Freelancing platforms have become a popular way to work and earn money, with millions of people around the world opting for the freedom and flexibility it offers. However, finding high-paying clients can be a challenge, especially if you’re just starting out.
Luckily, there are plenty of freelancing platforms out there that can help you find high-paying clients and build a successful freelance business. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best freelancing platforms for finding high-paying clients in 2023:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- Toptal
- Guru
- PeoplePerHour
- 99Designs
- SimplyHired
- Freelance Writing Gigs
- SolidGigs
1- Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest and most popular freelancing platforms, with over 12 million freelancers and 5 million clients worldwide. With a range of categories, from web development to graphic design to writing, Upwork offers a diverse range of opportunities for freelancers.
One of the benefits of using Upwork is that it has a bidding system, allowing you to submit proposals for jobs that you’re interested in. This can help you stand out from other freelancers and increase your chances of landing high-paying clients.
Pros:
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Large client base with opportunities for long-term contracts
- Payment protection through Upwork’s escrow system
- Easy-to-use platform with tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management
- Built-in messaging and communication system for easy client communication
Cons:
- High competition for jobs, makes it difficult to stand out
- Upwork takes a percentage of your earnings as a fee
- Upwork’s rating system can be subjective and lead to unfair ratings
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations
- Limited control over the platform’s policies and changes
Pricing Structure
Upwork offers two pricing models:
- Freelancer Fees: Freelancers are charged a sliding fee based on the lifetime billings with each client.
- For projects with clients who have paid less than $500, Upwork charges a 20% fee.
- For projects between $500.01 and $10,000, Upwork charges a 10% fee.
- For projects that exceed $10,000 with a client, the fee is 5%.
- Client Fees: Clients can be charged either a flat fee or a sliding fee based on the amount they spend on the platform.
- For fixed-price jobs, clients are charged a flat fee of 3% on the total project cost.
- For hourly projects, clients are charged a sliding fee based on the freelancer’s hourly rate. This fee ranges from 5% to 2.75%, depending on the total amount spent with the freelancer.
It’s worth noting that Upwork charges both the freelancer fee and client fee on the same project, meaning the overall fee can be up to 25% of the project cost. However, there are ways for freelancers and clients to reduce the fees, such as by working on long-term contracts or by utilizing Upwork’s payment processing system.
2- Fiverr
Fiverr is a popular freelancing platform that allows freelancers to offer their services in a range of categories, from graphic design to writing to video editing. Unlike Upwork, Fiverr does not have a bidding system; instead, freelancers create gigs with fixed prices for their services.
One of the benefits of using Fiverr is that it has a large customer base, with over 5.5 million active buyers. This can help you find high-paying clients who are willing to pay for quality work.
Pros:
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Easy-to-use platform with tools for communication, project management, and payment
- No bidding process, making it easier to find and accept jobs
- Flexible pricing options, including packages and add-ons
- Built-in messaging and communication system for easy client communication
Cons:
- High competition for jobs, makes it difficult to stand out
- Fiverr takes a percentage of your earnings as a fee
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations
- Limited control over the platform’s policies and changes
- Limited ability to communicate with clients outside of the platform
Pricing Structure
Fiverr offers a straightforward pricing structure:
- Freelancer Fees: Freelancers are charged a 20% fee on each project they complete on the platform. This fee is deducted from the total project cost, including any extras or add-ons.
- Buyer Fees: Buyers are charged a processing fee on top of the project cost.
- For purchases up to $40, the processing fee is $2.
- For purchases between $40.01 and $100, the processing fee is 5% of the total order value.
- For purchases over $100, the processing fee is 5% of the first $100 and 2% of the remaining total order value.
It’s worth noting that Fiverr also offers a range of add-ons and extras that freelancers can use to increase their earnings. These add-ons and extras can include faster delivery times, additional revisions, and premium features, and they can be priced up to $10,000. Additionally, Fiverr has a program called Fiverr Pro, which is designed for more experienced and specialized freelancers. Freelancers in this program can charge higher rates and are subject to a 5% fee instead of the standard 20% fee.
3- Freelancer
Freelancer is another popular freelancing platform that offers a range of categories, from web development to writing to marketing. Like Upwork, Freelancer has a bidding system that allows you to submit proposals for jobs.
One of the benefits of using Freelancer is that it has a low commission fee, making it an attractive option for freelancers who want to keep more of their earnings.
Pros:
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Large client base with opportunities for long-term contracts
- Payment protection through Freelancer’s escrow system
- Easy-to-use platform with tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management
- Built-in messaging and communication system for easy client communication
Cons:
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- Freelancer takes a percentage of your earnings as a fee
- Freelancer’s rating system can be subjective and lead to unfair ratings
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations
- Limited control over the platform’s policies and changes
Pricing Structure
Freelancer offers both free and paid membership options:
- Free Membership: Freelancers can sign up for a free account on Freelancer, which allows them to bid on up to 8 projects per month. However, freelancers who use the free account will have to pay a 10% fee on the total project cost if they are awarded the project.
- Paid Membership: Freelancers can also upgrade to a paid membership, which offers several benefits, including:
- The ability to bid on an unlimited number of projects
- Access to a larger pool of projects
- The ability to showcase their work in a portfolio
- Increased visibility in search results
The paid membership is available in several tiers, ranging from $0.99 to $49.95 per month. Freelancers can choose the membership tier that best suits their needs.
In addition to the membership fees, Freelancer also charges fees on project earnings:
- Freelancer Fees: Freelancers are charged a sliding fee based on their earnings with each client.
- For projects with clients who have paid less than $500, Freelancer charges a 10% fee.
- For projects between $500.01 and $1,000, Freelancer charges a 5% fee.
- For projects that exceed $1,000 with a client, the fee is 3%.
- Client Fees: Clients are charged a fee of 3% on the total project cost.
It’s worth noting that Freelancer also offers a feature called “Preferred Freelancer,” which is designed for top-rated freelancers. These freelancers can charge higher rates and are subject to a reduced fee structure.
4- Toptal
Toptal is a freelancing platform that caters to top-tier freelancers and clients. Toptal’s screening process is rigorous, with only the top 3% of applicants being accepted into the platform.
One of the benefits of using Toptal is that it offers high-paying clients and the opportunity to work with top-tier freelancers. However, the screening process can be challenging, so it’s important to have a strong portfolio and skillset.
Pros:
- High-quality clients and projects, with a focus on software development and design
- Rigorous screening process for freelancers, ensuring high-quality talent
- Dedicated project managers for each project, ensuring smooth communication and project management
- High hourly rates, with opportunities for long-term contracts
- Ability to work with top-tier clients and companies
Cons:
- Limited job categories and opportunities, with a focus on software development and design
- Highly competitive application process, with a low acceptance rate
- Toptal takes a significant percentage of your earnings as a fee
- Limited control over project selection and pricing
- Limited ability to communicate with clients outside of the platform
Pricing Structure
Toptal is a premium freelancing platform that provides top-tier talent to businesses. The pricing structure of Toptal is unique and differs from other freelancing platforms.
Here are the key aspects of the Toptal pricing model:
- Hourly or Project-based Pricing: Toptal offers both hourly and project-based pricing options. Clients can choose the pricing model that works best for their project.
- Hourly Rates: Toptal freelancers have different hourly rates, depending on their skillset and experience. These hourly rates start from $60 per hour and go up to $300 or more per hour.
- Upfront Deposit: Clients are required to make an upfront deposit before the project begins. This deposit is usually 50% of the total project cost.
- No Hidden Fees: Toptal does not charge any additional fees, such as transaction fees, project fees, or other hidden charges. The hourly rate or project fee is the only cost that clients have to pay.
- Quality Assurance: Toptal guarantees the quality of the work delivered by freelancers. If the client is not satisfied with the work, they can request a refund.
- Freelancer Replacement: If the client is not satisfied with the freelancer assigned to their project, Toptal will replace the freelancer at no additional cost.
Overall, Toptal’s pricing structure reflects their focus on delivering high-quality freelancers to clients, with no hidden fees or surprises. The pricing may be higher than other freelancing platforms, but the assurance of quality and replacement options make it an attractive option for businesses with high-value projects.
5- Guru
Guru is a freelancing platform that offers a range of categories, from web development to writing to design. Like Fiverr, Guru does not have a bidding system; instead, freelancers create services with fixed prices.
One of the benefits of using Guru is that it offers a secure payment system and escrow services, ensuring that freelancers receive payment for their work.
Pros:
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Payment protection through Guru’s SafePay system
- Easy-to-use platform with tools for communication, project management, and payment
- No bidding process, making it easier to find and accept jobs
- Built-in messaging and communication system for easy client communication
Cons:
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- Guru takes a percentage of your earnings as a fee
- Guru’s rating system can be subjective and lead to unfair ratings
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations
- Limited control over the platform’s policies and changes
Pricing Structure
Guru offers a flexible pricing structure that allows freelancers to set their own rates and negotiate with clients. Here are the key aspects of the Guru pricing model:
- Membership Levels: Guru offers four membership levels to freelancers, ranging from Basic to Professional. Each level has different features and benefits, such as the ability to bid on more projects or the ability to display a portfolio.
- Service Fee: Guru charges a service fee to both freelancers and clients. For freelancers, the service fee ranges from 5% to 9% of the project value, depending on their membership level. For clients, the service fee is 2.5% of the project value.
- Project Fees: Guru does not charge any project fees, which means that clients only pay for the work done by the freelancer.
- SafePay Escrow System: Guru uses a SafePay escrow system, which allows clients to deposit funds into an escrow account before the project begins. The funds are released to the freelancer upon completion of the project.
- Freelancer Invoicing: Freelancers can send invoices to clients through the Guru platform. Guru charges a 2.5% fee for processing payments made through the invoicing system.
- Negotiation: Freelancers can negotiate their rates with clients, and clients can negotiate project terms with freelancers. This allows for flexibility in pricing and project requirements.
Overall, Guru’s pricing structure offers flexibility and transparency for both freelancers and clients. Freelancers can set their own rates and negotiate with clients, while clients only pay for the work done by the freelancer. The SafePay escrow system and invoicing system provide security and ease of payment processing.
6- PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a freelancing platform that offers a range of categories, from web development to writing to marketing. One of the benefits of using PeoplePerHour is that it has a community of freelancers and clients, allowing you to network and find new opportunities.
PeoplePerHour also offers a range of tools and resources for freelancers, including a project management tool and a proposal generator.
Pros:
- Large client base, with opportunities for long-term contracts
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Built-in messaging and communication system for easy client communication
- Flexible pricing options, including hourly, fixed price, and project-based
- No bidding process, making it easier to find and accept jobs
Cons:
- PeoplePerHour takes a percentage of your earnings as a fee, which can be higher than other platforms
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- Limited ability to communicate with clients outside of the platform
- PeoplePerHour’s dispute resolution process can be slow and ineffective
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations
Pricing Structure
PeoplePerHour offers a flexible pricing structure for both freelancers and clients. Here are the key aspects of the PeoplePerHour pricing model:
- Membership Levels: PeoplePerHour offers three membership levels for freelancers – Basic, Plus, and Pro. Each level has different features and benefits, such as the number of bids allowed per month or the ability to display a portfolio. Clients do not have a membership level, but can sign up for free.
- Project Fees: PeoplePerHour charges freelancers a project fee based on the project value. The fee ranges from 20% for projects under £250 to 5% for projects over £10,000. Clients do not pay any project fees.
- Hourly Fees: Freelancers can also charge hourly rates for their work. PeoplePerHour charges a 5% fee on the hourly rate, which is deducted from the payment to the freelancer.
- Featured Listing Fees: Freelancers can pay to have their profiles or services featured on the PeoplePerHour platform. The fees for featured listings vary depending on the level of exposure desired.
- Escrow System: PeoplePerHour uses an escrow system to hold project funds until the work is completed. Clients deposit funds into an escrow account, and the funds are released to the freelancer upon completion of the project.
- Payment Processing Fees: PeoplePerHour charges a payment processing fee of 2.9% + £0.30 for payments made by clients using credit or debit cards. Freelancers do not pay any payment processing fees.
Overall, PeoplePerHour’s pricing structure is transparent and offers flexibility for both freelancers and clients. Freelancers can set their own rates and choose their membership level to access different features, while clients do not pay any project fees. The use of an escrow system provides security for both parties, and the payment processing fees are reasonable.
7- 99designs
99designs is a freelancing platform that specializes in graphic design. Clients post design briefs, and freelancers submit their designs for consideration.
One of the benefits of using 99designs is that it offers high-paying clients and the opportunity to work on large-scale projects. However, competition can be tough, so it’s important to have a strong portfolio and design skills to stand out.
Pros:
- Wide range of design categories and opportunities
- High-quality clients and projects, with opportunities for long-term contracts
- No bidding process, making it easier to find and accept jobs
- Built-in messaging and communication system for easy client communication
- Opportunity to build a strong portfolio and gain exposure in the design industry
Cons:
- 99designs takes a percentage of your earnings as a fee, which can be higher than other platforms
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- Limited control over project selection and pricing
- Limited ability to communicate with clients outside of the platform
- Design contests can be time-consuming and may not result in payment if not selected as the winner.
Pricing Structure
99designs is a platform that specializes in graphic design services, including logos, website designs, and other branding materials. The pricing structure of 99designs is based on the type of design project and the level of service selected.
- Design Contests: For most design projects, clients can launch a design contest where multiple designers submit their design concepts, and the client chooses the winner. The client sets the prize amount, which ranges from $299 for a logo design contest to over $1,000 for more complex design projects. The contest fee, which ranges from $39 to $149, is paid by the client at the time of the contest launch.
- Design Services: For clients who want a more customized design experience, 99designs offers design services. Clients can choose from three levels of service: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level includes a different number of design concepts and revisions, as well as additional features such as a dedicated project manager and copyright ownership. The prices for design services range from $399 to $1,299.
- Add-On Services: Clients can also choose to add additional services to their design project, such as expedited delivery or additional revisions. The prices for add-on services vary depending on the type of service and the level of service selected.
- Payment Processing Fees: 99designs charges a 5% platform fee on the total project cost, which includes the prize amount and any fees for add-on services. In addition, clients are responsible for payment processing fees, which vary depending on the payment method used.
Overall, the pricing structure of 99designs is transparent and provides clients with a range of options for their design projects. The design contest format allows clients to receive multiple design concepts and choose the best one, while the design services provide a more personalized experience. The add-on services allow clients to customize their project even further, and the platform fee is reasonable.
8- SimplyHired
SimplyHired is a job search engine that offers a range of freelancing opportunities. Unlike other freelancing platforms, SimplyHired aggregates job listings from various sources, making it easier to find freelance jobs.
One of the benefits of using SimplyHired is that it offers a range of categories and opportunities, from writing to web development to accounting. SimplyHired also offers a range of tools and resources for freelancers, including job alerts and a salary estimator.
Pros:
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Easy-to-use platform with intuitive job search features
- Large client base with opportunities for long-term contracts
- Ability to set job alerts and receive email notifications for new job postings
- Option to create a free profile and showcase your skills and experience
Cons:
- SimplyHired does not provide payment protection or dispute resolution services
- Limited tools for communication and project management
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- SimplyHired’s rating system can be subjective and lead to unfair ratings
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations.
Pricing Structure
SimplyHired is a job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources, including company websites, job boards, and other job search engines. Unlike some other job search platforms, SimplyHired is free for both job seekers and employers.
- Job Postings: Employers can post their job listings on SimplyHired for free. The job postings are distributed to various partner sites and appear in relevant search results on SimplyHired’s platform. Employers have the option to boost their job postings for a fee to increase visibility and reach more candidates.
- Pay-Per-Click Advertising: SimplyHired offers a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising program that allows employers to place targeted job ads in front of relevant candidates. Employers set a daily budget and bid on keywords to determine the cost-per-click. The cost-per-click varies depending on the competitiveness of the keyword and the level of targeting.
- Sponsored Jobs: Employers can also opt for sponsored job listings, which appear at the top of relevant search results and are marked as “sponsored.” The cost of sponsored job listings varies depending on the job location, job category, and the competition for the specific job.
- Recruitment Advertising: SimplyHired also offers recruitment advertising packages for employers who want to promote their brand and attract a larger pool of candidates. These packages include display advertising, social media promotion, and targeted email campaigns. The cost of recruitment advertising varies depending on the level of customization and the duration of the campaign.
Overall, the pricing structure of SimplyHired is designed to be affordable and accessible to both job seekers and employers. The free job postings allow employers to reach a broad audience without any upfront cost, while the pay-per-click and sponsored job listings provide a more targeted and effective way to attract relevant candidates. The recruitment advertising packages offer additional customization and promotion options for employers who want to invest in their employer brand.
9- Freelance Writing Gigs
Freelance Writing Gigs is a job board that specializes in writing jobs, including freelance writing, blogging, and copywriting. Unlike other job boards, Freelance Writing Gigs manually curates job listings, ensuring that only high-quality opportunities are listed.
One of the benefits of using Freelance Writing Gigs is that it offers a range of writing opportunities, from technical writing to creative writing to social media management. Freelance Writing Gigs also offers a range of resources and tips for freelance writers, including how to pitch to clients and how to negotiate rates.
Pros:
- Free to use and no commission fees
- Wide range of writing job opportunities
- Opportunity to build a strong portfolio and gain exposure in the writing industry
- Easy-to-use platform with intuitive job search features
- Option to subscribe to job alerts and receive email notifications for new job postings
Cons:
- No payment protection or dispute resolution services
- Limited tools for communication and project management
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- Some clients may offer low pay or unrealistic expectations
- Limited ability to communicate with clients outside of the platform.
Pricing Structure
FreelanceWritingGigs is a job board and online community for freelance writers. It is free for writers to browse and apply for job postings, but it does not offer any job posting services for employers. Here is an explanation of the pricing structure of FreelanceWritingGigs:
- Job Postings: FreelanceWritingGigs does not charge employers to post job listings. Instead, employers can submit their job openings to be listed on the website, and FreelanceWritingGigs will review and publish the job listings for free.
- Featured Listings: Employers can choose to have their job listing featured on the FreelanceWritingGigs homepage for a fee. This option gives the job posting more visibility and increases the chances of attracting qualified candidates. The cost for featured listings varies depending on the duration of the feature.
- Advertising: FreelanceWritingGigs offers advertising options for companies and individuals who want to promote their services to the freelance writing community. These advertising options include banner ads, sponsored content, and sponsored emails. The cost for advertising on FreelanceWritingGigs varies depending on the type of advertising and the level of customization.
- Membership: FreelanceWritingGigs also offers a premium membership option for writers who want to access additional resources and job opportunities. The membership fee is $7 per month or $35 per year, and it includes access to exclusive job postings, writing tools, and a private community forum.
Overall, FreelanceWritingGigs is a relatively low-cost platform for both employers and writers. Employers can post job listings for free and have the option to pay for additional visibility, while writers can access job postings and resources for free or pay for a premium membership. The advertising options on FreelanceWritingGigs provide additional opportunities for companies and individuals to reach a targeted audience of freelance writers.
10- SolidGigs
SolidGigs is a subscription-based service that offers a range of freelance job listings, resources, and tools. Unlike other freelancing platforms, SolidGigs manually curates job listings, ensuring that only high-quality opportunities are listed.
One of the benefits of using SolidGigs is that it offers a range of categories and opportunities, from web development to writing to marketing. SolidGigs also offers a range of resources and tools for freelancers, including a project management tool and a proposal generator.
Pros:
- Handpicked, high-quality job postings from trusted sources
- Wide range of job categories and opportunities
- Easy-to-use platform with intuitive job search features
- Option to subscribe to job alerts and receive email notifications for new job postings
- Additional resources and support, including a weekly newsletter and access to courses and templates
Cons:
- SolidGigs is a paid service, with monthly or annual subscription fees
- Limited ability to communicate with clients outside of the platform
- High competition for jobs, making it difficult to stand out
- Some job postings may require specific skills or experience, limiting opportunities for new freelancers
- No payment protection or dispute resolution services.
Pricing Structure
SolidGigs is a subscription-based platform that provides curated freelance job listings and resources to freelancers. Here is an explanation of the pricing structure of SolidGigs:
- Monthly Subscription: Freelancers can subscribe to SolidGigs on a monthly basis for $19 per month. This subscription includes access to the curated job board, which is updated with new job listings each week, as well as resources such as templates and courses.
- Annual Subscription: Freelancers can also choose to subscribe to SolidGigs on an annual basis for $199 per year, which offers a discount of almost 15% compared to the monthly subscription. The annual subscription includes the same benefits as the monthly subscription, including access to the curated job board and resources.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: SolidGigs offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for both the monthly and annual subscriptions. If a freelancer is not satisfied with the service within the first 30 days of subscribing, they can request a full refund.
- Freelance Resource Library: In addition to the curated job board, SolidGigs offers a Freelance Resource Library that includes over 150 templates, guides, and courses on topics such as pricing, pitching, and marketing. These resources are included in the subscription price.
Overall, SolidGigs is a relatively affordable platform for freelancers who are looking for curated job listings and resources. The subscription model provides access to a range of job opportunities and valuable resources for a low monthly or annual fee. The 30-day money-back guarantee also gives freelancers the flexibility to try the platform and cancel if it does not meet their needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freelancing can be a lucrative and rewarding career path, but finding high-paying clients can be a challenge. Using the right freelancing platform can help you find opportunities and build a successful freelance business. The 10 freelancing platforms listed in this article offer a range of categories and opportunities, making it easier to find the right fit for your skills and interests. With the right skills, portfolio, and mindset, you can build a successful freelance business and find high-paying clients in 2023 and beyond.
