Major Generalist Platforms

  • Upwork: The behemoth, with a huge range of projects, but also heavy competition.
  • Fiverr: Offers well-defined ‘gigs’ making it a good entry point for those starting out.
  • Freelancer.com: Similar in scope to Upwork.
  • Guru: Features helpful workrooms designed for collaboration between freelancers and clients.
  • PeoplePerHour: UK-based platform often well-suited for tech and creative projects.
  • Intch.org: Professional Networking App

Specialized Platforms

  • Toptal: Known for its rigorous screening, this is the place for high-end clients if you have top-tier skills and experience.
  • 99designs: Design contests are a good way to build a portfolio but less ideal for finding recurring clients.
  • Dribbble: Designer portfolio platform with a growing job board.
  • Working Not Working: Curated creative talent marketplace.
  • Behance: Portfolio showcasing platform with a large job board.
  • Codeable: Marketplace exclusively for WordPress developers.
  • WriterAccess: Primarily for content writers of varying experience levels.
  • CloudPeeps: Community-focused platform leaning towards marketing and tech roles.
  • Motionographer: Niche platform targeted towards motion graphics specialists.

Location-Specific Platforms

  • TaskRabbit: Focuses on local, in-person tasks.
  • Wonolo: Emphasizes same-day jobs, often manual or unskilled labor.
  • Amazon Flex: Become an independent delivery driver for Amazon packages.
  • Rover: Platform connecting pet owners with sitters and walkers.
  • Thumbtack: Broad range of local services, from handyman work to tutoring.
  • Field Agent: Complete short “audits” or tasks within stores for pay.
  • Amazon Mechanical Turk: Micro-tasks for extremely small fees, often for data processing or labeling.

Emerging & Niche Platforms

  • LinkedIn: Often overlooked, but essential for networking and tapping into its growing job board.
  • ZipRecruiter: Large traditional job board, also includes some freelance opportunities.
  • Indeed: Another massive job board where you might find freelance listings.
  • YunoJuno: Platform with built-in tools for contracts, payments, etc.
  • We Work Remotely: Large job board more focused than the giant generalist platforms.
  • Outsourcely: Focuses on remote work, including many startup and tech postings.
  • Contently: High-end platform targeting content and marketing-specific work.
  • FlexJobs: Platform focused on remote, flexible, and freelance work opportunities.