It’s no secret that Craigslist is the best place to find freelance jobs. The reasons are many and include low cost (no fees), ease of use, plentiful jobs, etc. However, if you live in a large city like I do (New York), it can be hard to find positions from clients who aren’t using Craigslist.
This is how I found myself often working on projects with people well outside my local area. As a result, I have spent countless hours searching for sites to find freelance jobs outside of Craigslist (if you’re interested in learning more). Here are the ones I think are the best!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Explore specialized freelance websites for diverse job opportunities. |
| 2. Consider using online marketplaces to connect with potential clients. |
| 3. Check out job boards dedicated to freelance work in your industry. |
| 4. Research alternative platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru. |
| 5. Build a strong freelance profile to attract clients and showcase your skills. |
| 6. Set competitive rates based on industry standards and your expertise. |
| 7. Stay proactive in searching for freelance gigs to expand your opportunities. |
| 8. Leverage networking and referrals to find hidden job opportunities. |
| 9. Stay updated with the latest trends and demands in your freelance niche. |
| 10. Maintain a professional and reliable online presence to attract clients. |
LinkedIn is the best place to find freelance work. It’s a social network for professionals, and it’s used as a resource for finding jobs at traditional companies. If you’re looking to make money on your own as a freelancer, using LinkedIn is the best way to go about it.
LinkedIn has two main ways of connecting with potential clients: publishing posts and joining groups. To publish posts on LinkedIn, go here and click “Publishing Options.”
You can decide whether or not you want people who don’t know each other on the platform to see your post by marking it public or private; if you choose public, then anyone can see what kind of work you offer and contact you about it directly through LinkedIn email addresses (which are different from regular email addresses).
When someone contacts you after reading a post they saw in their feed or being recommended by another user they trust, this is known as “inbound marketing.”
Looking for freelance jobs beyond Craigslist? Explore our comprehensive list of sites to find freelance jobs that aren’t Craigslist and discover new opportunities to boost your freelancing career.
SimplyHired
SimplyHired is a great resource for finding freelance jobs. You can search through the listings and apply to them, or you can create a profile and get matched with jobs. Once you’re logged in, SimplyHired will show you all of the job openings that are relevant to your skillset (they’ll also send emails about relevant new listings).
You can also create a portfolio on their site that employers can look at when hiring new employees. The portfolio shows off your work and helps potential employers see what kind of work you’re capable of doing.
Upwork
Upwork is best-known as a platform for hiring freelancers, but it also makes sense to use Upwork as a job seeker if you’re looking for work. With more than 10 million users (and growing), there are ample opportunities to find the right match.
The site’s site has a reputation for having high standards, so if you can get on here and build up your reputation, that will look good on your resume and give you confidence in the next steps of your career journey.
For employers: This site might be worth checking out if you’re looking to hire an editor or writer because their fees are competitive with other sites like Freelancer or Guru but they have higher quality standards and may be easier to deal with than some other options since most people already know about Upwork through word of mouth or social media anyway!
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FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a great place to find freelance work. It has a large collection of jobs that are all screened by the site’s staff, but it also provides an online community for you to connect with other job seekers and employers. This way, if you’re hiring freelancers, they can help you find the right person.
FlexJobs is also known for their strict screening process they make sure only real employers post legitimate jobs on their site so that everyone involved in finding work gets what they need from FlexJobs as well as from other platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed (which we’ll talk about later).
People Per Hour
People Per Hour is a website that recruits people to work from home and allows them to choose their hours. The jobs range from $2 to $10 per hour and can include transcription, writing, editing, graphic design, data entry, and more. Most of the jobs are hourly but some have a flat rate as well.
The site also has an app called “Workaroo” for iOS devices (Android coming soon) so you can see available jobs on your phone or tablet even when you’re not at home with your laptop or desktop computer!
You will need to sign up for an account before applying for any job postings but it’s free and easy; just enter an email address and password then hit “Create Account” at the bottom of the page. Once logged in you’ll see all available opportunities under two tabs: Featured Jobs & My Bookmarks (which includes spots saved by other users).
Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is a great place to find work on the site itself, but it also has a large marketplace of users who are looking for freelancers. It’s easy to get started: just create an account and you’ll be able to send and receive messages from potential employers.
You can search for jobs by location, job type, or skill level (i.e., if you’re only interested in writing or editing jobs). You’ll also see ratings from employers so that you know how satisfied they were with your work before choosing which projects to take on next!
Aquent
Aquent is a great place to find freelance work. If you’re looking for full-time or contract jobs, this is a great resource. Aquent is a staffing agency that has been around since 1992, and they specialize in recruiting digital talents such as web designers, UX designers, and developers.
Candidates on the platform can apply directly to open positions or browse listings from companies in need of those specific skillsets.
The site also hosts an impressive network of clients who are looking for people with various types of experience from less than one year up to 20+ years—to fill roles at their companies on both short-term contracts and permanent positions.
Want to kick-start your freelancing career in no time? Check out our expert tips and guidance in the article on 12 tips to kick-start your freelancing career in less than a month and accelerate your path to success.
Sonar
If you’re looking for legitimate freelance jobs, Sonar might be the place for you. It’s more of an agency than a traditional freelancing platform, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. Many people use Sonar as their main source of income even over Craigslist gigs!
What does this mean? Well, as I mentioned above, Sonar is different from other sites in that it aims to connect businesses with independent consultants rather than simply allowing freelancers and contractors to apply directly online.
This allows clients access to highly qualified professionals while providing consultants with higher-quality work opportunities than they’d get on other platforms. For example: if someone wants help building their website but has no coding experience themselves, they’ll need someone who knows what they’re doing if they want it done right!
And since most businesses don’t have time or resources (or both) on hand during busy periods like the Christmas season or after hours when everyone else seems closed up shop until next week.
That means there’s no shortage of demand for experts like graphic designers or web developers who know how to make something amazing happen right now regardless of what else may come up tomorrow morning.”
Toptal
Toptal is a marketplace for top talent. It connects companies with developers, designers, and consultants around the world. So if you’re looking to find freelance work or have the skills to offer as a freelancer, Toptal could be a good option for you. They’ll connect you to companies that are looking for freelancers like yourself (and they will pay you well).
They also have lots of full-time opportunities available! If you’re interested in working remotely as a developer, designer, or any other role that requires technical expertise then check out Toptal’s job listings here: https://www.toptal.com/jobs
Hiremymom.com
Hiremymom.com is a site where you can find flexible, family-friendly jobs that aren’t Craigslist. It’s a great way to find jobs that are not only flexible but also family-friendly and will get you paid on time.
The site offers a variety of positions that are friendly both to parents and employers, including nannying and babysitting jobs in addition to tutoring positions. You can register for free on the web or via the app (which has over 1 million downloads).
Once you’ve registered, you can log in and fill out your profile with information about yourself as well as what kind of work interests you most.
This allows other employers searching for employees who fit their specific needs better match up with them more easily than they would if using traditional job search sites like Monster.
Or Indeed where profiles tend simply include basic demographic data like age range or location without any mention of specific interests or skillsets beyond basic descriptions such as “strong knowledge” or “experienced” rather than listing specific courses taken at school-related specifically
Freelancing offers a wide range of job opportunities. Explore the different types of freelance jobs and discover new possibilities in our informative article on the different types of freelance jobs opportunities that can align with your skills and interests.
SolidGigs.com
SolidGigs is a website that focuses on high-quality jobs. SolidGigs has over 50,000 jobs and the majority of them are in the US. The site is free to use, but if you want to apply for a job or contact employers directly you need to pay for membership.
SolidGigs is a great place to find work because they offer jobs from top companies like Uber and Lyft and because they allow freelancers from all over the world through their job postings!
Jobspresso.co
JobSpresso is a job board for remote work, but it’s also a great place to find freelancing and contract work. The site lets you sort by location (you can filter for jobs only in your city or state), type of role (contractor, freelancer, and more), payment type (hourly or fixed rate), and skillset (for example, iOS developer).
JobSpresso also offers some pretty awesome features that make it easier to apply for a job once you’ve found the one you like:
- You can apply directly from their website through an automated process that saves time filling out applications.
- If the job requires a portfolio, they’ll help curate one for you based on what you tell them about your experience this saves time sifting through old files trying to remember what makes up your best work!
Workhoppers.com
Workhoppers.com is a site that connects freelancers with employers. They have a wide range of job types and are known for having a great selection of jobs, so you should be able to find something that fits your skillset and interests.
Additionally, if you’re looking for work as an independent contractor or consultant, their reputation for paying freelancers on time is excellent so if you’re worried about getting paid quickly (which can be a problem when working freelance), this might be the right platform for you.
We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a great resource for all kinds of job seekers. You can look for freelance, part-time, full-time, or even seasonal work on this site. There are thousands of jobs listed and the database is constantly being updated by employers so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
The best part about We Work Remotely is that it isn’t just limited to a certain type of remote job you can search for anything from customer service positions to marketing roles and beyond!
Authentic Jobs.com
Authentic Jobs.com is a great place to look for freelance work that’s more than just simple gigs. This site specializes in finding jobs that have been posted by employers looking for remote workers with specific skills, so if you have those skills, it’s worth checking out the opportunities here before applying to other sites.
The listings on Authentic Jobs are often quite detailed and include information about what the employer expects from you and how much they’re willing to pay. Some jobs even come with training opportunities and perks like health insurance or stock options!
Boost your productivity and efficiency as a freelancer with the right tools. Discover the 37 best freelance tools to streamline your work process in our comprehensive guide on freelance tools to help you work smarter and take your freelancing career to the next level.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a new perspective on how to find work as a freelancer, whether you’re interested in focusing on one area or several. Whatever your approach, the best freelance jobs are out there just waiting for you to apply to go find them!
Further Reading
The Balance Money: Find Freelance Work Online: Explore this comprehensive guide to discover various platforms and strategies for finding freelance work online.
The Writer Finder: Best Freelance Websites: Check out this article that highlights some of the best freelance websites where you can find opportunities to showcase your writing skills.
Work at Home Smart: Sites Like Craigslist for Jobs and Gigs: If you’re looking for alternative websites to Craigslist for finding jobs and gigs, this resource provides a list of platforms worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Difference Between Freelance And Contract Work?
Freelancers are workers who can take on short-term projects for different companies. Contractors, on the other hand, are hired for a specific project, more like an employee would be. To get started as a freelancer, you’ll want to create a portfolio of your work and identify what skills you have that can be useful to companies in need of employees.
How Do I Get Started?
The first step is to create a profile on one or more freelance sites so potential clients can find you and see examples of your work. Once you’ve done that, start looking for jobs by checking out job boards on these sites or by posting your listing!
What Should I Include In My Portfolio?
Your portfolio should include samples of any writing or design work done by you in the past (including links), as well as any completed projects that show the results achieved through collaboration with other professionals or team members (with links). If possible, include links to people who have worked with you before so potential clients know they can trust you!
What Is The Best Site To Find Freelance Jobs?
There are a lot of great sites to find freelance jobs, but the best ones are going to be those that are tailored to your specific needs and interests. For example, if you’re looking for something that pays well, you might want to check out Upwork or Freelancer.
If you’re looking for something more specialized or creative, try PeoplePerHour or Guru. There aren’t any bad sites the key is just finding the one that fits your needs best!
How Much Can I Expect To Make As A Freelancer?
That depends on what kind of work you’re doing and where it’s posted. The average hourly rate for freelance work is around $25-$35 per hour in the U.S., with some people earning more than $100 per hour depending on their skill level and experience (or lack thereof).
How Do I Get Started?
You can start by browsing the jobs on our site. We have a wide variety of categories, from web design and writing to engineering and marketing. You can also search by location (e.g., [city name]) or by keyword (e.g., [marketing]).
How Much Do I Make?
It depends on the job, but we offer competitive rates for all of our work! We pay hourly, or per project if you prefer. You set your rate and communicate with clients directly through our platform. Clients pay us, then we pay you it’s that simple!
Can I Work Remotely?
Yes! We’re based in [location], but we work with freelancers around the world every day, so if you’re interested in working from home or another location that’s not near us, please apply anyway!
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.