By Hetvi Shah

With so many freelancing and start-up platforms to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you.

Whether you’re still learning how to start freelancing or are an expert in your field, freelancing platforms can be useful tools for advancing your career.

Or are you a startup enthusiast? Do you chat about your next great idea with your friends and drive them insane? 

Moreover, these top freelance and start-up websites will connect you to prestigious job prospects and clients in a seamless and transparent manner.

Additionally, depending on your individual needs and preferences, each site has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Mentioned below are the greatest freelance websites and start-up community sites which could help you start your career. 

FREELANCE WEBSITES FOR BEGINNERS & EXPERTS

1. REFRENS

It’s a  freelance marketplace that connects businesses with freelancers in a variety of industries, including graphic design, IT, marketing, and many more. 

Thousands of organizations use Refrens to discover an appropriate service provider on a daily basis. Furthermore, they send people to you if their need corresponds to your ability. You have access to 60,000 freelancers and agencies in 632 Indian cities.

Furthermore, they have software tools like an online invoice generator, quotations, and estimates which are completely free. It’s used to generate invoices and receive payments from clients all over the world, allowing you to show professionalism to your customers at a minimal cost.

Why choose Refrens?

• There is no set commission fee; it varies from project to project. It charges about 15-20% of the project’s worth.
• There is no cost to register.
• Refrens would serve as a bridge between you and your client, allowing you to spend less time looking for unproductive leads.
• You can use Refrens to generate documents such as online invoices, quotations, and proforma invoices.
• You can hire freelancers in a variety of fields, including content writing, graphic design, digital marketing, and more.
• You can create your own portfolio.
• They have an educational  blog that helps freelancers with topics such as how to charge clients, how to build a winning portfolio, how to get started in freelancing, the most in demand abilities, and many others.

2. UPWORK

It’s the largest freelancing network, making it a wonderful location to jump in and start getting opportunities right away.

Upwork also offers a number of freelancing opportunities, such as short- and long-term contracts, and also fixed and hourly income.

Additionally, Upwork charges a sliding service fee on your payouts, with the highest price being 20% on income of $500 or less.

Why choose Upwork?

• Payment security.
• Prevents Clients from free work.
• There are many opportunities for both beginners and experts.
• Upwork offers a lot to offer people who work in web development, graphic design, customer service, and even freelance writing.
• Many different types of enterprises are eager to recruit bloggers, freelance designers, and freelance writers through Upwork, ranging from small businesses to large corporations.

Check out 5 most effective strategies to grow your freelance career

3. FIVERR

Fiverr is a platform that links businesses with freelancers in a variety of industries.

They have 3.42 million active clients, making it simple for new and experienced freelancers to find work.

Moreover, to keep in mind Fiverr’s service costs are greater than others, at 20%, because of their extensive offerings and ease of use. 

In addition, depending on your level on the site, receiving your refund can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days.

Due to their enormous popularity, they’re also one of the more competitive marketplaces. With additional competition, you’ll be under more pressure to cut your costs, which can make charging the rates you desire difficult.

Why choose Fiverr?

• They use their platform to assist you locate clients and eliminate the difficult and time-consuming bargaining process.
• Fiverr Academy: It walks you through the many types of gigs, how to engage with consumers, and how to set up your listing in the most appealing way possible.
• There is no cost to participate (for either the vendor or the buyer), and no upfront commitment is required.
• If you need more resources after Fiverr Academy, the podcast, which is run by vendors, has how-to tutorials and other materials you may use.

4. FREELANCER.COM

Another significant freelancing marketplace that might give you a variety of opportunities.

Freelancers can look for work on their massive job boards and submit bids. You may also track your progress and communicate with clients in real time once you’ve been hired.

One of Freelancer.com’s unique features is the chance to enter contests to earn extra money and gain reviews to help your profile stand out.

In terms of fees, the platform deducts a 10% fee from project and contest prizes.

Why choose Freelance.com?

• If you’re looking for short-term, low-cost hourly projects, Freelancer.com charges less in these situations.
• Signing up and advertising a job are both free, but once a freelancer is hired, there is a fee; you have seven days to cancel a project and obtain a full refund of all associated fees.
• On average, Freelancer.com is less expensive. This is owing to the enormous number of people from developing countries that utilize it. As a result, hiring labour for less than $5 per hour is entirely conceivable.
• If cost is a major consideration, Freelancer.com may be a better choice.
• Freelancer.com accepts everyone, even if you lack expertise and are looking for lower-paying work.

5. FLEXJOBS

It’s one of the favourite locations to look for remote and freelance work. They presently have over 30,000 employment opportunities in more than 50 categories.

Job validity is very important to them. That’s why they’re known for hand-screening every project and company to guarantee that freelancers are working in a safe atmosphere.

Moreover, they also feature an advanced search option that is extremely customised and can save you a lot of time. You can narrow down your job search to positions that meet your particular work preferences rather than browsing aimlessly through useless jobs.

Additionally, you’ll need to sign up for one of their subscription options, which start at $6.95 for one week or $14.95 monthly, to search for and apply for jobs on their site.

Why choose Flexjobs?

• It’s ad-free and scam-free, and the customer care is reliable.
• They are available for 24 hours a day, seven days.
• Services for career coaching with a progress tracker.
• Less competition.
• There are numerous competitions, such as those for visual or design work. This would help in getting positive feedback on their profiles and simultaneously earn money.

BEST START-UP COMMUNITIES

1. FOUNDERS NETWORK

The Founders Network is a peer mentorship group for founders of technology startups. The peer mentoring programme is ongoing, and members can use an online mentorship platform to address tactical difficulties.

Additionally, the community’s private Peer Advisory Board can help with strategic challenges.

Moreover, members receive warm introductions to angel investors, venture capitalists, potential collaborators, and speaking opportunities.

Also, Founder Network members also have access to over $500,000 in startup discounts from the organization’s partners.

What you should know? 

•  There are almost 500 active tech startup founders in the group.
• Founders of tech startups are the target audience.
• The Founder’s Network costs between $41 and $208 per year, depending on the experience level of your firm. You can also pay a one-time charge of $10,000 for a lifetime licence. You must be invited by a current member.

You may also want to read: Financial freedom for freelancers

2. NOMAD LIST

The Nomad List is a worldwide network of nomad workers that operate from home. The group gathers exclusive information for its members on the finest places for digital nomads to live and work remotely.

Cost of living, quality of life, internet speed, safety, freedom of speech, international friendliness, and noise pollution are just a few examples of data points.

What you should know?

• Remote employees, expatriates, and internet entrepreneurs are the target audience.
• Over 15,000 people have joined the Nomad List.
• Nomad list has two membership levels: full membership, which costs $99 per year or $74.99 for a one-time purchase, and lite membership, which costs $19.99 per year or $14.99 for a one-time payment.

3. INDIE HACKERS

IndieHackers is a network of experienced startup founders, entrepreneurs, and individuals who share their stories and insights. 

This is not only a fantastic place to learn from other professionals, but it’s also a great place to share your entrepreneurial experience, connect with a startup community, and get critical comments or insights.

What you should know?

• Startup founders, online business owners, creatives, aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, and freelancers who specialise in copywriting, email marketing, and other services that internet businesses require.
• There are approximately 45,000 active users in the community.
• The cost of joining is zero. All that is required is an email address and a password. You can also join the community by using third-party sign-on (OAuth).

4. GROWTH MENTOR

Mentorship is almost always beneficial to startup entrepreneurs with growth-oriented businesses. 

Fully vetted startup mentors can help founders and entrepreneurs navigate startup ownership and scale their businesses efficiently with GrowthMentor.

Moreover, Members receive an invitation to the platform’s Slack channel, where they may network and engage with other entrepreneurs, founders, and growth marketers, in addition to access to a wide pool of mentors.

What you should know?

• Startup founders, growth marketers, product managers, growth designers, and heads of growth will be the target audience.
• There are approximately 1,000 active members in the community.
• Joining fees are $60 per month (minimum quarterly term), with an annual term offering a 40% discount.

5. NO CODE FOUNDERS

The No-Code Founders group is for entrepreneurs and founders who want to build businesses and products without using code.

You can actively identify new business & growth prospects, locate companies to partner with, and more inside this community.

Exclusive savings on no-code platforms, tools, and events are available to members. At the monthly AMAs with the founders and top community members, they can also learn how to develop a profitable no-code business.

What you should know?

• Founders, developers, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and no-code advocates are the target audience.
• There are approximately 10,000 active users in the community.
• The cost of joining is zero

CONCLUSION

A solid support system can have a significant impact on the success of your startup or freelance business.

Furthermore, these forums and networks are an excellent opportunity to meet and form relationships with like-minded people, discuss themes and challenges, and receive feedback on your ideas.

Regardless of your degree of experience, you’ll be able to promote your services, set your rates appropriately, and pitch yourself well to succeed using these aforesaid platforms. Making sure you get good ratings to set yourself apart from the competitors.

Hence, you should now have a strong understanding of the top websites available to you and be confident delving into one (or a couple) and beginning to expand your profession and start up.