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10 of the best freelance websites to help you start your side hustle

8 min read
Elna Cain

There’s no denying the work-from-home movement is increasing in popularity in our current global climate. In this post, I’ll share 10 freelancing websites for those ready to make some cash — either on the side or as a full-time job.

While the pandemic certainly prompted many people with 9-5 jobs to change the way they worked, the growth of freelancing began long before COVID-19 hit.

With the progress of modern technology and the ability to develop a workforce around the world, many businesses have come to realize the innumerable benefits of hiring freelancers.

Have you ever thought about offering a freelance service as a side hustle?

Whether you have or you are entirely new to the idea, let’s look at 10 freelance websites to help you start your freelance business.

  • Freelancer
  • Upwork
  • Rev
  • Krop
  • Jobspresso
  • Glassdoor
  • Remote Ok
  • Truelancer
  • Guru
  • Fiverr

Where to find freelancing work in Canada

When you think of freelance workers, you probably think of artists and writers.

However, the demand for freelancing work has spread across numerous industries.

While content writing remains one of the most popular freelance services, you can also get paid for work in areas such as:

  • Web development
  • SEO consulting
  • Ad management
  • Software development

The best thing about freelancing? You’re only limited by your time and energy.

1. Freelancer

Freelancer website

Freelancer is one of the best freelancing websites for Canadians looking to gain a side hustle. It's a trusted online platform that connects workers with clients who need work done.

Search for jobs that match your skills and interests and then submit a proposal to the client. Anyone who likes your proposal can hire you on the spot.

It's free to sign up on Freelancer, and you only pay a small project fee if you win a job. Fees are very reasonable, making it an easy option for anyone looking to start freelancing.

Freelancer Aaron Hall has this to say about Freelancer:

"I love the emails I get every day showing me freelance gigs. So far, I have had a good experience there."

The top freelance jobs on this platform are graphic design and web development.

2. Upwork

Another good source of freelancing jobs, Upwork has over 17 million registered users. Which means you'll have no shortage of opportunities.

Upwork globe

This freelancing website is perfect for anyone who wants to start a side hustle or gain more experience in their field.

Upwork is also free to use. Once registered, you can search for jobs that look good to you. You can also post your profile and portfolio so potential clients can see your work.

To land work quickly, freelance writer Brian Simms suggests starting with low entry jobs.

"It can take some time and persistence to land your first client. I recommend starting off with two or three entry level paying jobs. This helps you gain a footing on Upwork and get client testimonials. Then you can move on to better paying gigs."

The most in-demand jobs on Upwork are:

  • Web development and IT
  • Design and creative
  • Sales/marketing
  • Writing and translation

3. Rev

For transcription and translation jobs, look to Rev. Rev hires people with transcription and language skills to transcribe or translate audio and video files.

This freelance gig is one of the few that needs specialized equipment — foot pedal and audio player software — to fulfill the job.

To become a Rev freelancer, you'll need to pass an assessment test to demonstrate your skills. Once accepted as a freelancer, you can start taking on jobs.

Rev pays weekly via PayPal, making it a reliable option for those who want quick and steady payments.

Related: Turn your cottage into a homestay and make money on the side

4. Krop

Krop is a freelancing website primarily for creatives like:

  • Graphic designers
  • Photographers
  • Illustrators
  • Freelance artists

Create a free profile or template sharing your work, then search through creative job postings or post your projects to find clients.

Overhead view of graphic designer working at a table

Businesses often use Krop to post jobs for new team members. This helps you – the freelancer – expand your network and connect with other designers. Be sure to use Krop's Book Template to show off your portfolio of work.

5. Jobspresso

Jobspresso provides an easy-to-use platform for finding remote jobs in:

  • Web developmentJobspresso logo
  • Software design
  • Data analysis
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Writing

To use Jobspresso, create a free account and start browsing through the 100,000 remote jobs available.

If you find a job that interests you, apply directly through the website.

If selected for an interview, the client will contact you, resulting in the potential to begin work that day.

Stay connected with Jobspresso by following them on Twitter.

Editor’s note: Working for yourself? GoDaddy can help set you up with its free logo maker, free website builder and productivity tools like Microsoft 365, including the world-famous suite of products (Excel, PowerPoint, etc).

6. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a freelancing website that not only has a job section but also provides reviews and ratings of companies and salary, along with interview tips.

This website posts freelance work and full-time or temporary positions in all industries, and each listing gives a full look into the company's profile.

7. Remote Ok

remote-ok-website

If you're looking for website development, software engineering or work in any other field, then Remote Ok can help you.

Remote OK has all types of freelance jobs available, from software development to content writing and more. But before you find a job ad you're qualified for, you'll have to sign up for a Remote Ok profile (it's free). You can also receive email alerts when to see new postings of jobs matching your criteria.

To ensure you find the perfect jobs, use the filters to search by location, salary, or benefits.

8. Truelancer

Truelancer helps businesses find the right freelancer, and freelancers find the perfect gig.

This freelancing website also offers a variety of features that make it easy to get started.

For example, you can set up a free profile detailing your skills and experience and connect with other freelancers to collaborate on projects.

You can also use Truelancer's built-in messaging system to communicate with employers and other workers. Popular jobs include data entry, virtual assistant (VA), content writing and more.

9. Guru

Guru logo

Guru has been around since 2004 (previous to that, it was known as eMoonlighter), making it one of the oldest freelancing websites available.

It's perfect for anyone seeking a freelance job in programming and development, writing and translations, or design and art.

10. Fiverr

I'm sure you've heard of Fiverr for small, easy jobs. But did you know that copywriters, website developers, translators, and more use Fiverr to work with brands worldwide?

To get noticed on Fiverr, you'll have to optimize your profile for more impressions, clicks, messages, and orders.

The key to making more money on Fiverr is to advance through the Fiverr levels and add multiple gigs.

Fiverr's Small Business Needs Index analyzed millions of searches to find out the services that are in an increasingly high demand. Their results listed these trending skills:

  • Social media content manager – easy service to offer, as there is no formal education or experience needed
  • NFT art – the fastest growing service on the platform with a 3,504% increase
  • 3D CAD (computer-aided design)modeling
  • Logistic website – website design for trucking, transport, and freight companies

Join the freelance revolution

If you are a part of the 30% of Canadians transitioning out of employment for the life of a freelancer, take the time to set up your profiles with these freelancing websites, improve your skills, and you'll be on your way to landing jobs.

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Freelancing websites FAQs

Is freelancing legit?

Yes, freelancing in Canada is legit. Whether you're a writer, graphic designer, web developer, or have another skill, there are plenty of opportunities to find work online.

If you're looking for a chance to make some extra money or even to start a new career, freelancing is worth considering over something like driving an Uber.

How do freelancing websites make money?

Most freelancing websites make money through a combination of fees charged to both freelancers and the clients who hire them.

For example, many platforms charge clients a percentage of the total project cost as a service fee. This helps to offset the costs of running the website and maintaining a payment processing system.

On the other side, some websites also charge freelancers a small fee for securing a job on their platform. These fees are generally much lower than the commissions charged by traditional employment agencies, making it an attractive option for both freelancers and clients.

How do you do freelancing in web development?

If you're interested in getting paid for freelance web design or development, it’s definitely doable — especially if you already have the skills.

You’ll need to:

  • Decide on the services you’ll offer and the pricing model
  • Name your company
  • Write your business plan
  • Create your proposal and contract templates
  • Sketch out your client site launch process
  • Find your first client

For complete details on each of these, check out this guide on setting up your own business, including a freelancing website.