The Best & Worst Freelancing Platforms of 2024 (upwork, fiverr, peopleperhour, toptal, guru, etc)

Deya
11 Aug 202313:56
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script offers a comprehensive review of various freelancing platforms, highlighting their pros and cons, and the fees associated with each. It discusses the competitiveness and client base of platforms like Upwork, People Per Hour, and Fiverr, while also introducing newer platforms like BRB and Topdoll. The script provides strategic advice on selecting the right platform and emphasizes the importance of commitment and consistency in finding success in the freelance market.

Takeaways
  • 🚀 Upwork is a popular freelancing platform with a large client base but is highly competitive.
  • 🌟 People Per Hour is an older platform with over a million clients, but has high fees and competition.
  • 📈 BRB (BeeBee) is a newer platform catering to influencers and offering a Fiverr-like marketplace setup.
  • 🎨 Fiverr is known for its diverse services and large buyer base, but has high fees and competitive pricing.
  • 💰 Toptal targets high-quality freelancers with high average rates but is exclusive and has limited job types.
  • 🏆 Freelancer.com boasts a large user base and job diversity, but features contest-style job postings which can be risky for freelancers.
  • 🔄 Guru has a better freelancer-to-job ratio but suffers from a subscription model and poor user interface.
  • 🌊 Ripple focuses on marketing and has no fees, but is exclusive and requires application to join.
  • 🌐 Contra is a freelancer-friendly platform with no fees, protections, and higher rates, but is still growing its user base.
  • 🔢 FlexJobs offers human-vetted job postings but lacks a free version and may not be suitable for general freelancers.
  • 📝 The speaker recommends focusing on a maximum of two platforms and establishing a consistent application and outreach routine.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the transcript?

    -The main topic of the transcript is a review and comparison of various freelancing platforms, discussing their pros, cons, and fees.

  • Which freelancing platform is referred to as the 'granddaddy' of such platforms?

    -Upwork is referred to as the 'granddaddy' of freelancing platforms.

  • What are some advantages of using Upwork?

    -Advantages of using Upwork include a large number of active core clients, diversity in job types, and the potential to find work matching a wide range of skills.

  • What are the downsides of Upwork mentioned in the transcript?

    -Downsides of Upwork mentioned include high competition with 18 million freelancers, a confusing and potentially expensive bidding system, and high fees taken from earnings.

  • How does the speaker describe the fee structure of People Per Hour?

    -The speaker describes the fee structure of People Per Hour as confusing, with variable fees depending on the value of the job and the client.

  • What is unique about the platform BeBa?

    -BeBa is unique in that it allows freelancers to sell services as influencers and has a marketplace set up similar to Fiverr, where clients can browse services and influencers.

  • Why does the speaker recommend Fiverr for freelancers?

    -The speaker recommends Fiverr for its large user base, ease of use for clients, and the option for freelancers to set up packages rather than hourly rates, which can be more appealing to clients.

  • What is the main drawback of Fiverr mentioned in the transcript?

    -The main drawback of Fiverr mentioned is the high fees of 20% on everything freelancers make, including tips.

  • What is the key feature that sets Toptal apart from other freelancing platforms?

    -Toptal sets itself apart by focusing on high-quality clients, requiring a $500 deposit from clients, and accepting only a small percentage of freelancers, which potentially leads to better job opportunities and rates.

  • How does the speaker feel about the platform Guru?

    -The speaker is not fond of Guru due to its subscription model, poor user interface, and the fact that it charges both a subscription fee and a commission on freelancers' earnings.

  • What makes the platform Ripple stand out?

    -Ripple stands out for having no fees and a less competitive environment, as it is a vetted platform with private marketplace access to qualified project opportunities.

  • Why does the speaker recommend Contra as a top choice for freelancers?

    -The speaker recommends Contra for its lack of fees, freelancer protections, community support, and insistence on minimum rates, which can help freelancers earn higher pay and avoid low-paying clients.

Outlines
00:00
🤝 Exploring Freelancing Platforms: Pros, Cons, and Strategies

The paragraph discusses various freelancing platforms, highlighting their pros and cons. It starts with Upwork, the 'granddaddy' of such platforms, which offers a vast pool of clients but is highly competitive. The author shares personal experiences and opinions, mentioning the platform's bidding system and fees. The paragraph then moves on to other platforms like People Per Hour, which has a confusing fee structure, and introduces a newer platform, BRB, which caters to influencers and has a unique fee system. The author concludes with a strategy for using these platforms effectively, emphasizing the importance of not overcommitting and maintaining consistency.

05:01
💼 Navigating the Freelance Market: Platforms and Peculiarities

This paragraph delves into the specifics of several freelancing platforms, including Fiverr, which is known for its vast array of services and a user-friendly interface. However, it has high fees and a competitive market. The author also discusses Toptal, which targets high-quality clients and requires a significant deposit from clients, but has a stringent acceptance process. Freelancer.com is mentioned for its large user base and variety of job types, but it has a contest system that the author finds problematic. Guru is critiqued for its subscription model and poor user interface. The paragraph concludes with a brief mention of Ripple, which focuses on marketing and has no fees but a selective application process.

10:02
🚀 Emerging Platforms and the Future of Freelancing

The final paragraph introduces two more freelancing platforms: Ripple, which is newer and focuses on marketing, offering no fees and less competition due to its selective application process. The author then discusses Elite Contra, which is praised for its freelancer-friendly policies, no fees, and protections for freelancers. The paragraph ends with a mention of FlexJobs, which has human-vetted job postings but lacks a free version and is more suited for those seeking full-time or remote part-time positions. The author provides a strategy for using freelancing platforms, recommending a focused approach by choosing a maximum of two platforms and maintaining a consistent application routine.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Freelancing platforms
Freelancing platforms are online marketplaces that connect freelancers with clients who need their services. They serve as intermediaries, offering a variety of job opportunities across different fields. In the video, the speaker evaluates various platforms based on their features, user experience, and suitability for different types of freelancers.
💡Competitiveness
Competitiveness refers to the level of rivalry among freelancers on a platform for available jobs. High competitiveness can make it challenging for freelancers to secure projects, especially for beginners. In the context of the video, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are described as being highly competitive, which can lead to lower rates and increased pressure to stand out.
💡Fees
Fees are the charges that freelancing platforms impose on freelancers for using their services, which can include listing fees, commission on earnings, or costs for access to job postings. These fees can significantly impact a freelancer's net income and are a crucial factor to consider when choosing a platform.
💡Client diversity
Client diversity refers to the variety of clients and job types available on a freelancing platform. A platform with a wide range of clients can offer freelancers more opportunities to work on different projects, catering to their skills and interests.
💡Bidding system
A bidding system is a mechanism used by some freelancing platforms where freelancers submit proposals or bids to potential clients for specific jobs. This system can be competitive and may require freelancers to invest time and resources in bidding to secure work.
💡Freelancer protections
Freelancer protections are measures implemented by a platform to safeguard the interests and rights of freelancers when working with clients. These can include dispute resolution systems, payment protections, and ensuring fair treatment.
💡Subscription model
A subscription model is a business model in which users pay a recurring fee to access and use a service. In the context of freelancing platforms, this can mean freelancers or clients pay a regular fee to access job postings or to list their services.
💡Job diversity
Job diversity refers to the range of different types of jobs available on a platform. A platform with high job diversity offers a wide variety of opportunities for freelancers, allowing them to find work that matches their skills and interests.
💡Exclusive platforms
Exclusive platforms are those that limit access or have a selective admission process. These platforms may require an application or meet certain criteria to join, often promising higher quality clients or better job opportunities.
💡Freelancing strategy
A freelancing strategy refers to a planned approach or method that freelancers use to find and secure work, manage their client relationships, and grow their businesses. It involves setting goals, choosing the right platforms, and allocating time and resources effectively.
Highlights

Upwork is the granddaddy of freelancing platforms and was the starting point for the speaker in 2016.

Upwork has 150,000 active core clients and a diverse range of jobs, from thumbnail design to full-on lawsuits.

The competition on Upwork is fierce, with 18 million freelancers competing for clients.

Upwork's bidding system can be confusing and potentially expensive, with fees taken from earnings.

People Per Hour is the super OG grandparent of freelancing platforms, having been around since 2007.

People Per Hour has over a million clients, but the competition is still high with three million freelancers.

The fee structure on People Per Hour is variable and confusing, with different rates for different earning brackets.

BRB (Bribe) is a newer platform that allows freelancers to also act as influencers and sell services.

Fiverr is known for its unique services, such as custom adult coloring books and gaming tutorials.

Fiverr has over five million yearly buyers and an easy-to-use interface for clients.

Fiverr's fees are 20% of everything made, including tips, which the speaker finds particularly harsh.

Toptal aims to be the premier platform for freelancers, with high average hourly rates and quality clients.

Guru has a better freelancer-to-job ratio but suffers from a subscription model and a poor user interface.

Ripple focuses on marketing clients and has no fees, but it is exclusive and requires an application to join.

Elite Contra stands out for its freelancer-first approach, offering no fees and protections for freelancers.

FlexJobs, while having a subscription model starting at $10 per week, offers human-vetted job postings.

The speaker's strategy for using freelancing platforms involves picking a maximum of two platforms and creating a consistent weekly system.

For new freelancers, Upwork is recommended as a starting point, but as skills level up, moving on to better platforms is advised.

Transcripts

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Freelance ReviewsPlatform ComparisonUpwork AnalysisPeoplePerHourBRB OverviewFiverr InsightsTopdoll ExclusiveFreelancer.com ContestsGuru SubscriptionRipple BenefitsContra ProtectionFlexJobs Subscription