One of the best ways for freelancers to find work is to use a freelance marketplace. These are platforms that help connect talented freelancers with their next client, anywhere in the world.
There are many different freelance job sites out there, each with its own selling point. Some are huge marketplaces, like Fiverr and Upwork, which give a platform for almost every freelancer industry. Others are smaller sites that specialize only in certain fields, like 99designs which focuses on design jobs, or Workana for tech.
Here are our recommendations for both large and smaller job sites for freelance designers and tech programmers and developers to find work.
Upwork is a great choice for freelance designers and programmers, as well as many other industries. It is one of the largest and most popular freelancer job sites, with millions of jobs posted each year. Upwork has a premium membership option as well as a free basic subscription, although you’ll have to pay a variable percentage of your income for every job you get. To find work as a designer or programmer on Upwork, you’ll need to create a profile. You can then sit back and wait for a client to hire you, or proactively search the job boards for projects that match your skills.
Fiverr is another of the bigger freelance job sites, where freelance designers and programmers, as well as freelancers in a dozen other fields, go find work. Don’t worry – you can charge more than $5. Fiverr is a good place to showcase specific project skills, such as designing a logo or coding an app. It’s free to sign up to Fiverr and begin promoting your capabilities, but you’ll pay 20% commission on every payment you receive.
PeoplePerHour is a specialized job site for freelance programmers and developers. PeoplePerHour has a good reputation among businesses for delivering high quality work, and a good reputation among freelancers for offering higher-paying jobs. Although you can browse jobs and create a profile for free, you’ll find the best jobs if you sign up for a paid plan.
Workana is a freelance job site that focuses on tech and design skills. It is free to use as a freelancer, but you’ll be charged varying levels of commission each time you’re paid by a client. To use Workana, you’ll need to create a profile that promotes your skills, then search for suitable jobs and send a bid to the client that lays out your rates, timeline, and expertise. Workana offers an escrow service to guarantee that you’ll be paid and various ways to withdraw money from the platform.
99designs connects all types of graphic designers with clients worldwide. 99Designs offers two working models – either work one on one with a client or participate in a design contest. Only the winning design gets paid in a contest. It’s free to join 99designs. The platform reviews your work to rate you as an Entry, Mid, or Top level designer. The higher your level, the more perks you’ll unlock on 99Designs.
Additional, lesser-known Job sites for freelance programmers, developers, and other tech freelancers include:
CleverTech is a software development company that provides remote software solutions for businesses around the globe.
TopCoder matches software designers, developers, and data scientists with global clients, through paid contests.
Twine provides a community for app developers, programmers, and other tech creatives to promote their skills, find jobs, and attract new clients.
Toptal is an exclusive platform for software developers, engineers, and programmers that only showcases the top 3% of freelancers.
Crossover hires the top 1% of programming and developing experts for full-time, remote working.
Gigster combines AI tools with talented freelancer software developers, giving you the opportunity to work with top clients worldwide.
PrestoExperts offers jobs that include tutoring and software solutions to freelancers in a range of fields, such as programming and software development.
Expert360 is a free to use freelancer job platform that offers relevant, tailored job opportunities and payment support to freelancers that pass the vetting process.
Job sites specifically for designers include:
DesignHill runs design contests that allow clients to request submissions for their projects, and for designers to showcase their abilities.
Twine’s freelancer community enables designers and creatives of all types to network, collaborate, and find new work.
StoryHunter is a freelance platform for video designers to find new video projects.
CGTrader is a platform for 3D designers to showcase their abilities and find more work within their specialty.
DesignCrowd hosts design contests for logos, flyers, web design, and more, helping to connect freelancers and clients.
Find freelance clients for tutoring or project-based work as a designer in any field, including animation, web design, and video.
Expert360 connects talented freelancers in a wide range of industries, including all types of designers, with large businesses looking for remote work solutions.
The more experience you gain, the more you’ll be able to pick and choose the best clients and projects. Freelance job site like the ones listed above are great ways to grow your reputation and improve your professional network.