The growth of online businesses has skyrocketed in the last 5 years, increasing the need for independent expertise from all over the world. And in the wake of the pandemic, online work has never been more urgent or valuable than it is right now.
Right now is the perfect time to harness your skills and industry experience, and offer your services to clients across the globe.
Popular freelance marketplace Fiverr has become a household name within the freelance community; and the Israeli company has secured its position as the largest platform to connect freelancers with clients. Its original mission was to let anyone do the odd job here and there to earn some money, but as the platform matured and introduced the likes of Fiverr Pro, accomplished freelancers are making a living off the site.
However, many who are new to the world of working online, don’t know that there are plenty of other sites where they can showcase their talent and earn big! Here is a breakdown of the 9 best Fiverr alternatives, with all you need to know about getting noticed, working on the platform, and how to get paid (including any fine-print fees).
1. Upwork
Upwork is easily the most talked-about freelance website alongside Fiverr. Thousands of businesses seek freelance talent on the platform every month and post job listings in various job categories. Freelancers bid to win projects and are typically required to submit a cover letter and type answers to a set of interview questions written by the hiring agent.
Getting Noticed
- For freelancers looking to connect with clients, promises to match your skills and experience with relevant jobs by using a sophisticated matching algorithm.
- Upwork offers a massive and trusted client base looking for freelancers to contribute to anything from long-term projects to one-off proposals. Freelancing rates consist of hourly contracts and fixed-term payments for full-time, part-time, and temporary work.
- The platform encompasses every type of job you can think of, including data entry, logo design, human resources, translation, digital marketing, and content creation.
- This is a bidding market, where freelancers pitch themselves directly to clients in a professional online setting – giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and achievements to top businesses.
- You can take online skills tests which indicate your proficiency in various fields to boost your likelihood of securing job contracts.
Working Environment
- Upwork prides itself on its ability to provide seamless communication on an international scale. They make sending material and receiving feedback during projects secure, reliable, and above all simple.
- Adding a more personable touch, Upwork provides an instant messaging service through their desktop and mobile apps -which also enables video calling. Unlike other sites, video calls give clients a better chance to get to know you and your work. Better yet, you can have easy and open conversations about ongoing projects.
- These features reflect Upwork’s commitment to ensuring its users can foster good working relationships, with a better chance at regular/repeat work.
Payment and Fees
- Upwork’s payment system is very flexible and you are almost guaranteed to find a method that works for you.
- As mentioned, payment schemes vary between hourly and fixed-rate contracts, but Upwork’s platform allows you to track your progress in an online work diary, to ensure you are always paid in full.
- Similar to its competition, Upwork deducts service charges for submitting work via the site. However, with Upwork fee percentages decrease the more you work with repeat clients. For example, the first time you work with an employer they’ll take a 20% cut, but the cut becomes 10% after your lifetime earnings with the same client exceeds $500. The lifetime earnings approach encourages freelancers to build up their own prestigious client base.
Related: Fiverr and Upwork Comparison
2. Freelancer.com
Similar to Upwork in many ways, freelancer.com is another online freelancing behemoth and the third biggest platform by Alexa ranking. The platform has a bad history of fake profiles and employers, but the situation has improved in recent years.
Getting Noticed
- On Freelancer.com, gigs are acquired through a bidding system, similar to Upwork. However, this site offers the opportunity to boost your visibility and earnings through their Preferred Freelancer Program – giving an experienced freelancer a professional edge.
- For those looking to establish a new career online, Freelancer.com has a reputable user support system to respond to any questions and milestone payment schemes to help you manage workloads.
- Freelancer.com promotes unique contests that give new freelancers the chance to showcase their skills immediately to potential clients. Typically, this is best suited for design and other visual work.
Working Environment
- However, it’s easy to quickly browse through potential jobs as the search overview clearly shows a brief, rate, and how many other freelancers are bidding on the project.
- Similar to Upwork, Freelancer.com promises to use your skills to your best advantage when securing bids. All you have to do is input them into your profile and Freelancer.com will notify you with job suggestions that could benefit from your services.
- The site also offers 24/7 customer support that can handle your queries from anywhere in the world.
Payment and Fees
- Freelancer.com does not offer a free membership package to work on their site, the price for a plan ranges from $0.99-$50.00 per month.
- All packages include at least 15 bids per month, the ability to bookmark projects, upload at least 30 skills, and submit entries into online gig contests.
- Moreover, with a paid membership plan freelancers have the chance to earn rewards for each project they complete; which promises to improve their ability to win bids.
- As for fees, Freelancer takes a flat rate of 10% (on hourly and fixed rate) from your earnings to use the platform.
3. Toptal
A remote work market that aims to serve serious business owners, Toptal prides itself on the quality of its freelancers.
Getting noticed
- If you are an experienced freelancer looking for work with established, internationally renowned companies then look no further than Toptal. The site is aimed at connecting businesses with the top 3% of freelancing talent globally. As expected, the opportunity to secure jobs will be based entirely on your skills, knowledge, and experience in the field.
- In order to work on the platform, you must apply to Toptal initially, who will then allow successful candidates access to their prestigious client network. The application process includes the rigorous screening of a candidate’s skills, competencies, and situational assessments to sift out top talent. However, once you are in you will be able to connect with businesses and apply for jobs on the site.
- To be noticed, you’ll need to show off an impressive portfolio and demonstrate solid work experience in highly technical fields like software development, web design, finance, or product management.
Working Environment
- Toptal promotes a closed network for its users, so it can be difficult to know what to expect from the working environment.
- Unlike other freelancing providers, Toptal emphasizes the importance of building a community of experts through organizing events. Taking part in or organizing an event can be done directly through Toptal, giving you the opportunity to expand your professional network and learn more about your industry from exceptional leaders in the field. This is just one of the many ways Toptal can solidify your career as a professional freelancer.
Payment and Fees
- Toptal is a platform that can bring in significant earnings for the jobs you take. Key roles as a designer, project manager, developer, financier, or product manager can earn you anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000+ per week. It’s unsurprising from a website that promises access to elite freelancers from across the world.
4. PeoplePerHour
A UK-based freelance platform that combines elements of Fiverr and Upwork, PeoplePerHour is a good option if you’re looking to offer pre-packaged online services and also bid on job postings.
Getting noticed
- Peopleperhour is ideal for remote workers (predominately in the UK) looking to find hourly work in various independent fields.
- Like Toptal, the website requires that freelancers apply to be listed in their network; with the aim of connecting businesses with certified talent.
- However, Peopleperhour has a more relaxed screening process compared to Toptal. Candidates must complete a CV detailing their personal attributes, skills, past experience, and preferences for work. If you are a successful candidate, you can develop your unique profile and begin submitting applications for the jobs you want!
- In order to secure projects, freelancers must create a proposal outlining how they would approach the task, as well as any additional suggestions or questions they may have for the employer.
Working Environment
- Peopleperhour wants to make sure that keeping up to date with your projects, communicating with clients, and sharing work is a streamlined experience. The ‘Project Stream’ is an innovative hub where you are able to assess your workload and manage payments efficiently.
- If you are new to the field of freelance, Peopleperhour also offers a free online training course that provides you with all the knowledge you need to get your career started. The 8-week course coaches on all aspects of freelancing; including the unnatural task of marketing yourself to clients and advice on how to effectively manage deadlines.
Payment and Fees
- As a freelancer on the site, you are allowed to post 15 quotes per month free or obtain additional credit for quotes via purchase. Other than this, the site is completely free to set up profiles and search for jobs.
- Once you have completed a job and created an invoice, Peopleperhour deduct service fees via lifetime earnings for each buyer. Like Upwork, this means that the more you work with clients the more you can earn!
5. Guru
A freelance site that’s been around since well before Fiverr’s inception in 2010, Guru has become especially popular among those involved in programming and web development.
Getting Noticed
- Finding jobs on Guru is quick and convenient due to their skills-based algorithm. With a complete profile, Guru hand selects jobs based on the expertise you can bring to a project, suggesting Top matches and Good matches.
- Guru also operates on a bidding system for its freelancers, who use available bids on their profile to send quotes to small businesses and startups looking to outsource work.
- Guru adds to the bidding system by allowing users to send Premium Quotes, which are included in certain membership packages. Premium Quotes highlight your offer to employers, increasing overall visibility when applying for projects.
Working Environment
- Unlike other freelancing sites, Guru offers an innovative platform that facilitates collaboration between independent contractors.
- Using their WorkRooms software, freelancers are able to build a team for any project by adding other users through the site. A useful feature for developers and other team-driven industries to work remotely with ease.
- Like dashboards on other sites, WorkRooms is a place where freelancers can effectively log their current and upcoming jobs, keep track of invoices and share ideas or content amongst team members and employers.
Payment and Fees
- Arguably the most enticing feature of Guru for a freelancer is their competitive service fee.
- Guru takes only 5-9% of the earnings made on its website- the lowest of all the mainstream sites discussed here. This is enjoyed by free members and paid subscription holders.
- So, what can a paid membership with Guru offer you? As well as being able to send Premium Quotes (for professional, business and executive members), you also get 40 extra bids per month; which you can use to apply for jobs and boost search appearances for your profile.
6. FreeUp
FreeUp is a relatively new platform that is designed to ‘free up’ the time on both sides by matching clients with freelancers in under 24 hours.
Getting Noticed
- This US company takes their recruiting process a step further than Toptal by advertising their freelancers as the top 1% of online talent.
- As a freelancer using the site you can expect a similar rigorous application process that involves interviewing and taking competency tests.
- However, FreeUp is also an ideal platform for those who have industry experience and are looking to transition into independent contracting. The site has three tiers of employment that are based on experience level, ranging from entry to expert.
- As a freelancer, you are more likely to be matched with jobs that accurately fit your expertise and provide the appropriate support to help you complete a project.
Working Environment
- FreeUp offers the invaluable luxury of simplicity when working as a freelancer on its platform.
- They stand out by providing users with automated billing services and fixed hourly rates, so you don’t have to worry about negotiating quotes with employers.
- Moreover, their high-speed hiring system means you will spend less time looking for clients, as employers are limited to a 15-minute introductory discussion with you before making a decision.
Payment and Fees
- Although FreeUp provides the majority of payment and billing services, you are in control of the rates.
- FreeUp allows freelancers to set their hourly rates for clients, which can be arranged with the employer or remain fixed.
- FreeUp is free to use once you are accepted into the talent pool. They charge 15% to the clients for work you submit to them through the site.
7. DesignHill
DesignHill is a creative marketplace that offers designers the chance to compete in various design competitions and earn money on the spot if their design is selected as the winner.
Getting Noticed
- From its namesake, DesignHill is a platform for artists, designers, and web developers to advertise their talent and earn money freelancing.
- The site is perfect for those looking to make a career out of their graphic design skills.
- As DesignHill is niche-specific, you are likely to get more traffic from businesses looking to hire in your area of interest.
Working Environment
- Artists on Design Hill are encouraged to take part in graphic design work contests. This is a great way for freelancers to connect with employers, as the client can see the product straight away and you have a chance to showcase your best work.
- If your design is chosen by the client, the next phase of the contest involves a transfer of your design work; in which the business obtains copyright, and you are awarded the prize money.
- Note: you are not limited to taking part in contests to find work, as DesignHill also operates using a gig system that allows businesses to connect with designers they want to work with.
Payment and Fees
- Entering a contest or arranging a gig with employers is free as included in the standard membership.
- If you opt for a paid plan with DesignHill, you can access benefits such as reduced commission fees, higher earnings for contest wins, and of course, a preferred ranking for your profile!
- Subscriptions are pricey compared to other freelancing sites (ranging from $100-200) but the platform promises to connect their users with the best opportunities for work – through a unique online design community.
8. SEOClerks
SEOClerks is a niche-specific Fiverr alternative for companies seeking search engine optimization for their websites.
Getting Noticed
- SEOClerks is a one-stop-shop for SEO services. This is great news for freelancers who specialize in the area of search optimization.
- Compared to other freelancing sites, SEOClerks open marketplace is fast-paced and competitive, as users are ranked using a level rating.
- However, if you are just starting out SEOClerks reassures that every freelancer using their site begins at level 1 despite their experience level. Freelancers are able to level up by completing orders on time and receiving good reviews from their clients.
Working Environment
- The experience on SEOClerks does not differ much from its competitor sites. Like Fiverr, SEOClerks uses an advertisement model that allows freelancers to post services clients can buy.
- However, the model of the platform calls for sellers to get creative with their marketing in order to secure jobs.
- Once established on the site, freelancers can enjoy exclusive perks such as developing subscription services and instantly downloadable content.
Payment and Fees
- Using a level-based system, SEOClerks shines with its payment models. Starting out with a level 1 account incurs waiting periods for clearances and reviews on invoices as a new seller.
- Level up on the platform and you’ll be able to access more features and enjoy new benefits. Each level reduces clearance times, increases the amount you can instantly withdraw from accounts, and gives you bonuses on earnings for each completed project.
9.Onlinejobs.ph
Onlinejobs.ph is a place for businesses around the world to hire Filipino virtual assistants and other workers for long-term job contracts.
Getting Noticed
- Onlinejobs.ph has a sharp goal in mind- to successfully connect Filipinos with international companies, to work for in the comfort of their own home.
- The site is most well-known for being a place for small businesses to hire qualified virtual assistants at lower prices, but it also includes other freelancing industries such as SEO, content writing, web development, and more.
- Onlinejobs.ph is easy to set up, just perfect your resumé and either apply for available positions or respond to clients that reach out to you directly.
- As an employer, you have unlimited access to a high-skilled talent pool, that you can add to your payroll from anywhere in the world.
Working Environment
- With Onlinejobs.ph you work directly with the employer and are not subject to any ‘middle-men’ contracts. For example, once you have been hired by a company you can continue to work together outside of Onlinejobs.ph as you become an official employee with them.
- For buyers, this gives you the freedom to work with freelancers directly to set arrangements that work best for both parties and you are not required to maintain an account on the site to continue working with your employee.
Payment and Fees
- Working with Onlinejobs.ph will not cost a freelancer anything, as there are no subscription or service fees to operate on the platform. This is because the income generated comes from companies looking to hire on the site.
- Employers cannot contact freelancers unless they hold a paid membership, which ensures that all jobs posted are legitimate and follow Onlinejobs.ph guidelines.
- The set up protects workers and makes it easier for companies to pay users directly using official payroll as they would any other employee in the business.