How to Make Money Online with Your Skills and Interests: A List of the Best Freelance Platforms and Opportunities

Do you have skills and interests that you want to turn into income? Do you want to work from home, set your own schedule, and choose your own projects? If so, freelancing might be the perfect option for you.

Freelancing is a form of self-employment, where you offer your services to clients on a project-by-project basis. You can work as a freelancer in various fields, such as web development, graphic design, writing, translation, photography, and more. You can also pursue your passions and hobbies, such as music, art, gaming, or fitness, and monetize them online.

However, finding freelance work can be challenging, especially if you are new to the industry or don't have a strong portfolio. That's why you need to use freelance platforms, which are websites that connect freelancers with clients who need their skills and expertise. Freelance platforms can help you showcase your work, find and apply for jobs, communicate with clients, and receive payments securely and conveniently.

But not all freelance platforms are created equal. Some are better suited for certain types of freelancers, industries, or projects than others. Some have more features, benefits, or opportunities than others. And some have higher fees, stricter rules, or more competition than others.

To help you find the best freelance platform for your needs and goals, we have compiled a list of the top 10 freelance websites to use in 2024. These platforms have been selected based on their reputation, user base, job opportunities, and overall user experience. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Fiverr

Fiverr is one of the most popular and diverse freelance platforms, where you can offer and buy services in various digital projects, such as website design, content writing, voice-overs, and more. On Fiverr, freelancers are called sellers, their services are called gigs, and clients are called buyers.

Fiverr is a great platform for beginners, as you can sign up for free, create your profile, and list your gigs with your own prices and terms. You don't need to bid for jobs or compete with other freelancers. Instead, buyers can browse through different categories and subcategories, and purchase your gigs with a few clicks.

Fiverr also offers online courses, tools, and resources to help you improve your skills and grow your business. You can also join Fiverr Pro, which is a premium service that gives you access to high-quality and high-paying projects from verified and reputable clients.

However, Fiverr also has some drawbacks, such as high commission fees, long payment processing times, and strict cancellation policies. Fiverr charges a 20% commission fee on every gig you sell, which means you only get to keep 80% of your earnings. Fiverr also holds your payments for 14 days after the order is completed, which can be inconvenient if you need cash flow. And if you cancel an order, it can affect your rating and ranking on the platform.

2. Upwork

Upwork is another popular and diverse freelance platform, where you can find and apply for jobs in various fields, such as web development, graphic design, writing, translation, and more. On Upwork, freelancers are called freelancers, their services are called proposals, and clients are called clients.

Upwork is a great platform for experienced and professional freelancers, as you can showcase your portfolio, skills, and credentials, and bid for jobs that match your expertise and preferences. You can also set your own hourly or fixed rates, and negotiate with clients directly. Upwork also offers a payment protection system, which ensures that you get paid for the work you do, either by the hour or by the milestone.

Upwork also offers a premium membership, which gives you access to more features and benefits, such as more connects (credits that you use to submit proposals), more visibility, and more invitations. You can also join Upwork Enterprise, which is a customized service that connects you with large and complex projects from top clients.

However, Upwork also has some drawbacks, such as high competition, variable commission fees, and strict account suspension policies. Upwork has millions of freelancers and thousands of jobs, which means you have to compete with many other freelancers for the same jobs. Upwork also charges a sliding commission fee, which ranges from 5% to 20%, depending on your lifetime earnings with each client. And if you violate any of Upwork's terms and conditions, your account can be suspended or terminated without warning.

3. Toptal

Toptal is a selective and exclusive freelance platform, where you can find and work with the top 3% of freelance talent in the world. Toptal specializes in software development, design, finance, project management, and product management. On Toptal, freelancers are called talent, their services are called engagements, and clients are called clients.

Toptal is a great platform for elite and expert freelancers, as you can work with prestigious and high-paying clients, such as Airbnb, Shopify, and Pfizer. You can also set your own rates, choose your own projects, and work remotely and flexibly. Toptal also offers a rigorous screening process, which ensures that you are matched with the best clients and projects for your skills and experience.

Toptal also offers a community of mentors, peers, and experts, who can help you network, learn, and grow. You can also join Toptal Academy, which is a program that trains and certifies you in the latest and most in-demand skills and technologies.

However, Toptal also has some drawbacks, such as high entry barriers, limited job categories, and strict quality standards. Toptal only accepts the top 3% of applicants, which means you have to pass a series of tests, interviews, and projects, to prove your skills and professionalism. Toptal also only covers five job categories, which means you may not find your niche or industry on the platform. And if you fail to meet Toptal's quality standards, your account can be deactivated or terminated.

4. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is one of the largest and oldest freelance platforms, where you can find and bid for jobs in over 1,800 categories, such as web development, graphic design, writing, translation, and more. On Freelancer.com, freelancers are called freelancers, their services are called bids, and clients are called employers.

Freelancer.com is a great platform for all kinds of freelancers, as you can sign up for free, create your profile, and browse through thousands of jobs posted every day. You can also compete in contests, where you can submit your work and win prizes and recognition. Freelancer.com also offers a secure payment system, which ensures that you get paid for the work you do, either by the hour or by the project.

Freelancer.com also offers a premium membership, which gives you access to more features and benefits, such as more bids, more skills, more visibility, and more rewards. You can also join Freelancer Enterprise, which is a customized service that connects you with large and complex projects from top employers.

However, Freelancer.com also has some drawbacks, such as high competition, variable commission fees, and poor customer support. Freelancer.com has over 50 million freelancers and over 20 million jobs, which means you have to compete with many other freelancers for the same jobs. Freelancer.com also charges a sliding commission fee, which ranges from 3% to 20%, depending on your membership level and project type. And if you encounter any issues or disputes, you may not get adequate or timely assistance from Freelancer.com's customer support.

5. Flexjobs

Flexjobs is a specialized and curated freelance platform, where you can find and apply for jobs that offer flexibility, such as remote, part-time, freelance, or contract work. Flexjobs covers over 50 job categories, such as web development, graphic design, writing, translation, and more. On Flexjobs, freelancers are called job seekers, their services are called applications, and clients are called employers.

Flexjobs is a great platform for freelancers who value flexibility, work-life balance, and career growth. You can access over 30,000 verified and screened jobs from over 5,000 reputable and legitimate employers. You can also customize your job search, by filtering jobs by location, schedule, career level, and more. Flexjobs also offers career coaching, resume review, skills tests, and webinars, to help you improve your skills and land your dream job.

However, Flexjobs also has some drawbacks, such as a subscription fee, limited job opportunities, and no payment protection. Flexjobs charges a monthly or annual fee to access its job database and features, which ranges from $6.95 to $49.95. Flexjobs also only covers flexible jobs, which means you may not find full-time, on-site, or permanent jobs on the platform. And Flexjobs does not handle payments or disputes between freelancers and employers, which means you have to manage them on your own.

6. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional and social networking platform, where you can connect with other professionals, showcase your skills and achievements, and discover new opportunities. LinkedIn covers over 200 job categories, such as web development, graphic design, writing, translation, and more. On LinkedIn, freelancers are called members, their services are called proposals, and clients are called connections.

LinkedIn is a great platform for freelancers who want to build their personal brand, expand their network, and find quality leads. You can create a profile that highlights your education, work history, skills, endorsements, recommendations, and portfolio. 

You can also join groups, follow influencers, publish articles, and share updates, to showcase your expertise and engage with your audience. You can also use LinkedIn ProFinder, which is a service that connects you with clients who need your skills and services. You can also use LinkedIn Premium, which gives you access to more features and benefits, such as more visibility, more connections, more insights, and more learning opportunities.

However, LinkedIn also has some drawbacks, such as high competition, limited job postings, and no payment protection. LinkedIn has over 700 million members and millions of jobs, which means you have to compete with many other professionals for the same opportunities. LinkedIn also only allows you to apply for up to 10 jobs per month for free, which means you may miss out on some potential projects. And LinkedIn does not handle payments or disputes between freelancers and clients, which means you have to manage them on your own.

7. Behance

Behance is a creative and artistic platform, where you can showcase your portfolio, discover new projects, and connect with other creatives. Behance covers over 30 creative fields, such as web design, graphic design, photography, illustration, and more. On Behance, freelancers are called creatives, their services are called projects, and clients are called clients.

Behance is a great platform for freelancers who want to display their work, get feedback, and find inspiration. You can create a profile that showcases your work, skills, awards, and testimonials. You can also browse through millions of projects, follow your favorite creatives, and join curated galleries and collections. You can also use Behance Jobs, which is a service that connects you with clients who need your creative skills and services.

However, Behance also has some drawbacks, such as low exposure, limited job opportunities, and no payment protection. Behance has over 20 million creatives and millions of projects, which means you have to stand out from the crowd to get noticed and hired. Behance also only allows you to apply for up to 5 jobs per month for free, which means you may miss out on some potential projects. And Behance does not handle payments or disputes between freelancers and clients, which means you have to manage them on your own.

8. 99designs

99designs is a specialized and competitive platform, where you can find and work on design projects, such as logo design, web design, graphic design, and more. On 99designs, freelancers are called designers, their services are called entries, and clients are called contest holders.

99designs is a great platform for freelancers who want to challenge themselves, improve their skills, and win prizes and recognition. You can participate in contests, where you can submit your design entries and compete with other designers for the client's approval and award. You can also join 99designs Pro, which is a premium service that gives you access to more features and benefits, such as more visibility, more invitations, and more feedback.

However, 99designs also has some drawbacks, such as high competition, low pay, and no guarantee. 99designs has over 2 million designers and thousands of contests, which means you have to compete with many other designers for the same projects. 99designs also pays relatively low for the amount of work and time you put into your entries, and only the winning designer gets paid. And 99designs does not guarantee that you will win any contests or get any feedback from the clients.

9. Medium

Medium is a publishing and blogging platform, where you can write and share your stories, opinions, and insights with millions of readers. Medium covers over 100 topics, such as business, technology, health, culture, and more. On Medium, freelancers are called writers, their services are called stories, and clients are called readers.

Medium is a great platform for freelancers who want to express themselves, build their audience, and earn money. You can create a profile that showcases your bio, social media links, and portfolio. You can also write and publish stories on any topic you want, and join publications and communities that match your interests and niche. You can also use Medium Partner Program, which is a service that pays you based on how much engagement your stories receive from Medium members.

However, Medium also has some drawbacks, such as low exposure, variable income, and limited control. Medium has over 170 million readers and millions of stories, which means you have to produce high-quality and original content to get noticed and read. Medium also pays you based on a complex and unpredictable formula, which means you may not earn a consistent or sufficient income. And Medium does not give you full control over your content, design, or monetization, which means you have to follow Medium's rules and policies.

10. Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning and teaching platform, where you can learn and teach skills in various fields, such as web development, graphic design, writing, translation, and more. On Skillshare, freelancers are called teachers, their services are called classes, and clients are called students.

Skillshare is a great platform for freelancers who want to share their knowledge, skills, and passions with others, and earn money. You can create a profile that showcases your bio, social media links, and portfolio. You can also create and upload classes on any topic you want, and join categories and collections that match your skills and niche. You can also use Skillshare Partner Program, which is a service that pays you based on how many minutes your classes are watched by Skillshare members.

However, Skillshare also has some drawbacks, such as high competition, low pay, and no guarantee. Skillshare has over 12 million students and over 30,000 classes, which means you have to produce high-quality and engaging classes to get noticed and watched. Skillshare also pays relatively low for the amount of work and time you put into your classes, and only pays you if you reach a minimum threshold of $10. And Skillshare does not guarantee that you will get any students or feedback from the platform.

Conclusion

Freelancing is a great way to make money online with your skills and interests, but it also requires hard work, dedication, and strategy. You need to find the best freelance platform for your needs and goals, and use it effectively and efficiently. You also need to market yourself, build your reputation, and deliver quality work to your clients. You also need to manage your finances, taxes, and legal issues, and protect yourself from scams and frauds.

By using the freelance platforms and opportunities listed above, you can start and grow your freelance career in 2024, and achieve your financial goals and dreams. However, you should also do your own research, compare and contrast different platforms and options, and choose the ones that suit you best. You should also keep learning and improving your skills and services, and adapt to the changing market and demand.

Freelancing is not easy, but it can be rewarding and fulfilling. If you have the skills and interests, and the passion and perseverance, you can make money online with freelancing, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that it offers.

Source(s)

1. 16 Best Freelance Websites to Find Work in 2023 - Hostinger

2. Best freelance websites (2023) | TechRadar

3. 10 Best Freelance Websites to Find Work in 2023 - Twine Blog