The 7 Best Freelance Websites for Beginners
Starting out as a freelancer can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Not only do you need to sharpen your skills, but you also have to learn how to run a business, especially when it comes to finding clients. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the best freelance websites for beginners. These platforms make it easier to land your first gigs, build your portfolio, and gain experience working with clients.
1. Toptal
If you’re worried about client legitimacy or getting paid as a new freelancer, Toptal is one of the best freelance websites for beginners who value trust and quality. Toptal has a strict screening process to ensure only top-tier freelancers get matched with top-tier clients, including Fortune 500 companies.
The platform focuses on developers, designers, project managers, product managers, and finance experts. To get started, you’ll need to apply, pass skills and language tests, and complete a test project, but the effort pays off with high-quality opportunities.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the fastest ways for beginners to break into freelancing. You can easily post your services, upload examples of your work, and start connecting with clients. The platform’s user-friendly setup helps you learn how to communicate, price your work, and get paid.
Because Fiverr is so popular, competition is high. One smart tip: choose a niche. Rather than offering all types of graphic design, specialize in logos or Instagram graphics. Focused offerings help you stand out and land your first gigs faster.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is a great option if you’re open to both digital and in-person freelance work. While you’ll find standard online jobs like writing and web development, the platform also lists hands-on gigs like shipping packages or yard work.
Its “Jobs for Anyone” category includes flexible opportunities for beginners, like shooting video footage with your phone or helping with event setup. If you want to test out freelancing without a long-term commitment, Freelancer is a great place to start.
4. Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest and most well-known freelance platforms, making it a solid choice for beginners ready to take freelancing seriously. It offers jobs across nearly every industry, from entry-level gigs to long-term contracts.
It takes a bit more setup than other sites. You’ll need to verify your identity and complete your freelancer profile. Taking skills tests can also help you stand out. While applying is free at first, you’ll eventually need to buy “Connects,” tokens used to submit proposals.
Upwork’s job volume and quality make it one of the best freelance websites for beginners who want steady, well-paying work.
5. Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit is ideal for freelancers who prefer in-person work and want to earn money quickly. It connects people in major cities with local gigs like moving help, furniture assembly, or running errands.
You can treat it as a side hustle for extra income or turn it into a full-time business. The flexibility is unmatched. Just keep in mind that availability depends on your location.
6. 99Designs
If you’re a graphic designer, 99Designs is one of the best freelance platforms for beginners looking to grow their portfolio. The site focuses entirely on design work: logos, websites, t-shirts, and more.
In addition to one-on-one jobs, 99Designs offers design contests where clients review multiple submissions and pick a winner. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and get noticed. While there’s a $100 intro fee for new freelancers (deducted from your first project), the more you work on the platform, the better it becomes at matching you with ideal clients.
7. Crowdspring
Crowdspring helps businesses with creative needs like branding, logos, and product names. If you’re just getting started and want exposure for your ideas, it’s a fun and collaborative platform to try.
Clients post project briefs, and freelancers submit ideas. Top submissions earn cash prizes and tips, making it a low-risk way to gain experience. Crowdspring even has projects for writers, like product naming and taglines.
As you build your portfolio, clients can hire you directly for one-on-one work. It’s a creative spin on freelancing that helps you stand out early on.
Want a full breakdown on how to launch your freelance career? Check out our guide on how to start freelancing with no experience. It’s packed with tons of tips for beginners looking to break into the gig economy.
Don’t get discouraged if the first platform you try doesn’t work out. Finding the right freelance website often takes trial and error. Many new freelancers list their services on multiple platforms until they find what fits best.
Whether you’re looking for part-time income or full-time independence, the best freelance websites for beginners can help you build experience, grow your confidence, and take the first steps toward a successful freelance business.
