TLDR;
This video provides a detailed overview of various freelancing platforms, categorizing them based on their suitability for different types of freelancers and projects. It offers insights into the pros and cons of each platform, along with a personal rating based on the presenter's experience. The video concludes with a strategic approach for beginners to maximize their success in the freelancing world by focusing on a select few platforms.
- Upwork is good for long-term projects but has become expensive due to connection costs.
- Fiverr is best for quick, one-time jobs, but requires patience to gain initial traction.
- Toptal is best for professionals, offering high-quality projects and pay, but is not beginner-friendly.
- Contra stands out as a new platform with no fees for freelancers and less competition.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces the topic of freelancing platforms, mentioning the presenter's experience of trying over 12 platforms. The aim is to provide clarity on which platforms are suitable for beginners and to share a strategy for success in the freelancing world.
Upwork [0:53]
Upwork is suitable for long-term projects and offers good exposure, especially for newcomers. It provides features like hourly rates and screen recording. However, it now requires payment for connections, which have become more expensive, and there's significant competition among freelancers. Upwork also deducts money from each order, impacting earnings.
Fiverr [2:43]
Fiverr is ideal for quick, one-time projects but demands patience. Gaining initial exposure and reviews can be challenging due to high competition and lower pricing. Fiverr deducts a percentage from earnings, including tips. However, it offers features like setting up packages and custom offers.
Freelancer [5:25]
Freelancer.com involves a bidding process that can be complex. It offers a variety of projects, including both long-term and short-term opportunities, across numerous categories. The platform also features contests where users can win money. However, users may encounter scams and have to pay fees for every transaction, with the option of a subscription model to reduce costs.
Toptal [8:28]
Toptal is best suited for professionals due to its high-quality, top-tier freelancers and exclusive client base. It offers good pricing but is not beginner-friendly, and its user interface is not intuitive. The platform connects freelancers with buyers from over 500 companies.
Peopleperhour [10:00]
PeoplePerHour is a platform where professional individuals can find mid-range projects. It has a good client base and flexible payment options. However, the job categories are limited, and it may take time to get noticed on the platform.
Guru [11:12]
Guru is a decent, beginner-friendly platform with the lowest fees among its competitors. It offers a variety of payment options. However, it has limited opportunities and a lot of competition.
99Designs [12:14]
99Designs is a very good platform for designers, offering a huge advantage to the designer community. It is contest-based, providing visibility even without winning, and features good-paying projects. However, it is not useful for non-designers, and only experienced designers tend to win.
Trulancer [13:21]
Trulancer is not recommended due to fake opportunities. It is generally considered a poor platform with a lot of scams.
Flexjobs [14:00]
FlexJobs is best for finding flexible remote jobs with legal job postings. However, it requires a paid membership to access the listings, and there are fewer opportunities for freelancers.
Contra [15:30]
Contra is highlighted as a standout platform with no fees for freelancers and less competition. It is a new platform with good buyers. The presenter considers doing a 30-day challenge on Contra, documenting the account creation and usage process.
Other platforms [17:11]
Other platforms mentioned include ServiceScape, TaskRabbit, Design Crowd, and Solid Gigs. These platforms can be tried, but they have less competition and fewer buyers.
Strategy [18:05]
The recommended strategy is to try various platforms but focus on two or three where you feel you have the best chance of success. Create a complete profile on these platforms and follow the necessary processes. Explore the websites to see which ones resonate with you before committing.
Outro [19:32]
The video concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to like, share, comment, and subscribe.