The freelance marketplace has been growing for years, and Upwork is a relatively new player in that space. There are tons of Upwork alternatives that have the potential to become the next Upwork, but that doesn’t mean they will.
It’s hard to say whether any of them have immense potential, but recent changes at Upwork have made freelancers look elsewhere. Some of these include:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Exploring alternative freelance platforms can open up new opportunities for freelancers. |
| 2. Upwork alternatives offer different features, client bases, and industry focuses, allowing freelancers to find a platform that aligns better with their needs. |
| 3. Researching and evaluating each alternative platform’s reputation and user reviews is essential before committing to it. |
| 4. Using multiple Upwork alternatives simultaneously can help freelancers diversify their client base and increase their chances of finding suitable projects. |
| 5. Stay updated with the latest developments in the freelance industry to identify emerging platforms that could become the next big thing. |
Fiverr
Is a marketplace where you can find all sorts of services at affordable prices—not just writing gigs. You can use it to get help with anything from video editing to web design, or even social media marketing. It’s a popular platform because it offers good value for money; most services start at just $5 per task.
The Pros
Cost-effective: You can get a lot done for just five bucks. Sometimes that’s all it takes to accomplish your goals.
Fast turnaround: As long as you’re clear about what you need, people on Fiverr are pretty good about getting things back to you in a timely manner.
The Cons
Not always consistent: Unless you find someone with whom you work well, the quality of your experience may be hit-or-miss. Be prepared to go through a few iterations before landing on someone who can do the job well.
Building a successful freelancing career requires exploring different platforms. If you’re looking for alternatives to Upwork, check out our comprehensive list of safe freelance sites to get paid. It’s essential to find the right platform that aligns with your goals and offers ample opportunities for growth.
Adzuna
Is a job search engine that can help you look for freelance and remote work opportunities. It has a 5-star rating in the Apple app store, and with over 11 million monthly visitors, it’s one of the top online job boards in the United Kingdom.
You can use Adzuna to post your resume, search for jobs, and even get alerts when new listings come up that match your criteria. The site also offers advice on how to write an effective resume and interview tips!
Pros:
It’s free! You don’t have to pay to use Adzuna, which is always nice.
It’s secure. To make sure no scammers get in, all the postings on Adzuna are verified.
The results are tailored to your location. If you’re looking for a job in Dallas, Texas, there’s no point in seeing jobs in Los Angeles—you aren’t going to move! Adzuna lets you tailor your search so that only the results near your chosen location show up. This way, you won’t waste time sorting through irrelevant postings when you could be applying for those great local jobs.
Adzuna Cons:
Their job board isn’t quite as broad as some other sites, so if you’re looking for something specific you may have fewer options than you would on Indeed or ZipRecruiter
Freelancer
This is another popular option among freelancers looking to find work online. With over 15 million users, they’re one of the biggest platforms available today. If you’re interested in finding jobs as a designer or developer, then this might be right up your alley!
The site offers various different categories such as writing/editing; web design; programming languages like HTML5, CSS3; graphics design; animation & video production; and more! You’ll also need an account before applying to any of these positions – just make sure that you have all relevant information.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Wide range of skills available
- Low cost for employers
Cons:
- Requires you to pay a membership fee
- No screening process for freelancers
- Difficult to find high-quality freelancers
Upwork is a valuable platform for freelancers, and understanding how to leverage it effectively can boost your freelancing career. Discover the best ways to use Upwork in your freelancing journey with our insightful guide on using Upwork in your freelancing career. Learn strategies, tips, and techniques to maximize your success on this popular freelancing platform.
Guru
When you’re looking for a place to find freelance gigs, Guru is an excellent alternative to Upwork. What makes Guru unique is its emphasis on making the platform easy to use and reducing the time it takes freelancers to find new jobs and get paid.
The platform is free to use, but they do charge a small fee per transaction when you withdraw funds. The overall user experience is reliable and well-designed, which is a testament to the company’s focus on giving users what they want in terms of finding work and getting paid.
The Pros of Guru
Guru has a pretty good selection of projects to choose from. The platform isn’t as robust as Upwork, but it’s still large enough to make it worthwhile to check in every day.
Guru is easy to use. You can get started quickly if you already have experience as a freelancer on another platform or through writing for clients directly. You can also easily get hired if someone likes your portfolio and you have the skills they’re looking for.
The Cons of Guru
Guru isn’t as easy for beginners as other platforms are, like Fiverr. The site doesn’t offer much training or support, so you really need to come in knowing what you’re doing.
You also can’t just take any job you want because the jobs are set up by employer groups, so they’ll only hire within those groups’ networks of professionals (unless they open their jobs up to everyone).
FlexJobs
is another great site that has great reviews from users and has been featured in magazines like Forbes and CNN Money. It has a very user-friendly interface and offers a lot of different filters to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Another benefit is that they have a trial period where you can try the site out before making any commitments, which is always nice!
Pros
-The job search is easy to navigate and the site is easy to use.
-All the companies listed have been pre-screened to ensure they are legitimate businesses.
-You can search by keywords or specific job titles.
-There are thousands of listings for remote jobs on the site.
-The site has many listings for freelance work, short-term work, and part-time positions as well as full-time jobs.
Cons:
-The job search feature on the homepage is hidden so it took us several minutes to find it.
-It costs $15 per month to be a member of this site and you must pay for at least one month. This means it will cost you at least $15 to use this site, even if you don’t find a job through them.
-Some of the listings we found were over a year old so it might be difficult to find an up-to-date listing if you’re looking for something specific.
Toptal
Toptal aims to bring together the top 3% of freelancers on the internet. Their vetting process is rigorous, which means they only have the best talent in their pool. They also have a strong focus on full-time freelancers and remote work, if that’s what you’re looking for, as well as customized solutions for enterprise-level clients.
Pros:
Toptal is a great way to connect with talented and qualified people who can help your business grow. You get access to the top 3% of developers around the world, you can easily find someone who isn’t just a good fit for your company but also for your culture and personality.
There’s no need for interviewing or screening—Toptal does that for you! They also provide administrative support, so all you have to do is give them a call if something goes wrong or comes up. And don’t forget that there’s no long-term commitment—you can cancel whenever you want, so there’s really nothing to lose!
Cons:
Exclusivity is hard to earn. Toptal does its best to make sure its freelancers are high-quality and can deliver for their clients, but it seems like only the most experienced and professional people get to stay on Toptal long-term.
In the ever-evolving landscape of freelancing, staying updated with the most in-demand skills is crucial. Upwork reveals the top 10 most in-demand skills for technology, marketing, and customer service in 2022. Explore the skills that can give you a competitive edge by checking out the article on Upwork’s top in-demand skills.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour has the advantage of being based in the UK but still having a presence in the US. It also has lower fees for both freelancers and clients than Upwork does, which makes it very appealing in terms of the cost structure. PeoplePerHour has been around since 2007, so it’s got a solid reputation as well.
Pros
– Low barrier to entry. It’s free to sign up and easy to create a profile, so you can get started right away.
– Lots of freelancers. This means that your profile will be hidden among lots of other profiles, so it may not get as much exposure as it would on other platforms. However, this also means that you have lots of competition, which is good if you’re just starting out and want clients who will pay less.
– Easy communication system. PeoplePerHour has built-in communication tools that help you communicate easily with potential clients without having to give them your personal contact information (like your email.)
Cons
Some reviewers have complained that there aren’t enough high-quality candidates available through PeoplePerHour compared with other marketplaces like Upwork or Freelancer.com; however, this might be due to the fact that PeoplePerHour has fewer users overall (though they claim they’re more active than those competing platforms)
The number of freelancers who have joined PeoplePerHour is limited by its country restrictions: only people living in countries where English is spoken officially may sign up as members.
SimplyHired
SimplyHired is a promising alternative to Upwork. It’s an online job-search engine with a built-in social network that allows users to follow other users, and also supports user reviews. It provides access to job listings from more than 100,000 sources and is available in 24 countries.
The pros:
SimplyHired has a large database of jobs and a user-friendly interface. It’s easy to filter job results by location, salary expectations, industry, and more. The featured jobs section makes it simple to find listings that are particularly popular among job seekers and recruiters.
The cons:
Although SimplyHired has a huge database of jobs, most of them are posted on other sites as well. You may get frustrated sifting through repetitive listings until you find something new. If you’re not interested in applying to positions via Indeed, SimplyHired’s parent company, then you will have to input all your work history and credentials manually when applying for jobs through this site.
Behance Jobs
Behance Jobs is a site dedicated to helping creative professionals find work and has been in operation since 2006. Users may post their work portfolio as well as their resume and may look for jobs or be found by businesses seeking workers in related fields.
Behance Jobs Pros
It’s free to post your work on Behance, and you can even choose to make it private until you’re ready to publish it. You can also add as many details as you’d like (for example, if you use specific tools or software in your line of work). You can also edit your portfolio and change up which pieces are featured at any time.
You can also get invites from companies and individuals who want to work with you through Behance Jobs. These offers will come directly through your email, so you don’t have to worry about missing them!
Cons:
-Doesn’t have as many jobs posted as other websites like Indeed, Ziprecruiter or Google Jobs do
Freelancing is not just a future possibility; it’s a present reality. Learn more about the current landscape of freelancing in our insightful piece, Freelancing: Not the Future of Work, the Present.
Tips To Consider When Searching For A Freelance Site
Now that you’re getting serious about finding the perfect freelance job, it’s time to look at the sites where the work actually gets posted. And that can be a little overwhelming. There are tons of options, and they all seem pretty good—or at least they have pretty good reviews. But what makes one better than another?
In this guide, we’ll take a look at eleven different things you should consider when searching for a freelance site. These considerations will help you narrow down your search, and they’ll also help you determine whether the site is ultimately a good fit for you and your career.
Let’s get started!
1. Look For Sites That Meet Your Needs
This seems obvious, but it’s important to do a little digging before committing. What are you looking for in a freelancer? Are you searching for someone who can help with graphic design, photography, or maybe even video editing? Do they need to be available during certain hours of the day? If so, are they based in the same time zone as you (or close)?
Whatever it is that you’re looking for, make sure that whatever site or app you use has people on it who fit the bill.
2. Look At Reviews From Past Clients And Freelancers
No matter how much research you do, sometimes it’s hard to tell how good a company is unless you know someone who has used them and can give an honest review. And even then… some people love service because it works well for them but don’t take into account whether it’ll work well for you too. It’s hard not to let those biases seep through sometimes!
So when considering different sites, check out any reviews that have been written about them.
3. Make Sure The Site Screens Its Freelancers
You need a site that’s going to take some of the legwork out of finding a great freelancer, so look for one that screens its writers and only allows those with certain qualifications to join the platform.
This will give you more confidence in the writing quality, as well as help make sure that you get your work on time—because you’ll have fewer writers flaking on the job.
4. Check Out The Site’s Portfolio
Look through their past work and see what kind of projects they have experience working on—that way, if your project is similar-ish, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to do it for you!
5. Find Out What Their Bidding Process Looks Like
If you’re not sure how much it should cost for your project, some sites have an online calculator that will give you an estimate based on the information you submit about your project and what kind of freelancer you need.
6. Find Out How They Protect Their Clients And Freelancers
If something goes wrong—a client defaults on a payment or a freelancer doesn’t complete the project—these are the kinds of things that can be tough to resolve without intervention. Look at what protections a site offers before signing up.
7. Find Out Where The Company Is Located
Some places have laws that are more stringent than others when it comes to protecting workers’ rights, so it’s important to know where the company is based—especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time working on their site.
For instance, in the United States, it’s illegal for companies to discriminate against workers on the basis of things like age, race, etc.
8. See If The Site Offers Any Sort Of Guarantee Or Refund Policy
does it offer any sort of guarantee or refund policy? You never know if you’re going to be matched well with your clients, and having a guarantee ensures that you’ll have someone on your side if things go wrong.
9. Ask About Any Training Or Support They Offer
You should be able to ask questions at any time and know that someone will be there to help you answer them. This is especially true if they’re charging money for their services—you should want as much guidance as possible!
Exploring alternatives to Upwork is a prudent move for freelancers looking for diverse opportunities. If you’re interested in discovering potential alternatives, our article on Upwork alternatives that might be the next big thing provides insights into emerging platforms that can expand your freelancing horizons.
10. Look Into How Long They’ve Been Around
A good sign of a stable site is that they have at least 5 years of history behind them—that typically shows they’ve been able to make it through some tumultuous times, and that they’re here to stay.
Wrapping up
It’s likely that the success of the next Upwork will have a lot to do with the ability of its competitors to enter the freelance space with a different approach and set of tools.
Upwork is one of the oldest and largest marketplaces for freelancers, but an already saturated marketplace could be a prime opportunity for startups to make a move.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on Upwork alternatives:
ThemeIsle: Upwork Alternatives: 14 Freelance Websites to Find Work: Discover 14 freelance websites that can serve as alternatives to Upwork. Explore their features, user experiences, and opportunities for freelancers.
99designs: Upwork Alternatives for Freelancers: 7 Platforms to Explore: Explore seven platforms that can serve as alternatives to Upwork for freelancers. Learn about their unique features, industry focus, and how they can support your freelance career.
Everhour: Top Upwork Competitors: Which is the Best for Your Freelance Business?: Discover the top competitors of Upwork and determine which platform aligns best with your freelance business. Compare features, pricing, and client base to make an informed decision.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Upwork alternatives:
Q: What are Upwork alternatives?
A: Upwork alternatives refer to freelance platforms that offer similar services and opportunities for freelancers and clients to connect and collaborate on projects.
Q: Why should I consider Upwork alternatives?
A: Exploring Upwork alternatives can broaden your freelance opportunities, provide access to different client bases, and offer unique features that may better suit your needs as a freelancer.
Q: How do I choose the right Upwork alternative for my freelancing career?
A: To choose the right Upwork alternative, consider factors such as the platform’s industry focus, client base, fee structure, available projects, and user experience. Assess your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Q: Are Upwork alternatives as reliable as Upwork?
A: Upwork alternatives vary in terms of reliability, just like any other platform. It’s important to research and evaluate the reputation, user reviews, and overall track record of each alternative before committing to it.
Q: Can I use multiple Upwork alternatives simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can use multiple Upwork alternatives simultaneously. Many freelancers leverage different platforms to diversify their client base and increase their chances of finding suitable projects.
People Also Ask
What Are The Upwork Alternatives?
There are many Upwork alternatives, but among all the best alternatives are Fiverr and Freelance.
What Do I Need To Know About Using These Sites?
For starters, you’ll want to create a clear, visually appealing profile that shows off your work and gives potential clients a sense of who you are.
If you’re confident in your writing abilities, it may be worth it to hire someone to review your profile for grammar and clarity before you send it out into the world. You’ll also want to set up any relevant accounts on the various platforms (like PayPal) so that payment is easy and seamless.
How Can I Get Good Reviews?
Be sure to read all of the instructions for each project carefully before bidding, and communicate with your client as often as is reasonable. This can help prevent surprises or misunderstandings down the road, and will also give them an idea of what kind of worker you are—which may encourage them to leave you a great review!
How Do I Find Clients Outside Of Upwork?
You can start by searching for client job postings on Google, LinkedIn, StackOverflow, Reddit, and more. You can also try cold emailing people who might need your services.
Is Upwork Good?
Upwork is great for businesses seeking a diverse range of talent and freelancers looking to earn money on their own terms. If you’re in need of long-term work or have a specific project in mind, this platform can help you find your match.
However, it’s important to note that because Upwork is so popular, you could be competing with hundreds of other qualified applicants.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire On Upwork?
The price will vary depending on the freelancer you choose, but generally speaking, there’s a sliding scale fee that’s charged for each job (depending on how much the client pays). If you’re hiring someone for an hourly rate, there’s also a fee for every hour worked (again, based on what the client pays).
Is Upwork Good For Freelancers?
That depends! If you’re looking for long-term, reliable work—this probably isn’t the best place to find it. But if you’re looking for quick projects with easy deadlines, then it might be perfect for you.
While Upwork does vet its employers, the screening process isn’t as thorough as those on some other platforms, and that can mean jobs that are too good to be true or even straight-up scams. Employers also have access to a lot of information about you as a freelancer, including your hourly rate and personal details like your phone number and address (if they ask).
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.