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.