Want to know the best freelance platforms for beginners and land your first gig as soon as possible? You’re in the right place! Discover them and learn how to start freelancing with no experience, and mistakes to avoid, so you can build a thriving freelance career from scratch.
When I first dipped my toes into freelancing, I felt completely lost. There were so many platforms out there, and I had no idea which one could actually help me land my first gig. If you’re feeling the same way, you’re in the right place.
Choosing the best freelance platforms for beginners can make the difference between endless scrolling and actually earning your first paycheck online. The truth is, not all platforms are beginner-friendly. Some have steep competition or complex application processes, while others welcome newcomers with open arms.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 5 freelance platforms that can help you start fast, gain experience, and build your portfolio—even if you’re brand new. I’ll also share my personal tips so you don’t waste time on trial and error like I did.
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to sign up, how to position yourself, and what to do next to get your first client.
Upwork – The First One of the Best Freelance Platforms for Beginners
If I had to choose just one platform to recommend for beginners, it would be Upwork. It’s one of the best freelance platforms for beginners because it covers almost every skill you can imagine—writing, design, virtual assistance, programming, marketing, and more.
When I first joined Upwork, I was nervous. The platform seemed huge and competitive. But here’s what I learned: beginners can absolutely land jobs here if they focus on smaller, entry-level projects first. It’s a smart way to gain those first positive reviews, which make it easier to get bigger, better-paying gigs.
The process is straightforward: create your profile, list your skills, write a compelling bio, and start browsing job listings. You can apply to projects with a custom proposal that shows you’ve read the client’s needs and explains why you’re a good fit.
One thing I appreciate about Upwork is the secure payment system. Whether you choose hourly contracts (with time tracking) or fixed-price projects, your earnings are protected.
If you’re ready to put in the effort, Upwork can be a solid first step into the freelance world. Just be patient, consistent, and willing to learn from each project.
Fiverr – Turn Your Skills Into Sellable Gigs
When I found Fiverr, it felt like freelancing had just gotten a lot simpler. Unlike other platforms where you apply to jobs, Fiverr lets you create your own “gig” listings—and clients come to you. This makes it perfect if you’re wondering to start freelancing with no experience.
Setting up your first gig is easy. You choose what service to offer, write a clear and engaging description, set your price, and upload some sample work or even a short video intro. Your gig could be anything—writing blog posts, designing logos, doing voice-overs, editing videos, or even creating social media posts.
When I started, I priced my gigs low to attract my first buyers. Once I got a few 5-star reviews, I raised my rates gradually. The secret to success here is presentation—use high-quality images, specific gig titles, and descriptions that show exactly what the client will get.
Fiverr also handles all payments securely, so you can focus on doing the work rather than chasing invoices. And since there’s no approval process to join, you can start offering services within hours.
If you want a fast, low-barrier way to start freelancing and build a client base, Fiverr is a fantastic option.
Freelancer.com – Flexible Jobs for All Skill Levels
When I first explored Freelancer.com, I was pleasantly surprised by how many options it offered for both beginners and experienced freelancers. If you’re still building your confidence, this platform is a goldmine. You can find small, one-off tasks or larger, long-term projects across a wide range of industries—from data entry to app development.
One of the standout features is its bidding system. Much like Upwork, you compete for projects by submitting proposals. But here’s the twist: many clients post straightforward, beginner-friendly jobs, so you don’t need years of experience to win bids.
When I started, I used a simple strategy—filter for “low-budget” or “entry-level” projects to find opportunities where competition is lower. This made it much easier to land my first few clients.
Freelancer.com also has contests where clients choose the best submission. For example, if you’re into graphic design, you could enter a logo design contest and get paid if you win. Even if you don’t win, you can add the work to your portfolio.
If you’re looking for flexibility, variety, and a constant stream of opportunities, Freelancer.com is worth signing up for—especially if you want to gain experience while still having the freedom to choose your workload.
Toptal – Premium Opportunities for Skilled Freelancers
Toptal is in a league of its own. Unlike other platforms, it’s not designed for complete beginners. Instead, it’s for freelancers who already have strong skills and some experience under their belt. But I’m including it here for one reason—if you’re aiming high, this can be a fantastic long-term goal.
Toptal has a strict screening process. Only the top 3% of applicants get accepted, and that means the projects you’ll find here are high-quality and high-paying. Clients include major companies like Airbnb, Shopify, and Motorola.
When I first looked into Toptal, I realized it wasn’t for me at the very start of my journey. But after gaining experience on other platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, I set my sights on it. That way, when I applied, I had the portfolio and client reviews to back me up.
The application process involves skills tests, interviews, and sometimes trial projects. It’s intense, but if you make it through, you can access premium projects that often pay far above industry averages.
If you’re a beginner now, keep Toptal in mind as your “next level” platform. Use the other freelance sites to build your skills, portfolio, and confidence—then aim for this high-tier marketplace when you’re ready.
PeoplePerHour – Get Paid by the Hour or Project
PeoplePerHour is one of those platforms that often flies under the radar, but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly. What makes it stand out is the flexibility—you can get paid either by the hour or for a fixed-price project.
When I first tried PeoplePerHour, I appreciated how easy it was to set up a profile and start offering services. You can create “offers” (similar to Fiverr gigs) where you set a clear price and delivery time, or you can browse through client job postings and send proposals.
One unique feature is its artificial intelligence (AI) matching system. Once you’ve filled out your profile, the platform suggests relevant projects that match your skills. This saves a lot of time compared to scrolling endlessly.
Another thing I like? The strong European client base. While Upwork and Fiverr are more global, PeoplePerHour often has opportunities from UK and EU-based businesses, which can be great for those looking for specific time-zone matches.
If you’re looking for a platform where you can dip into both quick projects and ongoing work—and have the option to set your own rates—PeoplePerHour is definitely worth a try.
Tips to Succeed on Any Freelance Platform
Whether you’re on Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Toptal, or PeoplePerHour, the key to winning clients is the same. Here’s what’s worked for me (and countless other freelancers I’ve spoken to):
- Start Small to Build Trust – Your first jobs might not pay much, but those 5-star reviews are gold.
- Write Customized Proposals – Don’t send copy-paste messages. Show clients you understand their needs.
- Have a Professional Profile – Use a clear headshot, list your skills honestly, and add work samples.
- Deliver More Than Expected – If you promise delivery in 3 days, try delivering in 2. It leaves a strong impression.
- Stay Active – Many platforms reward freelancers who log in daily, respond quickly, and submit proposals often.
- Keep Learning – Use free resources (like Coursera or HubSpot Academy) to upgrade your skills.
Remember, freelancing isn’t just about having skills—it’s about building relationships and a reputation. Clients come back to people they trust, so treat every project like it’s a long-term investment in your career.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
When I started freelancing, I made almost every mistake in the book. The good news? You don’t have to. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can save yourself months of frustration and start seeing results faster.
1. Underpricing Your Work
It’s tempting to set your rates super low just to land a client. I did this too, and while it helped me get my first jobs, I stayed underpaid for way too long. The problem is, some clients will always expect those rock-bottom prices from you.
How to avoid it: Start with competitive (but not dirt-cheap) rates, and increase them after every few projects or when you add a new skill to your profile.
2. Applying Without Reading the Job Description
I used to fire off quick proposals to as many jobs as possible. The result? Most were ignored. Clients can tell when you haven’t read their requirements.
How to avoid it: Take a few extra minutes to read the posting carefully and reference specific details in your proposal. It instantly sets you apart.
3. Ignoring Your Profile
Your profile is your online storefront. If it’s incomplete or sloppy, clients won’t stick around. I once lost a great lead because I had no portfolio uploaded.
How to avoid it: Invest time in writing a strong bio, adding relevant keywords, and uploading examples of your work—even if they’re from personal projects.
4. Not Following Up With Clients
When a project ends, many beginners just move on. Big mistake. I’ve had clients come back months later simply because I kept in touch.
How to avoid it: After completing a project, thank the client, ask for feedback, and let them know you’d be happy to work with them again.
5. Saying Yes to Everything
I get it—you want to build your portfolio fast. But taking on every single project can lead to burnout and poor-quality work.
How to avoid it: Choose projects that match your skills and interests. It’s better to do fewer jobs really well than to juggle too many and disappoint clients.
Mistakes are part of the journey, but if you’re aware of them from the start, you can avoid the biggest setbacks and focus on building a thriving freelance career.
Conclusion – Start Your Freelance Journey Today
Getting started in freelancing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The platforms we’ve covered—Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour—are some of the best freelance platforms for beginners because they offer real opportunities to land work, build experience, and grow your income.
I’ve been where you are—searching for a way to break into freelancing with no contacts and no idea where to start. What changed everything for me was simply taking that first step. I didn’t wait to have the perfect profile or the perfect skills; I signed up, applied for jobs, and learned along the way.
Now it’s your turn. Pick one platform that feels like the best fit, create your profile, and commit to applying for at least a few jobs this week. You’ll be surprised how quickly opportunities start to open up when you take consistent action.
Your future clients are out there right now, searching for someone with your skills. Don’t make them wait—start today.
✅ Ready to begin? Take at least one of those freelance platforms for beginners. Then, sign up for your first platform today and start building the freelance career you’ve been dreaming about.
