Where to find freelance jobs: A review of the best platforms for remote work

Freelancing today plays an important role in the global economy, giving professionals the freedom to choose their projects and working conditions. The freelancing industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and the number of professionals working remotely continues to increase. With the development of digital technology, freelancing platforms have become key tools that connect professionals and clients around the world. 

These platforms allow companies to find the right experts without long-term commitments, and for performers to flexibly manage their employment. However, choosing the right platform can be a daunting task, as each offers different terms, rates and working models. In this review, we'll take a look at the top 10 best platforms for finding freelance jobs, their features, advantages and disadvantages.

How do freelance platforms work?

Freelance platforms can be divided into several types. Some are ‘talent marketplaces’ where companies post jobs and freelancers apply. Others work on the model of catalogues, where performers offer their services and clients choose suitable options.

Some platforms charge a commission from the performer for each order, others work on a subscription basis, providing access to a database of clients. There are also services that provide additional features - time tracking, account management, automated reporting. Freelance platforms have a number of advantages:

• Flexibility in finding orders: You can choose short-term or long-term projects;
• Transparency of payment: Platforms guarantee timely payments and transaction protection;
• Wide range of specialisations: You can find assignments in IT, marketing, design, copywriting, analytics and other areas.

The largest universal platforms: Upwork and Freelancer

Upwork is one of the leading platforms, offering a wide range of projects in a variety of fields, from web development and design to marketing and administrative support. It offers freelancers the opportunity to work with both small companies and international corporations.

One of Upwork's main advantages is its Escrow system, which protects performers by reserving payment until the job is completed. However, the platform charges a commission of up to 20% of the order amount, which can be a significant disadvantage for novice freelancers. It is also worth considering the high level of competition: without a good rating, it is difficult to get first orders.

Quick search for orders: Fiverr and Codeur

Fiverr is a marketplace of services, where freelancers themselves create ‘gigs’ (offers), and customers choose suitable options. This makes the platform convenient for professionals offering digital services such as graphic design, marketing, programming and copywriting. Some of Fiverr's advantages include an easy-to-use service search engine, the ability to work with clients around the world, and flexibility in pricing. However, freelancers should take into account the high commission of 20%, as well as the difficulty of getting to the first orders due to huge competition.

Codeur.com, on the other hand, is a service that works on a bidding system. Customers publish projects, and performers make their proposals on the cost and timing of the work. The platform attracts a large number of customers, especially in the IT sphere, but requires freelancers to be careful when choosing projects. Due to the lack of filtering by budget, tasks with underpayment may occur.

Platforms for IT specialists: Freelance Engineering and Toptal

Freelance Engineering is a platform for engineers and technical specialists. Here you can find orders in the aerospace, construction, defence and electronics industries. Companies can post their job offers for free and freelancers can showcase their skills, experience and availability. Unlike other universal platforms, Freelance Engineering specialises exclusively in the engineering sector, which guarantees greater competence and relevance of the offered assignments.

Toptal operates in an international context, which is mainly English-speaking. The platform targets highly qualified professionals in IT, finance and project management. It is a closed platform, accepting only the top 3% of candidates after strict testing, so it is not easy to get in, especially for newcomers. 

Design and Copywriting: Redacteur and Graphiste

Redacteur.com is a platform for professional copywriters to offer their services to companies and agencies. Copywriters create SEO-optimised texts, blog posts, product descriptions and many other types of content. It is also important to note that the platform checks the uniqueness of texts, and clients receive content adapted to their business needs.

Graphiste is a specialised platform for designers and graphics specialists. The platform targets graphic designers, web designers and illustrators, helping them find projects to create logos, banners, websites and other visual products. If you are actively involved in design activities, this platform is right for you. 

Summary: The best platforms for remote work

Freelance platforms have become an integral part of the remote work market, giving professionals access to thousands of orders worldwide. Companies can browse freelancers' profiles, skills and portfolios, read reviews left by other clients, and choose the professional best suited for a particular assignment. Platforms allow companies in need of specific skills to connect with freelance professionals with specific expertise. 

Freelancing is not just a way to earn money, but also an opportunity to manage your career by working with clients all over the world. The key is to choose a platform that matches your skills and professional goals to maximise your career in remote work. Thanks to the wide range of platforms available, every professional can find orders that match their skills and professional interests. Regular skills development and active participation in the freelance community help to increase income and find stable clients.