- Freelance service sites connect skilled professionals with local and remote employers.
- Job marketplaces have a variable fee structure. Some sites charge the freelancer for use while others pass the fee onto employers.
- More than 15 trusted sites are available to hire freelancers in industries such as accounting, copywriting, graphic design, and marketing.
Connecting business owners with quality contractors is easier than ever.
When it comes to finding potential gigs, freelancers, startups, solopreneurs and other independent contractors have never had it so good – all they need to do is turn to the internet. Similarly, business owners who need help with copywriting, graphic design, programming, IT or other specialized services can easily find the perfect freelancer online.
Job marketplaces for freelance services provide a platform where individuals get listed, and businesses can post projects or browse for what they need. Each site works a bit differently. Some sites offer free listings, while some are paid. Some make freelancers bid on projects; others merely play match-maker. Some take a percentage of the project value, while still others work with flat rates. But all serve the same purpose: helping potential freelancers and clients connect. Be sure you know exactly what you're looking for in terms of creating the criteria of your job posting. Make sure you're able to write a complete job description, to avoid back and forth and find the right contractor.
Here are 15 popular sites, listed alphabetically, that keep the gig economy going.
Dice
Dice bills itself as a "career hub for tech insiders." While the site mostly lists full-time positions, it also carries freelance opportunities, so posting a resume or project there is a good idea if you are involved in the tech field.
Evanto Studio
Evanto Studio connects you with freelance talent for your creative endeavors, whether you need artists, actors or designers. Evanto Studios vets their freelancers and doesn't allow just anyone to post their services on their directory. Their freelance profiles contain detailed pricing information, work samples and reviews.
Fiverr
Fiverr has grown up from paying people $5 to do just about anything, to a legitimate freelance platform where you can find professionals to help with your business or personal projects. Fiverr's freelance marketplace lets you browse ready and willing professionals, including programmers, WordPress experts, illustrators and even voice-over actors who can do Morgan Freeman impressions.
Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com allows you find work for your online project fast and for a reasonable price. Freelancers submit bids for your project, and you can view their past work and user reviews to make your decision. The platform focuses on getting work done for website development, SEO marketing, mobile development and other online centric projects.
Guru.com
Guru.com's mission is to connect employers with freelance talent locally or globally, and the site is one of the deepest in the freelance field. Post your professional profile, select a membership type, get paid safely through its SafePay payment service, and earn a professional services ranking.
HireMyMom
HireMyMom caters to work-at-home moms looking for flexible work. The site links qualified professionals with businesses seeking temporary or permanent project help and is part of the Home Based Working Moms Network. It's free to post work, and the website does not take commissions from the job posters or seekers.
Mediabistro
Mediabistro is the place to be if you freelance in the media industry ̶ as a writer, designer, editor, ad salesperson or other position ̶ or need help in that arena. Become a member at Mediabistro, register in the freelance marketplace or just check online job listings in the freelance or contract category (although the site does list full-time, part-time and internship positions). There is also an extensive training platform where you can hire trainers to instruct you in many subjects including writing, marketing and business.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a simple platform that allows both hirers and freelancers to browse talent and jobs respectively. There are few limitations to what type of work you can post, allowing you to list very specific jobs and requirements. You can also browse through freelancers' profiles where they display their hourly rate.
Sologig
Sologig.com helps connect contractors, freelancers and consultants with businesses seeking independent professionals. Registration is free, and unlike other project-based websites, Sologig does not charge project fees. There's also no bidding on Sologig ̶ freelancers choose which projects they are interested in and negotiate pricing directly with the employer. You can build a customized resume of your expertise accessible to thousands of employers. Sologig has something for everyone, from beginning freelancers to seasoned consultants.
Upwork
Upwork contains dozens of categories for you to browse and search for freelancers/contractors for your business. Upwork is one of the only freelance websites where you can find specialized and licensed help including civil engineers, attorneys and financial consultants. Upwork provide freelancers' hourly rate and job success rating. Freelancers can sign up for free and receive a certain number of free "Connects" per month to bid on jobs. Upwork takes a 20% commission on any earnings.
99designs
When choosing 99designs, you're put in touch with those working in the graphic design industry on a freelance basis. This site is ideal if you're looking for a project manager for a new logo, web page or product label. You have two options available to you: either post the job and review applicants or hold a contest to choose the best design.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs has a similar setup as sites like Upwork. The service is free to employers and provides access to a skilled pool of freelancers. All freelancers are vetted, and you can post a listing as a way to find the ideal candidate with the skillset you're seeking.
LinkedIn Profinder
LinkedIn Profinder is a fairly new website for freelancers and employers to connect. Searches are done by location with workers available for jobs in marketing, accounting, writing, graphic design and more.
Behance
Behance has a similar target audience as 99design: companies looking to hire freelance graphic designers. Behance allows freelancers a space to showcase their portfolios while employers can post available jobs for hire.
Amazon Mechanical Turk
Mechanical Turk has a very unique setup: the site acts as a micro-gig platform to help employers find the most cost-effective labor options.