Is there any freelance platform out there that is fun to work?

I tried out some freelance platforms but have been mostly left disappointed because they underpay, or you need to pay or they have a strange system in which you have been born a perfectionist to function. I really want to get on more freelance jobs but don't know how. These platforms seem like a last resort to reach clients. Any ideas on that?

Replies16

  • Eh.. I am on Fiverr since 2014, have 5 star only account and 1 bad review in 7 years. And I can say, it brought me enough sorrow and pain. However, as it’s the only freelance platform where I’ve managed to get clients I got so attached to it, that I have no idea where else to find clients. And as Fiverr gets worse and worse with every day, it’s not a place to be. So my advice for you in general, don’t be same as me and rely on one platform. If you decide to go that way, register on all possible ones, see which one converts better and suits your needs and in parallel find ways to have clients who come to you through friends, word of mouth, LinkedIn and networking. Don’t put all apples in one basket. ❤️❤️❤️ PS: as you are a designer I know there is a platform 99 designs , maybe check it out too, I had an account there
  • @Rosa Roth my fave is Find-a-Finder's-Fee (GLOBAL). It's a provate group but if you post in https://www.facebook.com/groups/192270278093018 someone will be able to add you.

    It's trying to be global but it's mainly aussie based atm.
  • @Rosa Roth I wish there was a magical solution, time is always the enemy haha! It takes awhile, sorry I'm not goig to lie about that. But it also depends on your network, mine is probably very different to yours. I started with the people that knew me, and knew what I can do, this makes it easier for them to recommend me, and the trust is already there, so if they recommend me to someone they know, trust is maintained through them.

    Reach out to everyone you know first, you'll be suprised how many people that actually is. Make a spreadsheet, list the names, how you know them and create varients of a message specific to the individuals, SEND!

    Build a brand on social media, start posting about what you do "You become the story You tell about yourself..."

    Look there are many ways to do this, but if you would like to try what I did, start with the above, you'll be suprised with the results.

    Good luck!
  • @Daniel Drabik how long did it take for you to land your first job? Corona is giving me some pressure. I lost two big clients because of that and now I'm left quite shell-shocked and do not know how to solve the financial issue. The worst, it needs a quick solution. :/
  • @Rosa Roth My approach has always been a casual one, no one likes to be sold. Also I never "bulk" reach out, I identify individuals that I think could benefit from my services, then reach out to them in a personal capacity first "Start a Conversation" - remember people like to work with individuals they trust / like. Once the conversation is going people tend to mention issues they might be having (business wise) and thats your cue to offer up a suggestive solution, after that the beast tends to grow on its own. It is a marathon though rather then a sprint. But, this is just my opinion and what is working for me, best thing to do is to START, I know it can be scary, but everything you want lies beyond your fear :)
  • @Daniel Drabik I also think that activating my network could be a good option. I'm sure I already have some great connections in my network, I just need to reach out. But here comes a little mind block. I don't know how to approach people in my network to land a job. Do you have any recommendation?
  • @Adam Arkinstall On Upwork I set up my profile but I never really get to take on a job because the platform structure seemed a little bit weird to me. I went through some job offers but the hourly rates seemed so low. I don't understand why people think they can get freelancers for cheap money. We are independent workers and we dont have the benefit of a monthly salary. We have to pay social insurances on our own as well as the rent for an office space maybe. These costs should be converted into the price of a freelancer. I'll have a look at Dribbble, but as my freelance work is mostly focusing on content creation like copy writing and translation, I'm not sure if I'm right on Dribbble for that?!
  • Hi Rosa,
    I know the feeling, I can only comment on Upwork & Fivver, and agree with you, they not fun.

    I focus my efforts on finding relationships, LinkedIn has been a good source for me, and The-Dots (and this is no plug in anyway) it has been fun and easy meeting new people here, and this is key in my opinion, chat chat chat make new connections and beauitiful things will happen.

    Keep your head up, and persevere, good luck!
  • @Rosa Roth that sounds awful. What did you think of Upwork? Dribbble let’s you apply for freelance jobs but only if you’ve got a business pro account. There is a normal job board available though
  • I tried out Upwork, Fiverr and Workgenius, but I was not satisfied. Especially with Workgenius I made horrible experience. You are not able to communicate to the client. Some clients set up their briefing wrong and then give you a low vote for your work even though you've did what was written in the briefing. The lower the vote the lower the payment you get with your next jobs. For this platform you really need to be a perfectionist. No error allowed.
  • @Natalie Shortt my favourite is Dribbble, a lot of competition but it’s good to keep up to date with trends and showcase your work at the very least. Easier and less time consuming to update than Behance as well
  • Heya

    I've found better quality freelance work on facebook groups rather than platforms. Most of mine have been Australia based as that's where I used to live but you can generally search your city + freelance and something will come up.

    N x
  • Hi Rosa
    I can't help with an answer but am interested in what others suggest if that's ok?

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