When you’re just starting out as a freelance writer, finding clients can feel overwhelming. You may not know where to look, who to trust, or how to stand out in a crowded market. That’s where freelance platforms come in — websites designed to connect writers with clients from around the world. These platforms can help you land your first jobs, build experience, and start earning money from your writing. But not all platforms are created equal.
In this article, you’ll discover the best freelance writing platforms for beginners, including the pros, cons, and tips to succeed on each one.
What Are Freelance Writing Platforms?
Freelance writing platforms are online marketplaces where clients post writing jobs and freelancers apply to them. These platforms handle communication, payments, and contracts, offering a relatively safe space for new writers.
They’re especially helpful if:
- You don’t have a large professional network
- You’re not ready to pitch directly to companies
- You want consistent access to job listings
- You prefer the security of built-in payment protection
Let’s explore the top platforms that are beginner-friendly and widely used by writers around the world.
1. Upwork
Best for: Building a long-term freelance career with a variety of clients
Pros:
- Thousands of writing jobs posted daily
- Wide range of niches and industries
- Clients from all over the world
- Secure payment system
- Option to build long-term contracts with clients
Cons:
- High competition for entry-level jobs
- Takes a 10%–20% service fee
- Takes time to build your profile and rating
Tips:
- Write a clear, niche-focused profile
- Submit personalized proposals (don’t copy and paste)
- Start with smaller jobs to gain reviews
- Be consistent and patient — results build over time
2. Fiverr
Best for: Offering fixed-price writing services in a productized way
Pros:
- You create the services (called “gigs”)
- Simple to get started
- Popular with clients looking for blog posts, product descriptions, bios, and more
- You can set your own pricing tiers
Cons:
- Difficult to stand out when starting
- Clients often expect low prices
- Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings
Tips:
- Use keywords in your gig titles
- Offer attractive packages (e.g., 1 blog post = $25, 3 posts = $60)
- Ask for reviews after every job
- Add extras like faster delivery to increase income
3. Freelancer.com
Best for: Bidding on a wide range of writing projects, from small gigs to big contracts
Pros:
- Lots of categories beyond writing
- International client base
- Milestone payment system for security
Cons:
- Heavy competition
- Charges fees for submitting bids beyond a limited number
- Interface can feel outdated and cluttered
Tips:
- Target newer job posts (they get fewer bids)
- Write short, specific proposals
- Complete your profile 100% for better visibility
- Consider the mobile app for easier management
4. PeoplePerHour
Best for: Writers in Europe or UK (but open worldwide)
Pros:
- Allows you to create custom “offers”
- Supports fixed-price and hourly projects
- Strong search and filter features
Cons:
- Limited free bids per month
- Slower job flow than Upwork or Fiverr
- Less known in the U.S. market
Tips:
- Focus on a niche or industry
- Write a compelling bio and service description
- Offer competitive pricing to attract first clients
- Respond quickly to inquiries — response time matters
5. ProBlogger Job Board
Best for: Bloggers and content writers looking for quality writing gigs
Pros:
- High-quality job listings
- Many clients value strong writing over credentials
- No platform fee — you apply directly to clients
- New jobs posted daily
Cons:
- No payment protection
- No built-in messaging or invoicing system
- Some jobs get lots of applicants quickly
Tips:
- Apply early (check the board daily)
- Write concise, tailored pitches
- Include 1–2 links to your most relevant samples
- Don’t forget to follow up if you don’t hear back
6. FlexJobs
Best for: Finding remote and flexible writing jobs with reputable companies
Pros:
- All jobs are screened for legitimacy
- Less competition compared to free job boards
- Includes part-time, full-time, and freelance listings
Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription
- Fewer jobs for brand-new writers
- Slower turnaround for applications
Tips:
- Use filters to target writing jobs only
- Consider using FlexJobs alongside a free platform
- Track the companies you apply to for follow-ups
7. Contently
Best for: Building a professional portfolio and getting noticed by premium clients
Pros:
- Free portfolio builder for writers
- Professional layout and branding
- Clients can find and hire you based on your samples
Cons:
- No guarantee of work (platform matches you with clients)
- Competitive and more ideal for intermediate-level writers
- Limited control over who sees your work
Tips:
- Upload your best samples only
- Fill in every section of your profile
- Use it as a portfolio even if you don’t get work from the platform itself
Bonus: Medium (for Personal Branding)
While Medium isn’t a job board or platform in the traditional sense, it can be a powerful tool for beginners. Publishing your own articles on Medium:
- Shows your writing style
- Builds your credibility
- Gives you a personal brand
- Can attract client inquiries (if you link to your portfolio)
It’s also free and easy to use. You can start posting today.
How to Choose the Best Platform for You
When deciding where to focus your energy, ask yourself:
- Do I want to apply to jobs or create listings people buy from?
- Am I okay paying a service fee in exchange for convenience?
- Do I prefer short projects or long-term relationships?
- Which platforms fit my writing style and goals?
Start with one or two platforms, learn how they work, and commit to using them consistently for a few weeks. Over time, you’ll figure out what works best for your writing career.
Final Words: Start Where You Are and Grow From There
Freelance writing platforms aren’t perfect — but they can help you get your foot in the door. With a solid profile, polished samples, and a little patience, these platforms can lead to your first clients, first payments, and your first step into a successful writing career.
You don’t need to be on every site. Pick one, show up consistently, and keep improving. The opportunities will come.
Agora vou gerar uma imagem ultra-realista horizontal para representar esse artigo. Um momento! 🎨
Criado com a versão antiga da geração de imagens. Novas imagensem breve.
Here is the image created with DALL·E, OpenAI’s legacy image generation model. It illustrates a freelance writer actively exploring different platforms — a perfect visual for this stage of the writing journey.