“The best way to work is to work for yourself. It’s the best way to maximize your time and skills.”
-David Heinemeier Hansson
(Chief technology officer of Basecamp)
I have always loved the idea of working on my own accord, choosing my clients, working whenever and however I want, and being my own boss. Let’s be real, no one likes the burden, and stress of a 9 to 5 job and that is why I started freelancing.
I get often asked about how I find clients online because it is challenging for freelancers, especially the ones who are just getting started with their careers. If you are also someone who finds it difficult to find genuine clients online, then you are at the right place. In this article, we will talk about the top 4 online platforms that can help you get clients online.
But before I start, have you fixed your internet if it’s not already fixed? Because once you sign up on these platforms, you may need to apply to the desired projects or reply to client’s queries without wasting a second. For recommendations, you can look into Spectrum Internet deals as their internet is quite reliable at affordable rates.
Now, coming back to the topic at hand, here is the list we have compiled:
Even if you are new to the freelancing world, you must have heard about Upwork, it is one of the most competitive freelancing platforms available. It provides greater chances of working on highly paid projects.
How Does Upwork Work?
You can sign up on Upwork for free, but to get a client’s project, you need to bid on those projects using Upwork Connects. Once you bid for a project, the client sees your proposal, and upon your bid’s acceptance, the client hands over the project.
You will get a limited number of free connections with users and once those free connections are over, you can purchase more on the site.
Upwork takes 10% of your earnings, regardless of your charge schedule and methods.
DO YOU KNOW?
Currently, the global freelance platform market is approximately worth $3.39 billion and is expected to grow up to $13.92 billion in 2028.
Fiverr is another big name in the freelancing world, but isn’t as competitive as Upwork, hence a better choice for beginners. Here, you can find thousands of clients looking to connect with freelancers for their projects.
Freelancers upload gigs and apply for different projects. Clients analyze those gigs and assign their projects to the best-suited freelancer.
Fiverr charges a flat 20% from freelancers’ earnings. It includes the add-ons, bonuses, and more.
It offers an additional facility of freelancing contests among its users, which can help you earn extra money besides thousands of regular clients on Freelancer.
On Freelancer, clients upload their projects and contests for freelancers. Freelancers can participate in those contests and apply for projects via proposals. Then, clients analyze their proposals and assign projects to freelancers they think are the best suited for their projects.
Freelancer charges 10% or $5 (whatever is greater) for fixed-price projects and a flat 10% only on hourly projects.
Toptal is a highly professional freelancing platform where well-known companies and organizations upload their projects for freelancers.
Toptal requires you to complete their assessment to start working on the app. Your language and personality are assessed in the first test. Then, Toptal does a detailed review of your profile and skills and tests your knowledge of the skills mentioned in your profile with various assessments.
If cleared, you must go through a live screening test in the next round. In the final step, you’re given a set of assignments, and you are eligible to work on Toptal if only you pass these assignments.
Toptal does not charge any fee for freelancer projects. Plus, freelancers can set their own pay rate.
The freelancing industry is one of the most underrated industries, it plays a significant part in the economy and contributes to the global GDP. You can observe the impact and role of high-earning freelancers in the economy through the statistics provided below.
I understand that the struggle of finding clients doesn’t end once you sign in on some platform. Approaching clients on those websites can be another challenge, especially if you are a fresher. But no need to worry, I am going to share some effective tips to attract clients on these freelancing platforms.
Now that you know where and how to find clients, you are ready to embark on your freelancing journey. Also, learn about Fun Ways to Earn Money Online by reading this article.
