It's easier than ever for business owners to connect with quality contractors. Freelance services websites have made the process of finding jobs relatively simple for freelancers, startups, solopreneurs and other independent contractors. Similarly, business owners who need help with copywriting, graphic design, programming, IT or other specialized services can easily find the perfect freelancer online.
What are freelance services websites?
Job marketplaces for freelance services provide a platform where individuals get listed and businesses can post projects or browse services.
Each site works a bit differently. Some sites offer free listings, while some are paid. Some make freelancers bid on projects; others merely play matchmaker. Some take a percentage of the project value, while still others work with flat rates. But all serve the same purpose: helping potential freelancers and clients connect. When you're creating a job posting, be sure to establish the exact criteria and to write a complete job description, to avoid back-and-forth and find the right contractor.
What are the top freelance services websites?
Here are 19 popular sites that keep the gig economy going.
1. Dice
Dice bills itself as a "career hub for tech insiders." While the site mostly lists full-time positions, it also carries freelance opportunities, so posting a résumé or project there is a good idea if you are involved in the tech field.
2. Envato Studio
Envato Studio connects businesses with freelance creative professionals, such as artists, actors and designers. Envato Studio vets its freelancers before allowing them to post their services in the site's directory. Envato Studio's freelance profiles contain detailed pricing information, work samples and reviews.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr has gone from paying people $5 to do just about anything to a legitimate freelance platform where you can find professionals to help with your business or personal projects. Fiverr's freelance marketplace lets you browse ready and willing professionals, including programmers, WordPress and Shopify experts, illustrators and even voice-over actors who can do Morgan Freeman impressions.
4. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com allows you to find work for your online project quickly and affordably. Freelancers submit bids for your project, and you can view their past work and user reviews to make your decision. The platform focuses on website development, SEO marketing, mobile development and other online-centric projects.
5. Guru
Guru's mission is to connect employers with freelance talent locally or globally, and the site is one of the deepest in the freelance field. Freelancers can post their professional profile, select a membership type, get paid safely through Guru's SafePay payment service and earn a professional services ranking.
6. HireMyMom.com
HireMyMom.com caters to work-at-home moms looking for flexible work. The site links qualified professionals with businesses seeking temporary or permanent project help and is part of the Home Based Working Moms network. It's free to post work, and the website does not take commissions from job posters or job seekers.
7. Mediabistro
Mediabistro is the place to be if you freelance in the media industry ̶ as a freelance writer, designer, editor, ad salesperson or other position ̶ or need help in that arena. Become a member at Mediabistro, register in the freelance marketplace or just check online job listings in the freelance or contract category. (The site also lists full-time, part-time and internship positions.) There is also an extensive training platform where you can hire trainers to instruct you in many subjects, including writing, marketing and business.
8. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a simple platform that allows hirers to browse talent and freelancers to look for jobs. The site allows you to list very specific jobs and requirements, and you can also browse freelancers' profiles and hourly rates.
9. Sologig
Sologig helps connect contractors, freelancers and consultants with businesses seeking independent professionals. Registration is free, and unlike other project-based websites, Sologig does not charge project fees. Plus, there's no bidding on Sologig; freelancers choose which projects they are interested in and negotiate pricing directly with the employer. You can build a customized résumé that's accessible to thousands of employers. Sologig has something for everyone, from beginning freelancers to seasoned consultants.
10. Upwork
Upwork contains dozens of categories for you to browse and search for freelancers or contractors for your business. Upwork is one of the only freelance websites where you can find specialized and licensed help, including civil engineers, attorneys and financial consultants. Upwork displays freelancers' hourly rates and job success ratings. Freelancers can sign up for free and receive a certain number of free "Connects" per month to bid on jobs. Upwork takes a 20% commission on any earnings.
11. 99designs
99designs puts you in touch with freelance graphic designers. This site is ideal if you're looking for a project manager for a new logo, webpage or product label. You have two options: You can post the job and review applicants, or hold a contest to choose the best design.
12. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is set up similarly to sites like Upwork. The service is free to employers and provides access to a skilled pool of freelancers. All freelancers are vetted, and you can post a listing as a way to find the ideal candidate with the skill set you're seeking.
13. LinkedIn Profinder
LinkedIn Profinder lets you search for workers to complete jobs in marketing, accounting, writing, graphic design and more. Because this is a website from LinkedIn, you get access to one of the world's largest professional networks covering nearly every industry.
14. Behance
Like 99designs, Behance targets companies looking to hire freelance graphic designers. The site gives freelancers a space to showcase their portfolios, and employers can post available jobs.
15. Amazon Mechanical Turk
Mechanical Turk (MTurk) has a unique setup: This Amazon-owned site acts as a microgig platform to help employers find the most cost-effective labor options. Businesses can use MTurk to find workers for a range of jobs, such as microwork, human insights and machine learning development.
16. TaskRabbit
You may have used TaskRabbit if you've needed help assembling furniture, mounting items to your walls or moving. What you might not have realized is that many, if not most, "Taskers" (the people you hire through TaskRabbit) are freelancers. You can do the same if you're a handy person who prefers independent projects to full-time or part-time work. Just set your hourly rates, location and services, and clients will contact you as needed for one-off jobs.
17. WriterAccess
WriterAccess is an online marketplace for freelance content writers to find clients and vice versa. Applying to find work through WriterAccess is free, but the site doesn't accept all freelancers. If you're accepted, your membership includes free stock images, certifications, content marketing tools and the option to attend annual conferences. WriterAccess takes a 30% cut of all fees you charge.
18. Editorial Freelancers Association
The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) is a professional network of freelance writers, editors and proofreaders. EFA members pay annual dues for access to job boards that connect them with new clients. Discounted writing, editing and proofreading classes are also available. Even nonmembers can view the EFA's recommended rates so they can charge appropriately.
19. Nexxt
Nexxt connects businesses of all sizes with qualified contractors. It's geared mostly toward clients, but it also has a freelance portal for finding jobs. You might notice that Nexxt's freelance portal more closely resembles resources such as Indeed and Monster, which cater to all types of workers rather than just freelancers. That said, Nexxt is still immensely valuable; if you use it alongside other freelancing websites on this list, your chances of finding new, meaningful work could increase substantially.