8 Gig Work Platforms to Find Freelance Clients Fast
You want to freelance, to get a taste of what it's like to be in control of your schedule, salary, and career satisfaction. Gig work platforms can help you get there faster.
The gig economy is going strong. More than 16% of Americans have completed at least one gig via an online gig site. It's a great way to make money on your own terms. And with so many gig platforms out there, there are more options than ever to break away from traditional work.
Where should you start? Right here, with these top 8 gig work platforms:
What are gig work platforms?
Gig work platforms are websites that allow workers to find freelance clients or one-off projects. These platforms save you from having to market your services yourself (i.e., clients come to you). You can set your price per hour or project, or accept whatever flat rate the client has offered.
What I love about gig work platforms is the variety and convenience. Instead of going door to door on your local Main Street trying to pitch clients in person, just use the platform. It's a huge marketplace of people and businesses that are actively looking for services you offer. You can pick and choose what projects you work on.
Something worth noting: each gig platform is a little different. You might not be a great fit for every single one, but don't give up on the gig economy just yet. It can take a little trial and error to find your best bet.
And on that note, let's dive into eight gig work platforms to start your freelancing journey:
1. Best Overall Gig Work Platform: Fiverr
It's no secret my favorite freelancer site is Fiverr. This platform has made a huge impact on my freelancing career. Not only do I connect with clients from around the world here, but I also host free webinars in partnership with Fiverr. Here’s an on-demand webinar I collaborated on for International Freelancer’s Day.
I love this platform because it's geared toward creative freelance work. We're talking things like writing, website design, digital marketing, art -- anything that requires a creative mind.
A lot of people think Fiverr is for cheap freelance work. It's not.
Sure, you'll find freelancers offering services for $5 a pop. But I think of them as exceptions to the rule and not the rule itself. There's a lot of money to be made here, especially if you're top-tier at what you do. Most businesses know they get what they pay for, and they're willing to pay more for better outcomes.
Something else I love about Fiverr is the variety of services you'll find in one place. It's where I got my blog logo. It's also where I've connected with some other amazing freelancers. If I ever need to add to my team, I already know who to turn to. Plus, I can just order from them as needed without going through a complicated hiring process.
For gig workers, you get to set your own prices and services on Fiverr. Clients come to you, not the other way around. You don't have to waste precious time pitching clients and getting crickets in return. You can also be selective about the projects you work on. It checks all the boxes for freelancers and makes it easy to get started.
2. Best for General Gig Work: TaskRabbit
From hanging a wall-mounted TV to moving pieces of furniture for your neighbor, TaskRabbit is all about variety. This is a true gig work platform, not really "freelancing" as we know it.
But for anyone who wants freedom and flexibility, this is the kind of platform you want to look into. It's easy to get started, plus you can take your pick of a wide range of projects.
Most of these are one-and-done tasks. The work can be pretty inconsistent. But if you want some extra cash or want to work for yourself but don't have creative skills, this platform can get you there.
3. Best for IT and PMs: Toptal
Got some serious skills that businesses will pay good money for? Toptal features the top 3% of professionals in IT, project management, finance, and related fields.
Some of the world's most prestigious and well-recognized brands use Toptal to build out their teams. The requirements are quite rigorous, though. Since they only take the top 3% of freelancers, you'll need to go through quite an extensive vetting process.
The first thing Toptal looks at is your LinkedIn profile. You'll want to at least spiff it up a bit before you dive into the process.
4. Best for Remote Work: FlexJobs
If you're looking for a job that's a little more permanent but offers the same freedom and flexibility as freelancing, try FlexJobs. This platform specializes in remote work opportunities. You can find real work-from-home jobs without giving up your schedule and working style to someone else.
FlexJobs gives you a great balance of traditional and remote work. They vet all job listings before posting so you can avoid wasting your time on scam leads.
And if you're really loving the idea of freelancing, FlexJobs also features freelance work across a range of categories. Roles like marketing, writing, customer service, admin, and project management are popular finds here. Anyone can create a profile and start searching for their next career.
5. Best for New Freelancers: Upwork
Full disclosure: I'm not a huge fan of Upwork. Maybe it's because I loathe the idea of pitching endlessly without any guarantee I'll see an ROI. It's a far cry from Fiverr's user-friendly platform. But I know lots of freelancers find work here, and lots of top-rated companies and brands use it to connect with freelancers.
If you're new to freelancing, using Upwork can get you started in the right direction. Because you have to pitch to clients, this gives you a great opportunity to fine-tune your positioning. It forces you to get to the heart of what you do and how you do it better than anyone. There's no better way to hone your self-promotion and marketing skills.
Even if you don't get the bulk of your freelance work here, you'll get plenty of practice talking to and pitching clients. You can use that information to perfect your approach and see what works and what doesn't when marketing yourself.
6. Best for Experienced Freelancers: Guru
A global freelance network, Guru caters to top-tier freelancers in writing, web development, design, engineering architecture, sales and marketing, business, finance, and more. The freelancers here are true "gurus" in their fields. In turn, the rates they earn are usually higher than that of other freelance platforms.
The process of getting work is similar to Upwork. You can create a free profile. Then, you'll apply for jobs that meet your skills and interests. This can be a competitive platform, which is why I suggest not putting all of your eggs in the Guru basket.
7. Best for Part-Time Gig Work: People Per Hour
This great little freelancing community gives off major Fiverr vibes. You can post your gig or services and buyers can connect with you. The platform will also match buyers with sellers to streamline the process.
Freelancers here can charge by the hour or by the project, whichever makes the most sense.
8. Best for Full-Time Gig Work: Freelancer
One of the O.G.'s in gig worker platforms, Freelancer.com is a marketplace for creative services. The projects here tend to be for longer terms, not just one-off blog articles or landing pages. It's a great way to get consistent work and represent some of the most recognized brands around the world.
Like other freelancing platforms, you can work pretty much anywhere in the world. All you need is a laptop and a strong internet connection. You will need to feel comfortable writing bids to succeed here. A good portfolio is another must-have.
The platform offers a number of freelancing tiers, including a Preferred Freelancer Program that sends work directly to you. If you make it into the top 3%, you'll save money on fees and will enjoy more projects.
FAQs about gig websites
Why use a gig platform? How much money can I make? Are gig platforms even worth it? I get a lot of questions when I suggest freelancers start with a gig platform. Here are some of the most common ones.
Is freelancing the same as gig work?
So, is freelancing the same as gig work? Not necessarily. Freelancing can be considered a type of gig work, but not all gig work is considered freelancing. For example, someone who drives for Uber would be considered a gig worker, but not a freelancer.
The above gig work platforms cater to a combination of gig workers and freelancers.
How do most gig work platforms work?
In their most basic forms, gig work platforms allow individuals and businesses to post their needs. Freelancers (or gig workers) can apply for those gigs and make money. Or, in Fiverr's case, you post your services and interested buyers come to you.
To use a gig platform, you can create a profile for free, then start exploring your opportunities.
How do you find clients on gig job sites?
Every gig platform is a little different. On Fiverr, you don't have to search for clients. Instead, you can post your gigs, or services, then wait for clients to come to you.
On sites like TaskRabbit, you can explore available tasks in your market and choose the ones you want. Upwork is similar, except instead of grabbing a task, you bid on the project.
Do gig job platforms cost money?
Registering on gig work platforms is free! At least, that's the case with the eight examples I shared. And that's the way it should be -- you shouldn't have to pay a fee to find work.
How much money can you make as a gig worker?
As a gig worker, you can make a significant amount of money if you're willing to put in the work. There are many different platforms that you can use to find gigs, and each one offers unique opportunities. You can also use your personal networks to find gigs that may not be listed online.
The amount of money you can make as a gig worker depends on a number of factors, including the type of gig, the platform you're using, and your own skills and abilities. Overall, gig workers can earn more than traditional workers if you look at the per-hour rates. However, keep in mind you'll be responsible for your own taxes, as well as the 15% self-employment tax.
Benefits of working in the gig economy
The gig economy is all about working on your terms. For example, it allows you to work from home. If you have a computer and an internet connection, that's really all you need to start working in the gig economy. You don't have to waste time commuting and buying expensive lunches out.
The gig economy can offer more freedom than traditional employment. Gig workers can choose their own hours, which can be a great option for people with families or other commitments.
Gig work can allow people to earn extra money by using their skills and talents in a flexible way. You're in charge of your earnings. Need more money? Pick up some extra gigs. Want some time off? Close for business. It really is that easy.
Downsides and challenges of gig economy jobs
Some people have raised concerns about the impact of the gig economy on workers and the social fabric of society. I get it, it's unfamiliar territory and it may have negative consequences on other industries. Case in point: the Great Resignation and the subsequent talent shortage. With more workers taking on the gig economy, many companies are struggling to find enough help.
There are downsides for workers, too. For example, you'll have to do your own taxes. Keeping track of all your earnings and receipts is no easy task. Having a good system in place can make all the difference.
There's also the matter of inconsistent work. Working on a gig-by-gig basis could make your income fluctuate. You'll need to be a great planner and budgeter to do gig work for the long term.
Something else to consider is competition. With more people eyeing gig work, you might find yourself in a price battle. It can be competitive, and you'll need to find a way to stand out to potential clients.
Challenges aside, there's so much to be gained from the freedom that gig work provides.
Gig work platforms: Final Thoughts
Gig work platforms are a great way to find freelance clients and one-off projects fast. They allow you to post your services, send bids, and streamline all the moving parts of your freelance business.
For some freelancers, gig work platforms give them enough to make a viable living. For others, these platforms can supplement your full-time or part-time freelance goals.
However you choose to use them, the best thing you can do is explore your options. No two platforms are the same, so find where your talents fit best.