Being a freelancer is a challenging journey, and freelancers should diversify their reputation and work history. However, with so many freelance platforms online, it can be hard to find decent Upwork alternatives to diversify your livelihood.
Below is a list of popular freelancing platforms for freelancers who are just starting out and might not be familiar with these options. Getting accepted to some of the platforms mentioned here may be a bit harder if you are new to freelancing.
Top Freelance Platforms
- UpWork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer.com
- Toptal
- PeoplePerHour
Upwork Alternatives
Contra
Founded in 2020, Contra is a decent freelance platform for both freelancers and clients. You can manage all aspects of your workflow, such as invoices, proposals, and payments, in one place.
Contra is commission-free for freelancers, and you don’t need a membership unless you want access to additional features. The platform serves a variety of professionals, including IT specialists, programmers, designers, writers, social media marketers, and more.
Workana
Workana is a freelancing platform primarily focused on the Latin American market, though it’s accessible to freelancers worldwide.
Workana charges a commission on completed projects and offers a free plan with a limited number of monthly proposals. They also have paid memberships that provide more proposals and greater visibility.
SolidGigs
While SolidGigs is not a traditional freelancing platform, I find it very useful because one of the main purposes of freelancing platforms is to help freelancers find projects. SolidGigs automates this process, saving you time that would otherwise be spent scrolling through numerous websites.
SolidGigs scans job boards, freelance websites, email lists, and other sources using AI to find matching projects. They send you leads daily, which you can review and pitch for suitable projects.
While there is no free plan available, SolidGigs offers a 14-day free trial, with paid plans starting at $31/month.
I know you might be thinking that LinkedIn is not a freelancing platform, and you are right. That’s why I saved it for last. However, LinkedIn is a professional business network that you can leverage to attract inbound clients.
The challenge with getting freelance work from LinkedIn is that you need to be skilled at content creation, especially content tailored to its audience. I see many designers, marketers, writers, and programmers getting good responses through the platform.
Final Thoughts
Exploring different freelance platforms can help diversify your client base and expand your opportunities. While Upwork is popular, there are other great alternatives to consider.
Platforms like Contra, Workana, SolidGigs, and LinkedIn offer unique benefits for freelancers, especially those starting out or seeking specific features. By exploring these alternatives, you can find the right platform to match your skills and goals.