Alveena Ahmad
It’s hardly surprising that Upwork and Fiverr are the first names that spring to mind given how crowded the freelance market is. However, that’s precisely where things become complex. As a newbie, it may seem like you’re just attempting to stand out in a room full of people who already know the host.
This is not to argue that these platforms lack benefits. They have the infrastructure to assist you establish a strong reputation if you’re looking to play the long game. However, they also have stringent procedures, fierce competition, and a visibility ladder that requires patience and perseverance to climb.
To be honest, there are instances when working smarter rather than harder is more important. And the first step in doing so is identifying platforms that facilitate discovery, pitching, and the development of genuine momentum right away.
Therefore, these 5 freelance platforms approach things differently, whether it’s through reduced prices, user-friendly procedures, or just less noise, if you’re sick of sending ideas and receiving nothing in return.
Read More: 5 Freelance Skills You Need to Hit $10K/Month
The 5 Alternative Freelance Sites Besides Upwork and Fiverr
1. Contra
Contra is a platform that seems to have been designed with creatives who are just starting out in mind. You keep all of the money you charge, unlike Upwork, which takes a part of your earnings. When you’re first starting out and every dollar matters, that’s a huge thing.
Contra offers you the resources to create a tidy, individual portfolio without requiring a separate website, in addition to its no-commission business approach. Consider it your one-stop freelance website where clients may view your work and make direct offers. It’s just simple projects and partnerships based on your strengths, rather than the bidding wars you get on other sites.
It allows your work speak for itself and relieves the pressure of frequent pitching for beginner product designers.
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the most effective freelance sites available, particularly for designers, yet most people still regard it as though it’s only for job searchers.
People pay attention when you regularly share your work, establish connections with other creatives and product teams, and highlight the things you’re learning or doing. Startups, founders, and even project managers looking for freelancing assistance will look at your profile, and perhaps that’s all it takes to strike up a discussion.
You are not hidden behind highly rated vendors by any algorithm or fee. It’s just you, your voice, and your portfolio properly shared. It’s a fantastic approach for newcomers to build their network and get early gigs through visibility rather than just applications.
3. PeoplePerHour
Although it’s a little underappreciated, this platform is actually very beginner-friendly. To ensure your offers stand out above a hundred others, PeoplePerHour, a UK-based company with a global presence, matches freelancers with appropriate jobs using an AI-powered matching engine.
Additionally, it provides flexible work arrangements, allowing you to seek for jobs or make your own “Offers”—miniscule packages such as wireframe drawings, UI audits, landing page adjustments, etc.—that clients can purchase directly. It’s similar to combining the flexibility of Fiverr’s gig model with Upwork’s projects, but without the intense competition.
This is a wonderful place to start if you want to make little wins that can quickly increase your portfolio.
4. 99Designs
99Designs focusses more on design, which is advantageous if you’re not attempting to compete with all types of freelancers. Design contests are the foundation of it; clients publish a brief, several designers submit concepts, and the winner receives the task and payment.
It may initially appear to be a lottery. The good news is that you can still be noticed without having a stacked portfolio. You’re in if your idea is unique. Additionally, you can use the designs for future pitches or your portfolio even if you don’t win.
It allows you to gain practical experience with actual briefs as a rookie product designer while simultaneously increasing your visibility.
5. DesignCrowd
DesignCrowd operates on competition-based projects, much like 99designs. Clients post a task, designers submit their ideas, and the best one is compensated. However, it offers a wider variety of design categories, such as complete web layouts, UI mockups, and logos.
Here, volume is the cool feature. Even as a novice designer, you can find possibilities to take advantage of the numerous tasks that come in every day. Additionally, it offers up direct client invitations for one-on-one work after you start winning a few.
You create, publish, and be paid using this straightforward, hustle-based system; lengthy applications or cover letters are not necessary.
Read More: The 7 Best Freelance Careers for Digital Nomads
Conclusion
It can feel like you’re late to the party when you first start working as a freelance product designer. In actuality, however, there are platforms that provide room for beginners. You don’t have to send 20 unanswered proposals on Upwork or compete for scraps on very competitive sites like Freelancer.com. You can gain confidence, discover early victories, and develop from there with the aid of the websites mentioned above.
Take a look at some. Adhere to the ones that seem appropriate. Additionally, keep in mind that being on the greatest stage isn’t always a prerequisite for visibility. It sometimes results from being in the appropriate setting.
