Thinking about Freelancing? Check These Top Freelancing Platforms

Freelancing offers flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to build a career on your terms. When you’re starting out, the hardest part is probably knowing where and how to start.

The good news is that there is a good selection of freelancing platforms to help you get your foot in the door and on the road to independent income.

So let's walk through some popular beginner-friendly sites (from easiest to experience-focused), highlight a unique benefit of Freelancer.com, and pick up practical tips for landing your first gig in less than a week or weekend.

Beginner-Friendly Freelancing Sites (Starting from the Easiest)

Fiverr

Pros:

Straightforward sign up

No experience required

You set your own services (“gigs”) and prices

Large client base

Cons:

Highly competitive

Fiverr takes a 20% commission

Harder to stand out as a new freelancer

Pricing:

Free to join and list gigs

Paid “Promoted Gigs” available for increased visibility

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Freelancer.com

Pros:

Variety of project types

Beginner-friendly contests let you build a portfolio even without winning

Strong community

Milestone payments for security

Cons:

Free plan has limited monthly bids

Paid memberships unlock more bids and features

Some competition from experienced freelancers

Pricing:

Free basic account

Paid plans start from $4.95/month for more bids and visibility

Special Feature: Contests allow you to submit work without bidding, which is perfect for building your profile and gaining reviews.

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Upwork

Pros:

Large client base

Diverse job categories

Payment protection for hourly and fixed projects

Cons:

Application review process may reject new accounts if demand is low

Connects (bids) can be costly

10% service fee on earnings

Pricing:

Free profile creation

Buying extra connects costs $0.15 each

Optional paid plans for analytics and more connects

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Toptal

Pros:

Access to high-paying clients

Less competition

Focus on quality

Cons:

Rigorous screening process

Requires a proven track record

Not beginner-friendly

Pricing:

Free, but entry is highly selective

Common Interview Questions for New Freelancers (and How to Answer Them)

• Q: “Do you have experience with projects like mine?”

• A: “While I’m new to freelancing, I’ve completed similar tasks in my personal/professional life. Here’s an example…”

• Q: “How do you manage deadlines?”

• A: “I prioritize communication and use project management tools to ensure I meet deadlines. I always keep clients updated on progress.”

• Q: “What’s your process for revisions?”

• A: “I offer one or two rounds of revisions as part of my service to make sure you’re satisfied with the final result.”

Adapting Your Resume for Freelancing

When moving from traditional employment to freelancing, it’s helpful to translate your resume into a freelancer profile. Here are tips:

• Replace “Job Titles” with “Services Offered” (e.g., “Content Writing,” “Graphic Design”).

• List relevant skills and certifications at the top.

• Highlight projects (personal, academic, or volunteer) related to the services you offer.

• Use client-focused language (e.g., “Delivered marketing materials to improve client brand awareness”).

• Include a short, friendly bio explaining what makes you different.

This helps clients see your value, even if you don’t have traditional freelance experience.

Spotlight On: Freelancer’s Contests and Portfolio-Building

What makes Freelancer.com unique for new freelancers is its contest system. Instead of bidding for every job, you can enter contests by submitting your work upfront.

Even if you don’t win, you can showcase your entry in your portfolio and get feedback from real clients. This is a fantastic way to build credibility, learn what clients want, and elevate your skills.

Plus, you pay nothing to participate in contests, making it a low-risk way to start freelancing and grow your profile.

Affiliate Disclaimer: I may earn a commission through links. There’s no extra cost to you.

The Takeaway

Remember, every expert was once a beginner! Starting your new career as a freelancer can feel overwhelming, but beginner-friendly platforms make it easier.

Consider starting with Fiverr or Freelancer.com (or both), especially for portfolio-building opportunities like contests on Freelancer.

Prepare for common client questions and turn your resume into a valuable freelancer profile. Earn on your terms on your time. You're worth it!