sections are great places to connect with other freelancers and find out more about what’s going on in the industry. Freelance job websites also offer courses that will help you learn new skills so that as technology evolves or a new industry emerges, you can be prepared.
What Is A Freelancing Website?
A freelance website is similar to sites like Glassdoor or Yelp, except instead of rating restaurants or companies, they’re focused on ranking and reviewing freelancers and their work. Freelancing websites allow clients who are looking for freelancers to post jobs (called ‘bids’), and then freelancers can apply for the job. They have a rating system so that freelancers can be rated by their previous clients, helping clients make more informed decisions when choosing who to hire.
The biggest difference between freelance websites and freelance marketplaces like Fiverr is that on a marketplace, freelance work is offered by independent sellers who set their own prices, whereas, on a freelance website, the bids are posted by the potential clients themselves.
How Do You Design A Website?
You know that thing when you’re imagining something and you start seeing the images in your mind? That’s what designing is like for me—it starts with pictures in my mind of what the site will look like when it’s done, and then I have to figure out how to get those pictures onto the screen.
It usually involves a lot of clicking things into place, trying things out, and seeing what works best. But it’s fun!
What Kind Of Equipment Do You Use?
I’m the kind of person who likes to keep things simple, so I don’t use a ton of fancy equipment. I’m always on my laptop, on which I do all my work. I use a wired mouse and keyboard. And then I’ve got my two monitors and a pair of headphones.
I used to have some pretty cool ergonomic gear, but it got stolen last year and I haven’t replaced it. Nowadays, I just sit in a regular chair with the laptop propped up on a pillow and try not to slouch too much.
Is It Worth Paying Money For A Freelancing Website Membership?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a freelancer looking to build a portfolio and gain experience, then it’s definitely worth it. You won’t get the highest-paying jobs that come with a membership, but you’ll be able to build your skills and portfolio.
How Do I Know If A Website Is Right For Me?
If you’re looking to get your business online, or even if you just want an online portfolio to help you find new clients, a website is a way to go!
Think about it: every business has a website now—and it’s not just big businesses anymore. Websites are how customers and clients find you and your work, no matter what industry you’re in. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are tons of easy ways to get started, and we can help!
What Should My Website Look Like?
What do you want it to look like? It can follow any design or layout you want—you can use images, text, or both; add additional pages; include links to other sites or resources; build in forms for people to contact you; and so much more! We’ll work with you on what works best for your content and goals.
How Long Does It Take To Build A Website?
The length of time required to build a website depends on many factors. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months or even years, depending on the complexity of the site. If you’re building a simple personal website with just a few pages, it could only take a couple of hours. If you’re building an e-commerce site, it could take several months.
How Can I Get More Traffic On My Programming Website?
Great question; The best way to get traffic on your website is through high-quality content that people can’t help but share. What does this mean? It means making your content so valuable that people will want to pass it along to their friends and families. This could be in the form of a blog post, an infographic, or a video. The key is to choose whichever medium works best for the message you want to convey.
Which Site Is The Best For Me To Learn On?
This depends on what you’re planning on learning and how you like to learn. Codeacademy is great for beginners who want a strong foundation in the basics of programming; FreeCodeCamp is great for beginners who have some familiarity with programming and want to build projects to strengthen their understanding, and Udacity is great for learners who already have a bit of experience in programming and are looking to build a portfolio of polished projects.
How Much Time Should I Dedicate Each Day?
This depends on what you’re planning on learning, how much you need to do, and how comfortable you are with the material. We generally recommend committing 1-2 hours a day if you don’t have much experience with coding, or 2-3 hours a day if you’re looking to improve your skills.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.