25 Best Freelancing Websites for Beginners - SolidGigs Blog for Freelancers

Stepping into the freelance world can be both exhilarating and intimidating. The freedom to set your own hours and choose your projects comes paired with the challenge of finding consistent work—especially when you’re just starting out.

I remember when I first made the leap into freelancing. The endless scrolling through job boards, the uncertainty about which platforms were legitimate, and the worry that I’d never land my first client. It’s a place many new freelancers find themselves, and it can be overwhelming.

That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive guide to the best freelancing websites for beginners in 2025. After working with thousands of freelancers over the years through my blog and online community, I’ve seen which platforms consistently deliver opportunities for newcomers, and which ones might leave you spinning your wheels.

Having the right platforms in your toolkit can make the difference between struggling to find work and building a sustainable freelance career. Let’s dive into the options that will actually help you land your first clients and start building your freelance business.

Why Finding the Right Freelance Platform Matters

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why choosing the right platform is so crucial, especially when you’re new to freelancing.

The first few clients are always the hardest to get. Without a robust portfolio or a history of client reviews, convincing someone to take a chance on you requires a platform that’s actually beginner-friendly—not just in name, but in practice.

Many new freelancers make the mistake of spreading themselves too thin across dozens of platforms or focusing solely on the most popular sites where competition is fiercest. This approach often leads to burnout and frustration.

The platforms I’m sharing today give beginners a realistic shot at landing work, building a portfolio, and establishing their freelance business. These aren’t just sites with the most traffic—they’re the sites where newcomers actually stand a chance.

General Freelance Websites for Beginners

1. PeoplePerHour

When it comes to freelance platforms that are truly accessible to beginners, PeoplePerHour stands out from the crowd. While everyone talks about Upwork and Fiverr (and we’ll get to those), PeoplePerHour offers something special for newcomers.

What makes this platform particularly valuable for beginners is the significantly less competition compared to the giants in the space. After the massive influx of freelancers post-COVID, platforms like Upwork became increasingly difficult for newcomers to break into. PeoplePerHour maintained a more balanced marketplace where new freelancers can still get noticed.

The platform connects over 1 million businesses with freelancers across diverse categories including design, marketing, social media, software development, translation, web development, and writing. Its service fee structure is tiered, charging just 3.5% on earnings over $7,000, 7.5% on earnings between $700-$7000, and 20% on your first $700.

If you’re just starting your freelance journey, PeoplePerHour should be one of the first places you set up a profile. The platform’s more accessible nature means your proposals are more likely to be seen and considered by potential clients.

2. SolidGigs

Unlike traditional freelance marketplaces, SolidGigs takes a different approach that can be incredibly valuable for beginners. Instead of creating yet another platform where you compete with thousands of other freelancers, SolidGigs does the hunting for you.

The team at SolidGigs scours dozens of freelance job boards daily and sends you only the top 1% of opportunities that match your skills. This approach saves you countless hours of searching and significantly increases your chances of finding quality clients.

For beginners, this curated approach is game-changing. Rather than spending hours filtering through job posts of varying quality, you receive a focused list of legitimate opportunities directly to your inbox. The service costs $35/month (or $21/month with an annual subscription), but the time saved and quality of leads often makes it well worth the investment.

SolidGigs also provides valuable training resources on pitching clients and setting appropriate rates—two areas where beginners often struggle. Having access to these resources alongside quality job leads creates a powerful combination for launching your freelance career.

3. Upwork

Upwork remains one of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world, connecting millions of freelancers with clients. While it has become more competitive in recent years, it still offers opportunities for beginners who approach it strategically.

The platform’s size means there’s a constant flow of new projects across virtually every skill category imaginable. For beginners, this volume can be both a blessing and a challenge. The competition is fierce, but the sheer number of jobs means there are opportunities for everyone—if you know how to stand out.

Upwork’s fee structure starts at 20% for your first $500 with a client, drops to 10% for earnings between $500-$10,000, and further reduces to just 5% for amounts over $10,000. While the initial rate is high, the sliding scale encourages building long-term client relationships, which is a valuable strategy for beginners.

To succeed on Upwork as a beginner, focus on creating a specialized profile that highlights your niche skills rather than positioning yourself as a generalist. Start with smaller projects to build your feedback score, and craft personalized proposals that demonstrate you’ve actually read and understood the client’s needs.

The platform also offers the Upwork time tracker, a useful tool for hourly contracts that automatically tracks your work and provides clients with screenshots and activity levels, building trust from the beginning of your relationship.

4. Fiverr

Fiverr flips the traditional freelance model on its head. Instead of bidding on projects posted by clients, you create “gigs” advertising specific services that clients can purchase. This approach can be particularly beneficial for beginners who know exactly what services they want to offer.

The platform started with all services priced at $5 (hence the name), but has since evolved to allow for premium pricing tiers and packages. This flexibility means you can start with competitive pricing to attract your first clients, then gradually increase your rates as you build a reputation.

For beginners, Fiverr’s key advantage is that once you’ve set up your gigs, the platform does much of the marketing work for you. Rather than spending hours each day searching for and pitching to potential clients, you can focus on delivering quality work to the clients who find and select your services.

Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on all earnings, which is on the higher end compared to other platforms. However, the time saved from not having to constantly hunt for new projects can make this fee worthwhile, especially for newcomers who need to focus on building their skills and portfolio.

To succeed on Fiverr, focus on creating very specific, niche gigs rather than generic offerings. Detailed descriptions, professional profile photos, and sample work all help your gigs stand out in search results.

5. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com offers a diverse marketplace with millions of projects across various categories. The platform uses a bidding system where freelancers submit proposals for posted projects, similar to Upwork but with some distinct differences in its approach and user base.

One advantage for beginners is the platform’s contest feature, which allows you to showcase your skills by participating in design, writing, or technical challenges. These contests can be an excellent way to build your portfolio even if you don’t have extensive client experience.

The platform charges 10% or $5 (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects and contests, and 10% for hourly projects. While not the lowest fees in the market, the platform’s global reach and high project volume provide ample opportunities for newcomers to find work.

Freelancer.com also provides a progress tracker that shows your growth as a freelancer and offers 24/7 customer support to help navigate any issues. These features can be particularly helpful for beginners who are still learning how to manage client relationships and project workflows.

6. Guru

Guru provides a balanced platform for freelancers of all experience levels, with a particular emphasis on creating a secure working environment. The platform hosts over 800,000 employers worldwide, offering opportunities across numerous categories including writing, design, programming, and marketing.

For beginners, Guru’s straightforward interface makes it easy to search for jobs based on skills or keywords and filter results by location and recency. The bidding system allows you to send customized quotes to potential clients, giving you control over your pricing and project approach.

One standout feature is Guru’s SafePay protection, which ensures you get compensated for your work in a timely manner—a crucial consideration for newcomers concerned about payment security. The platform’s service fees range from 5% to 9% depending on your membership level, which is relatively competitive compared to other major platforms.

While Guru may not have the same name recognition as Upwork or Fiverr, this can actually work in your favor as a beginner by reducing the level of competition you’ll face when bidding on projects.

Niche-Specific Freelance Websites for Beginners

While general freelance platforms offer a wide range of opportunities, niche-specific sites can sometimes provide better chances for beginners in particular fields. Here are some of the best options organized by specialty:

For Designers

7. 99designs

99designs connects freelance designers with clients for various design projects, from logos and branding to websites and packaging. The platform operates through both contests and direct client-designer collaboration.

For beginners, the contest feature can be particularly valuable. You can submit designs for client contests without needing previous platform experience or reviews. While not every submission will win, this approach allows you to build a portfolio quickly and potentially catch the attention of clients who might hire you for future projects.

When first joining the platform as a designer, you’ll be categorized based on your portfolio quality. As you win contests and receive positive feedback, you can advance to higher levels with access to more premium opportunities.

The platform charges a $100 introduction fee when you start with a new client, plus a percentage of your earnings (5-15% depending on your designer level). While these fees are substantial, the quality of clients and projects can make it worthwhile for serious designers.

8. Dribbble

Dribbble began as a community for designers to share their work and has evolved into a powerful hiring platform. The site hosts a job board where companies like Buffer, Zendesk, and 3M post design opportunities.

As a beginner, Dribbble offers two valuable pathways: you can showcase your work to build an audience and potentially attract clients, or you can directly apply for posted jobs. Creating a freelance business profile filled with sample work helps clients discover you organically.

While freelance job access requires a Pro account ($8/month billed annually), the investment can pay off quickly with just one quality client connection. Pro members also receive increased visibility in search results for hiring managers.

Beyond job opportunities, Dribbble’s community aspect provides inspiration, networking, and educational resources that can help beginners improve their craft and gain industry insights.

9. Behance

Behance, owned by Adobe, combines a portfolio platform with job opportunities. Designers can showcase their work while browsing available positions filtered by keywords, location, job type, and creative field.

The platform’s integration with the Adobe ecosystem gives it a unique advantage for designers who use Creative Cloud applications. Job listings typically include comprehensive details about project requirements, responsibilities, and necessary skills, helping beginners determine if they’re a good fit before applying.

While primarily known for its portfolio features, Behance’s job board includes positions from major brands and agencies, offering beginners exposure to higher-quality opportunities than they might find on general freelance sites.

For Writers and Content Creators

10. ProBlogger Job Board

The ProBlogger Job Board is a simple but effective platform for finding writing opportunities. Unlike complex marketplaces, it functions as a straightforward job board where companies post content-related positions.

For beginners, the simplicity is a major advantage. You can browse available positions without creating an account and apply directly through the methods specified in each listing. Most positions focus on blogging, content writing, copywriting, and editing—perfect for newcomers to content creation.

The quality of jobs tends to be higher than on many general freelance sites, with fewer content mill-type opportunities and more legitimate businesses seeking quality writers. This makes it easier for beginners to find clients who value good work and pay fair rates.

ProBlogger also maintains an active Facebook community where you can ask questions and connect with other writers. This supportive environment provides valuable insights for newcomers navigating the freelance writing landscape.

11. Contently

Contently connects freelance writers and content creators with major brands and publications. The platform caters to a community of over 160,000 creative professionals including writers, photographers, designers, and videographers.

As a beginner, you’ll need to create a portfolio showcasing your work before gaining access to opportunities. Once your profile is established, clients can discover you based on your specialties and experience level.

While Contently tends to work with more established brands (making it somewhat challenging for complete beginners), the platform offers excellent rates and prestigious client opportunities once you qualify. Creating a compelling portfolio with your strongest samples—even if they’re from personal projects or smaller clients—can help you get noticed.

The platform also provides resources for improving your craft and understanding content marketing, helping beginners develop professionally while seeking opportunities.

12. Freelance Writing

Operating since 1997, Freelance Writing offers a job board specifically for writing opportunities. The platform allows you to search for jobs based on skills and location, connecting writers with opportunities from major companies.

For beginners, the site’s longevity and focus on writing make it a valuable resource. You can apply for positions directly through the job board without complex application processes or bidding systems.

The site also provides numerous resources for developing your writing skills and business acumen, including articles about different writing niches, pricing strategies, and client management. These educational materials can be particularly valuable for newcomers still learning the business side of freelance writing.

For Developers and Programmers

13. Stack Overflow Jobs

Stack Overflow Jobs serves over 100 million people monthly and offers a robust job board focused on development and programming positions. For beginner developers, it provides opportunities to connect with companies seeking various technical skills.

The platform’s job listings can be filtered by location, industry preference, and specific technologies, making it easy to find opportunities that match your skillset. The compensation filter allows you to search for positions offering your desired salary in your local currency.

While Stack Overflow historically catered to full-time positions, it now includes numerous freelance and contract opportunities perfect for independent developers. The platform’s connection to the larger Stack Overflow community also provides access to a wealth of technical knowledge and networking.

14. Toptal

Toptal positions itself as an exclusive network for the top 3% of freelance talent. While its rigorous screening process makes it challenging to join, the platform offers exceptional opportunities for those who qualify.

For developers who can demonstrate strong skills, Toptal provides access to premium clients like Airbnb willing to pay premium rates (often $100+ per hour). The platform’s five-step selection process includes language assessment and project evaluation, ensuring only highly qualified professionals gain access.

While not ideal for absolute beginners, Toptal can be a goal to work toward as you develop your skills and portfolio. Developers who fail the initial assessment can reapply after gaining more experience, making it a potential long-term target as you grow your freelance career.

15. Codeable

For WordPress developers specifically, Codeable offers a focused marketplace connecting WordPress professionals with businesses and agencies. The platform’s unique algorithm ensures fair compensation by filtering out underpriced and overpriced submissions.

When clients request project estimates, they receive just one consolidated quote, preventing the race-to-the-bottom pricing that plagues many freelance platforms. This system guarantees hourly rates of $80-$120 for development projects, making it financially rewarding for qualified developers.

While Codeable has a selective screening process, accepting only high-quality developers, it creates opportunities to work on challenging WordPress projects with clients who value expertise. The platform also offers resources to help freelancers grow their careers and skills.

16. Gun.io

Gun.io specializes in connecting software developers, QA specialists, DevOps engineers, and scrum masters with quality clients. Unlike many platforms, Gun.io maintains strict standards for accepting freelancers while being more flexible with client acceptance.

This approach creates a marketplace where talented developers can find challenging and rewarding projects without facing the extreme competition of larger platforms. As a beginner with demonstrable skills, you can create opportunities to work on significant development projects that build your portfolio.

To join, you’ll need to create an account and go through an application process, but the potential for higher-quality clients makes this investment worthwhile for serious developers.

18. ScalablePath

Unlike many platforms, Toptal doesn’t charge freelancers fees, instead taking its commission from clients. This business model results in better take-home rates for freelancers who make it through the screening process.

Specialized Support Services for Beginners

For Virtual Assistants

18. Zirtual

Zirtual provides a specialized platform for virtual assistants seeking quality clients. Focusing on U.S.-based, college-educated professionals, the platform connects VAs with businesses needing administrative support, inbox management, scheduling, invoicing, and various personal and professional tasks.

While Zirtual’s hiring process is selective, accepting only a small percentage of applicants, those who qualify gain access to stable, well-compensated work. The platform’s focus on U.S.-based talent creates opportunities for assistants who might face challenges competing on global platforms with lower prevailing rates.

For beginners with strong organizational and communication skills, Zirtual offers a pathway to build a virtual assistance career with reputable clients and consistent work.

19. Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands connects virtual assistants with clients needing help with diverse tasks including schedule management, phone calls, text messaging, purchasing, data entry, and general administrative support. The platform’s U.S.-based assistant team provides reliable service to clients while creating flexible opportunities for freelancers.

For beginners, Fancy Hands offers the ability to start with individual tasks before potentially developing ongoing client relationships. This gradual approach allows new freelancers to build skills and confidence while establishing their service businesses.

The platform’s structure provides valuable experience in client communication, task management, and professional service delivery—skills that translate well to independent freelancing as your career develops.

26. Time etc

Time etc focuses on connecting experienced virtual assistants with entrepreneurs and small businesses needing administrative support. The platform’s careful screening process ensures quality experiences for both clients and freelancers.

For virtual assistants with professional experience, Time etc offers opportunities to work with established entrepreneurs while maintaining schedule flexibility. Tasks typically include email management, scheduling, research, and other administrative support functions.

The platform’s emphasis on matching assistant skills with client needs creates more satisfying working relationships and better outcomes for both parties, making it valuable for freelancers looking to build sustainable client partnerships.

For Translators

20. Proz.com

Proz.com hosts a community of over 1 million professional translators and companies, offering work in translation, proofreading, editing, voiceover, and copywriting. The platform allows free registration without credential requirements, making it accessible to beginners with strong language abilities.

21. TranslatorCafe

TranslatorCafe‘s job board connects translators fluent in languages like French, Greek, Turkish, Russian, and Japanese with appropriate work opportunities. Each job posting includes detailed descriptions and shows the number of applications received, helping beginners gauge competition levels.

For Photographers and Creative Professionals

22. Shutterstock

For photographers, illustrators, and videographers, Shutterstock offers an opportunity to monetize creative assets through their marketplace. While not a traditional freelance platform, it provides beginners with a way to generate passive income from their creative work.

As a contributor, you can upload your photos, illustrations, or video footage and earn royalties each time someone licenses your content. This approach allows you to build income streams while developing your portfolio and technical skills.

The platform’s enormous reach—serving millions of customers worldwide—creates significant exposure for your work. While individual sales typically generate modest revenue, volume and quality can create meaningful income over time.

20. SmugMug Pro

SmugMug Pro provides photographers with tools to create portfolio websites and sell their services and products directly to clients. The platform handles e-commerce, printing, and customer service, allowing beginners to focus on creating quality work.

While primarily a portfolio and sales platform rather than a job marketplace, SmugMug Pro helps photographers establish professional online presences that attract clients and generate business. The platform’s pricing flexibility allows you to set your own rates and profit margins.

For beginners looking to build photography businesses, SmugMug Pro offers a lower-friction entry point than competing directly on general freelance marketplaces where visual portfolios may be harder to showcase effectively.

20. Educational and Academic Services

21. Chegg

For freelancers with strong academic backgrounds, Chegg offers opportunities to provide tutoring and educational support services. The platform connects subject matter experts with students needing assistance across various disciplines.

As a tutor, you can set your availability and work remotely with students via the platform’s integrated tools. Payment structures vary by service type, but most involve hourly rates for synchronous tutoring or per-question rates for asynchronous support.

While not a traditional freelance marketplace, Chegg provides beginners with relevant academic expertise a structured way to monetize their knowledge while developing client service skills applicable to broader freelance work.

For Academic and Research Work

23. Kolabtree

Kolabtree specializes in connecting freelance scientists and researchers with businesses needing scientific expertise. The platform offers opportunities for academic writing, research proposal development, data analysis, and similar specialized services.

For beginners with scientific backgrounds, Kolabtree provides access to projects that leverage their specialized knowledge. After creating a profile, you can submit proposals for relevant projects and engage in private discussions with potential clients.

The platform’s focus on scientific and research work creates opportunities for higher-value projects than general freelance sites, making it particularly valuable for those transitioning from academic to commercial environments.

21. Small Task Platforms

For Task-Based and Miscellaneous Work

24. TaskRabbit

Unlike traditional freelance platforms focused on digital work, TaskRabbit connects freelancers with local clients needing help with physical tasks and errands. Service categories range from furniture assembly and home maintenance to delivery services and everyday chores.

For beginners looking to generate income while developing client service skills, TaskRabbit offers a low-barrier entry point. The platform allows you to set your own hourly rates and work schedule, providing flexibility as you build your service business.

While primarily local and in-person, the skills developed on TaskRabbit—reliability, communication, client management—transfer well to digital freelancing as your career evolves.

24. Mechanical Turk

Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform offers micro-tasks that require human intelligence, from data categorization and research to content moderation. While individual tasks typically pay modestly, they can be completed quickly and in volume.

For absolute beginners looking to generate immediate income while developing their skills for higher-value freelance work, Mechanical Turk provides accessible opportunities without complex application processes or competitive bidding.

The platform also allows you to develop specialized skills in particular task types, potentially leading to more lucrative opportunities as you demonstrate reliability and quality work.

25. ClickWorker

ClickWorker offers micro-jobs such as survey participation, text correction, data categorization, and research tasks. The platform’s straightforward structure makes it accessible to beginners looking to generate income while developing skills applicable to higher-level freelance work.

After creating a user profile and completing basic information forms, you can access available tasks that match your profile. The flexible schedule allows independent work on your own timeline, ideal for those transitioning gradually into freelancing.

While primarily focused on smaller tasks, ClickWorker can provide valuable experience in detail-oriented work, deadline management, and following client specifications—all crucial skills for freelance success.

Tips for Success on Freelance Platforms as a Beginner

Regardless of which platforms you choose, certain strategies can significantly improve your chances of success as a new freelancer:

Create a Specialized Profile

Rather than positioning yourself as a jack-of-all-trades, focus on specific skills and services where you can deliver the most value. A targeted profile attracts clients looking for exactly what you offer and helps you stand out from generalists.

For example, instead of marketing yourself as a “writer,” position yourself as a “SaaS email sequence copywriter” or “technical documentation specialist” if those align with your strengths. This specificity makes it easier for the right clients to find you and recognizes your expertise in that area.

Start with Smaller Projects

When building your profile and feedback score, consider taking on smaller, quicker projects initially. These allow you to accumulate positive reviews faster while developing your client communication skills and platform reputation.

Short-term projects also give you the opportunity to work with different clients and industries, helping you refine your niche and identify your ideal client profile. As your reputation grows, you can gradually transition to larger, higher-paying projects.

Invest Time in Personalized Proposals

Generic, copy-paste proposals rarely win projects, especially for beginners without extensive feedback. Take the time to read job descriptions thoroughly and craft responses that address the client’s specific needs and demonstrate your understanding of their project.

Reference details from their posting, ask thoughtful questions, and explain exactly how your skills match their requirements. This personalized approach shows professionalism and dedication that many freelancers (even experienced ones) fail to demonstrate.

Price Strategically for Your First Clients

While you should never work for free or accept exploitative rates, strategic pricing can help you secure those crucial first clients. Consider offering introductory rates that are competitive but still respect your skills, then increase your prices as your portfolio grows.

Some beginners find success with package deals that provide clear deliverables for a set price, removing uncertainty for both parties. As you gain experience and positive feedback, you can gradually raise your rates to reflect your proven expertise.

Leverage SolidGigs for Curated Opportunities

Rather than spreading yourself thin across dozens of platforms, consider using SolidGigs to receive curated job opportunities matched to your skills. This approach saves valuable time and connects you with higher-quality leads than you might find through general browsing.

SolidGigs’ focus on the top 1% of freelance opportunities means you’ll see fewer but better potential clients, allowing you to craft thoughtful applications for positions that truly match your capabilities. The service’s training resources also provide valuable guidance on pitching and pricing—essential skills for new freelancers.

The Truth About Freelancing for Beginners

Before closing, I want to share some honest insights about starting your freelance journey. The path to successful freelancing isn’t always straightforward, and understanding the realities can help you navigate challenges more effectively.

The feast-or-famine cycle is real, especially for beginners. You’ll likely experience periods of abundant work followed by concerning dry spells. Planning for this volatility by building savings and continuously marketing yourself, even during busy periods, is essential for long-term stability.

Many successful freelancers don’t rely solely on “word of mouth” despite what they might claim. The most consistently booked professionals actively market themselves, pitch to potential clients, and utilize platforms strategically. Passive approaches rarely build sustainable businesses, particularly in the early stages.

Learning to sell yourself effectively is as important as your technical skills. Many talented beginners struggle not because of their work quality, but because they haven’t learned to communicate their value effectively to potential clients. Every interaction is a selling opportunity, from initial proposals to project wrap-up conversations.

The most successful freelancers transform one-time clients into recurring revenue through retainer arrangements, subscription services, or regular project work. Building these relationships takes time but provides much-needed stability as your business grows.

Final Thoughts

Starting your freelance journey can feel overwhelming with the sheer number of platforms available, but having the right strategy makes all the difference. Focus on creating strong profiles on 2-3 platforms that align with your skills rather than spreading yourself too thin across dozens of sites.

For most beginners, I recommend starting with a combination of PeoplePerHour for its lower competition levels, a niche-specific platform relevant to your field, and considering SolidGigs to receive curated opportunities that match your expertise.

Remember that building a sustainable freelance business takes time. Be patient with yourself, continue developing both your technical and business skills, and persistently apply to relevant opportunities. With consistent effort and strategic planning, you can build a freelance career that provides both financial security and professional fulfillment.

The freelance landscape is constantly evolving, but the principles of quality work, effective communication, and strategic positioning remain constant. By focusing on these fundamentals while utilizing the right platforms for your skills, you’ll be well on your way to freelance success.

One more thing...

You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.

Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!