Several sites exist where freelancers can be employed but which ones are the best platform to hire freelancers.
I will recommend and tell you why I am making these choices. Being a full-time freelancer online for over 6 years, I have some facts to help you.
If you would love to know all about freelancers, check it out here.
But then who are freelancers.
Who Is A Freelancer
As the name implies, a freelancer is a self-employed professional who works on several projects for various clients.
Freelancers often make money on a job-by-job basis, charging hourly or daily fees for their services. Freelance work is typically done on a contract basis.
While another firm does not formally employ a freelancer, it can be subcontracted by other businesses. It is usual for freelancers to work on many assignments or projects simultaneously.
However, certain freelancing contracts may limit who the Freelancer may work for until the project is completed.
Although many individuals undertake freelance work in their leisure time outside of their regular jobs, a freelancer must locate employment independently.
This may be accomplished in various ways, and in most cases, a combination of strategies is required.
It can involve networking events, word-of-mouth, job-posting websites, and the tried-and-true CV-spraying method.
Freelancers often have no idea when their next task will arrive — half the battle is continually looking for new employment.
The Best Platform For Freelancers
1. Upwork
Types of freelancing: brand marketing, programming, and website design
Payment protection, reputable clientele, and budget-based projects are all advantages.
Cons: time-consuming choosing procedure, hefty service price
Upwork is a platform that links clients and freelancers from all around the world.
The platform offers a variety of categories, including web design and software development and customer service and accountancy.
Clients and freelancers may interact in a variety of ways – clients can post a task and recruit talent, or they can purchase a predetermined service from the project catalogue. Similarly, freelancers can post their services on the employment board.
The first step to becoming a freelancer on Upwork is registering an account. Be careful to provide information about your background, abilities, and work history.
Keep in mind that when you bid on contracts or pitch a project, clients will check your profile to see whether you’re qualified.
Upwork pays on a sliding basis, so the more you work, the less you get paid.
2. Fiverr.Com
Fiverr by my over 6 years ecperience is a leading marketplace in the world. You can access all types of services and freelancers with high skills.
It is free to join for both sellers and buyers. All you have to do is go to fiverr.com and register. Once you register, you will have access to both seller and buyer accounts.
Although, as the name implies, prices start from $5 but to be very transparent, the prices go way above $5. Depending on the service you are seeking or willing to render, you may go as high as $10,000.
It is a reliable platform for both buyers and sellers, as Fiverr provides mediation for both seller and buyer. This makes both parties safe and free from fraud, although some people still find ways to cheat the system.
Fiverr will be my recommended as it as my number one platform to find and get jobs for both sellers and buyers.
3. Guru.com
It is one of the largest freelancing markets on the internet, with over two million freelancers and 800,000 employers registered, so you’ll be able to locate expertise in a wide range of industries.
Guru offers freelancers in programming and development, design, writing, sales, marketing, management, legal, engineering, and education disciplines.
Before you reach out, you may see how well others perform. You may engage workers on a set price contract, an hourly cost, a task-based rate, or a recurring charge, giving everyone involved a lot of freedom, and you can manage projects.
Anyone may sign up with Guru as a freelancer or an employer. However, the site charges a fee on each paid invoice from both parties.
Paid subscriptions on the site are also worthwhile: as a freelancer, you can receive more bids, pay cheaper costs, enhance your rating, and submit highlighted quotations.
While as an employer, you can gain lower fees, unlimited job posts, and access to top freelancers.
4. Freelancer.com
It is one of the most basic freelancing markets online; it’s no surprise that firms like Amazon, IBM, and Google rely on it.
As one of the largest freelance websites, it boasts a global membership base of more than 50 million people with expertise in more than 1800 fields.
Employers may post any size project with any payment option on the site, and you only pay when you are pleased with the service.
The site’s live chat and dedicated app simplify managing your project, and freelancers may use the app to communicate with managers and receive job posting notifications.
5. People per Hour:
This platform is used by over three million people and one million companies in every major sector, from SEO and web development to content writing, voice-overs, and marketing.
Freelancers can seek accreditation, which will increase their credibility in the eyes of employers, and you can invest time creating an eye-catching profile to help you stand out.
Similarly, freelancers might publish advertisements to attract companies.
The site employs a custom artificial intelligence algorithm to link freelancers with possible assignments based on their expertise and ability.
6. Toptal.com
Types of freelancing include software development, financial consultancy, and interim management.
Advantages include top-tier firms and people and free invoicing and payments.
Cons: lengthy screening procedure, only large projects
Toptal is a freelance platform that links organizations with highly skilled freelance industry specialists. Toptal’s freelancers range from web developers and designers to financial consultants and product managers.
Applying to Toptal as a freelancer entails completing five screening process phases, ranging from a thorough English evaluation to a project review.
After completing all of the procedures, you’ll have access to various job ads from top clients and organizations like Motorola and Airbnb. If you fail, your application will be held for some time.
TopTracker is a time tracking and invoicing service provided by Toptal. Freelancers will be paid for the entire price they provide using this service.
Where Do You Find Freelancers
Finding and working with freelancers might feel like a wild trip. It’s often a game of email tag when it comes to finding the appropriate employee with the proper experience and prices for your company.
There are several ways to discover freelancers, including:
1. Freelance Job Boards.
The first place you should go in your quest will be freelance websites. CloudPeeps and UpWork are common freelancing platforms. There are, however, industry-specific websites.
Toptal and Hired, for example, are great places to find software developers, designers, engineers, product managers, and project managers.
These are the best sites for finding freelancers since they have been thoroughly evaluated. Freelancers must apply, and Toptal only accepts 3% of those that apply.
SimplyHired Guru is another popular employment portal.
Furthermore, freelancers like to showcase their work on portfolio websites such as Dribble or Behance. If you see someone you like, you may contact them and learn more about them.
2. Communities Of Freelancers.
Aside from browsing at freelance employment sites, you might also join freelancing communities. These groups are a wonderful way to network organically and build a list of freelancers you’d want to work with.
You may, for example, join Freelancer Facebook groups and interact with potential freelancers directly on social media.
You may also look at Freelancer Slack communities if you’re on Slack.
Keep in mind that freelance networks might vary based on the job you’re searching for. Depending on your needs, you might want to look into a freelance writing slack group.
3. Universities and Colleges.
Colleges are a terrific way to find outstanding talent. Consider contacting local college teachers to see if they are aware of any students searching for freelance employment.
To get the type of Freelancer, you’re looking for, you’ll need to get in touch with different university departments and speak with their teachers.
For example, suppose you’re searching for a developer. You can contact the computer science department, but you may contact the journalism or creative writing departments if you’re looking for a writer.
4. Your Social Network.
It’s easy to overlook, but reaching out to your network is terrific to locate talents. See if any of your coworkers know of someone who might be interested.
Use social networks like LinkedIn Twitter, among others.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Freelancers.
If you have to find skilled, talented, and goal-oriented freelancers, you need to look deeper than just the surface. Here are some factors to consider to make this a smooth and enjoyable memory.
1. The most crucial requirement is work quality.
Examine the feedback. Look into a freelancer’s customer reviews if you’re using a freelancing site. Check to see if any problems have arisen. Consider other freelancers if they frequently have low reviews.
Examine their portfolio. Investigate previous projects on which they have worked. Choose freelancers that have worked on comparable projects if you want a certain degree of competence or specialized abilities.
2. Seek advice from other marketers.
Friends and family refer many freelancers. Once in a time
Inquire with folks in your industry. They know a freelancer or two with whom they’ve had positive encounters and who may be interested in taking on further assignments.
Referrals and testimonials are an excellent approach to assure that a freelancer will provide you with high-quality, consistent work.
3. Consider previous experience.
The most important attribute to seek experiences when looking for freelancers.
Look for someone well-known in their field and has a track record of success to back it up.
4. Create a rapport.
A great freelance partnership requires crystal clear communication. Rapport is required to establish this form of connection. Connecting with freelancers also makes it simpler to hire them for future tasks.
Communicate frequently and early. Proactivity and openness will be highly valued.
5. Consider their education and experience.
The Freelancer’s experience will be listed in the CV, and you should pay special attention to this aspect.
You’ll be able to discover if the Freelancer has worked on projects comparable to yours in the past.
You’ll be able to estimate their degree of education – but be cautious not to discriminate against people based on their education, experience, or lack thereof.
How to manage freelancers.
Here are five primary methods for managing freelancers.
1. Define project specifics
A freelancer is unfamiliar with your company’s inner workings or how you prefer to finish jobs. To guarantee that the final product fulfils your expectations, you must carefully describe all project specifics and needs. Set requirements for each project phase using the typical project management technique.
Begin with high-level needs and work your way down to specifics, such as:
Knowledge and abilities
Instruments and software
Availability
Completion and delivery of tasks
2. Final approval.
When you post a position, the best place to start is in the job description. You may establish technical criteria and expertise here and explain how you want the process to go. Define the deliverables and how they should be delivered. Then, when you recruit freelancers, and the project evolves, everyone has a document to refer to.
3. Communicate clearly.
Provide the following information to express your expectations properly:
Deadlines. Because you may not be the Freelancer’s only client, negotiate and establish deadlines to ensure that you receive your job on time.
Milestones. Divide enormous projects into manageable portions, with freelancers receiving a share of the final amount. Milestones allow you to measure progress and provide your freelancers with a sense of security. Furthermore, paying by output emphasizes quality rather than the number of hours worked.
Vision. If you want a freelancer to revamp your website, describe your vision to them. Communicate your expectations as clearly as possible upfront to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Context. Explain how this activity or sub-project fits into the overall project or plan. A smart freelancer will adjust their output to fit your entire company plan.
4. Think about time monitoring.
Time tracking is necessary for hourly employment or billing specific time to certain projects or clients. Coaching your freelance workforce on how to improve their time tracking is also an essential aspect of freelancer management.
5. Don’t forget to give them a positive review. Letting them go would be time if you can efficiently manage your staff. When the job is completed, express your gratitude to everyone involved, including freelancers. Give them positive feedback, record their data, and ask if you may contact them again in the future for similar assistance. When you already know each other, managing freelancers is a breeze!
Which skill is best for freelancing?
To be successful as a freelancer, you need some skills. Here are some freelance skills to consider.
Social Media Administration (SMM)
SMM stands for Social Media Management.
Today, social media is more than simply a place to pass the time. Companies utilize it to sell their products and manage public relations efficiently.
Every organization, large or small, has many profiles on various social media networks.
While it may appear simple, social media management is a demanding profession that demands a significant understanding of social media.
You must monitor and manage the material and the comments from the audience. A social media handler’s job is to do just that.
A social media handler represents and handles a company’s full online presence. The need for social media handlers has expanded even faster as the importance of the internet has increased day by day.
You can create a full-time career out of social media management if you can keep up with what’s popular online and have a solid understanding of social media and SEO.
Assistive Technology
A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT manages an employer’s day-to-day administrative tasks from a remote location.
Calendar and meeting scheduling, filing, research, budget management, and responding to phone calls, emails, and other message services are a few examples, but the list is not exhaustive.
You must be very attentive to detail because you may be attenting to various clients simultaneously.
Excellent Verbal and Written Communication, Self-Starter, Highly Organized, Efficient Time-Management, Multi-Tasker, Word Processing, and Industry-Standard Computer Literacy are their skillsets.
Web Design
This encompasses a wide range of skills, although designers are primarily responsible for the conception, creation, structuring, and coding of internet sites.
Combining design components such as pictures, text, video, music, graphics, and layout is essential for creating a brand and engaging website.
Internet Investigation
The field of internet research is vast. As the name indicates, it entails looking for free data on the internet. It also includes data analytics, which is the process of examining data obtained from numerous websites.
The e-commerce business also includes internet research and related disciplines. As a result, anyone with these skills will be in high demand right now.
Today’s most in-demand Internet research skills include sifting through massive amounts of data and building websites with more accurate, functional, and proven material.
Other tasks include analyzing website analytics such as the number of unique visitors and their location, time of day preference, product or service preference, and time spent on the website.
Consultancy
Many experts have quit their full-time employment to start their freelance consulting firms. It allows for flexibility in work, but it also allows professionals to make extra money.
Architecture, law, different engineering disciplines, advertising and marketing, financial management, and human resource development are among the leading consultancies in the freelancing industry.
Running a consulting is a freelancing profession in high demand, regardless of specialization.
Foreign enterprises that wish to establish a presence in India seek local consultants to provide the necessary advice and services.
Is Upwork Better Than Fiverr
Each of these systems has its own set of advantages. The volume of work on Fiverr tends to be more budget-oriented, whereas Upwork is a better fit for more experienced professionals.
In addition, each site charges in a different method.
To keep in mind, Fiverr has freelancers organized by skill level. This makes it an excellent resource for firms trying to hire more cost-effective freelancers.
Upwork is based on bidding. You must bid on the projects, write a proposal, determine the pricing, and submit it.
It would be best to have Connects – tokens given out with each bid to bid on the project. Each Upwork member is given 60 connections at the start of each month.
The majority of projects necessitate supplying up to 1-5 connections. You don’t need connections if you’re being contacted or rehired by clients. If you are chosen for an online interview by a customer, you will be contacted.
Fiverr does not use a job posting system. You must develop postings centred on the gigs. Buyers look for gigs, and if they like what they see, they place an order.
With the ‘buyer requests’ option, Fiverr now allows purchasers to post a task. You can also email them an offer if you think it’s relevant. Developing an offer is identical to developing a gig.
What Is The Easiest Freelance Job
Assistive Technology
If you are organized, pay close attention to detail, and have a flair for getting things done quickly and effectively, becoming a virtual assistant might be excellent freelance work.
Virtual assistants (VAs) manage numerous personal chores for their customers, such as organizing meetings, planning travel arrangements, and handling other administrative responsibilities.
Depending on the role, VAs can also serve as customer service representatives and conduct data input.
Runner of Errands
Errand runners, like virtual assistants, conduct important day-to-day tasks for persons who are too busy or unable to do it themselves.
Grocery shopping, picking up and dropping off products (or people, such as children), and minor housework is examples of these duties.
If you have a phone and a dependable mode of transportation, you may work as an errand runner on various platforms, including care.com and taskrabbit.com.
Proofreading and Editing
The finest freelancing work for beginners is proofreading and editing.
This is for you if you have an insatiable need to correct the work of others. Proofreading drafts of books, articles, assignments and even resumes may help you earn money for your attention to detail.
Many seasoned freelancers would tell you that this is an excellent first freelancing job.
Teach Online
The opportunities are limitless; this is one of the greatest freelance positions.
Online teaching employment, particularly for new freelance teachers, is available in various areas, although English appears to be the most popular.
One of my favorite greatest freelancing jobs for beginners is online teaching.
Armed with a 120-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate ‘TEFL,’ you’re ready to take on the world of freelance teaching!
Voice-Over Performer
If you can read, have a clear and pleasant voice, and can do a variety of voices and dialects, you may have a promising career as a professional voice-over artist.
With the rise of audiobooks, there is an increased need for voice-over artists who can transform current novels into audiobooks.
ACX is a great place to offer your voice-over services. You may hunt for employment there and audition to read for books that will be released on audible, amazon, and iTunes.
Sign up, establish a profile, and submit some samples.
What’s wonderful is that you may be compensated in two ways: (i) a flat fee; or (ii) a percentage of the book’s revenues.
So, if you believe in the book, you may become an audiobook co-producer and participate in the revenues.
Final Thought
Whether you are a seller or a buyer, all these platforms are good for you, provided you abide by the rules that govern each one.
But let me be biased here and pick in order of priority based on my experience with them.
The best platforms to hire freelancers are:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Peopleperhour
- Freelancer
- Guru
- Topal