Alternative Freelancing Marketplaces

There is no doubt that freelancing has become an integral part of the modern workforce these days, offering flexibility, independence and a wealth of opportunities to professionals across industries. And when we talk about freelancing platforms, names like Fiver and Upwork come to mind. But, the world of freelancing is vast. There are many other platforms like Fiverr and Upwork that offer similar, opportunities for freelancers.

This article will explore 12 popular freelancing marketplaces that are lesser known but popular like Fiverr and Upwork, which cater to different skill sets and needs.

12 other popular freelancing marketplaces besides Fiver and Upwork

As mentioned earlier freelancers have a wide network that spans various industries. Currently, there are many marketplaces that are authentic but we may not know about them, I will present to you the introduction of 12 such marketplaces-

1/ Freelancer.com:

First of all let’s look at the words of Freelancer.com. It was founded in 2009 by “Matt Barry”. With over 50 million users worldwide today, Freelancer.com is a dynamic platform that covers a wide range of skills and industries. Whether you’re a writer, designer, developer or marketer, you’ll have plenty of projects to work on and opportunities to collaborate with clients on this platform.

2/ PeoplePerHour:

Next, let’s talk about people per hour. PeoplePerHour, founded in 2007 by “Xenios Thrasyvoulou”, has revolutionized the freelance market with a focus on hourly projects. PeoplePerHour focuses on small to medium-sized projects across a variety of industries and allows freelancers to set their own rates and work schedules.

Its AI-powered matching system connects freelancers with relevant projects, making it easy to find work. Whether you are a graphic designer or a social media expert, PeoplePerHour offers a vibrant platform to showcase your skills.

3/ Guru:

Guru was founded in 1998 by “Inder Googlani”. Guru provides a platform for freelancers to showcase their portfolio and bid on projects. It emphasizes transparency with its work room feature, which facilitates direct communication between freelancers and clients.

Whether you are a writer, designer or developer, Guru offers a variety of opportunities. The platform currently has over 3 million members worldwide and has paid out over $250 million to freelancers so far.

4/ Toptal:

This platform is widely popular because it works against traditional freelance platforms. Toptal was founded in 2010 by “Tasso du Val and Branden Beneshot”. Toptal is renowned for its exclusive network of top-level freelancers in fields such as software development, design and finance.

If you are an experienced professional freelancer looking for challenging projects, Toptal might be the right platform for you.

5/ 99designs:

99designs is a freelancing platform specially designed for designers. It was founded in 2008 by Mark Harbottle and Matt Mickiewicz. It is a platform dedicated to graphic design services including logo design, web design and branding. It organizes design competitions, where clients can get work from multiple designers and select the designer of their choice.

On the other hand, freelancers can showcase their portfolio and offer design services directly to their clients. The platform has more than 1 million designers and has paid more than $200 million to designers.

6/ Freelance Writing Gigs:

It was founded in 2007. Similar to its type of work as its name suggests, Freelance Writing Gigs is a dedicated platform for writers looking for opportunities in various fields including blogging, copywriting and content marketing.

Here carefully selects job offers on the Internet and makes it easy for writers to find relevant positions. In short, it provides leads for expert freelancers in writing.

7/ Crowded:

It is an AI-powered job matching platform. Crowded was founded in 2014 by Howie Schwartz. It is a freelancing platform that focuses on connecting freelancers with short-term projects and gigs. Here the focus is on technology-related positions including software development, IT and digital marketing.

Crowded offers features like real-time feedback and performance tracking to help freelancers excel at their work.

8/ FlexJobs:

FlexJobs was founded in 2007 by Sarah Sutton. FlexJobs is a subscription-based job board specializing in remote and flexible work opportunities. It targets freelancers, remote workers and professionals looking for work-life balance. FlexJobs has an extensive database of remote work and flexible work arrangements, making it a valuable resource for freelancers looking for alternative work opportunities. This platform has more than 30,000 job listings in various categories like writing, editing, marketing and data entry.

9/ SolidGigs:

SolidGigs was founded in 2015 by Preston Lee. SolidGigs is a subscription-based service that provides members with curated freelance job listings, resources and expert advice. Their goal is to deliver high-quality work straight to freelancers’ inboxes, saving them time and effort. With a focus on quality over quantity, SolidGigs helps freelancers stay productive and focus on their skills. This platform provides freelancers with training, support and resources for a successful career.

10/ Simply Hired:

Simply Hired was founded in 2003 by Gautam Godhwani. Simply Hired is a job search engine that aggregates job listings from a variety of sources, including company websites and job boards. It has a dedicated section for freelancers and remote work, making it easy for freelancers to find suitable jobs based on their skills and preferences. It provides listings for freelance jobs in various categories such as writing, design and healthcare.

11/ We Work Remotely:

Founded in 2011 by Matt Smith. We Work Remotely specializes in remote job listings across a variety of industries, including programming, design, marketing and customer support. It includes full-time, part-time and freelance positions, allowing freelancers to find remote work that fits their lifestyle and preferences. With a user-friendly interface and extensive job listings, we work remotely as a go-to resource for freelancers looking for remote opportunities. The platform has over 2.5 million unique audiences per month.

12/ TaskRabbit:

TaskRabbit was founded in 2008 by Leah Busque. TaskRabbit freelancers, referred to herein as “taskers.” It is a platform that connects individuals and businesses in need of various services including domestic work, manual labor and personal assistance. The TaskRabbit platform enables seamless communication and payment processing, making it convenient for Taskers and customers.

Advantages of lesser-known platforms

Exploring alternative freelancing marketplaces not only diversifies opportunities but also reduces competition and increases visibility for freelancers. These platforms often have fewer users than Fiverr and Upwork, which allows freelancers to stand out and attract potential clients more effectively. Some platforms offer specialized services and specialized communities that enhance collaboration and networking among freelancers.

Although Fiverr and Upwork remain the dominant freelancing platforms in the freelancing market, these alternative platforms offer unique features and services that are able to cater to a freelancer’s specific needs and preferences. Most of the freelancers in our country, from new to old, know less about these platforms. Although these platforms are less known, the adoption of these marketplaces is widespread.

So by exploring these alternative platforms, freelancers can expand their client base, diversify their income streams and build a successful freelance career.