22 Best Freelance Websites to Find Work in 2023

Congratulations on taking the bold step to become a freelancer. Now, it’s time to elevate your career to new heights by securing impactful work opportunities. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 22 most reputable and reliable freelancing websites, guaranteeing you access to the best gigs in the industry.

Unlock an Abundance of Freelance Opportunities and Skyrocket Your Career by Optimizing Your Search on the Leading Online Platforms

Unlock the full potential of your freelance career by leveraging the power of specialized design job boards. With an abundance of opportunities readily available at your fingertips, you’ll have the ability to strategically expand your professional portfolio and take your career to new heights with just a few simple clicks.

Top 22 Most Reputable and Reliable Freelance Websites for Securing High-Paying Jobs

Elevate your freelance career and streamline your job search process by utilizing the power of the top 22 most reputable and reliable online platforms. These curated resources will significantly reduce the grind and provide you with a wealth of high-paying job opportunities at your fingertips.

1. Upwork

Upwork stands tall as one of the most comprehensive and versatile freelance websites for professionals across a wide range of disciplines, including web development, graphic design, customer support, and freelance writing. The platform boasts an ever-flowing stream of job postings from a diverse range of clients, ranging from small businesses to large corporations, all actively seeking the expertise of freelance designers and writers.

Navigating Upwork, formerly known as Elance-oDesk, may present a slight learning curve, however, mastering the art of crafting effective proposals, and bidding strategically can lead to success. It’s important to note that competition can be fierce, with many freelancers vying for the same projects, making it essential to build up your feedback rating.

Despite the challenges, many freelance designers have found great success on Upwork, securing project after project, and reaping the rewards of their hard work and persistence. The platform offers the potential for substantial returns once you’ve established yourself, making it well worth the effort for those willing to put in the time.

2. Designhill

Designhill is a freelance platform that provides employers with a variety of options to find talented designers. Employers can create a project contest to receive a range of design entries and select the best one that suits their requirements. Alternatively, they can search for specific services through the search box located at the top of the landing page. Designhill also offers a T-shirt design and printing service, allowing freelancers to sell their designs on the platform, providing an additional revenue stream for the freelancers.

Design contests on freelancing platforms can be polarizing as some may view them as crowdsourcing work. However, Designhill demonstrates that design contests can be a legitimate way for freelancers to win over new clients. Designhill is suitable for graphic designers, web designers, and professionals in other types of design. It is a great platform for freelancers looking to showcase their designs and generate income through their artistry.

3. Toptal

Toptal is a platform that aims to connect employers with the top 3% of freelance talent. The platform has a rigorous screening process, with only a select few being accepted into their network out of the thousands of submissions received each month. This exclusivity sets Toptal apart from other freelance job sites, making it a highly sought-after platform for both employers and freelancers.

Toptal is a platform of choice for big name companies such as Airbnb, Duolingo, and Shopify, looking to hire designers, software developers, finance experts, and product managers. However, the platform’s reputation for exclusivity can make it intimidating for freelancers looking to join the network. But if accepted, freelancers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills to some of the most reputable names in the industry.

4. LinkedIn and LinkedIn ProFinder

LinkedIn is an essential platform for professionals, particularly those in creative fields. Keeping your profile up-to-date enables you to expand your network and connect with potential clients or employers via the integrated messaging system. Your profile can be used to showcase examples of your work for each role you’ve had, making it more than just a resume. Additionally, by having your skills searchable on the platform, you increase the chances of potential clients or employers finding your profile, and connecting with you based on your relevant expertise.

LinkedIn has also introduced a feature called LinkedIn ProFinder, which helps businesses find freelancers who are qualified to work for them. Potential employers can filter by different specialties like content marketing, design, data entry, and more. ProFinder also sends project leads directly to your inbox, giving you the opportunity to submit a proposal and bid on the project. This feature is like having a personal recruiter always on the lookout for new opportunities.

LinkedIn is also one of the most reliable sites for finding online jobs, whether you’re looking for remote jobs, part-time gigs, or full-time freelance work. The platform continues to innovate and deliver what job seekers are looking for, making it one of the best job sites available.

5. We Work Remotely

We Work Remotely is a highly popular platform for finding online jobs, with an estimated 3 million users visiting the site monthly. They offer a wide range of job postings in categories like programming, design, sales, marketing, customer support, and more. The site is well-known for its remote job opportunities, which include both freelance and full-time positions.

Companies or individuals seeking to hire freelancers are required to pay a fixed fee of $299 to post a job listing on We Work Remotely. This acts as a screening process and helps to filter out low-quality job leads. With well-established companies such as Google, Amazon, and InVision all listed as having posted job opportunities on the site, it is a legitimate platform for finding online freelance jobs. Additionally, you do not need to create a profile to apply for jobs, simply click on a job link and you will be directed straight to the application page.

If you are looking for online freelance jobs, We Work Remotely is a reliable resource for finding part-time and full-time opportunities that match your skills and qualifications.

6. Behance

Behance is a highly sought-after platform for freelancers in creative fields, such as graphic design, illustration, animation, web development, and mobile app development. This site is a treasure trove of inspiration and a great way to showcase your work to a community of like-minded creatives. By filling out your Behance profile with high-quality project samples, your work can be seen by potential clients and employers, who may be looking for new talent. Moreover, if your project is featured on Behance, it will be exposed to an even larger audience and increase your chances of getting hired.

Behance also serves as a social media network for designers, allowing you to connect with other professionals in the industry and expand your network. This can open new doors to opportunities, collaborations, and freelance jobs. And speaking of jobs, Behance’s jobs section is a great resource for finding quality freelance work. While it may not have as many job postings as other sites, the jobs that are posted align with Behance’s reputation for showcasing high-quality work.

7. SimplyHired

SimplyHired is a comprehensive platform that offers a wide range of resources for freelancers looking to build their careers. The site provides valuable guides on resume and cover letter writing, helping freelancers to create professional and effective documents that showcase their skills and qualifications. Additionally, SimplyHired offers a free online resume builder that can help freelancers to revamp their resumes and make them stand out to potential clients.

One of the key advantages of SimplyHired is that it does not charge employers for job postings. This means that there is a large and diverse range of job opportunities available, spanning a wide range of industries and disciplines. For freelance workers, this opens up a wide range of potential clients and projects and allows them to easily find job opportunities that align with their skills and interests.

SimplyHired also makes it easy for freelancers to create and manage their profiles, which can help them to connect with potential clients and build their professional networks. The site’s job search functions are also highly effective, allowing users to filter and refine their searches to find the most relevant job opportunities. This is particularly beneficial for freelancers who are looking for specific types of work or who want to focus on certain niches or industries. Overall, SimplyHired is a great resource for freelancers looking to build their careers and find meaningful and rewarding work.

8. Dribbble

Dribbble is a highly popular and reputable platform for freelance designers of all specialties. Whether you specialize in graphic design, product design, or any other type of design, setting up a profile on Dribbble can help you showcase your skills and connect with potential clients.

One of the key benefits of Dribbble is the high level of traffic it receives. With a large number of clients actively searching for talented designers, it is a great platform to market yourself and showcase your portfolio. To make the most of Dribbble, it is important to have a well-written bio and to feature your best work.

Dribbble also offers a convenient feature that allows you to update your work availability, making it easy for clients to know when you are available for new projects. Additionally, by upgrading to the pro level, you gain access to an exclusive freelance design job board, which can help you find new job opportunities.

In summary, Dribbble is a valuable resource for designers, not only as a source of inspiration but also as a platform to find new freelance job opportunities. Web developers, graphic designers, and other professionals with related skill sets can also benefit from the platform.

9. Fiverr

Fiverr is a popular freelance website that has grown significantly since its inception. Initially, it facilitated quick freelance gigs for five dollars, but now freelancers have the flexibility to set their own starting prices, packages and add-ons. Many freelancers use lower prices for small projects to attract new clients and showcase their skills, with the goal of securing larger projects in the future.

One key feature of Fiverr is that it integrates payments directly into the platform, which means that freelancers do not have to worry about invoicing clients or sending reminders for payment. Once the buyer’s order is completed, the money is transferred directly to the freelancer’s account. This feature makes Fiverr a great option for beginners and experienced freelancers alike, as it offers a range of rates for different types of work. Additionally, Fiverr offers a wide range of categories, making it accessible for freelancers of various skill sets.

10. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a platform that sets itself apart from other freelance websites by utilizing artificial intelligence to match clients with the most qualified professionals for their projects. The AI system analyzes the project’s details and invites the most suitable freelancers to submit proposals, allowing them to set their own prices. This process streamlines the search process for both clients and freelancers, saving time and effort.

One of the key features of PeoplePerHour is that it also includes a built-in payment system, which helps to protect both parties from any payment disputes that may arise. Overall, PeoplePerHour is a reliable and efficient platform for finding freelance work, due to its unique and innovative approach to matching clients and freelancers.

11. Guru

Guru is a reputable platform that is dedicated to creating a transparent and trustworthy environment for freelancers and clients alike. They have a built-in vetting process for freelancers, which helps to ensure that the freelancers on the platform are credible and qualified. This process also simplifies the hiring process for clients, as they can be confident that they are working with credible professionals.

Additionally, Guru has integrated multiple payment terms and secure payments into the site, making it easy for freelancers to invoice for their work and get paid. It is also a great platform for freelancers looking for work in a wide range of industries including design and other creative fields, and it is a reputable source for new freelance opportunities.

12. Freelancer

Freelancer is a comprehensive platform that caters to the needs of freelancers from a wide range of industries and specializations. With a vast selection of freelance jobs available, from design and graphic design to copywriting and SEO, the platform is ideal for job seekers looking for opportunities across different fields. Additionally, Freelancer offers job listings in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

One of the key features of Freelancer is its advanced job search functionality, which enables job seekers to filter jobs by categories such as fixed price projects, hourly rate projects, contests, skills, and languages. This allows freelancers to easily find opportunities that align with their preferences and expertise. Moreover, every job listing shows an average bid along with the current number of bidders, providing freelancers with a clear idea of the competition level, and what they can expect before applying.

Whether you’re a freelancer looking for flexible, remote work or a new gig, Freelancer is an excellent choice. With its wide variety of opportunities, advanced job search functionality, and global reach, it’s no wonder why it’s considered one of the best freelancing sites available.

13. AngelList Talent

Working with startups can be an incredibly exhilarating experience for freelancers. Not only do you have the opportunity to shape a brand’s identity and showcase your creativity in a unique way, but you also have the opportunity to be a part of something that is on the rise. This is where AngelList Talent comes in, connecting freelancers with exciting and innovative startups.

One of the key benefits of using AngelList Talent is the ease of the application process. Instead of having to apply to each startup individually, you can use a single application for thousands of jobs, making it a much more efficient process. Additionally, the platform offers a diverse range of job opportunities, allowing you to explore different industries and roles, giving you a better chance of finding your ideal job.

It’s also worth noting that startup companies have a higher potential of scaling up and becoming successful, and by working with them, you have the opportunity to be a part of their growth story. Who knows which startup will rise up and become the next huge company? With AngelList Talent, you have the chance to be a part of the next big thing in the industry.

14. DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is a design job board that connects freelance designers with clients all over the world, covering a wide range of design disciplines. It’s a comprehensive freelance marketplace for clients who value variety.

Clients can court multiple designers in order to find the perfect fit. They, like many other freelance sites, use crowdsourcing to complete their work. If that’s your thing, DesignCrowd is a great place to start. Just keep in mind that you’ll be competing with other freelancers on every project and won’t be paid on an hourly basis.

15. 99designs

99designs is another great website for freelancers that connects designers with businesses all over the world. 99Designs is a great place to start if you’re a designer looking for freelance work online. You can select the design styles and industries that are of interest to you.

99designs does, however, have some startup costs for freelance workers. 99Designs charges a $100 introduction fee, as well as platform and payment fees, to match you with clients. ‍

16. Working Not Working

Working Not Working is a magazine and company that is dedicated to promoting and empowering those in the design industry, by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to grow in their careers. One of the ways they do this is through their landing page, which features profiles of some of the most talented and accomplished creatives in the field. These individuals have impressive credentials and skill sets, and are truly dedicated to their craft.

By signing up for an account with Working Not Working, you will be in the company of these talented professionals, and will have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities to help you succeed in your own career. Additionally, Working Not Working also has a robust job board, with a plethora of exciting job opportunities for designers and other creative professionals. Overall, Working Not Working is an excellent resource for anyone looking to advance in the design industry.

17. Webflow Experts

Webflow Experts is an outstanding platform for web design freelancers who are proficient in using Webflow and are looking for high-paying, challenging, and rewarding web design projects. As a Webflow all-star, you can leverage your expertise on this platform to find highly motivated and discerning clients who are looking for an array of web design services. These services include platform migrations, custom code, rebrands and redesigns, no-code app creation, e-commerce, and many more. The platform is designed to cater to the needs of businesses and organizations of all sizes and industries, providing a diverse range of opportunities for freelancers like you.

Moreover, the Webflow Experts program is highly selective, which means that only the best and most qualified web designers and developers are accepted into the program. As a result, clients who use this platform feel confident in hiring freelance designers and developers from this pool, knowing that they are getting the best of the best. As a Webflow Expert, you will have access to a wide range of clients, projects and opportunities that will help you grow your business and take your web design career to the next level.

18. YunoJuno

YunoJuno is a UK-based freelance marketplace that is designed to connect innovative companies with highly skilled and talented creative individuals. They were founded with the goal of championing “the future of work” and promoting a new, more flexible way of working that is better suited to the needs of today’s businesses and freelancers.

One of the standout features of YunoJuno is their invoicing and payment process. For many freelancers, invoicing and chasing down payments can be a tedious and time-consuming task. YunoJuno eliminates this hassle by allowing freelancers to send their invoices directly to the platform, where they are paid within 14 days. This protects freelancers from the messy back and forth that can often occur when dealing with clients directly.

If you’re a creative professional based in the UK, YunoJuno is an excellent platform to consider. They offer a wide range of opportunities for freelancers from various disciplines such as designers, marketers, and more. From the user-friendly interface to the easy payment process, YunoJuno is a great freelance website to start with if you want to take your career to the next level.

19. Authentic Jobs

Authentic Jobs is a highly respected and well-established job board that specializes in connecting software developers, creatives, and designers with exciting and rewarding job opportunities. The platform is known for its wide range of job listings, which includes everything from freelance gigs and internships to part-time and full-time positions.

One of the standout features of Authentic Jobs is the ability to search for specific types of jobs. For example, if you’re a software developer looking for a freelance gig, you can filter your search results to only show freelance software development positions. Similarly, if you’re a designer looking for a full-time position, you can filter your search results to show only full-time design jobs. This level of specificity makes it easy to find the perfect job, regardless of your experience level or career goals.

Authentic Jobs has a vast list of job offerings. From digital marketing jobs to UI/UX jobs, and software development jobs, you’ll find a wide variety of job opportunities on the platform. Whether you’re looking for a short-term gig or a long-term position, Authentic Jobs is an excellent resource for anyone looking to advance their career in the software development, creative, or design fields.

20. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a unique and innovative freelance marketplace that specializes in connecting local freelancers with people in their area who need help with a wide range of tasks and odd jobs. While many other freelance platforms focus on remote work, TaskRabbit is specifically designed for freelancers who are looking for in-person, local opportunities. This can be especially useful for freelancers who are looking to take on occasional, short-term gigs in their local area.

The range of freelance gigs on TaskRabbit is diverse and covers a wide range of day-to-day errands and tasks. From furniture assembly and yard work to lighting installation and moving help, TaskRabbit has something for everyone. These types of jobs are perfect for anyone who is looking for a flexible and versatile way to earn extra money, or for freelancers who are looking to gain experience in a specific field or trade.

Recently, TaskRabbit has expanded to include virtual services as well. This allows freelancers to offer their services remotely, expanding their reach and providing more options for clients. It’s a perfect platform for anyone who wants to take on occasional freelance gigs in their area or remotely, with a diverse range of opportunities that cater to different skills and expertise.

21. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is an online job board that specializes in connecting job seekers with flexible, remote work opportunities. As the name suggests, Flexjobs is focused on providing job seekers with a wide range of options for working from anywhere, on their own schedule. This platform is a one-stop-shop for job seekers looking for flexible work arrangements that fit their lifestyle and career goals.

The job listings on Flexjobs are diverse and include everything from project management and content writing jobs to contract work for programmers. This platform is ideal for job seekers who are looking for a wide range of opportunities in different fields and industries. The platform is also great for job seekers who are looking for a specific type of flexible work arrangement, such as remote, hybrid, or on-site work.

The platform comes with advanced search filters that allow job seekers to filter the job board by remote/hybrid/onsite, work schedule, travel requirements, and other criteria. This makes it easy for job seekers to find the perfect job that fits their needs, whether they’re looking for a full-time or part-time position, a short-term or long-term gig, or anything in between. Overall, Flexjobs is a great resource for anyone looking for flexible and remote work opportunities that will help them take their career to the next level.

22. SolidGigs

SolidGigs is a unique platform that offers a different approach to finding freelance job listings. Unlike traditional job boards, SolidGigs handpicks the best 1% of freelance jobs on the web and sends them directly to subscribers via email alerts. This approach saves freelancers time and effort by eliminating the need to scour the internet for job opportunities.

The service comes with a cost, but it offers a 30-day trial for only $2, and $19 per month after that. The cost is reasonable, knowing that you will be getting the best freelance job opportunities that are handpicked by the SolidGigs team. Freelancers can cancel their subscription at any time, and SolidGigs promises that for the life of your membership, your rate will stay the same, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden or increased costs.

If you are a freelancer looking for work, but don’t have the time to search for job listings, SolidGigs is an excellent option for you. It’s a time-saving and cost-effective way to find the best freelance job opportunities without having to spend hours searching for them. Plus, you can be confident that the job listings you receive are from credible and reputable sources, giving you peace of mind and a sense of security in your job search.

Unlocking the full potential of your freelance career: A comprehensive guide to discovering diverse opportunities beyond traditional job boards

Finding freelance work is an essential aspect of a freelancer’s career, and it’s essential to have a diverse range of options to find new gigs. While freelance websites can be an excellent resource for finding job opportunities, it’s also crucial to explore other avenues to expand your reach and increase your chances of landing new gigs.

There are several other ways to find freelance work, such as networking, social media, word of mouth, and cold pitching. Networking is an excellent way to connect with other professionals in your field, and it can lead to potential job opportunities. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are also great ways to connect with potential clients and showcase your work. Word of mouth is another powerful tool to find new gigs, as clients are more likely to trust and hire someone recommended by a friend or colleague. Finally, cold pitching, which is reaching out to potential clients directly, can be an effective way to find new work, especially if you’re targeting specific clients.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the best freelancing websites and the other methods you use to find new work. Please share your insights and experiences with us and other designers in the comments below. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can help other freelancers discover new ways to find work and grow their careers.