Are Freelancing Sites Worth It? The Honest Truth In 2024…

If you’re new to freelancing, you might wonder if freelancing sites are worth it. Below you’ll learn which sites are worth it, and how not to get stuck working harder for less.

Are freelancing sites worth it?

Freelancing sites are worth it if you’re entirely new to freelancing and are already leveraging other opportunities such as LinkedIn, cold outreach, and partnerships. Freelancing sites typically aren’t worth it for seasoned freelancers, and those experienced with prospecting.

For example, a freelance writer can use Upwork to find relevant jobs, and aim to submit ten proposals a day, while also reaching out to agencies on LinkedIn, and sending a few custom cold emails.

Putting all your time and energy into a freelancing site isn’t a great idea for a few reasons.

First, freelancing sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer are often a race to the bottom. They commoditize your services and place you next to thousands of other freelancers, often forcing you to lower rates to secure work, especially if you don’t have a lot of positive reviews.

Getting traction on these sites takes a long time, and once you do get traction, you’ll still be losing 10%-20% of your earnings from platform fees on top of competing amongst your peers.

Pros & Cons of Freelancing Sites

Freelancing sites can be beneficial for many professionals looking for work and for businesses seeking services. However, their worth depends on the individual’s needs, goals, and experiences. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Freelancing Sites:

1. Accessibility: They provide an easy entry point for new freelancers, especially those without an existing network or portfolio.
2. Diverse Opportunities: You can find a wide range of jobs and projects across multiple sectors and industries.
3. Trust and Security: Payments are typically handled through the platform, which can offer a level of security and dispute resolution.
4. Reviews and Ratings: These can help establish trust between freelancers and clients. Over time, accumulating positive reviews can help freelancers land more jobs.
5. Networking: Some freelancers establish long-term relationships with clients they meet on these platforms.

Cons of Freelancing Sites:

1. High Competition: Popular platforms can be saturated with freelancers, making it challenging for newcomers to land their first job.
2. Fees: Most platforms take a percentage of the freelancer’s earnings, which can range from 5% to 20% or even higher. This reduces the freelancer’s net income.
3. Potential for Undervaluation: With the global competition, some freelancers feel pressured to reduce their rates to land jobs. This can undervalue their skills and lead to an unsustainable work-to-reward ratio.
4. Impersonal Interactions: Some freelancers feel that the platform’s structure can make interactions feel less personal and more transactional.
5. Dependence: Relying solely on one platform for income can be risky, especially if changes occur in the platform’s policies or fee structures.

How to Make Freelancing Sites Work For You

1. Research

Choose a platform that fits your skills and industry. Some platforms specialize in specific sectors, like design, writing, or tech. Investigate the popular freelancers in your category to identify what makes them successful and differentiate yourself accordingly.

2. Build a Strong Profile

Showcase your best work, and provide detailed information about your skills and experiences. A well-crafted profile can be your first impression, so consider adding testimonials or references if the platform allows. This can boost potential clients’ confidence in hiring you.

3. Pricing

Set a rate that reflects your skill level and experience but remains competitive. As you gain more experience and reviews, you can adjust your rates accordingly. Keep in mind that while it’s essential to price competitively, avoid underselling your skills as it can devalue your services in the long run.

4. Diversify

Don’t rely on one platform alone. Build your client base outside of the platform and consider other income streams. By expanding your reach, you can mitigate risks associated with changes or issues on a single platform.

5. Professionalism

Treat every project with professionalism, and over-deliver when possible. Satisfied clients can lead to repeat business and referrals. Remember that communication is key: keep your clients updated and clarify any uncertainties promptly. This not only ensures project success but also builds trust.

Best Freelancing Sites

If you do want to try out freelancing sites, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites.

Upwork

Upwork is a broad platform with a wide range of job categories suitable for various freelancers, from writers to developers. Upwork charges freelancers a fee of 20% for the first $500 billed with a client, then 10% up to $10,000, and 5% for billings over $10,000.

Freelancer

Freelancer is a global platform that offers millions of projects across various categories. Freelancer generally takes 10% or $5 (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects, and 10% of each payment for hourly projects.

Toptal

Toptal specializes in connecting businesses with the top 3% of freelancers in software development, design, and finance. The exact fee structure isn’t publicly detailed, as Toptal takes a commission from the client’s payment.

Guru

Guru offers a robust set of features for freelancers, including work rooms where freelancers can collaborate with their clients. Guru’s fees vary based on membership level, ranging from 8.95% to 4.95%.

Behance

Behance is particularly popular among creative professionals like graphic designers and illustrators, Behance is both a portfolio showcase and a job board. It does not have a specific fee for jobs, but Adobe might have transaction fees for sales through Adobe Stock.

Dribbble

Dribble is a platform for designers to showcase their work and find freelance opportunities. Dribbble is primarily a portfolio and job board site, and does not take direct fees from freelancers.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs, while not exclusively for freelancers, it’s a job board that focuses on remote, flexible jobs. FlexJobs is subscription-based and does not take fees directly from job earnings.

99Designs

99Designs specializes in design work, where businesses can either browse portfolios or launch design contests. 99Designs takes a fee from the prize amount of contests, which varies based on the design category and contest type.